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Burrell AM, Balaine L, Clifford S, McGrath M, Graham DA, McCoy F, Dillon E, Regan Á. A multi-methods, multi-actor exploration of the benefits and barriers to milk recording on Irish farms using the COM-B model. Prev Vet Med 2024; 227:106195. [PMID: 38615535 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Milk recording is a critical tool in dairy farming, providing individual cow information. When used effectively, this data contributes to on-farm productivity, herd health management decisions and supports prudent veterinary prescribing of antimicrobials. Although an industry and government priority, uptake has been relatively slow in Ireland. This multi-methods, three-part study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits to farm performance, and factors driving uptake of milk recording on Irish dairy farms. It involved an economic analysis of N=516 farms from 2008-2019, a workshop with N=26 stakeholders and an online survey of N=197 non-milk-recording farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using econometric models and thematic analysis respectively. Results were synthesised using the COM-B model to gain a deeper understanding of what drives the target behaviour. The study revealed that agricultural education, farm location, farm specialisation in dairy and membership of a farmer discussion group were the main factors influencing uptake of milk recording. Milk recording was associated with a €39.04/cow increase in gross margin, a 177.58 litres/cow increase in milk yield and a reduction of 13,450 cells/ml in bulk milk tank somatic cell count readings. Infrastructural constraints, cost, lack of benefits and workload were the most reported perceived barriers to milk recording by farmers. The Behaviour Change Wheel illustrates how to utilise findings and systematically develop future interventions to increase milk recording uptake. This study highlights the importance of a multi-methods approach to agricultural technology adoption and the need for evidence-based methodology when developing behaviour change interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Mg Burrell
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland.
| | - Lorraine Balaine
- Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Seán Clifford
- Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Michelle McGrath
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - David A Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Finola McCoy
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Emma Dillon
- Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Áine Regan
- Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
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Menon P, El-Sadig M, Albastaki MF, Alzaabi H, Alhammadi S, Almehrzi M, Aljanaahi H, Al-Rifai RH, Masuadi EM, Grivna M. Collecting behavioral evidence from a highly mobile and seasonal population: A protocol for a survey on quad bike injuries. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298059. [PMID: 38437203 PMCID: PMC10911601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quad bikes are popular recreational, four-wheeled bikes in the Middle East. Injury prevention programs targeting quad bike crashes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) need evidence about the risk factors and behaviours associated with these crashes in the target population. This is a protocol for a study aiming to investigate quad bike rider behaviours and to assess the risk factors associated with related injuries in the UAE. METHODS This is a cross-sectional observational study aiming to describe a seasonal sport in a desert environment. With an estimated sample size of 451, the survey will follow a three-stage, location-based sampling strategy using the line-transect method. A sampling frame of desert locations with high injury incidences was developed, using Dubai ambulance injury records. Further expansion of the sampling frame was participatory, involving police, enthusiasts, emergency responders and gas station employees. The data collection will be limited to the winter months in fifteen high-injury desert locations across three major Emirates in the UAE. Trained researchers will observe the riders directly in the desert to note their riding habits, followed by a researcher-administered interview on riding and injury history. The interviews will be administered in Arabic and English using Qualtrics software on handheld tablets with offline and online entry mode. In addition, paper-based entry with the same format will be used as a contingency in busy quad bike locations. CONCLUSION The objective of this study protocol is to develop a comprehensive survey that will furnish substantial evidence for the formulation of effective injury prevention strategies. To enhance the credibility of the recorded riding behaviors, field observations will be employed. The uniqueness of this study lies in its innovative sampling strategy, custom-tailored to accommodate the highly mobile and transient population of desert bikers in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetha Menon
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed El-Sadig
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwan F. Albastaki
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Humaid Alzaabi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh Alhammadi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mansour Almehrzi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamed Aljanaahi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Emad M. Masuadi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Clark B, Proctor A, Mahon N, Holloway L. Exploring farmer and advisor lameness management behaviors using the COM-B model of behavior change. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1258906. [PMID: 38298450 PMCID: PMC10827996 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1258906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This paper applies the COM-B framework to farmer and farm advisor understandings and responses to lameness in sheep, beef, and dairy systems. It reflects on how farmers' and advisors' capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) influence lameness management practices in these farming systems, and considers the interaction between these three factors, and stakeholders' behavior. Methods Interviews with 29 farmers and 21 farm advisors in the north of England were conducted. Thematic analysis was undertaken with results categorized in relation to the COM-B framework focusing on barriers and enablers of lameness management. Use of the COM-B model provides a useful means of understanding the underlying behavioral mechanisms that contribute toward the persistence of lameness. This includes the complexities and interactions which hamper implementation of lameness management best practice. Results and discussion The findings highlight three key areas to address with interventions to improve lameness management on farm: (1) removing physical and social barriers for lameness management; (2) improving psychological capability and motivation for lameness management; and (3) facilitating relationships and developing communication between farmers and advisors. In particular, the value of exploring both farmer and advisor perspectives on behavior in the animal health context is demonstrated. Future interventions should look to target these three areas to overcome barriers and focus on factors that enable positive lameness practices to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Clark
- Centre for Rural Economy, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Proctor
- Centre for Rural Economy, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Mahon
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Group, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Holloway
- School of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Vuong KA, Lewis I, Vallmuur K, Watson A. Identifying foci for safety messages targeting child injury from driving quad bikes: A critical beliefs analysis of parental beliefs in Australia. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 85:429-435. [PMID: 37330893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Australia, between 2017-2021, 16% of quad bike fatalities involved children. Trauma statistics highlight that public awareness of the risks associated with children driving quads is required. Consistent with the Step approach to Message Design and Testing (SatMDT) and, in particular, Steps 1 and 2, this study sought to identify critical beliefs influencing parental intentions to allow their children to drive a quad bike and develop message content. The critical beliefs analysis was based on eliciting the Theory of Planned Behavior's (TPB) behavioral, normative, and control beliefs. METHODS An online survey was distributed via parenting blogs, social media posts, and snowballing of the researchers' network list. Parents who participated (N = 71; 53F, 18 M), were aged between 25-57 years (M = 40.96, SD = 6.98), had at least one child aged between 3 to 16 years, and currently resided in Australia. RESULTS The critical beliefs analysis identified four critical beliefs that significantly predicted parental intentions to allow their child to drive a quad bike. These beliefs included a behavioral belief (the perceived advantage that allowing their child to drive a quad bike would enable tasks to be completed), two normative beliefs (the perception that one's parents and partner would likely approve of allowing their child to drive a quad bike), and one control belief (a perceived barrier to allowing one's child to drive a quad that was associated with being aware of an increasing cultural concern around the safety of quad bikes). CONCLUSIONS Findings contribute to insights regarding parental beliefs underpinning their intention to allow their child to drive a quad bike, an area previously lacking in research evidence. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS With child-use posing a high-risk activity for children, this study provides an important contribution that may help to inform future safety messaging targeting children's use of quad bikes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Vuong
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia.
| | - Ioni Lewis
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Kirsten Vallmuur
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia; Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital (RBWH), Metro North Health, Queensland, Australia
| | - Angela Watson
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
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Surendran A, McSharry J, Meade O, Bligh F, McNamara J, Meredith D, O’Hora D. Increasing Machine-Related Safety on Farms: Development of an Intervention Using the Behaviour Change Wheel Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5394. [PMID: 37048009 PMCID: PMC10093886 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Farming is essential work, but it suffers from very high injury and fatality rates. Machinery, including tractors, are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities to farmers and farm workers in many countries. Herein, we document the systematic development of an evidence-based, theory-informed behaviour change intervention to increase machine-related safety on farms. Intervention development progressed through four phases. Phase 1 defined the problem in behavioural terms based a review of the literature, Phase 2 identified candidate intervention targets through a series of focus groups guided by the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model and Phase 3 employed expert and stakeholder consultation guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to consider potential target behaviours and intervention components and finalise the intervention content. Phase 4 finalised the evaluation strategies with a team of agricultural advisors who supported the rollout and identified outcome measures for the first trial. The target intervention was the identification of blind spots of farm tractors, and three priority target behaviours (farm safety practices) were identified. Following Phase 3, the intervention comprised four components that are delivered in a group-based, face-to-face session with farmers. In Phase 4, the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of these components were identified as the outcome measures for the first trial of the intervention. The four-phase systematic method detailed here constitutes an initial template for developing theory-based, stakeholder-driven, behaviour-change-based interventions targeting farmers and reporting such developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathi Surendran
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.S.)
| | - Jennifer McSharry
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.S.)
| | - Oonagh Meade
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.S.)
| | - Francis Bligh
- Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, R93 XE12 Carlow, Ireland
| | - John McNamara
- Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, R93 XE12 Carlow, Ireland
| | - David Meredith
- Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, R93 XE12 Carlow, Ireland
| | - Denis O’Hora
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.S.)
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Farrell S, Benson T, McKernan C, Regan Á, Burrell AMG, Dean M. Factors influencing dairy farmers' antibiotic use: An application of the COM-B model. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:4059-4071. [PMID: 37028957 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
In dairy farming, mastitis treatment is the most common reason for antimicrobial use. The overuse or misuse of antibiotics in agriculture has been associated with the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Traditionally, blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT), in which all cows receive antibiotic treatment, was used prophylactically to prevent and manage disease spread. In recent years, there has been a move toward selective dry cow therapy (SDCT), in which only clinically infected cows are treated with antibiotics. This study aimed to explore farmer attitudes toward antibiotic use (ABU), using the COM-B (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior) model as a framework, to identify predictors of changing behavior toward SDCT and suggest interventions to encourage its uptake. Participant farmers (n = 240) were surveyed online between March and July 2021. Five items were found to be significant predictors of farmers having stopped BDCT: (1) having lower knowledge of AMR, (2) greater awareness of AMR and ABU (Capability), (3) feeling social pressure to reduce ABU (Opportunity), and (4) having greater professional identity, and (5) having positive emotions associated with stopping BDCT (Motivation). Direct logistic regression found that these 5 factors explained between 22 and 34.1% of the variance in making changes to BDCT practices. Additionally, objective knowledge was not correlated with current positive antibiotic practices, and farmers often perceived their antibiotic practices as more responsible than they actually were. A multifaceted approach, encompassing each of the predictors highlighted, should be taken to encourage farmer behavior change in relation to stopping BDCT. Additionally, as farmers' perceptions of their own behaviors may not align with their actual practices, awareness raising of what constitutes "responsible" behavior should be targeted at dairy farmers to motivate them to take action and adopt more responsible antibiotic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Farrell
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom.
| | - Tony Benson
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
| | - Claire McKernan
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
| | - Áine Regan
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, H65 R718, Ireland
| | - Alison M G Burrell
- Animal Health Ireland, 2-5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Moira Dean
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
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Lupolt SN, Agnew J, Ramachandran G, Burke TA, Kennedy RD, Nachman KE. A qualitative characterization of meso-activity factors to estimate soil exposure for agricultural workers. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:140-154. [PMID: 36253407 PMCID: PMC9849121 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural workers' exposure to soil contaminants is not well characterized. Activity pattern data are a useful exposure assessment tool to estimate extent of soil contact, though existing data do not sufficiently capture the range and magnitude of soil contact in the agricultural context. OBJECTIVE We introduce meso-activity, or specific tasks, to improve traditional activity pattern methodology. We propose a conceptual framework to organize the factors that may modify soil exposure and impact soil contact estimates within each meso-activity in agriculture. We build upon models from the US EPA to demonstrate an application of this framework to dose estimation. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with sixteen fruit and vegetable growers in Maryland to characterize factors that influence soil exposure in agriculture. For illustrative purposes, we demonstrate the application of the framework to translate our qualitative data into quantitative estimates of soil contact using US EPA models for ingestion and dermal exposure. RESULTS Growers discussed six tasks, or meso-activities, involving interaction with soil and described ten factors that may impact the frequency, duration and intensity of soil contact. We organized these factors into four categories (i.e., Environmental, Activity, Timing and Receptor; EAT-R) and developed a framework to improve agricultural exposure estimation and guide future research. Using information from the interviews, we estimated average daily doses for several agricultural exposure scenarios. We demonstrated how the integration of EAT-R qualitative factors into quantitative tools for exposure assessment produce more rigorous estimates of exposure that better capture the true variability in agricultural work. SIGNIFICANCE Our study demonstrates how a meso-activity-centered framework can be used to refine estimates of exposure for agricultural workers. This framework will support the improvement of indirect exposure assessment tools (e.g., surveys and questionnaires) and inform more comprehensive and appropriate direct observation approaches to derive quantitative estimations of soil exposure. IMPACT STATEMENT We propose a novel classification of activity pattern data that links macro and micro-activities through the quantification and characterization of meso-activities and demonstrate how the application of our qualitative framework improves soil exposure estimation for agricultural workers. These methodological advances may inform a more rigorous approach to the evaluation of pesticide and other chemical and biological exposures incurred by persons engaged in the cultivation of agricultural commodities in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Lupolt
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Agnew
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas A Burke
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ryan David Kennedy
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keeve E Nachman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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