Musculoskeletal pain, depression, and stress among Latino manual laborers in North Carolina

Injury, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, and Stress as a Function of Aging in Agricultural Operators in the Central United States

BACKGROUND

Studies show conflicting evidence on the association of age and occupational injury in agriculture, and few studies have addressed the effect of age on work-related chronic conditions or preventive practices among farmers.

METHODS

We examined the probability of injury, work-related stress, musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), and preventive practices for MSS as a function of aging using surveillance data of 7,711 farm and ranch operators in the central United States.

FINDINGS

Segmented regression analyses of men (85% of sample) indicated that the probability of all four outcomes increased up to a certain age and then decreased; the changepoints in years of age being 59.6 for injury, 55.4 for work-related stress, 59.6 for MSS, and 67.9 for MSS preventive practices. Female operators had an increasing trend for stress up to age 29.7, while they showed no changepoints across their age spectrum in the proportion of injury, MSS, and prevention techniques.

CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

These findings emphasize the need for preventive efforts particularly among younger and middle-aged farmers and ranchers, and the need to modify work duties to match work abilities at older ages.

Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Farmers and Ranchers in the U.S. Central States

Agricultural work involves ergonomic and psychosocial strain, which contribute to musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of this study was to assess if specific ergonomic, psychosocial, and preventive factors are linked to musculoskeletal pain or discomfort symptoms (MSS) in farmers and ranchers. We analyzed data from the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health survey that was conducted in 2018 in a seven-state region of the central United States. MSS were assessed with questions from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. The survey included questions on demographic, ergonomic, psychosocial and preventive factors. Farm production variables were added from the Farm Market iD database. We analyzed the data using Generalized Estimating Equations. The overall prevalence of MSS for all body sites combined was 59% among 4,354 farmers and ranchers who responded (19% response rate). After controlling for age, sex, and operator status, three factors (high stress level, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion/fatigue) showed the strongest associations with MSS in any body site, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) ranging from 4.8 to 5.6. Forceful exertions, repetitive tasks, awkward postures, frequent manual labor, and vibration were also significantly associated with MSS, with adjusted ORs ranging from 1.8 to 3.3. Recommended preventive techniques were not protective for MSS. New effective strategies are needed to reduce the high burden of musculoskeletal outcomes among farmers and agricultural workers.

Advancing the Health of Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in the United States: Identifying Gaps in the Existing Literature, 2021

There are profound health inequities for agricultural workers. We sought to assess the literature on migrant and seasonal farmworker health with an eye toward health promotion interventions, special populations, use of community health workers (CHWs), and technology. We conducted a systematic mapping review by searching five databases in March 2021. Using quantitative content analysis after establishing interrater reliability, we coded titles and abstracts to assess 13 topics and six characteristics of the research such as its focus on health promotion, use of technology, and inclusion of CHWs. We identified 1,083 records. Just 8.2% of records described or evaluated a health promotion effort to intervene in farmworker well-being and even fewer (4.2%) examined unique populations of farmworkers such as indigenous farmworkers (n = 11) or sexual minority farmworkers (n = 1). A small body of literature focused on the role of CHWs or promotores most frequently described their role in implementing health interventions. The literature on farmworker health has gaps regarding health promotion interventions, special populations, and integration of CHWs into research projects. We offer suggestions to fill in identified gaps in the literature.

Association between depression, anxiety, and insomnia with musculoskeletal pain source: a multi-center study

Background

Musculoskeletal pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the modern diseases. Musculoskeletal pain (MP) may develop at any age and impact physical and mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between anxiety, depression, and insomnia with musculoskeletal pain source. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 patients with musculoskeletal pain. Goldberg depression (GB), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Morin Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires were used to collect data. Participants have divided into two groups: individuals with unknown musculoskeletal pain sources and individuals with known musculoskeletal pain sources. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia scores were compared between the two groups. For statistical analysis of data mean (SD), frequency (%), Chi-square, Mann-Whitney test, and Logistic regression models were used. All analysis was performed using SPSS 26.

Results

In this study, 39.4% of the participants were in severe depression, 31.1% in severe anxiety, 34.7% in the no clinically significant, and 32.9% in the sub-threshold insomnia group. There was a significant difference between the severity of anxiety and insomnia in the two groups with the known and unknown pain sources (p < 0.05). However, the score of depression (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.01), anxiety (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.02), and insomnia (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.98–1.03) was not related to the pain source.

Conclusion

There was a statistically significant relationship between anxiety and insomnia severity with musculoskeletal pain source. According to the high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and depression in both groups with known and unknown musculoskeletal pain sources, the cooperation of orthopedists, rheumatologists, and physical therapists with psychiatrist can be useful in improving the condition of patients.

Genetic Knowledge and Communication Among Mexican Farmworkers and Non-farmworkers in North Carolina

It is important to understand genetics within the context of health. This paper assesses (a) genetic knowledge among Mexican-born farmworker and non-farmworker adults; (b) their interpersonal and device sources of genetic knowledge; and (c) the association between their genetic knowledge and the sources of this genetic knowledge.Interviews were conducted with Mexican-born farmworkers (100) and non-farmworkers (100) in North Carolina. Participants answered 15 questions to assess genetic knowledge, and sources from which they had seen or heard about genes and genetics.Results show limited knowledge of genetics, with farmworkers and non-farmworkers providing a similar level of correct responses (6.6 versus 7.3), but with farmworkers providing more incorrect responses (4.0 versus 2.7). Important sources of genetic information for farmworkers were promotoras (47%), compared to teachers (49%) for non-farmworkers.This study demonstrates a need for increased dissemination of genetic information to Mexican-origin farmworkers and non-farmworkers.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Depression among Farming Populations Worldwide

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the overall prevalence of depression among farming populations globally, and explore any heterogeneity present. Eligible studies were primary research articles published in English, which involved the collection of data for the purpose of determining the prevalence of depression among a farming population. Four relevant databases were searched in January 2019. Potential for bias was assessed using a modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool. From 7662 records, 72 articles were deemed relevant and had data extracted. Of these, 45 utilized the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Revised scale (CES-D/DR) to quantify depression, 42 of which were conducted in the United States (U.S.). As a result, meta-analyses were restricted to this geographic location. Substantial heterogeneity was seen in the initial whole-group analysis (I² = 97%), and while sub-group exploration suggested a significantly higher prevalence of depression among migrant farm workers (26%, 95% CI = 21–31%) than in studies examining a non-migrant farming population (12%, 95% CI = 8–17%), substantial heterogeneity remained (I² = 96%), indicating that the majority of between study variation was due to factors other than sampling error. Additionally, the majority of studies (81%) in migrant farm worker populations were published since 2010, while only 21% of studies in non-migrant farming populations were published in this timeframe. It is possible with recent efforts to de-stigmatize mental illness, participants in more recent studies may be more likely to self-report depressive symptoms. Hence, while it appears that migrant farmworker populations may have an elevated prevalence of depression, it is also apparent that little research in the U.S. has been done to evaluate depression among non-migrant farming populations in recent years. Perhaps a reporting bias may account for some of the difference between the two populations. A research gap also appears to exist in estimating the prevalence of depression among farming populations outside of the US. Assessment for bias at the study level revealed challenges in reporting of key study design elements, as well as potential for selection bias in the majority of studies.

NOSACQ-50 for Safety Climate Assessment in Agricultural Activities: A Case Study in Central Italy

Safety climate assessment has been recognized as a powerful tool to bring to light workers' perceptions related to safety practices, attitudes and behaviors at the workplace. Accordingly, its investigation can provide useful information about safety problems within a company before accidents occur. In literature, numerous studies can be found investigating safety climates in different types of industry. However, safety climate assessment in agricultural activities is addressed scarcely, even though agriculture represents a very hazardous sector. To reduce this gap, the present study proposes an investigation of safety climate among farmers by means of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50). The results of the survey brought to light a low level of safety perception of the interviewed sample, especially as concerns safety commitment and risk-taking attitudes. In particular, a different attitude toward safety issues has been registered depending on both the position and gender of the interviewed farmers. Overall, the output of this cross-sectional analysis adds to the current literature by expanding knowledge of safety climate among farmers, representing a baseline for further investigations based on human-centered approaches to enhance safety in agriculture and consequently social and workplace aspects of sustainable agricultural systems.

Key Risk Factors Affecting Farmers' Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Recently, concern has increased globally over farmers' mental health issues. We present a systematic review of the outcomes, locations, study designs, and methods of current studies on farmers' mental health. In particular, this review aims to fill an important gap in understanding of the potential key risk factors affecting farmers' mental health around the world. 167 articles on farmer mental health were included in a final systematic review using a standardized electronic literature search strategy and PRISMA guidelines. The four most-cited influences on farmers' mental health in the reviewed literature respectively were pesticide exposure, financial difficulties, climate variabilities/drought, and poor physical health/past injuries. The majority of studies were from developed countries, most specifically from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Comparative studies on the mental health of farmers and other occupational workers showed mixed results, with a larger portion identifying that psychological health disturbances were more common in farmers and farm-workers. Knowledge of farmer psychological disorder risk factors and its impacts are essential for reducing the burden of mental illness. Further research will be required on climate change impacts, developing country farmers' mental health, and information on how to reduce help-seeking barriers amongst farmers.

Health risk behaviors, musculoskeletal disorders and associated cultural adaptation, depression: a survey among Myanmar migrant workers in Chiangmai, Northern Thailand

Background and purpose

When migrants go to a new country to work, they experience transition of epidemiological risk factors, a new system of access to healthcare and changing life styles. Their comprehension of health risk factors will depend on acculturation pattern. Moreover, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are significantly prevalent in such a population due to the manual work in their jobs. Myanmar immigrant’s acculturation level has not yet been studied in relation to prevalent diseases. This study aimed to investigate health risk behaviors, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, and associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study surveyed 414 Myanmar migrant workers in Chiangmai, Thailand. Face-to-face interviews administered structured questionnaires which comprised the transculturally validated East Asian Acculturation Measure scale, Standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires, Patient Health Questionnaires 2 and 9 for depression and questionnaires to screen health behaviors and jobs. Data analysis applied binary logistic regression.

Results

About 26.3% were current smokers and 40.8% current drinkers. Of the 75.8% of participants did not exercise, 40.1% were overweight and obese, 44.7% had prehypertension, 27.1% hypertension, and 13% had depression. The prevalence of MSDs at any site over the previous 12 months was 53.4% and it was significantly associated (P-value≤0.05) with female (adjusted odd ratio (aOR)=1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04–2.94), depression (aOR=2.19;CI=1.10–4.39), marginalization pattern of acculturation (aOR=1.87;CI=1.09–3.21) and MSDs at any site last week (aOR=8.41;CI=4.09–17.30).

Conclusion

Health behaviors in this young, working migrant population are risky, and MSDs are common problems for migrant workers in northern Thailand. Findings of the current study highlighted health behaviors and cultural adaption as attributes to chronic, disabling, and common health problems of migrant workers. Public health interventions and recommendations considering this evidence may improve migrants’ health status, leading to better quality-of-life and productivity.

Psychometric Validation of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in Filipino Migrant Domestic Workers in Macao (SAR), China

There are 500,000 female Filipino domestic workers worldwide. However, there are no validated instruments to assess common mental disorders in this population. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) are brief measures that could be effective screeners for depression and anxiety in domestic workers. This study aims to establish reliability and validity of the Filipino versions of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. In Study 1, 131 domestic workers completed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and other questionnaires with a test-retest interval of 10 days. Convergent validity was examined using measures of posttraumatic stress disorder, direct exposure to traumatic events, and rumination. Discriminant validity was assessed using measures of discrimination, pain, social support, and indirect exposure to traumatic events. In Study 2, criterion validity was established with another sample of domestic workers (N = 100) using clinician-administered Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interviews. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic efficiency. Results showed acceptable and high internal consistency for PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively. Both had acceptable test-retest reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were also established. ROC curve results demonstrated that optimal cut scores for PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are 6 and 7, respectively. The Filipino versions of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are reliable and valid for use among Filipino domestic workers.

Depressive Symptoms among Industrial Workers in Vietnam and Correlated Factors: A Multi-Site Survey

Depressive disorders have been found to be a significant health issue among industrial workers, resulting from work-related factors and causing serious burdens for the workers as well as their employers. Literature on mental health problems of Vietnamese industrial workers has been limited, despite the rapid foreign investment-fueled industrialization process of the country. This study aimed to fill the gap in literature by examining the prevalence of depressive disorders and their potential associated factors among a cohort of Vietnamese industrial workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 industrial areas in Hanoi and Bac Ninh. A total of 289 workers agreed to participate in the study. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to identify associated factors with depression status of respondents. 38.6% of participants reported suffering depression. Factors found to be positively associated with the possibility of having depression and higher PHQ9 score were long working hours, suffering more health problems, and health hazards exposure at work. Meanwhile, being females, having more children, living with parents, engaging in smoking, and being local workers were found to correlate with lower likelihood of being depressed. The findings suggested the importance of regular health screening, work safety assurance, and social support outside of workplace on the mental health of the workers.

Migrant Workers and Their Occupational Health and Safety

In 2015, approximately 244 million people were transnational migrants, approximately half of whom were workers, often engaged in jobs that are hazardous to their health. They work for less pay, for longer hours, and in worse conditions than do nonmigrants and are often subject to human rights violations, abuse, human trafficking, and violence. Worldwide, immigrant workers have higher rates of adverse occupational exposures and working conditions, which lead to poor health outcomes, workplace injuries, and occupational fatalities. Health disparities of immigrant workers are related to environmental and occupational exposures and are a result of language/cultural barriers, access to health care, documentation status, and the political climate of the host country. Recommendations on global and local scales are offered as potential solutions to improving the health of immigrant workers.