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Qi X, Yao X, Cong X, Li S, Han M, Tao Z, Yang X, Qi X, Shi F, Wang S. Profile and risk factors in farmer injuries: a review based on Haddon matrix and 5 E's risk reduction strategy. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1322884. [PMID: 38903585 PMCID: PMC11187248 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1322884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Farmers are considered a high-risk group for intentional and unintentional injuries. This review identified significant risk factors for agricultural injuries in farmers and explored injury prevention countermeasures based on the literature. Therefore, CiteSpace software was used to analyze the relevant literature in this field. Additionally, we identified both key risk factors and countermeasures using the Haddon matrix and the 5 E's risk reduction strategies conceptual framework, respectively. The risk factors were identified from four categories (host, agent, physical environment, and social environment) corresponding to three phases (pre-event, event, and post-event). Interventions of 5 E's risk reduction strategies including education, engineering, enforcement, economic, and emergency response have been proven effective in preventing injuries or reducing their severity. Our findings provide a comprehensive foundation and research direction for the study and prevention of injuries among farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Qi
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xue Yao
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, China Rongtong Medical and Health Group Zibo 148 Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Xianzhu Cong
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Mei Han
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zikun Tao
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiao Qi
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Fuyan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Suzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Health of Shandong Province, Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
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Fletcher CME, Woolford D, Gladigau J, Gunn KM. A 'Vocal Locals' social network campaign is associated with increased frequency of conversations about mental health and improved engagement in wellbeing-promoting activities in an Australian farming community. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:673. [PMID: 38431599 PMCID: PMC10909292 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18193-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Farmers face numerous barriers to accessing professional mental health services and instead report a preference for informal support systems, such as lay or peer networks. Farmers also experience barriers to investing time in maintaining or improving their wellbeing, stemming from sociocultural norms and attitudes that are widespread in agricultural communities. The Vocal Locals social network campaign is an ifarmwell initiative that aims to promote conversations about wellbeing and challenge attitudes and behaviours that contribute to farmers' poor mental health. METHODS The Vocal Locals campaign was underpinned by the socio-ecological model which explains human behaviour as stemming from interactions between the individual, their closest social circle, the community, and broader society. The campaign ran in Loxton, South Australia, from June to August 2022. Ten community members (8/10 farmers) became 'Vocal Locals' and were supported to share 'calls-to-action' to encourage people in their social networks to engage in wellbeing-promoting activities. A broader communications campaign reinforced key messages and amplified Vocal Locals' activities in the community. The intrapersonal and community-level impacts of the campaign were evaluated via pre- and post-campaign surveys of Vocal Locals and community members respectively. RESULTS Vocal Locals reported significantly lower psychological distress (p = .014), and higher positive mental wellbeing (p = .011), levels of general mental health knowledge (p = .022), and confidence helping someone with poor mental health (p = .004) following the intervention. However, changes in stigmatising beliefs about mental illness, confidence recognising poor mental health, and confidence and comfort speaking to others about mental health were non-significant. Community members who were familiar with the campaign reported having significantly more wellbeing-related conversations post-campaign compared to before (p = .015). Respondents also reported being more comfortable speaking to others about mental health or wellbeing (p = .001) and engaging more in activities to maintain or improve their wellbeing (p = .012) following the campaign. CONCLUSIONS The Vocal Locals social network campaign is an example of how science and community can be brought together to achieve meaningful outcomes. The campaign may serve as a model for others who wish to challenge attitudinal or knowledge-related barriers to help-seeking and improve engagement in wellbeing-promoting activities in difficult-to-reach communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe M E Fletcher
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Dale Woolford
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - John Gladigau
- Gladigau Enterprises Pty Ltd, Loxton, SA, 5333, Australia
| | - Kate M Gunn
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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3
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Scheyett A, Marburger IL, Scarrow A, Hollifield SM, Dunn JW. What Do Farmers Need for Suicide Prevention: Considerations for a Hard-to-Reach Population. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:341-352. [PMID: 38410688 PMCID: PMC10896109 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s452561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Farmers have suicide rates much higher than the general population, with elevated mental health symptoms and high stress levels. Farmers are a hard-to-reach population due to occupational demands and a culture where conversations about mental health are often stigmatizing. This study explored ways to tailor suicide prevention strategies to unique characteristics of farmers by speaking with groups close to farmers who were open to discussing stress and suicide prevention: women married to farmers and agricultural Extension agents. Methods Focus groups with women married to farmers (N=29) and interviews with agricultural agents from the university's local Cooperative Extension offices (N=13) from rural Georgia counties explored effective ways outreach and education about suicide prevention, mental health, and coping could be provided to farmers. Using a thematic analysis approach, qualitative coding was completed by two researchers (Cohens kappa=0.86), with initial codes collapsed into common themes. Results Four themes were identified: 1) Barriers due to the nature of farming, including time demands of farming and cultural stigma in help-seeking; 2) Acceptable messaging, including framing conversations as part of general health; 3) Make information accessible by making it brief, clear, and omnipresent through multiple media; and 4) Elements of effective information and education, including emphasizing "you're not alone" and connection, how to access supports and crisis services, educating people close to farmers, and motivating farmers by emphasizing that they could help another farmer with the information. Conclusion Due to farmers' stoic identities and reluctance to admit mental health struggles, speaking with those close to farmers may help us better understand what is needed to tailor farmer suicide prevention strategies. The insights shared by participants suggest that culturally responsive outreach and education strategies, strengthening relationships through peer support, and gatekeeper training with specific trusted others are important ways to tailor suicide prevention strategies for this hard-to-reach group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Scheyett
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Scarrow
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Hollifield
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Ward Dunn
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Abstract
The mental health of the farming community across industrialised nations has long been a major concern. Using an adapted procedure for a systematic literature review of observational epidemiological studies reporting prevalence (informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute method), this paper reviews peer-reviewed literature that explicitly compares farmer and non-farmer mental health (n = 48). In doing so, it provides a central and accessible evidence base for researchers and practitioners, and simultaneously reveals a stark lack of consensus; specifically, 54.0% of measures deployed to assess farmer mental health determined it to be the same as or even better than non-farming populations. This ambiguity sits in sharp contrast to the unequivocally worrisome farmer suicide statistics. Informed by the literature, the paper discusses potential reasons for this mismatch, including (i) farmers' progression through a different "pathway" to suicide that is not always preceded by mental illness, and (ii) a failure of current methods to accurately gauge the mental health status of farmers. The paper concludes by recommending more research into farmers' "pathway" to suicide, and highlights the need for a dedicated and multi-disciplinary programme of methods research that will afford a more culturally appropriate and effective means of understanding mental health in the farming community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Chiswell
- Francis Close Hall, Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK
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5
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Gish M, Shalmon A, Ayalon O. The Destructive Effects of Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles on Farmer Well-Being: Mental Health Consequences Outweigh Economic Losses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4117. [PMID: 36901126 PMCID: PMC10002376 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054117] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In many countries, the use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) occasionally spills over into agricultural lands. The conflict between ROV users and farmers is escalating due to the growing popularity of ROVs. Determined action of authorities for mitigating the phenomenon may necessitate an understanding of the nature and extent of the actual damage caused by ROVs. However, it is currently unknown how ROVs harm agriculture and what is their main deleterious effect on farmers. We tested our hypothesis that economic costs are the leading reason for farmer distress using in-depth interviews with 46 Israeli farmers that are affected by ROVs. We found that contrary to our hypothesis, economic costs were low and negligible, despite high levels of anger, distress, or hopelessness expressed by almost all farmers. The main reason for outrage and frustration was the emotional impact of ROV activity on the farmers. Therefore, measuring the effects of ROVs on agriculture in terms of economic losses will probably be ineffective in convincing policymakers to act against the reckless use of ROVs in agricultural lands. On the other hand, conveying the emotional implications for the farmers can potentially promote change if accompanied by explanations on the importance of caring for the mental health and well-being of a sector that already suffers from levels of stress and mental health problems that are among the highest of any other industry in the world.
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Phalp L, Corcoran R, Eames C, Naik A. An exploration of the relationship between adverse events on the farm and suicidal ideation in farmers. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1682-1688. [PMID: 34791918 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211057712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of suicide for agricultural workers in parts of the United Kingdom (UK) is almost twice the national average. Existing literature has suggested that adverse farming events, where failure is determined by uncontrollable and unpredictable forces, may be to blame. Yet, the impact of such events on farmer suicidality has not been explicitly explored. AIMS The present paper therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between adverse farming events and suicidal ideation in farmers. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire battery was disseminated between July 2018 and February 2019, and completed by 170 adult farmers. RESULTS Over a 12-month period, 88.8% reported that they had experienced an adverse farming event and 32.9% said that they had experienced suicidal thoughts. Correlational analysis revealed a relationship between these variables. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of suicidal ideation within farmers demonstrates a critical need for intervention. Likewise, the prevalence of adverse farming events suggests that interventions need to be appropriately tailored, with greater understanding about the impact of such events on the mental wellbeing of farmers.
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7
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Deegan A, Dunne S. An investigation into the relationship between social support, stress, and psychological well-being in farmers. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:3054-3069. [PMID: 35132638 PMCID: PMC9545128 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the stress-buffering effect of social support on psychological well-being and impact of demographic factors on stress in a sample of farmers. One-hundred and ninety-six farmers completed an online questionnaire including measures of social support, stress, psychological well-being, and demographics. Overall, after controlling for stress, increased social support was associated with higher psychological well-being. Family support had a significant relationship with financial and farm-related factors of stress but not with psychological well-being, while friend and significant other support had a much greater impact on psychological well-being than family support. Membership of a farming organisation was found to be protective against social stress while working on one type of farm only (e.g., dairy) was protective against financial stress. The findings highlight the potential utility of the stress-buffering model in understanding stress among farmers. Future interventions which facilitate social support, reduce stress, and boost psychological well-being among farmers are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avril Deegan
- School of PsychologyFaculty of Science and Health, Dublin City UniversityDublinIreland
| | - Simon Dunne
- School of PsychologyFaculty of Science and Health, Dublin City UniversityDublinIreland
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8
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Mikutta CA, Pervilhac C, Znoj H, Federspiel A, Müller TJ. The Impact of Foehn Wind on Mental Distress among Patients in a Swiss Psychiatric Hospital. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10831. [PMID: 36078547 PMCID: PMC9518389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710831] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric patients are particularly vulnerable to strong weather stimuli, such as foehn, a hot wind that occurs in the alps. However, there is a dearth of research regarding its impact on mental health. This study investigated the impact of foehn wind among patients of a psychiatric hospital located in a foehn area in the Swiss Alps. Analysis was based on anonymized datasets obtained from routine records on admission and discharge, including the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL) questionnaire, as well as sociodemographic parameters (age, sex, and diagnosis). Between 2013 and 2020, a total of 10,456 admission days and 10,575 discharge days were recorded. All meteorological data were extracted from the database of the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology of Switzerland. We estimated the effect of foehn on the BSCL items using a distributed lag model. Significant differences were found between foehn and non-foehn admissions in obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and general severity index (GSI) (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that foehn wind events may negatively affect specific mental health parameters in patients. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of foehn's events on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Mikutta
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Charlotte Pervilhac
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hansjörg Znoj
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Federspiel
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas J. Müller
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
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Lawrance EL, Thompson R, Newberry Le Vay J, Page L, Jennings N. The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, and its Implications. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:443-498. [PMID: 36165756 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2128725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Converging global evidence highlights the dire consequences of climate change for human mental health and wellbeing. This paper summarises literature across relevant disciplines to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the multiple pathways through which climate change interacts with mental health and wellbeing. Climate change acts as a risk amplifier by disrupting the conditions known to support good mental health, including socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions, and living and working conditions. The disruptive influence of rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, such as experiencing a heatwave or water insecurity, compounds existing stressors experienced by individuals and communities. This has deleterious effects on people's mental health and is particularly acute for those groups already disadvantaged within and across countries. Awareness and experiences of escalating climate threats and climate inaction can generate understandable psychological distress; though strong emotional responses can also motivate climate action. We highlight opportunities to support individuals and communities to cope with and act on climate change. Consideration of the multiple and interconnected pathways of climate impacts and their influence on mental health determinants must inform evidence-based interventions. Appropriate action that centres climate justice can reduce the current and future mental health burden, while simultaneously improving the conditions that nurture wellbeing and equality. The presented evidence adds further weight to the need for decisive climate action by decision makers across all scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, UK.,Mental Health Innovations, UK.,Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Page
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Neil Jennings
- Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
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Dedieu B, Contzen S, Nettle R, Schiavi SMDA, Sraïri MT. The Multiple Influences on the Future of Work in Agriculture: Global Perspectives. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.889508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this introductory paper, we discuss changes in work in agriculture arising from the influence of a wide variety of factors: global food chains and societal controversies about farming models, the status of agricultural work as a profession alongside others; the progress of rural development; issues of precariousness in work and in health. We summarize these influences and their implications to introduce the Special Issue “Work in agriculture: which perspectives?”, and outline the seven papers that contribute to understanding of the future trajectories for work in agriculture.
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11
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Liang Y, Janssen B, Casteel C, Nonnenmann M, Rohlman DS. Agricultural Cooperatives in Mental Health: Farmers' Perspectives on Potential Influence. J Agromedicine 2021; 27:143-153. [PMID: 34758703 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2021.2004962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural cooperatives are formed to promote farmers' economic, social, and legislative interests. Their role in influencing mental health is less known. We characterized farmers' experiences with cooperatives and identified the potential impact of cooperatives in promoting mental health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Wisconsin with 12 participants, including farmers, cooperative professionals, and agricultural extension educators. Participants were asked about stress among farmers; cooperative structures and services provided to farmers, and farmers' interactions with the cooperatives; and the role cooperatives play in reducing stress among farmers. Three main themes were developed: stress farmers were experiencing, available resources from cooperatives, and the role of cooperatives in promoting farmers' mental health. Stress farmers were experiencing was elucidated through the subthemes: increased stress, depression, and suicide and stressors involving finances, occupational pressure, relationships, isolation, and loneliness. Available resources from cooperatives were described in subthemes: cooperative characteristics, services, and engagement activities. The role of cooperatives in promoting farmers' mental health was discussed through subthemes: responder, community, facilitator, and divergent views on whether co-ops can protect farmers' mental health. Cooperatives provide members market stability, services, and opportunities for decision-making, social interaction, and civic engagement. These resources create a community where farmers feel a sense of belonging and retain a level of control. As rural communities continue to struggle with mental health resource shortages, identifying and evaluating community-based resources such as those offered by the cooperatives is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Liang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Brandi Janssen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Carri Casteel
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Matthew Nonnenmann
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Diane S Rohlman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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12
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Mukherjee S, Wei Z. Suicide disparities across metropolitan areas in the US: A comparative assessment of socio-environmental factors using a data-driven predictive approach. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258824. [PMID: 34818324 PMCID: PMC8612572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disparity in suicide rates across various metropolitan areas in the US is growing. Besides personal genomics and pre-existing mental health conditions affecting individual-level suicidal behaviors, contextual factors are also instrumental in determining region-/community-level suicide risk. However, there is a lack of quantitative approach to model the complex associations and interplays of the socio-environmental factors with the regional suicide rates. In this paper, we propose a holistic data-driven framework to model the associations of socio-environmental factors (demographic, socio-economic, and climate) with the suicide rates, and compare the key socio-environmental determinants of suicides across the large and medium/small metros of the vulnerable US states, leveraging a suite of advanced statistical learning algorithms. We found that random forest outperforms all the other models in terms of both in-sample goodness-of-fit and out-of-sample predictive accuracy, which is then used for statistical inferencing. Overall, our findings show that there is a significant difference in the relationships of socio-environmental factors with the suicide rates across the large and medium/small metropolitan areas of the vulnerable US states. Particularly, suicides in medium/small metros are more sensitive to socio-economic and demographic factors, while that in large metros are more sensitive to climatic factors. Our results also indicate that non-Hispanics, native Hawaiian or Pacific islanders, and adolescents aged 15-29 years, residing in the large metropolitan areas, are more vulnerable to suicides compared to those living in the medium/small metropolitan areas. We also observe that higher temperatures are positively associated with higher suicide rates, with large metros being more sensitive to such association compared to that of the medium/small metros. Our proposed data-driven framework underscores the future opportunities of using big data analytics in analyzing the complex associations of socio-environmental factors and inform policy actions accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayanti Mukherjee
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Zhiyuan Wei
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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13
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Collins M, Higgs P. Improving suicide awareness in rural service providers: Some considerations arising from stakeholder consultations. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:999-1001. [PMID: 34757646 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Collins
- Department of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Gordon E, Davila F, Riedy C. Transforming landscapes and mindscapes through regenerative agriculture. AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES 2021; 39:809-826. [PMID: 34744301 PMCID: PMC8561679 DOI: 10.1007/s10460-021-10276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Agriculture occupies 38% of the planet's terrestrial surface, using 70% of freshwater resources. Its modern practice is dominated by an industrial-productivist discourse, which has contributed to the simplification and degradation of human and ecological systems. As such, agricultural transformation is essential for creating more sustainable food systems. This paper focuses on discursive change. A prominent discursive alternative to industrial-productivist agriculture is regenerative agriculture. Regenerative discourses are emergent, radically evolving and diverse. It is unclear whether they have the potential to generate the changes required to shift industrial-productivist agriculture. This paper presents a literature-based discourse analysis to illustrate key thematic characteristics of regenerative agricultural discourses. The analysis finds that such discourses: situate agricultural work within nested, complex living systems; position farms as relational, characterised by co-evolution between humans and other landscape biota; perceive the innate potential of living systems as place-sourced; maintain a transformative openness to alternative thinking and practice; believe that multiple regenerative cultures are necessary for deeply regenerative agriculture; and depart from industrialism to varying degrees. The paper concludes by reviewing three transformative opportunities for regenerative discourses-discourse coalitions, translocal organising and collective learning. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10460-021-10276-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Gordon
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Bldg 10, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Federico Davila
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Bldg 10, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Chris Riedy
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Bldg 10, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007 Australia
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Reccord C, Power N, Hatfield K, Karaivanov Y, Mulay S, Wilson M, Pollock N. Rural-Urban Differences in Suicide Mortality: An Observational Study in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Différences de la Mortalité Par Suicide en Milieu Rural-Urbain: Une Étude Observationnelle à Terre-Neuve et Labrador, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:918-928. [PMID: 33576277 PMCID: PMC8573702 DOI: 10.1177/0706743721990315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide rates are higher in rural compared to urban areas. Although this pattern appears to be driven by higher rates among men, there is limited evidence about the characteristics of rural people who die by suicide in Canada. The objective of this study was to examine the demographics, manner of death, and social and clinical antecedents of people who died by suicide in rural areas compared to urban areas. METHODS We conducted an observational study of all suicide deaths that occurred among Newfoundland and Labrador residents between 1997 and 2016 using a linked data set derived from a comprehensive review of provincial medical examiner records. We used t tests and χ2 to assess associations between rural/urban status and variables related to demographics, circumstances, and manner of death, as well as social and medical history. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the independent contribution of any variable found to be significant in univariate analysis. RESULTS Rural people who died by suicide accounted for 54.8% of all deaths over a 20-year period. Overall, 81.6% of people who died were male. Compared to urban, rural people who died by suicide were younger, more likely to use firearms or hanging, and had a higher mean blood alcohol content at the time of death (27.69 vs. 22.95 mmol/L). Rural people were also less likely to have had a known history of a prior suicide attempt, psychiatric disorder, alcohol or substance abuse, or chronic pain. DISCUSSION The demographic and clinical differences between rural and urban people who died by suicide underscore the need for suicide prevention approaches that account for place-based differences. A key challenge for suicide prevention in rural communities is to ensure that interventions are developed and implemented in a manner that fits local contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Reccord
- Department of Research, Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Nicole Power
- Department of Research, Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Keeley Hatfield
- Department of Research, Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yordan Karaivanov
- Medical Services, Labrador Health Centre, Labrador-Grenfell Health, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Shree Mulay
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Margo Wilson
- Discipline of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Pollock
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies, Labrador Institute, Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
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Bouldoires T, Le Goff L. [Suicide prevention in the agricultural sector]. Soins Psychiatr 2021; 42:40-43. [PMID: 34144759 DOI: 10.1016/j.spsy.2021.04.012] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The French agricultural sector is strongly affected by suicide. Various studies show that there is an excess mortality rate among people working in this sector. Although specific risk factors have been identified, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food has identified prevention as a national priority. In this context, the 'sentinel' training of peers in the world of agriculture is an essential lever which, over the years, is beginning to bear fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Bouldoires
- Établissement public de santé mentale du Finistère Sud, 18 rue Hent-Glaz, CS 16003, 29107 Quimper cedex, France.
| | - Laurent Le Goff
- Service psychiatrie, CH Quimperlé, 20 bis avenue Maréchal-Leclerc, BP 134, 29391 Quimperlé cedex, France
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An Analysis of Suicide Risk Factors among Farmers in the Midwestern United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073563. [PMID: 33808131 PMCID: PMC8036405 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research on the complex relationships of variables contributing to farmer suicide is limited. The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with suicide risk through the use of standardized instruments measuring psychological (depression, anxiety), social (social support), and contextual factors. A questionnaire was completed by 600 farmers in the Midwestern United States. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze associations with suicide risk (SBQ-R), including depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), Brief COPE subscales (BC), social support (MSPSS), and select demographic and farming characteristics. The only variable that emerged as having a significant relationship with the natural log-transformed suicide risk score was coping through self-blame. While suicidality is often considered the outcome of mental illness, our findings do not suggest that suicide risk among farmers is related to mental illness, and a further examination of self-blame as a coping strategy is warranted.
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18
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Suicide attempts and deaths in older persons in Ghana: A media surveillance approach. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-018-9932-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kennedy A, Adams J, Dwyer J, Rahman MA, Brumby S. Suicide in Rural Australia: Are Farming-Related Suicides Different? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17062010. [PMID: 32197446 PMCID: PMC7143525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17062010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Rural Australians experience a range of health inequities—including higher rates of suicide—when compared to the general population. This retrospective cohort study compares demographic characteristics and suicide death circumstances of farming- and non-farming-related suicides in rural Victoria with the aim of: (a) exploring the contributing factors to farming-related suicide in Australia’s largest agricultural producing state; and (b) examining whether farming-related suicides differ from suicide in rural communities. Farming-related suicide deaths were more likely to: (a) be employed at the time of death (52.6% vs. 37.7%, OR = 1.84, 95% CIs 1.28–2.64); and, (b) have died through use of a firearm (30.1% vs. 8.7%, OR = 4.51, 95% CIs 2.97–6.92). However, farming-related suicides were less likely to (a) have a diagnosed mental illness (36.1% vs. 46.1%, OR=0.66, 95% CIs 0.46–0.96) and, (b) have received mental health support more than six weeks prior to death (39.8% vs. 50.0%, OR = 0.66, 95% CIs 0.46–0.95). A range of suicide prevention strategies need adopting across all segments of the rural population irrespective of farming status. However, data from farming-related suicides highlight the need for targeted firearm-related suicide prevention measures and appropriate, tailored and accessible support services to support health, well-being and safety for members of farming communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kennedy
- National Centre for Farmer Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria 3300, Australia; (M.A.R.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessie Adams
- Western District Health Service, Foster Street, Hamilton, Victoria 3300, Australia;
| | - Jeremy Dwyer
- Coroners Court of Victoria, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victoria 3006, Australia;
| | - Muhammad Aziz Rahman
- National Centre for Farmer Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria 3300, Australia; (M.A.R.); (S.B.)
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, LaTrobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Professions, Federation University, Victoria 3806, Australia
| | - Susan Brumby
- National Centre for Farmer Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria 3300, Australia; (M.A.R.); (S.B.)
- Western District Health Service, Foster Street, Hamilton, Victoria 3300, Australia;
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Perceval M, Ross V, Kõlves K, Reddy P, De Leo D. Social factors and Australian farmer suicide: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1367. [PMID: 30541526 PMCID: PMC6292011 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Farmers and farm workers have been recognised as a group at high risk of suicide in Australia; however this risk is not without geographic and demographic variation. This study aims to identify and better understand the complex interplay of risk and protective factors surrounding farmer suicide, with an emphasis on social influences, so as to inform tailored and effective suicide prevention initiatives. METHODS Focus groups were conducted in three diverse sites across two states in Australia with men and women separately to gain perceptions about suicide risk and protective factors and attitudes towards suicide and help seeking. The three communities in each state represented areas with a suicide rate similar to, above, and below the state average. The communities were also diverse in their population, types of farming, geographic location, distance from and access to services. There were a total of 33 female and 30 male participants. RESULTS Qualitative analysis indicated three major interrelated social factors: (1) changing rural communities, (2) community attitudes and stigma and (3) relationship issues. CONCLUSIONS The biopsycho-ecological model is considered useful to better understand and address social, as well as individual and environmental factors, pertaining to farmer suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Perceval
- National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Mt Gravatt campus, Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, QLD 4122 Australia
| | - Victoria Ross
- National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Mt Gravatt campus, Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, QLD 4122 Australia
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Mt Gravatt campus, Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, QLD 4122 Australia
| | - Prasuna Reddy
- Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Psychology and Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Diego De Leo
- National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Mt Gravatt campus, Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, QLD 4122 Australia
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