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Etherton BA, Choudhury RA, Alcalá Briseño RI, Mouafo-Tchinda RA, Plex Sulá AI, Choudhury M, Adhikari A, Lei SL, Kraisitudomsook N, Buritica JR, Cerbaro VA, Ogero K, Cox CM, Walsh SP, Andrade-Piedra JL, Omondi BA, Navarrete I, McEwan MA, Garrett KA. Disaster Plant Pathology: Smart Solutions for Threats to Global Plant Health from Natural and Human-Driven Disasters. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:855-868. [PMID: 38593748 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-03-24-0079-fi] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Disaster plant pathology addresses how natural and human-driven disasters impact plant diseases and the requirements for smart management solutions. Local to global drivers of plant disease change in response to disasters, often creating environments more conducive to plant disease. Most disasters have indirect effects on plant health through factors such as disrupted supply chains and damaged infrastructure. There is also the potential for direct effects from disasters, such as pathogen or vector dispersal due to floods, hurricanes, and human migration driven by war. Pulse stressors such as hurricanes and war require rapid responses, whereas press stressors such as climate change leave more time for management adaptation but may ultimately cause broader challenges. Smart solutions for the effects of disasters can be deployed through digital agriculture and decision support systems supporting disaster preparedness and optimized humanitarian aid across scales. Here, we use the disaster plant pathology framework to synthesize the effects of disasters in plant pathology and outline solutions to maintain food security and plant health in catastrophic scenarios. We recommend actions for improving food security before and following disasters, including (i) strengthening regional and global cooperation, (ii) capacity building for rapid implementation of new technologies, (iii) effective clean seed systems that can act quickly to replace seed lost in disasters, (iv) resilient biosecurity infrastructure and risk assessment ready for rapid implementation, and (v) decision support systems that can adapt rapidly to unexpected scenarios. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berea A Etherton
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Robin A Choudhury
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, U.S.A
| | - Ricardo I Alcalá Briseño
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, U.S.A
| | - Romaric A Mouafo-Tchinda
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Aaron I Plex Sulá
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Manoj Choudhury
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Ashish Adhikari
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Si Lin Lei
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Nattapol Kraisitudomsook
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University, Chom Bueng, Ratchaburi, Thailand
| | - Jacobo Robledo Buritica
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Vinicius A Cerbaro
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Kwame Ogero
- International Potato Center (CIP), Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Cindy M Cox
- USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Stephen P Walsh
- USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | | | | | | | - Margaret A McEwan
- International Potato Center (CIP) Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Karen A Garrett
- Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
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van der Kruk SR, Gunn KM. 'It sort of broke me': A thematic analysis of the psychological experiences and coping strategies employed by Australian fire-affected farmers. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:299-310. [PMID: 38407355 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13086] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities. OBJECTIVE To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires. DESIGN In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales. FINDINGS Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long-term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery-focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self-regulate emotions. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen R van der Kruk
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate M Gunn
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Grattidge L, Hoang H, Mond J, Lees D, Visentin D, Auckland S. Exploring Community-Based Suicide Prevention in the Context of Rural Australia: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20032644. [PMID: 36768008 PMCID: PMC9915251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Suicide rates in rural communities are higher than in urban areas, and communities play a crucial role in suicide prevention. This study explores community-based suicide prevention using a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups asked participants to explore community-based suicide prevention in the context of rural Australia. Participants recruited ((n = 37; ages 29-72, Mean = 46, SD = 9.56); female 62.2%; lived experience 48.6%) were self-identified experts, working in rural community-based suicide prevention (community services, program providers, research, and policy development) around Australia. Data were thematically analysed, identifying three themes relating to community-based suicide prevention: (i) Community led initiatives; (ii) Meeting community needs; and (iii) Programs to improve health and suicidality. Implementing community-based suicide prevention needs community-level engagement and partnerships, including with community leaders; gatekeepers; community members; people with lived experience; services; and professionals, to "get stuff done". Available resources and social capital are utilised, with co-created interventions reflecting diverse lifestyles, beliefs, norms, and cultures. The definition of "community", community needs, issues, and solutions need to be identified by communities themselves. Primarily non-clinical programs address determinants of health and suicidality and increase community awareness of suicide and its prevention, and the capacity to recognise and support people at risk. This study shows how community-based suicide prevention presents as a social innovation approach, seeing suicide as a social phenomenon, with community-based programs as the potential driver of social change, equipping communities with the "know how" to implement, monitor, and adjust community-based programs to fit community needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grattidge
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
| | - Ha Hoang
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
| | - Jonathan Mond
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2571, Australia
| | - David Lees
- School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
| | - Denis Visentin
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
| | - Stuart Auckland
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
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Usher K, Durkin J, Douglas L, Coffey Y, Bhullar N. Coping styles and mental health outcomes of community members affected by black summer 2019-20 bushfires in Australia. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:1176-1185. [PMID: 35731685 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate coping styles, posttraumatic stress, and mental health symptoms among a sample of community members affected by 2019-20 Australian bushfires. Using a convenience sampling approach, an online survey was used to assess a range of coping strategies, posttraumatic stress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the affected community members of Black Summer bushfires. The results revealed that study participants reported moderate symptoms of depression and stress, and severe levels of anxiety. Additionally, participants reported use of both approach and avoidance coping strategies following the bushfire event as well as experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, such as having intrusive thoughts and symptoms of avoidance and hyperarousal. Despite the durability of many individuals, others remain affected by the event and there is evidence there may be longer term mental health consequences of the bushfires for some people. Given these findings, it is imperative that mental health services be readily available for people in the bushfire-affected areas. Mental health nurses have an important role to play in supporting individuals affected by disasters. Awareness of the short- and long-term impacts of disasters on the mental health of people is paramount for mental health nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Usher
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Durkin
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lesley Douglas
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yumiko Coffey
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Navjot Bhullar
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Psychology, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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John SF, Okem AE, Mubangizi BC, Adekanla N, Ngubane LP, Barry I. Rural vulnerability and institutional dynamics in the context of COVID-19: A scoping review. JAMBA (POTCHEFSTROOM, SOUTH AFRICA) 2022; 14:1227. [PMID: 36092749 PMCID: PMC9453141 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study reviewed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pre-existing vulnerabilities in rural communities using the scoping review strategy. It focused on manuscripts published on the topic in 2020. Based on 39 studies that met our inclusion criteria (out of 507 studies), we note that COVID-19 is exacerbating pre-existing rural vulnerabilities, including poverty, remoteness, socio-economic marginalisation and high unemployment. There is limited evidence that rural communities are resilient to the pandemic. Reduction in household expenditures and the community food system are the only reported forms of resilience. Although local institutions are supporting rural communities in responding to the impacts of the pandemic, several institutional dynamics undermine the effectiveness of the response. The increased risk of the pandemic is likely to reduce incomes and standards of living amongst poor communities. Thus, coping strategies were identified such as starting small gardens in communities, diet changes, targeting community markets with produce rather than retailers and food swap using social media, with food swap being the most adopted coping strategy. Although this study does not offer a comprehensive picture of the levels and nature of vulnerability, resilience and institutional dynamics of rural communities in different parts of the world reveal the limitations of existing knowledge of the vulnerability of rural communities in the context of COVID-19. This underscores the importance of further studies on rural vulnerability in the context of COVID-19 that will enable evidence-based responses to the pandemic in rural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokfa F John
- NRF/SARChI in Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew E Okem
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Betty C Mubangizi
- NRF/SARChI in Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Londeka P Ngubane
- Department of Criminology and Forensic Studies, School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Wen B, Wu Y, Xu R, Guo Y, Li S. Excess emergency department visits for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases during the 2019-20 bushfire period in Australia: A two-stage interrupted time-series analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:152226. [PMID: 34890657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The health effects of the unprecedented bushfires in Australia in 2019-20 have not been fully examined. We aimed to examine the excess emergency department (ED) visits related to the 2019-20 bushfires in New South Wales (NSW). We obtained weekly data of ED visits for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in all the 28 Statistical Area Level 4 (SA4) regions in NSW during the bushfire seasons from 2017 to 2020. A two-stage interrupted time-series analysis was applied to quantify the excess risk for ED visits in 2019-20. The total number of excess ED visits, excess percentages, and their empirical confidence intervals (eCIs) were calculated to estimate the impacts of the bushfire season. A total of 416,057 records of cardiorespiratory ED visits were included in our analysis. The bushfire season in 2019-20 was significantly associated with a 6.0% increase (95% eCI: 1.9, 10.3) in ED visits for respiratory diseases and a 10.0% increase (95% eCI: 5.0, 15.2) for cardiovascular diseases, corresponding to 6177 (95% eCI: 1989, 10,166) and 3120 (95% eCI: 1628, 4544) excess ED visits, respectively. The percentage of excess ED visits was higher in regions with lower SES and high fire density. In the context of climate change, more targeted strategies should be developed to prevent adverse bushfire effects and recover from such extreme environmental events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yao Wu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Rongbin Xu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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Public health implications of multiple disaster exposures. Lancet Public Health 2022; 7:e274-e286. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Gunn KM, Hughes-Barton D. Understanding and addressing psychological distress experienced by farmers, from the perspective of rural financial counsellors. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 30:34-43. [PMID: 34797594 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore rural financial counsellors' experiences interacting with psychologically distressed farmers and identify contextually appropriate methods to maintain their own well-being and link farmers to psychological supports, within their existing roles. SETTING Rural, regional and remote Australia. PARTICIPANTS Fifty rural financial counsellors participated. They worked across 6 Australian states/territories. DESIGN Individual semi-structured telephone interviews were audio-recorded with consent. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes were identified using an essentialist, bottom-up approach. RESULTS Forty-six themes emerged relating to the 5 topics explored: (a) how to recognise distress in farmers (eg inability to focus/make decisions, deterioration in presentation/organisation, anger, blaming); (b) impact of farmers' psychological distress on the financial case management process (eg slows, disrupts or stops it, negatively impacts counsellor well-being); (c) strategies for working effectively with distressed farmers (eg flexibility, open-ended questions, listening to story, simplicity, instilling hope); (d) referral of distressed farmers to psychological support (eg willing if tried themselves/positive reports, lack of local rural face-to-face services, stigma and lack of understanding of importance challenging, a farming focus and support from family/ community assists); and (e) strategies to maintain their own well-being (eg compartmentalising, exercise, supervision). CONCLUSION Rural financial counsellors play an important role by recognising signs of distress in farmers and referring them to appropriate psychological supports. However, this is a demanding role and ensuring counsellors have appropriate services to refer farmers to, and support with their own well-being, is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Gunn
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Donna Hughes-Barton
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Chengane S, Beseler CL, Duysen EG, Rautiainen RH. Occupational stress among farm and ranch operators in the midwestern United States. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2076. [PMID: 34772388 PMCID: PMC8587493 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study used surveillance data from 2018 and 2020 to test the stability of work-related strain symptoms (high stress, sleep deprivation, exhaustion) with demographic factors, work characteristics, and musculoskeletal symptoms among farm and ranch operators in seven midwestern states of the United States. METHODS Cross-sectional surveys were conducted among farm and ranch operators in 2018 (n = 4423) and 2020 (n = 3492). Operators were asked whether, in the past 12 months, they experienced extended work periods that resulted in high stress levels, sleep deprivation, exhaustion/fatigue, or other work-related strain symptoms. Covariates included personal and demographic factors, work characteristics, number of injuries, work-related health conditions, and exposures on the operation. Summary statistics were tabulated for explanatory and outcome variables. The classification (decision) tree approach was used to assess what variables would best separate operators with and without reported strain symptoms, based on a set of explanatory variables. Regularized regression was used to generate effect estimates between the work strain variables and explanatory variables. RESULTS High stress level, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion were reported more frequently in 2018 than 2020. The classification tree reproduced the 2018 model using 2020 data with approximately 80% accuracy. The mean number of reported MSD symptoms increased slightly from 1.23 in 2018 to 1.41 in 2020. Older age, more time spent in farm work, higher gross farm income (GFI), and MSD symptoms in six body regions (ankles/feet, knees, lower back, neck, shoulders, wrists/hands) were associated with all three work strain symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort was a strong predictor for stress, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion among farmers and ranchers. This finding indicates that reducing MSD pain and discomfort is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Chengane
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, 984388 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388 USA
| | - Cheryl L. Beseler
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, 984388 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388 USA
| | - Ellen G. Duysen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, 984388 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388 USA
| | - Risto H. Rautiainen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, 984388 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388 USA
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Podubinski T, Glenister KM. The Pandemic Is Not Occurring in a Vacuum: The Impact of COVID-19 and Other Disasters on Workforce Mental Health in Australia. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 17:e25. [PMID: 34296670 PMCID: PMC8446584 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many Australians experienced extreme bushfires, droughts, and floods. A history of experiencing these events might be a risk factor for increased psychological distress during COVID-19. This study aimed to provide insight into the mental health of Australian workers during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, with an additional focus on whether previous disaster exposure and impact from that disaster is a risk factor for increased psychological distress. METHODS A snowball recruitment strategy was used. Participants (n = 596) completed an online survey, which included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, and questions related to mental health and disaster exposure. RESULTS Overall, 19.2%, 13.4%, and 16.8% of participants were experiencing moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, respectively. Multiple regression found that higher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were associated with a pre-existing mental health diagnosis; only higher stress symptoms were associated with having experienced a disaster, with impact, in addition to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS People who have experienced impact from an additional disaster might need additional support to protect their mental health during COVID-19. A focus on the cumulative mental health impacts of multiple disasters and the implications for organizational communities where recovery work is undertaken, such as schools and workplaces, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan Podubinski
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristen M. Glenister
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
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Sheehan MC. Climate Change and Human Well-Being in the 2020s: Lessons From 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2021; 51:281-286. [PMID: 33909535 DOI: 10.1177/00207314211012155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Behind the coronavirus headlines the year 2020 set multiple extreme weather records, including unprecedented wildfires in Australia and California, massive flooding in China, and back-to-back hurricanes in Central America. The impacts on the well-being of local populations have been devastating. We reviewed these extreme weather events, together with the year's newly published climate and health science reports, and identified three important themes for building health resilience in the decade ahead: (1) preparing for greater magnitude and intensity of climate hazards, extreme events, and population health impacts; (2) better anticipating cascading and compound impacts on population well-being, particularly for the most vulnerable; and (3) identifying appropriate, effective preparedness tools and strategies. While decarbonizing the economy is the urgent goal to protect both human and planetary health from a changing climate, 2020 demonstrates that recognizing the likely magnitude and complexity of future extreme weather events, and preparing local public health agencies and communities with the knowledge and tools to respond to them, will be essential in this critical decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sheehan
- 310948Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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