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Jones MS, Ferrell AK, Malin C, Garett-Wright D, Willoughby G. Promoting Farmer Appreciation in Kentucky through a Farmer Cultural Awareness Project. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:494-498. [PMID: 38265065 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2307475] [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: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To address the perception among farmers of lack of appreciation and being devalued by the non-farming public. METHODS Oral history interviews were conducted to gather farmers' viewpoints of what the non-farming public needs to know about their occupation. RESULTS The creation of a public awareness campaign utilizing interview data, including canvas bags, information cards, and a website. CONCLUSION The public awareness campaign provides the non-farming public with opportunities to learn about the lives of farmers and their contributions to society.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Susan Jones
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ann K Ferrell
- Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Catherine Malin
- South Central Kentucky AHEC, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Dawn Garett-Wright
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ginny Willoughby
- Folk Studies, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
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Hoisington AJ, Stearns-Yoder KA, Kovacs EJ, Postolache TT, Brenner LA. Airborne Exposure to Pollutants and Mental Health: A Review with Implications for United States Veterans. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:168-183. [PMID: 38457036 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00437-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Inhalation of airborne pollutants in the natural and built environment is ubiquitous; yet, exposures are different across a lifespan and unique to individuals. Here, we reviewed the connections between mental health outcomes from airborne pollutant exposures, the biological inflammatory mechanisms, and provide future directions for researchers and policy makers. The current state of knowledge is discussed on associations between mental health outcomes and Clean Air Act criteria pollutants, traffic-related air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. RECENT FINDINGS Although associations between airborne pollutants and negative physical health outcomes have been a topic of previous investigations, work highlighting associations between exposures and psychological health is only starting to emerge. Research on criteria pollutants and mental health outcomes has the most robust results to date, followed by traffic-related air pollutants, and then pesticides. In contrast, scarce mental health research has been conducted on exposure to heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. Specific cohorts of individuals, such as United States military members and in-turn, Veterans, often have unique histories of exposures, including service-related exposures to aircraft (e.g. jet fuels) and burn pits. Research focused on Veterans and other individuals with an increased likelihood of exposure and higher vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes is needed. Future research will facilitate knowledge aimed at both prevention and intervention to improve physical and mental health among military personnel, Veterans, and other at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hoisington
- Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMR VAMC), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45333, USA.
| | - Kelly A Stearns-Yoder
- Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMR VAMC), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kovacs
- Department of Surgery, Division of GI, Trauma and Endocrine Surgery, and Burn Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Veterans Affairs Research Service, RMR VAMC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Teodor T Postolache
- Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMR VAMC), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 5 MIRECC, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lisa A Brenner
- Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMR VAMC), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry & Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited research on the factors that contribute to suicides among farm and agriculture workers. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and circumstances that may increase risk of suicide for a farm worker by using the detailed data from the Kansas Violent Death Reporting System (KS-VDRS). METHODS KS-VDRS is a state-based system and was used to look at suicides among farm and agricultural workers that occurred in Kansas from 2016 to 2020. Frequencies, percentages, and age-adjusted rates were calculated to compare trends between farm/agriculture workers and other major occupational groups (non-farm/agriculture). Females were not included in this analysis due to low counts in the occupational group. RESULTS In Kansas, male farm and agriculture workers die by suicide at a rate of 147.5 per 100,000 population, which is 3 times that of the average male workers (45.2 per 100,000 population). Male suicide decedents in farming and agriculture-related occupations were older with a mean age of 54 years and less educated (73% had a high school diploma or less) than their non-agriculture counterparts (mean age 44 years, and 57% had a high school diploma or less). Common circumstances around time of death were current depressed mood (58.6%), current mental health problem (41.4%), and physical health problem (31.4%). CONCLUSION KSVDRS provides valuable information on the circumstances surrounding suicides, and this can inform prevention efforts within and across states. Numerous factors may contribute to the increased risk of suicide among farmers and those who work in agriculture. Physical health problems, family relationship problems, and financial problems are more commonly reported among this population compared to other male workers. Findings from this report highlight the complexity of suicide risk within the farm and agriculture industry in Kansas and reinforce the need for state-specific data and tailored prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Gracy
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Topeka, KS, USA
| | - Danielle Sass
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Topeka, KS, USA
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Fadare O, Zanello G, Srinivasan C. Stressor or succour? Examining the association between conflict, livestock assets, and farmers' mental health in Nigeria. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2023; 49:101234. [PMID: 36848719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Farmers are disproportionately vulnerable to violent attacks in the conflict situation in Nigeria, with potential traumatising effects due to the destruction of agricultural livelihoods. In this study, we conceptualise the links between conflict exposure, livestock assets, and depression, using a cross-sectional nationally representative survey of 3021 Nigerian farmers to quantify the relationships. We highlight three main findings. First, conflict exposure is significantly associated with farmers exhibiting depressive symptoms. Second, holding higher herds of livestock, more cattle, and more sheep and goats while exposed to conflict is associated with higher risk of depression. Third, keeping more poultry is negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Finally, this study accentuates the significance of psychosocial support for farmers in conflict situations. The relationships between different livestock species and farmers' mental health may interest further research in strengthening the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun Fadare
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6EU, UK.
| | - Giacomo Zanello
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6EU, UK.
| | - Chittur Srinivasan
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6EU, UK.
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Mun S, Park S, Whang S, Whang M. Effects of Temporary Respiration Exercise with Individual Harmonic Frequency on Blood Pressure and Autonomic Balance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15676. [PMID: 36497750 PMCID: PMC9736073 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315676] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of modulated respiration on blood pressure and autonomic balance to develop a healthcare application system for stabilizing autonomic balance. Thirty-two participants were asked to perform self-regulated tasks with 18 different respiration sequences, and their electrocardiograms (ECG) and blood pressure were measured. Changes in cardiovascular system functions and blood pressure were compared between free-breathing and various respiration conditions. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures stabilized after individual harmonic breathing. Autonomic balance, characterized by heart rate variability, was also stabilized with brief respiration training according to harmonic frequency. Five machine-learning algorithms were used to classify the two opposing factors between the free and modulated breathing conditions. The random forest models outperformed the other classifiers in the training data of systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability. The mean areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.82 for systolic blood pressure and 0.98 for heart rate variability. Our findings lend support that blood pressure and autonomic balance were improved by temporary harmonic frequency respiration. This study provides a self-regulated respiration system that can control and help stabilize blood pressure and autonomic balance, which would help reduce mental stress and enhance human task performance in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungchul Mun
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Jeonju Universtiy, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangin Park
- Industry-Academy Cooperation Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyop Whang
- Rotary and Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin, 199 Borton Landing Road, Moorestown, NJ 08054, USA
| | - Mincheol Whang
- Department of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
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Alves RM, Santos EGDO, Barbosa IR. Factors associated with common mental disorders among farmers in a medium-sized municipality in Northeastern Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2022; 56:74. [PMID: 35946674 PMCID: PMC9388066 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056003522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders among farmers living in a medium-sized municipality in Northeastern Brazil between 2019 and 2020. METHODS Trained interviewers applied the standardized questionnaire in 450 participants. Sociodemographic, health, income and working characteristics were assessed. The screening of common mental disorders was performed using the Self-Reporting Questionaire, with the cutoff point ≥ 7 for women and ≥ 5 for men. Poisson regression with robust estimation was applied to verify the prevalence ratios in the bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of common mental disorders among farmers was 55.1% (95%CI: 50.4–59.6). The variables that remained significant and associated with common mental disorders were: men (PR = 1.7), > 60 years old (PR = 0.5), poor or very poor self-assessment of health (PR = 1.4), previous mental health treatment (PR = 1.2), alcohol abuse (PR = 1.2) and loss of production (PR = 1.3). CONCLUSION These results indicate that common mental disorders are associated with individual factors and with the farmers’ context of life and work, which shows the importance of social, economic and health services support to this group of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Machado Alves
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte . Centro de Ciências da Saúde . Departamento de Saúde Coletiva . Natal , RN , Brasil
| | | | - Isabelle Ribeiro Barbosa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte . Centro de Ciências da Saúde . Departamento de Saúde Coletiva . Natal , RN , Brasil
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Wheeler R, Lobley M. Health-related quality of life within agriculture in England and Wales: results from a EQ-5D-3L self-report questionnaire. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1395. [PMID: 35858865 PMCID: PMC9299404 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13790-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental and physical health problems among the farming community are well documented but there is limited evidence regarding the overall health status of this population. This paper offers a unique insight into this issue through presenting the findings from a survey instrument, the EQ-5D-3L, which provides a standardised measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS We conducted the largest ever survey (n = 15,296) of people living and working in agriculture in England and Wales to gather baseline data on health and wellbeing within this community. The survey included an assessment of HRQOL through the use of the EQ-5D-3L self-report questionnaire. A variety of statistical approaches were used to test for significant associations between HRQOL and sub-group characteristics, including the Chi-square test for independence, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. Binary logistic regression models were also created to assess the influence of a set of respondent characteristics on the likelihood of respondents reporting health problems in the EQ-5D-3L. RESULTS 24% of respondents reported problems with mobility; 4% reported problems with self-care; 21% reported problems with performing their usual activities; 52% reported problems with pain/discomfort; and 31% reported problems with anxiety/depression. The mean EQ-5D index value was 0.811 (median (Md) 0.796, interquartile range (IQR) 0.275). The mean self-rated health score (EQ-VAS) was 77.6 (SD 16.1) (Md 80.0, IQR 20). In general, holding other respondent characteristics equal, women reported fewer problems with mobility, self-care, performing usual activities and pain/discomfort than men, but more problems with anxiety/depression. HRQOL in the working-aged appears to be poorer among the survey population than the wider UK population. CONCLUSIONS Results reveal concerning levels of physical and mental health problems, especially pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression, which appear to be more prevalent within our sample than within the wider UK population. There were important gender and age-related differences in both mental and physical health. Combatting these problems through targeted support is essential for the wellbeing of the farming community and the future sustainability of UK food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Wheeler
- Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter, Lazenby House, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, England, EX4 4PJ.
| | - Matt Lobley
- Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter, Lazenby House, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, England, EX4 4PJ
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Mendes MVDC, dos Santos SL, de Castro CCL, Furtado BMASM, da Costa HVV, de Ceballos AGDC, Galvão PVM, do Bonfim CV. Analysis of Factors Associated with the Risk of Suicide in a Brazilian Capital: Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010373. [PMID: 35010635 PMCID: PMC8751138 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Suicide and suicide attempts are considered global health problems. With regard to the main causes of unnatural deaths, Brazil ranks as the eighth country with the highest absolute number of suicides. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with the risk of suicide in a metropolitan city in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Recife, in the northeast region of Brazil. Epidemiological surveillance was conducted on the information systems regarding attempted suicide, suicide, and undetermined deaths in the period from 2007 to 2017. A record linkage between the information systems was performed. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression were performed with an adopted a significance level of 5%. In the city of Recife, there were 4495 suicide attempts in the period, and the most frequent suicide attempts were by single females, aged between 20 and 39 years old, and who used either medication or poison to die by suicide. A total of 141 individuals died by suicide, and exogenous intoxication was the most common method. Knowing the common characteristics and associated factors of those who attempt and die by suicide is key for the development of prevention policies and intervention strategies for suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Vinicius de Carvalho Mendes
- Center for Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-000, PE, Brazil; (S.L.d.S.); (A.G.d.C.d.C.); (C.V.d.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Solange Laurentino dos Santos
- Center for Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-000, PE, Brazil; (S.L.d.S.); (A.G.d.C.d.C.); (C.V.d.B.)
| | | | | | | | - Albanita Gomes da Costa de Ceballos
- Center for Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-000, PE, Brazil; (S.L.d.S.); (A.G.d.C.d.C.); (C.V.d.B.)
| | | | - Cristine Vieira do Bonfim
- Center for Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-000, PE, Brazil; (S.L.d.S.); (A.G.d.C.d.C.); (C.V.d.B.)
- Directorate of Social Research, Foundation Joaquim Nabuco, Recife 52061-540, PE, Brazil
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