Developing and Implementing Farm Stress Training to Address Agricultural Producer Mental Health (original) (raw)
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Responding to Crisis: Farmer Mental Health Programs in the Extension North Central Region
2019
A number of current events are exacerbating farm stress. Extension and farm organizations have mobilized responses to an emerging mental health crisis among farmers. To evaluate these responses, we conducted an online scan of resources to present a baseline typology of current mental health programs and response efforts in the 12-state Extension North Central Region. We classified responses by type of program, target audience, and delivery format. We identified the need to train mental health counselors and state suicide hotline responders on farm issues and farm culture.
2021
Focused Question What stress management strategies and interventions are most effective in reducing stress and promoting positive mental health of farmers negatively impacted by work stressors? Clinical Scenario The dynamic transactions between the environment, person, and occupation play a role in the success of the farmer, their access to healthcare, and their willingness to seek support with their stressors or difficulties. Depression, stress, and other mental health conditions are highly prevalent within the farming community. This population is less likely to seek out and utilize available mental health resources and services, and in many cases, mental health resources are not available in rural areas (Gunn et al., 2021; Kennedy et al., 2020). The environment plays a major role in the mental health of farmers. This includes the physical and social environment. Aspects of the physical environment include the plot of land that the farmers cultivate, the animals that they raise, climate factors, and the limited access to healthcare that is often associated with rural areas. Unpredictable climate and weather contribute to stress in the farming community (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021). Climate change and its effect on the environment is a rising concern of farmers. Climate change and other environmental factors can drastically alter farmers' land and dictate production. The livelihood and financial stability of each farmer depends on crop production, and the success of the harvest. Lack of production can result in higher levels of stress for farmers, which can lead to more mental health problems (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021). There is also a stigma associated with mental health within the social environment of the farming community. Farmers tend to normalize and ignore their physical and mental health conditions, which leads to fewer people accessing the health services that they need. Ignoring these physical and mental health conditions may be linked to the stigma of not being healthy enough to run the farm (Kennedy et al., 2020). Work stressors can negatively impact the health and well-being of both farmers and their families, and farming is said to have a high-stress work environment (Stier-Jarmer et al., 2020). Farming can become more difficult for workers in high stress environments as mental health conditions increase, and research suggests that mental health conditions can lead to cognitive decline and physical health problems (Gunn et al., 2021). There is growing evidence that those involved in farming are at higher risk of developing mental health problems (Gunn et al., 2021). The occupation of farming keeps farmers active, which can reduce the risks of diseases such as cancer and diabetes; however, it can lead to higher rates of depression (Brumby et al., 2009). The occupation of farming can lead to many physical and mental impairments due to the high stress work environment and risk for physical injury. Farming is a dangerous job that includes many stressors. Farmers are at high risk of stress due to risk factors such as pesticide exposure, the uncertainty of the market, financial problems, time constraints, loss of livestock or property, and governmental regulations (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021). All of these stress factors contribute to the high rates of mental health conditions that are seen with farmers. Gunn et al. (2021) suggested that this lifestyle makes individuals more vulnerable to mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The occupation of farming and the role of being a farmer can cause high levels of stress, all of which can result in mental health conditions and a higher prevalence of suicide (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021
PLOS ONE
Background Mental health issues among farmers are identified population health concerns. While one systematic review focused on suicide in farming populations in the United States, there have been no scoping studies examining mental health in farming communities worldwide. The objectives of this scoping review were to: provide a descriptive analysis of the literature pertaining to mental health outcomes in farming populations; describe the international scope of the research; and highlight published mental health services and interventions that have been evaluated. Methods Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, five major health and science platforms were used to identify studies examining mental health outcomes in farming populations, worldwide. Studies that met a priori inclusion criteria that were published prior to December 31, 2017 were included in this review. Data synthesis and descriptive statistics were conducted using STATA 15® software; proportions were calculated by country. Results The initial literature search yielded 9,906 records. After title and abstract screening, 676 articles were reviewed in-full. Of these, 341 met a priori inclusion criteria. Studies included were conducted between 1979 and 2017; the majority (265; 77.7%) were published between 2002-2017. The most frequently measured outcomes were stress (41.9%), suicide (33.1%), and depression (32.6%). Over 70% of studies that examined stress described using quantitative research methods, most predominantly, cross-sectional designs (42.7%). Approximately 64% of studies that measured suicide reported using a quantitative PLOS ONE |
Expanding Effective Behavioral Health Literacy Programs to Address Farm Stress
Journal of Extension
Attention to stress and mental health among agricultural producers has increased over recent years, and Cooperative Extension has been active in offering educational workshops and resources to agricultural audiences. This article describes the process and effectiveness of expanding two (university) Extension farm stress management programs to Cooperative Extension in other states through a national Farm Stress Management Summit. The two-day training Summit provided deeper knowledge about farm stress issues and prepared Extension professionals to offer behavioral health programs in their own communities and respective states. Evaluation findings highlight effective aspects of the Summit and next steps.
BMC Psychiatry
Background Farmers and those involved in the wider agricultural industry have a high suicide rate. They are also a ‘hard to reach’ group who make less than average use of mental health services. There is therefore a need to understand how best to develop interventions that meet their needs. The aims of this study were to develop a deeper understanding of the farming context and target population and to engage farmers in the shaping of two potential mental health interventions that could be incorporated in a pilot RCT. Methods The study was informed throughout by a reference group, who assisted in co-production of the research materials. A snowball approach was used to recruit interested individuals who had an association with farming. Twenty one telephone interviews were undertaken and analysed using the six phases of thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke. Results Key themes (and sub-themes shown in brackets) related to the study aims were: everyday life (work-life balance;...
Stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience in Canadian farmers
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Purpose To estimate the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience amongst Canadian farmers. Methods An online cross-sectional survey using validated psychometric scales [Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale] conducted with farmers in Canada between September 2015 and February 2016. Results 1132 farmers participated in the study. The average PSS score was 18.9. Approximately 57% and 33% of participants were classified as possible and probable cases for anxiety, respectively; the respective proportions for depression were 34% and 15%. The average resilience score was 71.1. Scores for stress, anxiety, and depression were higher, and resilience lower, than reported normative data. Females scored less favorably on all mental health outcomes studied, highlighting important gender disparities. Conclusions These results highlight a significant public health concern amongst farmers, and illustrate a critical need for research and interventions related to farmer mental health. These findings are important for policymakers, physicians, and public and mental health service providers, and can help to inform decision-making, policy recommendations, resource allocation, and development and delivery of training programs for farmers.
Journal of Rural Mental Health, 2023
Chronic stress is associated with adverse physical, emotional, and social health outcomes such as increased rates of chronic disease, anxiety, behavioral inhibition, and well-being. In the United States, farmers and ranchers experience some of the highest levels of these adverse health outcomes. This study presents data from the Western Region Agricultural Public Health Significance Statement This study suggests that, on average, agricultural producers in the Western region of the United States are experiencing a medium level of stress, with workload, financial worries, and lack of time being the top stressors. The stress management topics that producers would like to learn more about, as well as how they would like to learn this information, vary significantly by age and gender.
Australian Journal of Rural Health, 2008
Objective: To describe the process and outcome of development of a framework for planning and implementation of a range of interventions aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and farm families in New South Wales (NSW). Design: In response to a major drought in New South Wales (NSW), key agencies were invited to participate in a longer-term collaborative program aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of the people on NSW farms. These agencies became the
2010
This study was a pilot project responding to the increasing levels of stress, depression and other mental health issues in Australian rural areas resulting from prolonged drought and a changing economic and social environment. Methods: Thirty-two Advisory and Extension Agents (AEAs) attended a training course held in 2007 and 2008 in Queensland, Australia. A year after the training, data was collected to determine its value. Interviews were conducted with course participants and their supervisors and focus groups were held with stakeholders (farmers, agency staff and health professionals). Results: The findings show that Mental Health First Aid training improved the participants' confidence level and their knowledge of mental health issues and increased their empathy toward persons with mental health problems. Furthermore, providing training on mental health issues to AEAs was perceived by stakeholders to be beneficial to both farmers and AEAs. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that stakeholders and course participants see this type of training as very much needed and highly beneficial. Further, providing training in mental health issues to rural service providers can be very beneficial to their farmer clients and their social network.
Key Risk Factors Affecting Farmers’ Mental Health: A Systematic Review
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Recently, concern has increased globally over farmers’ mental health issues. We present a systematic review of the outcomes, locations, study designs, and methods of current studies on farmers’ mental health. In particular, this review aims to fill an important gap in understanding of the potential key risk factors affecting farmers’ mental health around the world. 167 articles on farmer mental health were included in a final systematic review using a standardized electronic literature search strategy and PRISMA guidelines. The four most-cited influences on farmers’ mental health in the reviewed literature respectively were pesticide exposure, financial difficulties, climate variabilities/drought, and poor physical health/past injuries. The majority of studies were from developed countries, most specifically from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Comparative studies on the mental health of farmers and other occupational workers showed mixed results, with a larger...