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

Du, Yi; Baccaglini, Lorena; Ag, Johnson; Puvvula, Jagadeesh; Rautiainen, Risto

doi:10.1080/1059924x.2021.1893880

Cited by 15 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Many of the variables identified in the decision tree analysis have been previously included in farm stress studies for decades. In the 2018 FRHSS data, Yu et al, (2021) showed that high stress, sleep deprivation and exhaustion showed the strongest effects on MSD [36]. The current study replicates this finding, but also shows the robustness of the finding by showing it is reproducible in an independent sample of operators.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…These efforts resulted in a response rate of 19% including 3268 farms and ranches and 4423 individual operators. Additional detail on the 2018 data collection process can be found in Du et al, (2021) [36] A previous analysis of nonresponse bias in the 2018 sample found no evidence that responders differed from nonresponders on farm or ranch characteristics [37]. Responders were more likely to be married than nonresponders, but no other demographic differences were identified.…”

Section: Samplementioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational stress among farm and ranch operators in the midwestern United States

et al. 2021

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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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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Section: Samplementioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational stress among farm and ranch operators in the midwestern United States

et al. 2021

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“…Individuals working in farming in the UK are particularly susceptible to a number of health conditions and workplace injuries [1]. This pattern is mirrored by farming communities in regions such as Australasia, North America and some areas of Europe [2][3][4]. Agriculture, forestry and fishing occupations in the UK have twice the rate of workplace non-fatal injury than other main industry sectors, although rates are likely to be even higher as incidents are known to be substantially underreported [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of the livestock auction mart in promoting help-seeking behavior change among farmers in the UK

2022

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Certain physical and mental health issues are particularly prevalent in farming occupations, yet frequently, farmers, particularly males, are resistant to seeking help from primary care practitioners. A qualitative approach examined the perspective of stakeholders at livestock auction marts to identify the determinants for, or barriers to, seeking help, perceptions regarding basing primary care services on-site at livestock auction marts, and the role of a site-based approach, i.e. placing primary healthcare services within a traditional farmers’ meeting place, in facilitating changes in help-seeking beliefs and behaviors. Findings support previous studies regarding barriers to seeking help, but demonstrate that by deconstructing these barriers through specifically designed workplace/site-oriented support services, more positive behaviors are facilitated. The study highlights how collaboration between livestock auction marts and primary healthcare services allows access to a hard-to-reach demographic in terms of healthcare, and illustrates how such socially integrative opportunities can contribute to the improvement of the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the agricultural community.

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“…Pinzke (2016) found that 79.0% of male and 88.5% of female dairy farmers in Sweden had musculoskeletal symptoms on some occasions. Du et al (2021) reported a prevalence of 59% among farmers in the central United States.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Work exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic farming

et al. 2021

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This study focussed on harmful exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic and conventional farming using interview data of Finnish farmers over the winter of 2014-2015. The data consisted of 2,169 full-time farmers, out of whom 231 (11%) practiced organic farming and 1,938 (89%) conventional farming. Exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould ('smell of root cellar') were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms were slightly more common among organic farmers, but the associations were not statistically significant in regression modelling. Risk factors for mental symptoms included animal production, hired labour, female gender, constant hurry, working alone, economic uncertainty, and inadequate recovery from workdays. Risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms included older age, female gender, constant hurry, economic uncertainty, difficult working postures, heavy lifting and carrying, and inadequate recovery. Workload and recovery, managing the transition period and better follow-up of the occupational well-being were identified as concerns among organic farmers.Practitioner summary: Converting from conventional to organic farming has become increasingly common. Farmer interviews indicated that exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were similar in both types of farming.

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

Cited by 15 publications

References 36 publications

Occupational stress among farm and ranch operators in the midwestern United States

Occupational stress among farm and ranch operators in the midwestern United States

The role of the livestock auction mart in promoting help-seeking behavior change among farmers in the UK

Work exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic farming

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