Investigating the Dietary Habits of Male Irish Farmers to Prevent Mortality and Morbidity

Abstract

Excess mortality and morbidity among Irish farmers from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been linked to a range of occupational risk factors. Obesity is a key risk factor underpinning this excess burden and unhealthy eating habits are linked to overweight/obesity and to disease occurrence. This study investigated the dietary habits of a sub-group of Irish male farmers and explored how these might potentially impact on health outcomes. Cross-sectional survey research was undertaken using self-reported quantitative data, based on convenience sampling and a 24-h food re-call survey. Data were analysed using frequency and chi-square analysis. Where possible, findings were compared to national survey data for Irish males. Findings revealed that a high proportion of farmers were overweight or obese and that dietary habits consisted of low intake of fruit, vegetables, and dairy and a high intake of meat, fried and processed foods, salt, and sugary and/or salty snacks. Younger farmers reported a significantly higher intake of processed meats; however, no associations were found between age, lifestyle behaviours, and dietary habits. The findings provide a greater understanding of how dietary habits potentially contribute to poorer health outcomes among farmers and underline the need for health promotion interventions, including healthy eating campaigns, aimed at farmers.

A qualitative study to inform adaptations to a brain health intervention for older adults with type 2 diabetes living in rural regions of Ireland

“…While increased occupational activity has been associated with health benefits, 25 little is known about activity level of older Irish farmers; however, overweight and obesity and poor dietary habits are prevalent, suggesting room for lifestyle improvement. 26 Dislike of foods within prescribed diet plans have been highlighted previously as a barrier to behaviour change in people with diabetes 27 supporting the need for individually tailored interventions rather than 'one size fits all' for our target population. 17 Perceived burden or effort that is required to participate in the intervention is a key construct in the theoretical framework of acceptability.…”

“…Hence, a few of the men held strong beliefs that their occupational activity was sufficient in terms of exercise level. While increased occupational activity has been associated with health benefits, 25 little is known about activity level of older Irish farmers; however, overweight and obesity and poor dietary habits are prevalent, suggesting room for lifestyle improvement 26 . Dislike of foods within prescribed diet plans have been highlighted previously as a barrier to behaviour change in people with diabetes 27 supporting the need for individually tailored interventions rather than ‘one size fits all’ for our target population 17 …”

Identifying Novel Data-Driven Dietary Patterns via Dimensionality Reduction and Associations with Socioeconomic Profile and Health Outcomes in Ireland

“…Accordingly, changes to the physical environment (more fresh vegetable offerings, school vegetable gardens, reduced volumes of meat and ultra-processed food being served) and social environment (e.g., promoting food education) pertaining to food may prove effective in improving diets that can improve diets throughout life and prevent diet-related NCDs [ 88 , 89 ]. Subpopulations in the ROI, such as male farmers, have been regarded as “hard-to-reach” due to rural settlement patterns and generally lower educational attainment; therefore, the promotion of dietary change should cater to specific groups as there is no one size fits all solution to implementing dietary change [ 9 ]. Additionally, since results of this study show a relationship between PCA-derived dietary patterns and levels of educational attainment, public health and environmental campaigns should focus on promoting more vegetable-centric diets to less-educated groups (i.e., secondary education level) to encourage diets with less meat consumption [ 78 ].…”

“…Global and European rates of all-cause mortality attributed to NCDs are 74% and 90%, respectively [ 5 ]. Body mass index (BMI) represents a major predictor for development of diet-related NCDs (e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes) and, more recently, COVID-19 severity [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. For example, severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40) was identified as a substantial risk factor for COVID-19-related intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) due to CVOID-19 [ 8 ].…”

“…The Health Service Executive (HSE) of the ROI reported in their Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025 that the predictors of obesity include access to healthy and affordable food, cultural and societal norms, education and skill levels, and lifestyle choices [ 12 ]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) forecasts that by 2030, 47% of both males and females will have obesity in the ROI, thus placing additional needs on existing health systems [ 9 , 13 ].…”