Pandemic distress on the farm: Farmers concerned about emotional impacts of COVID-19.

Abstract

While stress levels, emotional concerns, and mental health issues among U.S. farmers are well documented, limited research exists on the specific impacts of COVID-19 on farmer mental health. To begin to explore this question, our study sought to identify characteristics of farmers at elevated risk for COVID-19-related emotional concerns. We engaged in secondary analysis of 2020 survey data from farmers in a southern state (N = 613), hypothesizing that farmers with high COVID-19-related concern about farm operations/finances, health, and uncertainty in how to navigate pandemic-related challenges would report high levels of concern and thus distress about the emotional impact of COVID-19. We conducted logistic regression analyses; the best-fitting model (p < .001) accounted for 30.4% of the variance. Being married, reporting pandemic impact to field crops, anticipating COVID-related losses in the coming year, and high concern about COVID-19's effects on finances were significant predictors of concern about COVID-19's emotional impact. Concerns about getting COVID-19 and being uncertain about mental health resources were also significant predictors. Our results indicate that within the farmer population, there are individuals at higher risk of COVID-19-related emotional distress and suggest it may be important to prioritize mental health outreach to farmers at high financial risk, who are married, farm row crops, anticipate COVID-19-related financial losses, and are uncertain about accessing mental health resources. These findings can inform proactive work among rural mental health professionals, helping them engage in strategic and nuanced outreach and resource provision to farmers experiencing emotional distress and concern about the emotional impact of COVID-19. Public Health Significance StatementThis study suggests that specific subgroups of farmers are at higher risk for distress and concern about the emotional impact of COVID-19. Those who were married, had pandemic impact to field crops, anticipated and were concerned about COVID-19 related financial risks and losses, were concerned about contracting COVID-19, and were uncertain how to access mental health resources were at higher risk. Given the scarcity of mental health resources in rural areas, this risk profile can help target resources to those at highest risk.