Farmer survey raises questions about perceptions of health

It is a widely shared misconception that healthy farmers enjoy the benefits of working outdoors, an ongoing study of farmers in the South-East has found.

To date, a team of researchers from relevant disciplines within Teagasc, Waterford Institute of Technology and University College Dublin has surveyed some 400 to 500 people for the study: An evaluation of the health-behaviours of farmers in the South-East of Ireland.

The findings, due to be published later this year, also raise questions about perception of health.

Some 64% of farmers described their health as being either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’, and only 0.5% reported poor health. And while just 5% said their daily work/activity was restricted by a long-term health problem or disability, 39% of respondents reported a health complaint within the past 12 months.

Some 34% reported a physical health complaint and 12% reported mental health issues. Low back pain was the most prevalent physical complaint occurring in 28% of farmers; and 59% had consulted their GP about their health within the last year.

The study concludes: “Farmers’ self-perception of their health is good, though they perhaps do not fully acknowledge or address ill- health. Prevalence of lower back pain is significantly greater than in the general population.

“While physical activity, smoking, and alcohol behaviours are healthier than the general population, there is a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.”

It is likely that the study will form the basis of a future health awareness campaign. Advice areas are likely to focus on aerobic fitness, body weight, and manual handling techniques. The respondents are all ages and predominantly male.

“There is a misconception that farmers are healthier than the general population because they out in the fresh air,” said John McNamara, Teagasc health and safety officer. “It is true they smoke less and they do get exercise, but is it the right kind of exercise, the kind which raises the heartbeat, etc?

“There is a health awareness issue among men. There is a sense that males conform to a hegemonic masculinity. The female culture is to seek support and to go for health checks; men don’t.”

The study also looks at the relationship between health and wellbeing.

“Wellbeing is a feeling, a perception of yourself,” said Mr McNamara. “Health is a huge issue, one which is closely connected to well-being. On the farm, you need to exercise, look after your health and not have an accident.”

“When the farmer’s health declines, it impacts heavily on his ability to run the business.

“We also have a series of papers on that. Teagasc is involved in this study because we are interested in the health and wellbeing of Ireland’s farmers. There is a clear business imperative behind being in good health.”