Survey points to farmer ailments
It’s a problem for 28% of farmers, according to a survey by Teagasc in association with Waterford Institute of Technology; the Centre for Men’s Health, IT Carlow; and UCD.
The 28% of farmers with low back pain compares with 16% in the general population.
The survey by Teagasc looks at 366 farmers, 86% of whom are males.
One or more health issues was reported by 38% of the farmers in the previous 12 months. Thirty-four percent of the farmers reported a physical health complaint and 12% reported mental health issues.
Fifty-nine percent of farmers had consulted their GP about their health within the last year, which compares to 74% of the general population.
Sixty percent of farmers surveyed were classified as “overweight or obese”, compared to 50% of the Irish population. Among the farmers, just 27% believed that they were too heavy.
Just over half of the farmers reported undertaking high levels of physical activity, compared to 24% for the Irish population.
Eighteen percent of farmers reported that they smoke, compared to 29% for the Irish population.
Eighty-five percent of farmers reported drinking alcohol, compared to 80% for the Irish population. Nineteen percent of farmers reported binge drinking (having six or more standard drinks on one occasion) at least once per week, compared to 28% of the Irish population.
Commenting on the study findings, Aubrey Storey, lecturer in exercise and health science at WIT, stated that “behaviour change” is a key to either health gain or its maintenance.
“Making small initial changes based on heightened awareness can lead to major positive change in a person’s health profile over time.”
He said the study results indicate that farmers should make greater use of health care professionals when unwell.
Dr John McNamara, Teagasc health and safety specialist, said poor health leads to reduced capacity for farm work, and as a consequence, reduced farm income.
Farmers in poor health are also susceptible to higher levels of injuries.
He said studies show that farmers tend to consider themselves as “healthy” if they can carry out work, but tend to ignore health issues that could have long-term consequences.
A booklet ‘Staying Fit for Farming – A Health Booklet for Farmers’ can be downloaded at http://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2013/2874/StayingFitForFarming.pdf
