Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Young Farmers and Ranchers: A Pilot Study

Details

• Personal Author:
  Berg RL ; Parsaik A ; Rudolphi JM
• Description:
  Agriculture has been identified as a stressful industry and there is evidence that chronic stress may contribute to the development or progression of mental health disorders, specifically anxiety and depression. Young adult farmers and ranchers may be at increased risk of mental health disorders when compared to more experienced counterparts due to additional stressors. The objectives of this study were to identify the occupational stressors of young adult farmers and ranchers in the Midwest and estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among this population. An online survey consisting of reliable and valid instruments was used to identify the sources of stress and prevalence of anxiety and depression among the young farming and ranching population. The survey included items related to stress, anxiety, depression, general health, and farm/personal demographics. A total of 170 young farmers and ranchers responded to the survey. The mean age of the sample was 28.9 (SD 4.4) years. Approximately 71% of respondents met the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7 score > 5) and 53% met the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (PHQ-9 score > 5). Of seven presented stress domains, personal finances and time pressures were the sources of greatest concern. Personal finances, time pressures, economic conditions, and employee relations were associated with anxiety and depression. The burden of depression and anxiety is high among young adult farmers and ranchers. Stressors commonly affiliated with farming and ranching are associated with anxiety and depression. Additional research should further explore the burden of mental health disorders among the population and examine protective factors for mental illness and opportunities for interventions. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Aging Agriculture Demography Farmers Mental Health Nervous System Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Age Groups Anxiety Author Keywords: Agricultural Safety And Health Demographic Characteristics Depression Farm Workers Health Effects Mental Health Psychological Stress Psychology Young Workers

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• ISSN:
  0010-3853
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Illinois ; Nebraska ; OSHA Region 5 ; OSHA Region 7 ; Wisconsin
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  126-134
• Volume:
  56
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20057396
• Citation:
  Community Ment Health J 2020 Jan; 56(1):126-134
• Contact Point Address:
  Josie M. Rudolphi, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
• Email:
  josier@illinois.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2020
• NORA Priority Area:
  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Performing Organization:
  University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20110901
• Source Full Name:
  Community Mental Health Journal
• End Date:
  20270831
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:e2d74226635539bd229972096cba0c22c308996405e9d8810bafa076ad09f480ec08cc32eafee690755dee71a743288abbe0824ceb517ac49c45089bc28c81d5
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/214756/cdc_214756_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 478.05 KB ]