A total of 485 farms representing 872 individuals were enrolled in the study. Factors evaluated in relation to depressive symptoms were age, social support, negative life changes, general physical health, changes in income, and alcohol use. Based on backward elimination, overall assessment of health, gender, social support, and negative life changes were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was lower in this population from that reported in the general population. Characteristics associated with dep essive symptoms in other population studies were also associated with depression in this group.
Further work is needed to elucidate factors which affect the overall risk of suicide among farmers.
Mental health, Farmers, Depressive symptoms.