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 depressive symptoms in other populati n 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. Although depression is well known to be associated with an increased risk of suicide, there is incomplete information available on the mental health status of agricultural workers. The role of econom c and social change on the risk of depression has not been studied among agricultural workers. Due to chronic exposures to these compounds, there is a need to evaluate the prevalence of de ression among exposed workers in agriculture. More recent population-based data are needed among agricultural workers since there have been many changes in agricultural practices and in social and economic situations for farmers.