Farmers Invited to Participate in Agricultural Stress Survey

By Bruce Cochrane

Researchers with the University of Guelph are encouraging agricultural producers to participate in a survey which looks at the stresses faced by farmers.

Researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph are conducting a study of agricultural producer stress.
The survey asks about producers' stresses and resiliency or ability to cope with stress.

Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, a Doctor of veterinary medicine and Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Population Medicine, says although there have been similar studies done in other countries, we currently know very little about stress and mental wellness among Canadian producers outside of anecdotal experiences.

Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton-University of Guelph:
The survey includes a wide range of questions related to some of the stresses that producers are experiencing and, if they choose, there's an open ended text box where they can tell us a bit about that.

We're also looking at some scales for depression and anxiety and burn out as well.

I want to state that it's important that we hear from all types of producers so we aren't solely targeting those that are experiencing any sorts of stress but rather we want to try and capture a broad look at the entire Canadian farmers population.

We're looking at these outcomes because, in other countries, it's been noted that farmers have experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety than the general population and unfortunately some reports have also indicated there's higher rates of suicide as well.

Dr. Jones-Bitton says researchers have set a goal of 1,000 producers from any commodity group.

The study began in mid-September and will run into December.
To participate in the survey visit www.producerwellness.ca or for more information contact Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton at the University of Guelph.

Source: Farmscape