Stress in farmers in Sharkia governorate; an epidemiological study

ABSTRACT

This study is a cross-sectional one which had been conducted on a random sample of 1200 male farmers in Diarb Nigm center, Sharkia governorate, in the year 2000. The content of this study was based on a literature review. It was hypothized that certain factors are likely to be stressful and there are other factors that would increase the vulnerability to stress. The aim was to determine the main stressors faced by the farmers, identify the factors that increase the vulnerability to stress, recognize the adverse health effects of stress and recognize psycho-neurotic symptoms. A pre-structured questionnaire, Middle Sex Hospital questionnaire and a scale for depression and anxiety were applied orally by personal interview. Demographic data mean age was 45.2 years, 90% were married, mean of family size was 8.3 individuals, 78.5% were illiterate, 72.9% were smokers, 60.1% had less than 1/2 feddan and the mean of the duration of farming work was 30.8 years. Stressors problems with record keeping and paper work [61.4%], difficulty of understanding forms [53.3%], problems from new ligislations and regulations [41%], financial problems [40%], hard work> 10 hours/day [39%], health problems that interfered with work [37%], family and/or neighbourhood troubles [9%] and social isolation [7%]. Each fanner experienced at least 2 stressors. Health problems that interfered with work low back pain [9%], arthralgia [8.5%], diabetes mellitus [7.9%], dyspnea [7.9%], advanced liver cirrhosis [2.8%] and heart failure [0.8%]. Farmers complaining these health problems were 31.4% of the studied sample. factors that increase the vulnerability to stress health problems, social troubles, social isolation and existence of psycho-neurotic symptoms. Adverse health effects of stress decreament of appetite [21%], anxiety [16%], headache [14%], insomnia [11%], easy fatiguability [9%], absent mindedness [6%] and night mares [3%]. Farmers suffering these health effects were 25.7% of the sample of the study. Psycho-neurotic symptoms prevalence of depression, anxiety, somatization, hysteria, obsession and phobia was 12%, 11%, 5%, 4%, 4% and 3%, respectively. Farmers experience considerable stress from various causes and sources. There were many adverse health effects of stress. Providing healthy, financial and cultural assistance to farmers, agricultural policy-makers should be aware of the potential impact of legislations and regulations