A Comparison of Health, Health Behavior, and Access Between Farm and Nonfarm Populations in Rural New York State

作者：Earle Richardson Giulia; Scribani Melissa; Scott Erika^*; May John; Jenkins Paul

来源：Journal of Rural Health, 2015, 31(2): 157-164.

DOI：10.1111/jrh.12098

• agriculture
• health disparities
• observational data
• social determinants of health
• utilization of health services

BackgroundRecent technological and demographic changes in US agriculture raise questions about whether the previously observed benefits of the agricultural lifestyle persist.
MethodsIn 2009, researchers conducted a household survey of 9,612 adults (aged 20+) in a rural region of Upstate New York. Data on health status, health behaviors, and health care access among farmers and rural nonfarm residents were compared.
ResultsAfter adjustment for age, gender, education, and having a regular health care provider, male farmers had elevated prevalence of asthma (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.05-3.16) and untreated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.12-9.01). Farmers had significantly lower hypercholesterolemia (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.99), but not lower prevalence of heart disease or stroke. Farmers had lower rates of smoking (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40-0.89) and higher rates of hard physical labor (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.83-3.72) than nonfarmers, but they had notably worse health behavior prevalence relative to various types of screening, vaccinations, and having a regular medical care provider (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39-0.71).
ConclusionsThe farm population is becoming more like the rural nonfarm population with regard to health outcomes and lifestyle, yet it remains notably poorer with regard to prevention. Targeted outreach is needed to increase prevention within the agricultural community.

• 出版日期2015