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Disordered alcohol and substance use in Irish farmers: a cross-sectional survey

O'Connor, Siobhán orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-2001-0746, Malone, Sandra orcid logoORCID: 0009-0000-5759-2906, Firnhaber, Joseph orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-0003-1689, O'Shaughnessy, Branagh orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-4417-7273, McNamara, John orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-3013-8695 and O'Hagan, Anna Donnla orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-7509-8960 (2023) Disordered alcohol and substance use in Irish farmers: a cross-sectional survey. The Journal of Rural Health, 40 (1). pp. 173-180. ISSN 0890-765X

Abstract
Purpose Farming is a high-pressure occupation. Populations of farmers face significant health risks, including injury, mental illness, and in some cases, heavy alcohol use. However, there is little research on farmers’ use of substances beyond alcohol. This study examines factors relating to Irish farmers’ disordered alcohol and substance use. Methods In accordance with STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research and reporting, we examined disordered alcohol and substance use in 351 Irish farmers using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool (AUDIT) and Drug Use Disorders Identification Tool (DUDIT). Findings While 28% of farmers did not drink, 40% of those who did drink exceeded the AUDIT threshold for disordered use. Similarly, while 95% of farmers did not use substances, 78% of farmers who did use substances exceeded the DUDIT threshold for disordered use. Age was the most important risk factor for disordered alcohol and substance use and correlated with other main risk factors: lower income, no children, part-time farmer, and full-time off-farm roles. Disordered drinking was highest in farmers engaged in full-time education. Conclusions This population of Irish farmers report broadly healthy alcohol and substance use behaviors. Irish farmers may serve as a model group whose strengths can be utilized in interventions within and beyond the Irish farming community. Our results confirm the importance of analyzing demographic factors in farmers’ drinking and identify younger farmers as especially at-risk for harmful alcohol and substance use.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:AUDIT; DUDIT; Health Behaviors; Ireland; Rural Culture
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Health
Medical Sciences > Mental health
Medical Sciences > Psychology
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Health and Human Performance
Publisher:Wiley
Official URL:https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12783
Copyright Information:© 2023 The Authors.
Funders:Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Grant/Award Number: 2021R510, Open access funding provided by IReL.
ID Code:28843
Deposited On:26 Jul 2023 15:11 by Anna Donnla O'hagan . Last Modified 02 Feb 2024 13:57
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