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Does Farming Have an Effect on Health Status? A Comparison Study in West Greece

Author

Listed:
  • Konstantinos Demos

    (Rural Medical Dispensary of Dokimio, Health Centre of Thermo, Thermo, GR-30008, Greece)

  • Eleni Sazakli

    (Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece)

  • Eleni Jelastopulu

    (Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece)

  • Nikolaos Charokopos

    (Department of Pulmonology, General Hospital of Pirgos, Pirgos, GR-27100, Greece)

  • John Ellul

    (Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece)

  • Michalis Leotsinidis

    (Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece)

Abstract

Investigating the health status of agricultural workers is a challenging goal. Contradictory outcomes concerning farmers’ health are reported in the literature. In this cross-sectional study, certain clinical and neurobehavioral health outcomes were compared between farmers and non-farmers living in the same rural area. Farmers (328) and non-farmers (347), matched per age and sex, were selected randomly in an agricultural area in West Greece. Both groups underwent haematological and biochemical examinations and were administered two neurobehavioral tests, namely the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Sociodemographic, personal medical, nutritional and lifestyle data were recorded. According to personal statements, farmers suffered from hypertension, cardiovascular, orthopaedic and ENT problems in higher frequency. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and serum cholinesterase’s activity were found to be lower among farmers. Lower prevalence of hypertension and better performances on MMSE and MADRS tests were recorded in young farmers in relation to young non-farmers, while these findings were reversed in older ages. Odds Ratios were calculated through multivariate logistic regression models. Factors affecting these impairments remain to be clarified.

Suggested Citation

  • Konstantinos Demos & Eleni Sazakli & Eleni Jelastopulu & Nikolaos Charokopos & John Ellul & Michalis Leotsinidis, 2013. "Does Farming Have an Effect on Health Status? A Comparison Study in West Greece," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:3:p:776-792:d:23798
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ciesielski, S. & Loomis, D.P. & Mims, S.P. & Auer, A., 1994. "Pesticide exposures, cholinesterase depression, and symptoms among North Carolina migrant farmworkers," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(3), pages 446-451.
    2. Cecilia Rosales & Maria Isabel Ortega & Jill Guernsey De Zapien & Alma Delia Contreras Paniagua & Antonio Zapien & Maia Ingram & Patricia Aranda, 2012. "The US/Mexico Border: A Binational Approach to Framing Challenges and Constructing Solutions for Improving Farmworkers’ Lives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-16, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono & Laila Fitria & Doni Hikmat Ramdhan & Fitriyani Fitriyani & Sifa Fauzia & Susan Woskie, 2022. "Determinants of Hypertension amongst Rice Farmers in West Java, Indonesia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-13, January.

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