Comparative analysis of mental health among Austrian farmers and the general population

Abstract

Although farmers face significant mental health challenges globally, no studies have explored this issue in German-speaking countries. This study is the first to assess the mental health of Austrian farmers, comparing their well-being to that of the general population. A cross-sectional online survey targeting Austrian farmers was conducted between October 4, 2024, and February 28, 2025, with 2,006 farmers completing the survey voluntarily. In parallel, a representative sample of the adult Austrian general population was surveyed from October 10–28, 2024, resulting in a final sample of 2,007 participants. Standardized self-report instruments were used to assess depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), insomnia (ISI-2), perceived stress (PSS-4), and alcohol abuse (CAGE). Group differences were evaluated using chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses, adjusting for age and gender. Analyses revealed that Austrian farmers reported significantly higher levels of depression (28.0% vs. 21.4%), anxiety (31.1% vs. 14.6%), insomnia (15.3% vs. 9.0%), and perceived stress (66.9% vs. 51.0%) compared to the general population, whereas the opposite was observed for alcohol abuse (15.8% vs. 20.7%). Adjusted odds ratios confirm that the farming community is at an increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes (ranging from 1.80 to 3.25), except for alcohol misuse (0.75). The findings underscore a substantial mental health burden among Austrian farmers and highlight the urgent need for tailored interventions.