Cited by 393Agriculture and Farm SafetyMental Health Treatment and AccessCOVID-19 and Mental Health

Key Risk Factors Affecting Farmers’ Mental Health: A Systematic Review

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Daghagh Yazd, Sahar, Wheeler, Sarah Ann, Zuo, Alec·2019·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Abstract

Recently, concern has increased globally over farmers’ mental health issues. We present a systematic review of the outcomes, locations, study designs, and methods of current studies on farmers’ mental health. In particular, this review aims to fill an important gap in understanding of the potential key risk factors affecting farmers’ mental health around the world. 167 articles on farmer mental health were included in a final systematic review using a standardized electronic literature search strategy and PRISMA guidelines. The four most-cited influences on farmers’ mental health in the reviewed literature respectively were pesticide exposure, financial difficulties, climate variabilities/drought, and poor physical health/past injuries. The majority of studies were from developed countries, most specifically from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Comparative studies on the mental health of farmers and other occupational workers showed mixed results, with a larger portion identifying that psychological health disturbances were more common in farmers and farm-workers. Knowledge of farmer psychological disorder risk factors and its impacts are essential for reducing the burden of mental illness. Further research will be required on climate change impacts, developing country farmers’ mental health, and information on how to reduce help-seeking barriers amongst farmers.

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  1. [116]Beseler C. Diagnosed Depression and Low, Intermediate, and High Pesticide Exposures in Iowa and North Carolina Farm Applicators and Their Spouses Enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study Ph.D. Thesis Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, USA 2005
  2. [135]Welke C. Farm/Ranch Stressors and the Distress and Job Satisfaction of Farm Family Members: The Buffering Effects of Perceived Social Support Ph.D. Thesis University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD, USA 2004
  3. [140]Berry H.L. Kelly B.J. Hanigan I.C. Coates J.H. McMichael A.J. Welsh J.A. Kjellstrom T. Rural mental health impacts of climate change Commissioned Report for the Garnaut Climate Change Review The Australian National University Canberra, Australia 2008

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Authors
Daghagh Yazd, S., Wheeler, S. A., & Zuo, A.
Affiliations
  • Centre for Global Food and Resources, Faculty of Professions, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
  • The University of Adelaide (AU)
Corresponding author
Wheeler, Sarah Ann
Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2019-12-02
Volume
16
Issue
23
Pages
4849
ISSN
1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2990842690
Cited by
393
References
186
Citations by year
2026: 58 · 2025: 80 · 2024: 81 · 2023: 63 · 2022: 51 · 2021: 40 · 2020: 20
FWCI
2.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Australian Research Council (FT140100773)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Agriculture and Farm Safety
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
Keywords
farmer mental health, risk factors, pesticide exposure, financial hardship, climate variability, drought, physical health, occupational injuries, farm workers, mental illness, help-seeking barriers, climate change impacts
MeSH terms
Farmers, Adult, Agriculture, Mental Disorders, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Stress, Psychological

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