Stress, Health, and Injury Among Illinois Farmers

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this cross-sectional study was to characterize stress, injury, and chronic health conditions among agricultural producers in Illinois. The objectives were to: (1) describe the prevalence and nature of work-related injuries; (2) describe chronic health conditions, stress, and symptoms of mental health conditions; and (3) explore relationships between work-related injuries and stress, mental health, and health conditions.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a modified Dillman approach. Agricultural producers received mailed questionnaires assessing demographics, farm characteristics, chronic health conditions, stress (using the PSS questionnaire), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and work-related injuries. Descriptive statistics describe the population, farm characteristics, injuries, symptoms of mental health, and chronic health conditions. Chi-squared tests describe associations between variables.

Results: Agricultural injuries were reported by 8.01% of respondents, and were primarily minor or moderate. Nearly half (49.07%) reported moderate to high stress, and 10.83% had symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. No significant associations were found between injury and stress, anxiety, or depression.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex interplay between health, stress, and safety in agricultural workers. Longitudinal and qualitative approaches are needed to better understand how stress and chronic conditions may relate to agricultural injuries.

Keywords: agriculture; injury prevention; mental health; occupational health; occupational safety; stress.