Predictors of use of hearing protection among a representative sample of farmers.
Farmers experience higher rates of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than workers in most other industries. We developed a model of farmers' use of hearing protection, and tested it with a random sample (n = 532) of farmers from the upper Midwest. Barriers to using hearing protection (e.g., difficulty communicating; OR = .44, p < .003) were negatively related to use. Greater access/availability of hearing protectors (OR = 1.75, p < .010) and male gender (OR = .43, p < .019) were positively related to use. The model correctly predicted use of hearing protection for 74% of the cases. Overall, farmers demonstrated low hearing protector use, and results were similar to those from previous studies of non-farm workers. Findings from this study will be useful in designing interventions to increase farmers' hearing protector use and decrease their rates of NIHL.
School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5482, USA. mcculla@umich.edu
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D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012648:Self Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support