title: Does farming have an effect on health status? A comparison study in west 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.
authors: Rural Medical Dispensary of Dokimio, Health Centre of Thermo, Thermo, GR-30008, Greece. kntemos@upatras.gr
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Demos
authors: Eleni
authors: E
authors: Sazakli
authors: Eleni
authors: E
authors: Jelastopulu
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Charokopos
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Ellul
authors: Michalis
authors: M
authors: Leotsinidis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D001663:Bilirubin; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium