A comparison of health, health behavior, and access between farm and nonfarm populations in rural New York state.
BACKGROUND
Recent technological and demographic changes in US agriculture raise questions about whether the previously observed benefits of the agricultural lifestyle persist.


METHODS
In 2009, researchers conducted a household survey of 9,612 adults (aged 20+) in a rural region of Upstate New York. Data on health status, health behaviors, and health care access among farmers and rural nonfarm residents were compared.


RESULTS
After adjustment for age, gender, education, and having a regular health care provider, male farmers had elevated prevalence of asthma (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.05-3.16) and untreated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.12-9.01). Farmers had significantly lower hypercholesterolemia (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.99), but not lower prevalence of heart disease or stroke. Farmers had lower rates of smoking (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40-0.89) and higher rates of hard physical labor (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.83-3.72) than nonfarmers, but they had notably worse health behavior prevalence relative to various types of screening, vaccinations, and having a regular medical care provider (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39-0.71).


CONCLUSIONS
The farm population is becoming more like the rural nonfarm population with regard to health outcomes and lifestyle, yet it remains notably poorer with regard to prevention. Targeted outreach is needed to increase prevention within the agricultural community.
New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York.
Giulia
G
Earle-Richardson
Melissa
M
Scribani
Erika
E
Scott
John
J
May
Paul
P
Jenkins
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
agriculture; health disparities; observational data; social determinants of health; utilization of health services