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Examination of Symptoms of Depression among Cooperative Dairy Farmers

Author

Listed:
  • Yanni Liang

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Kai Wang

    (Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Brandi Janssen

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Carri Casteel

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Matthew Nonnenmann

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

  • Diane S. Rohlman

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA)

Abstract

Farmers experience a high risk of stress, depression, and suicide. Risk factors are well documented but protective factors are seldom examined. Social support has been reported to reduce psychological distress among the general population but its effect on farmers is inconclusive. Agricultural cooperatives are typically created and owned by farmers to secure markets, access supplies and services, and participate in decision-making. It is unknown whether having cooperative resources impacts symptoms of depression. A survey was used to examine whether having access to cooperative programs and social support impacted symptoms of depression among dairy farmers. Farm bankruptcies, stress, depression, and suicide were identified as ongoing concerns. Having social support and cooperative educational opportunities and mentorship programs were associated with decreased symptoms of depression. Conversely, having cooperative policy discussions was associated with increased symptoms of depression. Results suggest that social support can potentially reduce symptoms of depression among farmers and having access to cooperative resources can reduce or increase it, depending on the type of program. Our findings identified an opportunity to further examine how programs provided by farmer-led organizations such as cooperatives can impact stress, depression, and suicide among farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanni Liang & Kai Wang & Brandi Janssen & Carri Casteel & Matthew Nonnenmann & Diane S. Rohlman, 2021. "Examination of Symptoms of Depression among Cooperative Dairy Farmers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3657-:d:527931
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Reynolds, Bruce J., 1997. "Decision-Making in Cooperatives With Diverse Member Interests," Research Reports 280001, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
    2. Liebrand, Carolyn B., 2012. "Dairy Cooperatives in the 21st Century — The First Decade," Research Reports 280113, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fadare, Olusegun & Zanello, Giacomo & Srinivasan, Chittur, 2023. "Stressor or succour? Examining the association between conflict, livestock assets, and farmers’ mental health in Nigeria," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).

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