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Mental Health and Substance Use of Farmers in Canada during COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Rochelle Thompson

    (Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada)

  • Briana N. M. Hagen

    (Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada)

  • Margaret N. Lumley

    (Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada)

  • Charlotte B. Winder

    (Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada)

  • Basem Gohar

    (Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
    Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada)

  • Andria Jones-Bitton

    (Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada)

Abstract

Farmers in Canada faced higher levels of mental distress than the general public prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and are generally less likely than the public to seek help. However, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on farmers in Canada remain unexplored. Our objective was to investigate mental health outcomes among farmers in Canada by gender and within the context of COVID-19. We conducted a national, online, cross-sectional survey of farmers in Canada (February–May 2021). The survey included validated scales of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, burnout (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, professional efficacy), alcohol use, resilience, and questions regarding participants’ perceived changes in these outcomes during the pandemic. Data were also collected on the impact of COVID-19 specific social and economic factors on mental health, help-seeking, and sense of community belonging through the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were summarized, and Chi-square analyses and t-tests were conducted to compare survey results between genders and to data collected in our similar 2016 survey and normative population data. A total of 1167 farmers participated in the survey. Participants scored more severely across scales than scale norms and the general Canadian population during COVID-19. Scale means were consistent between the 2016 and 2021 samples. Most participants with moderate to severe scores for any outcome reported worsening symptoms since the pandemic began. Women fared significantly worse than men across measures. Over twice as many women reported seeking mental health or substance use support during the pandemic than men. Participants rated the mental health impacts of all social and economic factors related to COVID-19 examined significantly ( p < 0.05) differently than the Canadian public. The pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of farmers in Canada and in ways that differ from the general population. National level and gender-specific mental health supports are needed to help improve the mental health of farmers in Canada.

Suggested Citation

  • Rochelle Thompson & Briana N. M. Hagen & Margaret N. Lumley & Charlotte B. Winder & Basem Gohar & Andria Jones-Bitton, 2022. "Mental Health and Substance Use of Farmers in Canada during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13566-:d:947614
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rochelle Thompson & Briana N. M. Hagen & Andria Jones-Bitton, 2023. "Tractors, Talk, Mindset, Mantras, Detachment, and Distraction: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Coping Strategies Used by Farmers in Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Rochelle Thompson & Briana N. M. Hagen & Margaret N. Lumley & Charlotte B. Winder & Basem Gohar & Andria Jones-Bitton, 2023. "“An Incredible Amount of Stress before You Even Put a Shovel in the Ground”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Farming Stressors in Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-23, April.

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