Læknablaðið - 15.10.2009, Blaðsíða 23

FRÆÐIGREINAR
RANNSÓKN
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General health in lcelandic farmers
Background: There is a limited information on the general
health of lcelandic farmers. It has been suggested that
it might be worse than among other professions. This
is thought to be in part because of the unique work
environment of farmers.The aims of the study were to
compare the general health of animal farmers with a group
of non-farmers, and test the hypothesis that animal farmers
overall have a better general health than non-farmers.
Methods: A cross sectional study of all animal farmers in
lceland operating running a farm of more than 100 animal
(sheep) units compared with a group of non-farmers. A
total of 2042 farmers were sent a detailed questionnaire
concerning general health symptoms and doctor visits
(response rate 54%). The comparison group consisted of
1500 randomly chosen non-farming individuals (response
rate 46%).
Results: Farmers comprised more males, were older
and smoked less than non-farmers. When general
health symptoms for the last 12 months were compared
between farmers and non-farmers, minor differences
were noted. Farmers less commonly had restless legs,
fatigue, diarrhea, allergy and hearing loss. There were no
differences in doctor visits for many chronic diseases such
as diabetes and hypertension despite the age difference
between the groups. Repeated absence from work was
less common among farmers and they had shorter sick
leaves than comparison group.
Conclusions: Minor differences were noted in general
symptoms and doctor visits between farmers and non-
farmers despite the fact that farmers were older. Absence
from work for illness is less common among farmers. This
study suggest that farmers general health is not worse
than that of others.
Gudmundsson G.Tomasson K.
General health in lcelandic farmers lcel Med J 2009; 95:655-9.
Key words: Farming, general health, sick leave, symptoms, allergy, doctor visit.
Correspondence: Gunnar Guðmundsson, ggudmund@landspitali.is
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Barst: 18. mars 2009, - samþykkt til birtingar: 2. september 2009
LÆKNAblaðið 2009/95 659