Characteristics of suicide among farmers and ranchers: Using the CDC NVDRS 2003–2018

Abstract

Background Suicide is among the top 10 causes of premature death in the United States. This study provides details on farmer and rancher suicide decedents, including demographic information, mental health status, history of suicidal thoughts and attempts, and circumstances associated with death. Methods Data for this study were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Violent Death Reporting System Restricted Access Database for the years 2003–2018. Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios are presented for farm and nonfarm populations in addition to farm populations by age groups and sex. Results This study found that almost half of the farmer suicide decedents were over 65 years old. Firearms were the most widely used method for farmers and ranchers regardless of age and sex. Young farmers and ranchers that died by suicide were more likely to have had relationship problems and older farmers and ranchers that died by suicides were more likely to have had a physical health problem. Male farmer and rancher suicide decedents were more likely to die by firearm than females, and female farmer and rancher suicide decedents were likely to have resided in a small metropolitan area, however, due to small numbers and suppression in the data, most sex comparisons were not able to be presented. Conclusions While no clear risk factor for suicide among farmers and ranchers emerged, results underscore the complex nature of suicide and the need for multifaceted, culturally competent interventions and campaigns that address suicide risk and prevention at the individual and community levels.

25‐Year fatal workplace suicide trends in North Carolina: 1992–2017

“…The number of workplace fatalities by suicide reached the highest level on record in 2019 (the most recent year for which data are available) 7 . Research at the national and international levels have indicated specific industries may be more vulnerable to suicide or suicide ideation, including first responders, 8 agriculture, 9 and construction 10 . In addition to the psychological impact on the employees, families, and communities of the person who died by suicide, workplace suicides incur a significant economic cost due to medical, legal, and lost earnings due to premature mortality 11,12 …”

What Do Farmers Need for Suicide Prevention: Considerations for a Hard-to-Reach Population

“…It is, therefore, not surprising that this environmental hazard is very frequently involved with suicides within the farming population. 15 , 16 …”

“…It is, therefore, not surprising that this environmental hazard is very frequently involved with suicides within the farming population. 15,16 Agricultural values and culture are additional important considerations when exploring risk factors for suicide among farmers. Farmers often have great pride in their occupation, show a strong bond to their often multi-generational farms, and feel a sense of responsibility to their families to continue their work.…”

Cohort profile: The FarmMERGE project—Merging human and animal databases to investigate the relationship between farmer and livestock health and welfare. The HUNT Study

“…Research has shown that farmers in several countries experience a variety of health problems, often with epidemiological characteristics that differ from other occupations [8][9][10]. Working farmers have been found to be disproportionately affected by occupational injuries [11,12], chronic musculoskeletal problems [13,14], chronic respiratory conditions [15][16][17][18], depression, anxiety and suicide [19][20][21][22][23][24], and a general reduced quality of life in older age [25]. The gender and age demographics of farming populations, as well as socio-cultural characteristics, are amongst possible factors being explored [26,27].…”