Digging Deeper: Gender-Related Stressors and Coping Strategies Among Farmers (N=1,394)

Abstract

Background Farmer mental health - including stress levels, stressors, and coping mechanisms - has rarely been investigated in quantitative work. In addition, gender differences among farmers are seldom studied. Aims: The aim is to uncover gender-based disparities in stress experiences and coping strategies among agricultural workers. Methods: The study included 1,394 farmers (67.7% male, 32.3% female) from Georgia, USA, who completed an online questionnaire on various aspects of mental well-being. Results The findings highlight distinct differences in characteristics between male and female farmers, with a notable proportion of female farmers being first-generation, suggesting unique challenges for this subgroup. While Perceived Stress Scores were similar between genders, male farmers reported more unhappiness in their farm roles, while a significantly higher proportion of female farmers experienced depression 5-12 times per year. Additionally, females exhibited a slightly higher frequency of suicidal ideation. Stressors were generally consistent among farmers, yet females expressed greater concern about work-life balance and financial issues, while males were more worried about sexual issues and alcohol use. Coping mechanisms varied, with male farmers employing a wider array of strategies, including alcohol consumption as a prominent coping method. A stratified propensity score matching analysis was conducted to explore the gender effect on suicidal ideation. After controlling for relevant covariates, the gender difference in suicidal ideation disappeared. This suggests that gender-based stress responses may be influenced more by external stressors and environmental factors, potentially mediated by gender roles, rather than inherent sex differences. Conclusion: These findings underscore the significance of considering job-related variables when studying mental health outcomes in farmers, as these factors significantly influence suicidal ideation patterns. Identifying and addressing gender-specific challenges can inform targeted interventions to support the mental health and well-being of agricultural workers. Purpose Literature on the mental health of farmers has been scarce. The most common studies focus on the potential outcome of poor mental health, such as depression or suicide. Although some work is emerging on farmer’s stressors, there has not been a cross-sectional survey that compares male and female farmers’ stressors and coping mechanisms. Throughout this study, the term "farmers" will encompass agricultural workers of various roles, including farm workers, managers, and owners.