Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Occupational Injuries and their Influence on the Health-Related Quality of Life Among Farmers Working in Small-Farm Enterprises

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases and occupational accidents and injuries, and to examine their association with the quality of life among a sample of Iranian farmers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 736 male farmers. Data on the prevalence of chronic diseases and occupational accidents and injuries was collected using an author-developed questionnaire, and the SF-36 questionnaire was used to obtain information on quality of life.Results: The prevalence of chronic diseases was 96.1%. Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), eye diseases and neurology diseases were the most prevalent diseases. Almost half of the farmers (42.7%) had experienced an occupational accident during the last 12 months and cuts and fractures accounted for the most frequent injuries. Sick leave was reported by 28.2% of the farmers and from those with history of accidents, 21.4% were hospitalized. A significant association was found between age and education level with quality of life. Most of the chronic diseases showed a significant and inverse association with quality of life, however, the strongest association was found for MSDs and mental disorders. Furthermore, the most important injury associated with quality of life was cuts and fractures.Conclusions: Based on the results, MSDs, mental disorders, and cut and fractures were the main determinants of the farmers’ quality of life. Hence, a better quality of life among farmers is especially dependent on eliminating ergonomics risk factors leading to developing musculoskeletal disorders, improving psychosocial work climate, and promoting occupational and personal safety culture.