Psychological Well-Being, Physical Health, and the Quality of Life of a Group of Farm Workers in South Africa: The FLAGH Study

Abstract

This study explored the psychological well-being, physical health, and quality of life of a group of farm workers (N = 52) from three commercial farms in the North West Province of South Africa, as well as the relations among these facets. A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was followed. Psychological well-being and quality of life were measured by means of scales validated for use in a Setswana-speaking group. Physical health was measured with standardized instruments to collect physiological and nutritional information. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. Even though they provide vital glimpses of resilience, participants reported relatively low levels of well-being, poor physical health, nutritional deficiencies, poor quality of life, and a lack of primary health education and supportive health infrastructure. Women revealed the highest heart rate and most negative mental health outcomes while men revealed higher alcohol intakes. There are observable relations between indicators of physical health and general psychological well-being, as well as other psychosocial variables. Findings show the importance of context in understanding well-being and the simultaneous manifestation of problems. Suggestions for future policy directions, further research, and possible programme interventions are made.KeywordsPositive PsychologyFarm WorkerFarm OwnerUnfair Labour PracticeNorth West ProvinceThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.