A new study has found that there is a high prevalence of respiratory problems in farmers.
The Irish Farmers Lung Health Study, undertaken by investigators from Galway University Hospital and Saolta University Health Care Group, was prompted by prevalence of respiratory problems in farmers in other countries and by recent reports of increasing mortality rates within the Irish farming community.
The study took place at the 2013 Ploughing Championship, where over 400 farmers agreed to complete an investigator-delivered questionnaire and undergo lung function testing.
Almost two-thirds reported one or more chronic respiratory symptoms
Professor Anthony O'Regan, consultant respiratory physician, University Hospital Galway said: "Remarkably, almost two-thirds reported one or more chronic respiratory symptoms. Most were non-smokers (91%) yet 13% had a pre-existing diagnosis of obstructive lung disease and 12% demonstrated abnormal lung function. Unlike non-farming populations, obstruction on lung function testing was not associated with smoking but rather appeared to occur in those patients with symptoms or a prior diagnosis of asthma or hay-fever".
Farmers lung, which was previously thought to be common in Ireland, was reported by less then 1%. It was also found that 89% of farming participants were overweight, with average BMI of 29 kg/m2.
Irish farmers are almost seven times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease
Separately, the IFA is supporting getting farmers heart healthy. Irish farmers are almost seven times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD), mainly heart disease and stroke, than the lowest risk occupational group which is saleried employees.
Recent research has also found that 80% of farmers have four or more risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and overweight.
Farmers Have Hearts, which is funded by the HSE, provides free health checks by Irish Heart Foundation nurses to farmers at marts and since 2013, 2,800 farmers have been checked, with 72% advised to see their GP.
IFA president Joe Healy has strongly urged farmers to get their health checked, saying: "Often farmers can take a stand-back attitude to their health, and are reluctant to see a doctor even if they have a particular concern. Our message is that having a health check will either put your mind at ease, or set you on the right course to improve your health and lifestyle either way, getting a check-up is a smart thing to do."
Disproportionate affect
Maureen Mulvihill, head of health promotion, Irish Heart Foundation, said: "Farmers are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, despite a common perception that they live healthy, active lives. Farmers Have Hearts has shown that the most prevalent risk for CVD among male farmers is overweight or obesity at 86% and 82% had a family history of heart disease."
The IFA and IHF health checks are taking place in 12 venues around the country and can be booked through local IFA offices.
Read more
Iron overload - haemochromatosis
A new study has found that there is a high prevalence of respiratory problems in farmers.
The Irish Farmers Lung Health Study, undertaken by investigators from Galway University Hospital and Saolta University Health Care Group, was prompted by prevalence of respiratory problems in farmers in other countries and by recent reports of increasing mortality rates within the Irish farming community.
The study took place at the 2013 Ploughing Championship, where over 400 farmers agreed to complete an investigator-delivered questionnaire and undergo lung function testing.
Almost two-thirds reported one or more chronic respiratory symptoms
Professor Anthony O'Regan, consultant respiratory physician, University Hospital Galway said: "Remarkably, almost two-thirds reported one or more chronic respiratory symptoms. Most were non-smokers (91%) yet 13% had a pre-existing diagnosis of obstructive lung disease and 12% demonstrated abnormal lung function. Unlike non-farming populations, obstruction on lung function testing was not associated with smoking but rather appeared to occur in those patients with symptoms or a prior diagnosis of asthma or hay-fever".
Farmers lung, which was previously thought to be common in Ireland, was reported by less then 1%. It was also found that 89% of farming participants were overweight, with average BMI of 29 kg/m2.
Irish farmers are almost seven times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease
Separately, the IFA is supporting getting farmers heart healthy. Irish farmers are almost seven times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD), mainly heart disease and stroke, than the lowest risk occupational group which is saleried employees.
Recent research has also found that 80% of farmers have four or more risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and overweight.
Farmers Have Hearts, which is funded by the HSE, provides free health checks by Irish Heart Foundation nurses to farmers at marts and since 2013, 2,800 farmers have been checked, with 72% advised to see their GP.
IFA president Joe Healy has strongly urged farmers to get their health checked, saying: "Often farmers can take a stand-back attitude to their health, and are reluctant to see a doctor even if they have a particular concern. Our message is that having a health check will either put your mind at ease, or set you on the right course to improve your health and lifestyle either way, getting a check-up is a smart thing to do."
Disproportionate affect
Maureen Mulvihill, head of health promotion, Irish Heart Foundation, said: "Farmers are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, despite a common perception that they live healthy, active lives. Farmers Have Hearts has shown that the most prevalent risk for CVD among male farmers is overweight or obesity at 86% and 82% had a family history of heart disease."
The IFA and IHF health checks are taking place in 12 venues around the country and can be booked through local IFA offices.
Read more
Iron overload - haemochromatosis
SHARING OPTIONS