A study by Teagasc has found that one in five Irish farmers has never visited a doctor and that Irish farmers had significantly higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, cancers and any cause of death compared to other occupational groups.

The study which was carried out on both full-time and part-time farmers across all sectors and age groups (under 45, 45-64 and 65+) also found that 57% of farmers reported having visited a doctor in the past 12 months, which is somewhat lower than the national average for Irish males (65%).

Main issues

Of those who reported ill health over the last year, lower back pain, arthritis and anxiety were their may cause for concern.

The study also showed that farmers over 45 were significantly more likely to report having arthritis, with the proportion of those reporting rheumatoid arthritis being three times higher than the national average of Irish males.

Other trends which the survey identified included that "working identity" tended to be highly important for farmers as work might be put ahead of any other responsibilities in life, such as health and that the majority of farmers (88%) reported regular consumption of alcohol, with 22% reporting weekly drinking, which is considerably lower than the 60% national average for Irish male.

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