Identifying risk and protective factors for mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional survey predicting stress, depression, and suicide ideation among Florida farmers.

INTRODUCTION: Due to a variety of personal factors and the nature of their occupation, farmers experience heightened levels of stress that can lead to more severe mental health outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of consistent measures to assess stress and farmer wellbeing nationwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental wellbeing of Florida farmers and identify risk and protective factors for perceived stress, sadness and depression, and suicide ideation.

METHODS: This research reports on survey responses from a sample of 373 adult Florida farmers collected from August-November 2024. We used t-tests, ANOVAs, chi-square analyses, multiple linear regression, and binary logistic regression to characterize and predict stress, sadness and depression, and suicide ideation using personal and farm-related items.

RESULTS: Farmers reported moderate stress (M = 23.61, SD = 8.19). T-tests and ANOVA results identified stress differences based on gender, marital status, income source, living arrangements, job satisfaction, age, farm role, farm type, and hours worked. The regression model for stress was significant, F(26, 259) = 6.939, p < 0.001. Age (p < 0.001), hours worked (p = 0.013), income source (p = 0.005), and job satisfaction (p < 0.001) predicted farmer stress. Of respondents, 66.9% of farmers reported feeling sad/depressed. Chi square analyses indicated significant differences in sadness/depression based on job satisfaction, farm type, living arrangements, and income source. The logistic regression model for sadness/depression was significant, χ2(9) = 136.756, p < 0.001. Sadness/depression was predicted by stress (p < 0.001), job satisfaction (p < 0.001), and farm managerial role (p = 0.037). Of respondents, 10.3% of respondents had ideated suicide in the last three months. Chi square analyses indicated differences in suicide ideation for age, relationship status, and job satisfaction. The logistic regression model for suicide ideation was significant, χ2(6) = 39.642, p < 0.001. Suicide ideation was predicted by stress (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.007-0.017), and marital status (p = 0.003).

DISCUSSION: Findings revealed personal and farming-related factors contributing to stress, sadness/depression, and suicide ideation. This study gathered needed baseline data regarding perceived stress, experiences with sadness and depression, and suicide ideation among Florida farmers that will be helpful for better understanding and, potentially, mitigating risk of Florida farmers' mental health crises in coming years. Recommendations focus on prioritizing prevention over crisis response to target stressors. Findings hold implications for agricultural industry leaders, health professionals, Extension and community educators, and policymakers seeking to address farmer health through legislation, educational programming, and outreach.