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Suicides among farmers in three southeastern states, 1990-1998
S R Browning1, S C Westneat, R H McKnight
1Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA. srbrown@email.uky.edu
Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
|December 3, 2008
Summary
Farmer suicides are higher in southeastern states, particularly among white males aged 25-34 and 85+. Firearm use was the primary method. Targeted interventions are needed for this vulnerable farming population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Farmer suicide rates are a documented public health concern.
- Previous research indicates higher suicide rates in farmers compared to other professions.
- Geographic variations in farmer suicide rates exist within the U.S.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of farmer suicides in Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina from 1990-1998.
- To identify demographic groups with elevated suicide risk within the farming population.
- To compare farmer suicide rates in the southeastern U.S. with other regions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electronic death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
- Analyzed data for suicides (E-codes 950-959) among farmers (occupation codes 473-479).
- Calculated relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for specific age groups.
Main Results:
- 590 farmer suicides were recorded in the three states during the study period.
- White male farmers showed increased suicide mortality compared to the general white male population.
- Significantly elevated suicide rates were observed in farmers aged 25-34, 75-84, and 85+ years.
- Firearms were the method of death in 86% of cases.
- Southeastern U.S. farmer suicide rates exceeded those in Midwestern states.
- North Carolina had a 35% higher age-adjusted suicide rate than South Carolina.
Conclusions:
- Confirms elevated suicide mortality among white male farmers in the southeastern U.S.
- Identifies specific age groups (younger and older adults) at higher risk.
- Highlights regional disparities in farmer suicide rates.
- Recommends targeted suicide prevention interventions for older male farmers.
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