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Mortality among farmers in Iceland
1Administration of Occupational Safety and Health, Reykjavik, Iceland.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study examined farmer mortality in Iceland, finding fewer deaths than expected from major causes. However, some cancer risks, like skin cancer, showed potential increases that require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Farmers' health is a key occupational health concern.
- Previous studies suggest varied mortality risks for agricultural workers.
- Icelandic farming populations offer a unique cohort for epidemiological study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of death among Icelandic farmers.
- To compare observed mortality rates with national expectations.
- To identify potential occupational health risks in farming.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Inclusion of 5923 Icelandic farmers with data from 1977-1985.
- Calculation of Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) against national rates.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality, including malignant neoplasms and ischemic heart disease, was lower than expected.
- Elevated SMRs were observed for skin cancer (2.30), Hodgkin's disease (1.71), leukemia (1.60), and brain cancer (1.23).
- These elevated risks did not reach statistical significance due to the study's limited follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- While overall mortality was lower than expected, specific cancer risks warrant further monitoring.
- The findings align with previous farmer mortality studies but require longer follow-up for statistical confirmation.
- Continued surveillance of cancer incidence in this cohort is recommended.