[Health profile of farmers--a study from Djursland]

The aim of the study was to describe the pattern of illness and the incidence of diseases in a population of Danish full-time farmers. All members of the Farmers Association in Djursland, Jutland, Denmark, (n = 1309), were asked to complete a questionnaire. Of these, 896 (68.4%) accepted, of whom 610 were full-time farmers. The pattern of illness is described by the incidence of chronic disease, the incidence of specific disease, and the incidence of typical symptoms within the last 14 days. Furthermore, the incidence of work-related accidents and the use of medicine were registered. The data were compared with results from a similar investigation in the general Danish population. The incidence of disease in the locomotive and the respiratory system is higher among farmers. In contrast, the incidence of psychiatric and cardiovascular disease as well as insomnia appeared lower. In conclusion full-time farmers have an increased risk of suffering from certain diseases.