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Suicide mortality and pesticide use among Canadian farmers
W Pickett1, W D King, R E Lees
1Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. PickettW@post.queensu.ca
Background:
An exploratory, case-control study was used to investigate a new hypothesis about suicide among farm operators. This hypothesis suggested a biologically plausible link between exposures to certain pesticides and the occurrence of suicide among farm operators. These analyses were based on data from the Canadian Farm Operator Cohort.
Methods:
Canadian male farm operators who committed suicide between 1971-1987 (n = 1,457) were compared with a frequency matched (by age and province) sample of control farm operators (n = 11,656) who were alive at the time of death of individual cases. Comparisons focused on past exposures to pesticides reported to the 1971 Canada Census of Agriculture.
Results:
Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated no associations between suicide and (1) acres sprayed with herbicides, (2) acres sprayed with insecticides, and (3) the costs of agricultural chemicals purchased; after controlling for important covariates. There was, however, a suggestive increase in risk for suicide associated with herbicide and insecticide spraying among a subgroup of farm operators who were most likely to be directly exposed to pesticides: OR = 1.71 (95% CI = 1.08-2.71) for 1-48 vs. 0 acres sprayed. Additional risk factors that were identified included seasonal vs. year-round farm work (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.15-2.46); and high levels of paid labor on the farm (e.g., OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.24-2.10, for > 13 vs. 0 weeks per year). Factors that were protective included marriage (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.58-0.81), having more than one person resident in the farm house (e.g., two vs. one person; OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.42-0.92); and higher levels of education (e.g., postsecondary vs. primary; OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.17-0.96).
Conclusions:
This study does not provide strong support for the main hypothesis under study, that exposure to pesticides is an important risk factor for suicide among farmers. Although secondary to the main hypothesis, a number of other risk factors for suicide were suggested. These have implications for the future study and targeting of suicide prevention programs in rural Canada.
Insights
This study found no direct link between pesticide exposure and farmer suicide, but identified other risk factors like seasonal work and less education. Further research is needed for targeted suicide prevention programs in rural areas.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Investigated a novel hypothesis linking pesticide exposure to suicide risk in Canadian farm operators.
- Utilized data from the Canadian Farm Operator Cohort for an exploratory case-control study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between pesticide exposure and suicide among farm operators.
- To identify additional risk and protective factors for suicide in this population.
Main Methods:
- Compared 1,457 male farm operators who died by suicide (1971-1987) with 11,656 matched living controls.
- Analyzed past pesticide exposure data from the 1971 Canada Census of Agriculture using multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- No significant association found between suicide and overall herbicide/insecticide use or chemical costs.
- A suggestive increased suicide risk was observed for direct pesticide sprayers (OR = 1.71).
- Identified risk factors: seasonal farm work (OR = 1.68), high paid labor (OR = 1.61). Protective factors: marriage (OR = 0.69), cohabitation (OR = 0.62), higher education (OR = 0.40).
Conclusions:
- The study did not strongly support the hypothesis that pesticide exposure is a primary risk factor for farmer suicide.
- Highlighted other significant risk and protective factors, including socioeconomic and lifestyle elements.
- Findings suggest a need for revised suicide prevention strategies in rural agricultural communities.