Lead: Nicole Probst-Hensch, Swiss TPH
Aim and scope
In Switzerland, health and well-being of people living and working in Swiss agriculture have not yet been studied in detail. However, research from other countries shows that agricultural work is often associated with increased health risks, for example, due to accidents, environmental influences or economic pressure.
With the “FarmCoSwiss Study” we aim to establish a detailed understanding of health, well-being and quality of life in the agricultural population in Switzerland. Through our study, we will be able to identify positive aspects of agricultural professions in Switzerland study and describe potential health risks. In this way, agricultural professions can remain attractive in the future and the agricultural population can remain healthy.
Methods
The target population of the FarmCoSwiss study is adults aged 18 and above who are currently employed in agriculture and who live and work in Switzerland. People employed in agriculture are considered to be self-employed, people in full-time and part-time employment, as well as, for example, people who voluntarily work on a family farm. The study will be conducted by means of a questionnaire survey (electronic or hard copy) in summer/autumn 2022. The questionnaire includes questions about the person, the farm on which the person works, health and quality of life. In the final part of the questionnaire, study participants have the possibility to indicate whether we are allowed to contact them again in 1-year with a follow-up questionnaire and whether they are interested in participating in a separate study on plant protection, workload and health in Swiss agriculture.
Planned outputs
The FarmCoSwiss study will contribute to a better understanding of the health and quality of life of people working in Swiss agriculture. A central aspect of the study is to show how people working in Swiss agriculture perceive and prioritise health risks and health needs. Furthermore, we are interested in understanding whether personalised exposure profiles can facilitate change in attitudes and risk perception towards plant protection products and, thus, stimulate a willingness to reduce the use of plant protection products among both farmers and the rural population.
Overall, our intention with the “FarmCoSwiss study” is to make an essential contribution to the future promotion of health and well-being of people in Swiss agriculture. For this, a solid understanding of the needs and perceptions of Swiss farmers is central.
