A new study by a Teagasc scholar says ideas about masculinity and identity are stopping me farmers from seeking help for both their physical and mental health.
Irish male farmers experience some of the highest levels of adverse health outcomes relative to other occupations – particularly in relation to heart disease, cancers and mental health.
Despite this, many farmers do not seek help until their illness reaches crisis point.
The study “That’s Me I am the Farmer of the Land”: Exploring Identities, Masculinities, and Health Among Male Farmers’ in Ireland’ was conducted by a collaborative group from Teagasc, the National Centre for Men’s Health (NCMH) at Institute of Technology, Carlow, and the Centre for Health Behaviour Research in Waterford Institute of Technology.
Lead author and Teagasc Walsh Scholar Conor Hammersley commented: “Many farmers view seeking help as an ‘admission of failure’ and a betrayal of a masculine image of themselves as men and farmers. They tend to prioritise farm work and the health of their animals over their own health and safety.”
The study identified a sense of obligation on the part of male farmers to put their ‘bodies on the line’ and, consequently, sacrifice their health.
It also found that how male farmers socially identify and express themselves, can lead them to delay seeking help for physical and mental health needs.
For many farmers the act of opposing health-enhancing behaviors, or help-seeking behavior could be seen as an active demonstration of manliness and part of ‘being a farmer’.
The authors’ argue that the associated behaviours of what many perceive to be ‘manly’ behaviour needs to be exposed as a construct that is inherently unhealthy, additionally noting that - without further attention to male farmers’ health and the factors that make them particularly vulnerable - they will be left unsupported, and in danger of adding to the poor health statistics.
The next stage of the project now aims to develop a training programme, titled ‘On Feirm Ground’, to take into consideration farmers’ concerns by providing farm advisors and consultants with the knowledge and skills to support farmers to be proactive in managing their health.
