Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Work Environment Factors among Dairy Farmers in Japan

Miho Sato, Hiromi Kato, Makiko Noguchi, Hiroshi Ono and Kuniyuki Kobayashi
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Miho Sato: Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Hiromi Kato: Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
Makiko Noguchi: Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing, Tokyo 150-0012, Japan
Hiroshi Ono: College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Tokyo 252-0880, Japan
Kuniyuki Kobayashi: Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: Dairy farmers are more likely than nonfarmers to experience high demands and are at risk of mental health problems. However, there is scarce evidence on the current state of psychological health and related factors among dairy farmers, and the knowledge of potential gender differences is limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and its association with work environment characteristics and to identify gender differences. Data were collected from 273 dairy farmer participants (169 males and 104 females) in Japan. Females were more likely to be depressed, and young and middle-aged women appeared to be at risk of depression. For both genders, a demanding work environment was related to depression. There were some gender differences; for example, worries about the harmful effects of pesticides on health and the balancing of family roles and work roles were related to depression in men, while worries about one’s financial situation and the health status of livestock were associated with depression in women. Females benefited from support through direct interaction, while males benefited from involvement in social activities. These findings will contribute to the development of a gender-specific approach to promote psychological health in the dairy farming community.

Keywords: dairy farmers; depressive symptoms; work environment factors; gender differences; Japan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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