Reducing psychological distress and obesity in Australian farmers by promoting physical activity
2011

Reducing Psychological Distress and Obesity in Australian Farmers

Sample size: 70 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Brumby Susan, Chandrasekara Ananda, McCoombe Scott, Torres Susan, Kremer Peter, Lewandowski Paul

Primary Institution: National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service

Hypothesis

Increasing physical activity may improve psychological distress and obesity among Australian farmers.

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity on mental health and obesity in farmers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Farmers have a higher rate of obesity compared to national averages.
  • 45.9% of farmers were found to be psychologically distressed.
  • Physical activity can improve both physical and mental health.

Takeaway

This study is trying to help farmers feel better and lose weight by getting them to exercise more.

Methodology

A quasi-experimental control-intervention study with overweight farm men and women participating in an exercise program and receiving coaching.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data on physical activity and dietary habits.

Limitations

Participants with chronic illnesses or very high psychological distress were excluded.

Participant Demographics

Overweight farm men and women aged 18-75 from rural Victoria, Australia.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-362

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