Citation

Carruth AK, Skarke L, Moffett B, Prestholdt C. J. Am. Med. Womens Assoc. (1972) 2001; 56(1): 15-18.

Affiliation

College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Ms., USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Medical Women's Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11202066

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the one-year incidence of nonfatal farm injuries among women actively engaged in farm work; to determine the distribution of these injuries by external cause, severity, and other characteristics; and to determine the potential risk factors for injuries among farm women. METHODS: A population-based study of the occurrence of agricultural injuries during the previous year was conducted in a stratified, random sample of 1096 actively working farm women in Texas and Louisiana. Sampling pools were generated from county plat listings in Texas and maintained mailing lists in Louisiana; counties were selected based on geographical and agricultural diversity. Eligible women were interviewed by phone about injury occurrences and patterns. RESULTS: The cumulative one-year incidence of farm injuries for women in this area was 5% (95% CI = 3.7-6.3), based on the number of farm women injured. Lower extremities were the most frequently injured body parts. The leading external causes were contact with foreign object/substance, falls, and overdoing/lifting/hauling. Most injuries occurred in the summer or spring. Factors predictive of increased injury risk in adjusted logistic regression included working on large-animal farms, more time spent in farm work, persistent back pain or weakness during the previous 12 months, driving a tractor, and hauling farm goods to market. Most women consulted physicians as a result of their injuries. CONCLUSION: Physicians are in a unique position to institute interventions to prevent risky behaviors.

Language: en