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Assessing Ohio Farmers: Determining Factors That Affect Their Quality Of Life

Windon, Suzanna R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397781453

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Agricultural and Extension Education.
The purpose of this study was to describe and explore factors which may influence the quality of life of farmers enrolled and not enrolled in the Ohio AgrAbility program (OAP) and to examine the differences between these two groups. The Ohio AgrAbility program promotes independence for farmers who want to continue farming after experiencing a disabling condition. The descriptive-exploration design of this study was based on survey research. A 34-item questionnaire was developed and utilized. Two constructs were analyzed based on social-demographic questions: external-environmental factors and work-health- leisure factors. Two groups of farmers were studied: those enrolled and not enrolled in the Ohio AgrAbility Program. There was a potential population of 55 farmers in OAP. Non-enrolled respondents comprised a convenience sample of farmers who participated in agricultural annual meetings, conferences, and extension programs. A total of 433 farmers completed the Quality of Life survey. The findings of this study can be summarized as follows: 1) The sample of farmers with disabilities reported more stress, had a negative outlook on life, and were not satisfied with their quality of life. 2) Farmers not in OAP reported less stress per week, had a positive outlook on life and they more satisfaction with their quality of life. 3) Ohio farmers identified negative factors affecting their quality of life to be financial pressures, agricultural costs, market prices, and state regulations. 4) Significant associations were found between Ohio farmers’ quality of life and their gender, net cash income, outlook on life, health issues, and stress. Federal, state, and local agencies with rural and farm populations and extension professionals can utilize these findings to better understand farmers’ perceptions, feelings, life outlook and other aspects affecting their quality of life. Having this background will enable agencies and educators to develop educational programs and organize appropriate training materials to meet farmers’ needs. Overall, all farmers showed a need for programs related to stress management, getting enough sleep, and balancing farm work with family life during their busy season. With this information, stakeholders can help farm families have a more positive outlook on life and ultimately increase their overall quality of life.
S. Dee Jepsen (Advisor)
Scott Scheer (Committee Member)
122 p.
Agriculture
Ohio Farmers; Quality of Life; Ohio AgrAbility Program

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Windon, S. R. (2014). Assessing Ohio Farmers: Determining Factors That Affect Their Quality Of Life [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397781453

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Windon, Suzanna. Assessing Ohio Farmers: Determining Factors That Affect Their Quality Of Life. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397781453.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Windon, Suzanna. "Assessing Ohio Farmers: Determining Factors That Affect Their Quality Of Life." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397781453

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1397781453
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.