Navigating Complex Family and Social Support Systems Following an Agricultural Injury: A Qualitative Study of the True Burden of Injury.

Abstract

Objectives: Farm injuries impact more than the farmer, they affect family members, the community, and the local economy. In the Northeastern United States, while technology has improved safety measures significantly, rates of agricultural injuries, and fatalities are still very high.

Methods: In this study, we spoke with farmers who experienced a traumatic work injury as well as farm-support professionals to better understand the burden of agricultural injuries on the farmer and those closest to them. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded in NVIVO 12.

Results: Using qualitative thematic analysis approach when coding and analyzing the interview dialogue, two prominent themes emerged; i) the role of familial support post-injury and, ii) the burden of navigating a complex administrative system when seeking assistance. The injured farmers that lacked strong family support struggled to keep their businesses viable and often felt isolated and overwhelmed. In these cases, mental health counselors acted much like surrogate family members by providing emotional and structural support, but in a limited capacity. Between both the farmers and farm-support professionals interviewed, many expressed their frustrations with the time-consuming and ineffective administrative processes that injured farmers experience when trying to obtain social assistance such as unemployment, disability, or assistive technology.

Conclusion: These data may be used to better inform policy recommendations that affect injured farmers.