COVID-19 Prevalence and Prevention Behaviors Among US Certified Organic Producers. Issue 12 (7th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosero, Daisy V.; Soto Mas, Francisco; Sebastian, Rachel; Guldan, Steve; Casanova, Vanessa; Nervi, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 63:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: e937
• Page End: e943
• Publication Date: 2021-12-07
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- disease prevention -- farmer health -- health behavior -- organic agriculture -- organic producers; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental health; Medicine, Industrial; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-2752

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: There is a scarcity of data on the impact of the pandemic in farmers. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of certified organic producers through a 28-item self-reported paper or electronic survey. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach α to measure the internal consistency of a six-item prevention scale, and correlation and regression analyses. Results: A total of 344 records were computed. Infection rate among producers was 6.4%. Sex and farm size were the most statistically significant predictors of prevention behaviors. Women reported more use of prevention methods ( β = 0.333, P < 0.001) and those with 50 or more certified organic acres reporting less use of prevention methods ( β = –0.228, P < 0.001). Mask wearing was significantly related to lower COVID-19 prevalence. Conclusions: Determining prevalence and understanding how farmers follow prevention behaviors is essential for health care and public health interventions and policies.