Seasonal and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Farmer Suicide: National Violent Death Reporting System 2014-2021.

Ward JM, Blosnich JR. Seasonal and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Farmer Suicide: National Violent Death Reporting System 2014-2021. Rural mental health. 2025 Jul 1; 49(3):166-176, DOI: 10.1037/rmh0000303.

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Abstract:

Farmers are disproportionately affected by suicide, necessitating culturally appropriate interventions. This analysis sought to identify factors related to suicides among United States farmers and farm workers from 2014-2021 and examine seasonality trends compared to those in the general population. Data from the National Violent Death Resources System (NVDRS) Restricted Access Database were used. Bivariate statistics and logistic regression investigated correlates (month, meteorological season, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, stressors, and age) predicting farmer versus nonfarmer suicides. After filtering occupation codes and death dates, 3,410 farming and 207,501 nonfarming individuals were included. In unadjusted models, farmer decedents were significantly more likely than nonfarmers to be older, male, White, and married or in a domestic partnership or civil union, with lower educational attainment. Spring and summer showed the highest prevalence of suicide among both groups. In unadjusted models, farmers were significantly more likely to have experienced a physical health problem but not more likely than nonfarmers to have experienced a financial stressor. In adjusted models, meteorological season, month of death, and physical or financial problems were not significant predictors for farmer versus nonfarmer suicide, but age, race, marital status, sex, and education level were. The peak of suicides in warmer seasons and socio-demographic differences are consistent with previous findings. Financial stressors were no different than those of the general population, suggesting farmers require coping strategies beyond financial ones. The findings provide implications for future research and public health interventions aimed at reducing farmer suicide, especially the timing.