Factors Associated with Anxiety Symptoms among Filipino Farmers in Central Luzon: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Authors

  • Har-li T. Young Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5873-4336
  • Dina Marie Yalong Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Vinace S. Guingguing Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Van Irish S. Ventilacion Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Merimae S. Villamayor Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Peter Verona G. Villangca Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • William M. Manengyao, Jr. Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Ma. Beatrice M. Vega Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Alina Marea C. Zaño Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial
  • Maria Teresa Sanchez-Tolosa, MD, D Clin Epi College of Medicine, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5660-0054

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.11470

Keywords:

farmers, agriculture, Central Luzon, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7

Abstract

Background and Objective. Filipino farmers face unique occupational challenges that increase the risk of mental health issues, particularly anxiety. This study aims to determine the different personal, environmental, socioeconomic, occupational, and psychosocial factors associated with anxiety symptoms among Filipino farmers in Central Luzon.

Methods. Chain referral sampling method was used to recruit participants for the study, who underwent screening based on the eligibility criteria. Eligible participants were then asked about anxiety symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), while the validated, researcher-constructed Data Collection Tool for Factors Associated with Anxiety Symptoms (DCFAAS) was used to determine the farmers’ exposure to a variety of factors. Microsoft Excel was utilized in computing for frequency and percent distribution of participants, in each factor. Binary logistic regression was used to compute crude and adjusted odds ratio of each factor thru IBM SPSS Statistics®.

Results. Among the 113 eligible farmers enrolled in the study, only 19 (16.8%) experienced anxiety symptoms, with excessive worrying, which was seen among 45 participants (39.8%). The mental health of Filipino farmers was significantly affected by the presence of physical illness (OR = 10.70 [95% CI 1.367, 83.773]) and having relatives affecting work completion (OR = 6.45 [95% CI 1.346, 30.896]). 

Conclusion. Despite the low prevalence of anxiety symptoms in this study, the findings suggest government policies to improve mental health service access to farmers, to integrate psychosocial support into agricultural programs, and to address family-related work pressures. By addressing these factors, it can improve farmer productivity and promote overall well-being, putting emphasis on the mental health of the Filipino farmers.

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Published

2025-03-04

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Factors Associated with Anxiety Symptoms among Filipino Farmers in Central Luzon: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 4 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];. Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/11470