Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Mandy Meyer

Abstract

Title: Addressing Health Care Needs of Farmers in Rural Areas through the Lens of Occupational Therapy

Background: Over three million farmers and farm laborers across the United States (U.S.) perform one of the most essential careers to support human life (Hildebrand et al., 2019; USDA, 2020). Farming is considered a highly dangerous job, putting farmers at risk for numerous health concerns, with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (Fethke et al., 2015; Hildebrand et al., 2019). Low back pain is a leading source of musculoskeletal pain, closely followed by neck pain, both of which are associated with the spine (Davis & Kotowski, 2007; Fethke et al., 2015). Musculoskeletal pain can lead to a decrease in occupational engagement and overall farm productivity (Fethke et al., 2015).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to address the healthcare needs experienced by the farming population. The educational booklet entitled Spine Care for Farmers: Occupational Health in the Farming Community offers education and simple recommendations for the farming population to reduce the risk of injury associated with the spine while performing common agricultural activities.

Methodology: The Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model was utilized to guide the scholarly project during all phases of development (Dunn, 2017; Dunn et al., 1994). An extensive literature search was completed through various databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL Complete, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, and the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT). Evidence from the literature search was summarized into a comprehensive literature review. A staff survey, observation, and informal discussions were utilized to conduct a needs assessment at the experiential site to obtain further evidence to guide the project.

Conclusion: The Spine Care for Farmers: Occupational Health in the Farming Community booklet was created to fill a gap within the farming population to reduce occurrences of musculoskeletal injuries and pain from the intense demands of agricultural activities. The projected outcome of the project is to educate the farming population on the topic of musculoskeletal health and to provide simple recommendations to reduce the risk of back and neck pain to better support occupational engagement.

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