Suizidalität in der deutschen Landwirtschaft: Perspektiven von Fach- und Beratungskräften – eine Querschnittstudie
摘要
Given the lack of empirical data on suicidality among farmers in Germany, the aim was to survey the views on this topic among professionals and volunteers who offer counseling, advice, and support in the agricultural sector.
MethodsData collection was part of a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. The concept, implementation, and evaluation were carried out by the working group on suicide prevention in the sector of agriculture of the National Suicide Prevention Program (NaSPro). Data are based on information provided by 439 persons who offer counseling, advice, and support from around 70 organizations in Germany (nonprobabilistic sample).
ResultsAcross the specialist areas covered by the participants, suicidality is perceived as a frequent and increasing issue. The participants perceive men, middle-aged persons, current farm managers, small to medium-sized farms, and livestock farms as particularly affected groups. Suicidality seems to be caused by multiple influencing factors, primarily the experience of threatened livelihoods. The participants express a desire for prevention and are open to further training on the topic of suicidal tendencies in the agricultural sector.
ConclusionThe study highlights a field that has been little researched to date from an expert perspective and is characterized by a very high and broad level of participation. Even though the population is not defined and the sample is nonprobabilistic, there are no substantial indications of selectivity. The results provide the working group with a basis for recommendation for suicide preventive strategies and promoting gatekeeper skills.