Self-neglect levels and unhealthy behaviours of individuals working in agriculture

Abstract Agricultural workers face health risks from poor conditions, self-neglect, and unhealthy behaviors, yet no studies in the literature have examined these specific factors among this population. This study primarily aimed to explore self-neglect and unhealthy behaviors in agricultural workers, and secondarily to examine the relationship between self-neglect levels and unhealthy behaviors. The sample consisted of 230 individuals aged ≥60 years working in agriculture. Data were collected by Personal Information Form, Self-Neglect Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Mini Nutritional Test and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The mean age of agricultural workers was 67.30±5.90 years, with a mean of 39.13±14.38 years of agricultural experience. The mean self-neglect score was 8.00±1.82 and, 34.3% neglected themselves. Regarding unhealthy behaviours, 21.7% of the participants smoked, 6.1% drank alcohol, 7.4% did not consume vegetable-fruit daily and 42.2% did not use personal protective equipment. One-third (32.6%) had a nutritional status at risk, 39.6% were slightly overweight and 24.8% were obese. Of these, 21.3% did not have adequate physical activity level and 78.7% had poor sleep quality. Self-neglect scores were found to be significantly lower in those whose education level was primary school or below, who did not use personal protective equipment, whose income was less than their expenses, who had poor sleep quality and who did not consume vegetable-fruit daily (p<.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that income level, daily vegetable-fruit consumption, use of protective equipment, and sleep quality significantly predicted self-neglect. One-third of agricultural workers neglected themselves, and many participants engaged in unhealthy behaviors. Social and structural factors affecting agricultural workers’ self-neglect and harmful behaviors should be examined to guide effective health services, education and occupational health policies. Key messages • To reduce the incidence of unhealthy behaviours and improve overall public health, it is important to recognise and address self-neglect among agricultural workers. • Healthcare expenses and long-term health hazards among older agricultural workers can be reduced by customized interventions depending on self-neglect levels.