The agrarian imperative as the foundation for how farmers and ranchers diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome find meaning in their experience: A mixed methods approach

The agrarian imperative is the drive of agricultural workers to use their land to provide for their families and communities, even when the environment is hazardous and success is often out of their control. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an emerging tickborne allergy to mammalian derived products, is challenging the agrarian imperative by impacting the workers ability to maintain their operation. This study aimed to characterize farmers and ranchers experiences after receiving an AGS diagnosis related to their land and their work. Using the framework of the agrarian imperative theory and a mixed methods approach, we aimed to determine the impact on daily work tasks, the wellbeing burden of the diagnosis, the financial challenges of the operation and daily life, and dietary changes. Survey data from 201 farmers and ranchers diagnosed with AGS were analyzed alongside qualitative data from interviews with 14 participants. The respondents felt as though their wellbeing was affected, and felt distressed, depressed, and anxious. Anxiety was the most frequently reported mental health impact of AGS due to forced dietary changes, but distress was more highly associated with work factors. Nearly half of the sample were experiencing distress due to having to modify their work tasks and worrying about the productivity of the agricultural operation. We found agricultural operators with animals are more likely to experience greater work challenges. Maintaining a productive farm was the most important objective and reflects the agrarian imperative, but additional costs associated with AGS complicates their work and life.