Chronic disease risk in central New York dairy farmers: Results from a large health survey 1989-1999

Background The agricultural workplace presents a variety of health and safety hazards; it is unknown whether farm work may be a risk factor for certain chronic diseases. Methods The health survey data from a large rural population in central New York were used from two studies (1989, 1999) to assess both 1999 prevalence and 10-year incidence of self-reported diabetes, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension among farm (predominantly dairy) and non-farm residents. The 1999 asthma prevalence was also assessed. Results Multiple logistic regression models for 1999 prevalence found statistically significant protective effects of farming for hypertension (OR = 0.83, P = 0.0105) and hypercholesterolemia (OR = 0.853, P = 0.0522). Non-significant results were seen for heart disease (OR = 0.67, P = 0.128) and diabetes (OR = 0.856, P = 0.1358). The model for 1999 asthma prevalence showed a significantly elevated risk for farming (OR = 1.542, P = 0.0004). Logistic models created for the 10-year incidence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and heart disease did not show a significant effect for farming. Conclusions The protective effect of farming observed for the 1999 prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was not seen for the 10-year incidence of these diseases. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.