Aoife Osborne

Comparison of Uptake of Colorectal Cancer Screening Based on Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) in Males and Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in males and the second in females worldwide. Incidence and mortality are higher in men than women. Colorectal cancer screening is effective in reducing mortality. Internationally, fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is increasingly being recommended as the primary screening test. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether uptake of FIT screening differs between men than women. Methods: We searched PubMed and Embase for peer-reviewed articles published in English during 2000–2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) or observational studies of screening using FIT that quantified numbers invited and participating by gender. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Results: Six hundred and eighty-five citations were identified, 19 meeting the inclusion criteria. Random effects meta-analysis found male uptake was significantly lower than female uptake [odds ratio (OR), 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–0.95; P < 0.01]. This generally persisted throughout subgroup analysis of study design (RCTs vs. observational studies and study quality), screening organization (methods of invitation, number of samples, age range of screening, recommendations, and reminders), and setting. Conclusions: Meta analysis of FIT screening studies indicates significantly lower uptake among men. Impact: Further investigation is required into factors influencing acceptability and participation of FIT screening in both sexes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 39–47. ©2014 AACR.

The lived experience of low back pain among Irish farmers: case studies.

ABSTRACT Low back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among farmers. There is limited researching regarding the lived experience of LBP among farmers. Video interviews were conducted with three dairy farmers who reported having a significant episode of LBP. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed, and results were presented in relation to the constructs explored. The farmers experienced their first significant episode of LBP in their late 20s or early 30s and all attributed their LBP to farm work or a farm-related incident. Hours worked per day ranged from 9 to 13 hours. Tasks identified by farmers that they were unable to do due to LBP included physical work, working with sheep, building work, and “certain jobs.” Work changes made due to LBP included getting help, slowing down, avoiding strenuous work, carrying smaller loads, mechanizing the farm, using the tractor more, and wearing a back belt for certain jobs. Each farmer had his own way of preventing or managing his LBP, including a mix of active self-management and passive coping strategies such as swimming, using ice, spinal manipulation, and taking medication. The farmers were unable to quantify how much their LBP had cost them directly or indirectly. The case studies illustrate farmers engaging in ongoing work despite significant pain. All of the farmers have adapted at work and engaged in self-management strategies to reduce the occurrence of LBP. Given the rich data produced by these case studies, future case studies are recommended to gain greater insights into farmers’ experiences concerning LBP.

Staying Fit for Farming—A Health Booklet Designed for Irish Farmers

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to design a health booklet specifically targeted to farmers with clear and understandable messages through the use of simple terminologies, pictures, agricultural references, and farmer-related case studies; and to maximize the profile and reach of the booklet to empower farmers to take increased control of their own health. Seven focus groups were carried out with farmers and professionals from the agricultural sector to explore the health needs of farmers and their attitudes and behaviors in relation to their health. Findings from these focus groups informed the content and design of the booklet “Staying Fit for Farming—A Health Booklet for Farmers.” This booklet was launched on 25 September 2013 and received widespread publicity in both print and broadcast media. A high-quality print resolution of the booklet was made available nationally (approximately 70,500 print circulation sales) through the Irish Farmers Journal on 25 January 2014. The journal included a feature on the booklet, encouraging farmers to see the booklet as an important resource for their health and as a long-term source of health information. The booklet has been adopted by the Irish Heart Foundation as a resource for its “Farmers Have Hearts—Heart Health Checks” program. The booklet has helped push farmers’ health into the forefront identifying health as a key driver of “staying fit for farming.” The approach taken to consult with farmers and farm organizations helped ensure maximum buy-in from the target group to hopefully motivate farmers to take increased responsibility for their own health.

Farmers Have Hearts: The Prevalence of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Among a Subgroup of Irish Livestock Farmers

ABSTRACT Objectives: Despite international findings that farmers have better health outcomes than other occupation groups, Irish farmers are found to be a high-risk group for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early detection of CVD through preventive health measurements, such as screening of high-risk groups, can contribute to a reduction of CVD cases. Farmers, however, represent a “challenging” group in terms of engaging in preventive health behaviors. This study examined the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among male Irish livestock farmers who participated in heart screening as part of a workplace health intervention. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from a convenience sample (N = 310) of farmers. Consent included permission to analyze the heart screening results and to participate in two follow-up questionnaires by phone at Week 1 (n = 224) and Week 12 (n = 172). All data were entered onto the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) and both descriptive and inferential statistics were compiled. Results: Almost one in two (46%; n = 140) farmers had high blood pressure (≥140/≥90 mm Hg), and 46% (n = 140) had elevated total cholesterol. One third of farmers were found to be obese (35%; n = 110). The vast majority (83%; n = 255) had at least four risk factors for CVD based on the outcomes of the heart screening. Conclusion: The study findings in relation to obesity and the prevalence of multiple risk factors for CVD are a particular cause of concern and shed considerable light on the current excess burden of CVD among farmers in Ireland.

Low Back Pain Among Irish Farmers

Background Farming is regarded as a high-risk work sector for LBP. Purpose To establish prevalence, risk factors and consequences of LBP among Irish farmers. Methods A questionnaire survey, using quota sampling, to achieve 100 farmers from each of the six main farm enterprise systems (n=600) namely dairy, dairy and other, cattle rearing, cattle other, mainly sheep and arable. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests. Results Lifetime, annual and point prevalence of LBP were 46% (n=277), 24% (n=146) and 13% (n=78), respectively. Of those with a lifetime history of LBP, 35% attributed their LBP to a specific farm injury and 36% to repeated activities. Lifting was reported as the primary causal factor in over 50% of cases. Prevalence of LBP was significantly higher among farmers with less than 20 hectares or more than 50 hectares of land(p Conclusion LBP is common among farmers. Over a third of farmers with LBP attributed it to a specific farm injury and lifting is commonly perceived as a causal factor. LBP leads to work disability that necessitates farmers changing work habits and getting help to complete farm tasks. The relationship between farm size and LBP warrants further investigation. Conflicts of interest None Sources of Funding Health and Safety Authority, Teagasc (Irish Agricultural Advisory Board) This abstract has not been published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented at a national meeting.