Qualitative Analysis Following the Delivery of a Farmer Lifestyle Program

Background: Irish farmers are adversely affected by noncommunicable diseases. Although there has been an increase in farmer health promotion activities in Ireland, farmers views on lifestyle programs are currently unknown. Objectives: To qualitatively analyze the impact of the previously mentioned 6-week physical activity and health education intervention on farmer health and to investigate how best to support this cohort moving forward. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted online (two interviews, three focus groups) with fourteen Irish farmers (53.5 ± 6.5 years) who completed the 6-week program in December 2019. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Results: The main themes that emerged from this study were barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for lifestyle programs aimed to improve farmer health. Additional views on health and lifestyle behaviors were mentioned. Time of year was reported as the main barrier for farmers to engage in lifestyle programs. The key facilitators reported by farmers were the social health benefits obtained from the program and the farmer-specific nature of the program. Farmers suggested that physical activity and health education programs that are farmer-specific, delivered locally and catering for all fitness abilities should be more widely available to them. Although some farmers reported that they maintained the lifestyle behaviors they established during the initial 6-week program, follow-up supports are needed to encourage sustainable behavior change. Conclusions: Interventions that are farmer-specific, community-based, and feasible within the context of available resources may be effective in improving farmer health. Working in partnership with organizations that support farmers has the potential to improve farmer health.