Nearly one third of Irish farmers drink at 'harmful' levels, a study into mental health in the farming community has concluded.
The study by DCU questioned 351 Irish farmers using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool and found that 28% were teetotal, 43% were moderate drinkers and 29% were drinking at a level harmful to their health.
Dr Anna Donnla O’Hagan of DCU’s School of Human Health and Performance described herself as “really concerned” about the findings.“So, what they’re doing is [drinking] to harmful levels where it’s actually having an impact where they can’t go about their daily work, their school, their family life,” she told“Also, with regards drug use also, it’s one in 20 of our sample recorded using substances - whereas 1% of the population that we measured are actually using it at harmful levels.
Among the 5% of Irish farmers who use drugs, 78% exceeded Drug Use Disorders Identification Test level of concern.Dr Donnla O’Hagan said farming is a “high-pressured occupation where they’re in very serious situations.”“So, it’s the fact that this alcohol and drug use is actually impacting negatively on their normal functioning life and that’s what we’re really concerned with.
Alternatively, they can ring the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.
España Últimas Noticias, España Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Irish gather in London to celebrate and mourn Sinéad O’ConnorThe London Irish Centre in Camden hosts an impromptu wake as Irish people, and especially Irish women, come together to celebrate her life
Leer más »
Penneys topped €693 million in Irish sales last yearIn the accounts the company said it plans to invest over €250 million in Ireland over the next nine years
Leer más »
Sinéad O’Connor: ‘Nobody wants females running the world’Podcast: In an extended episode of The Women's Podcast in 2021, Sinéad O’Connor spoke to Róisín Ingle about her extraordinary memoir Rememberings, her childhood and her singular musical career.
Leer más »
Has Lloyds’ United Kingdom tax row over Irish losses come to a head?Losses stem from bank’s sale of a mainly dire portfolio of €32bn in Irish loans inherited via 2008 HBOS merger
Leer más »
The subtle magic of the GAA has romanced me from the sidelinesIrish life is sprinkled with soft bolts of personal GAA significance mixed up with nostalgia
Leer más »