Farmers' suicides

Farmers' suicides

A recent review of the international epidemiological literature has shown an increased risk of death by suicide among workers in the agricultural sector. The latest surveillance studies conducted by Santé publique France in collaboration with the Caisse centrale de la mutualité sociale agricole (CCMSA) are part of the 2016–2020 National Plan for Suicide Prevention in the Agricultural Sector. These studies focused on examining the socio-professional characteristics associated with suicide mortality among male farm operators between 2007 and 2011 in metropolitan France. Ongoing research concerns agricultural employees between 2007 and 2013. Furthermore, analyses of the latest 2017 Health Barometer will provide data on suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts by sector of activity, particularly for the agricultural sector.

Regarding male farmers active between 2007 and 2011, the risk of death by suicide was higher, particularly among those aged 45 to 54 or working on their farms as sole proprietors. Farmers in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Brittany, and Hauts-de-France regions were more likely to have died by suicide during this period than those in the Grand-Est region. The determinants were examined in greater depth using a sociological approach.

These findings must be taken into account when implementing prevention measures to identify and support farmers in distress. Agri’écoute, a helpline for agricultural workers experiencing psychological distress, was established in 2014 by the CCMSA. The CCMSA partnered with Santé publique France and the associations SOS Amitié and SOS Suicide Phénix to manage the platform. The toll-free number 09 69 39 29 19 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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