Too late smart: farmers' adoption of self-protective behaviors in response to exposure to hazardous noise.

Marjorie McCullagh, Cheryl Robertson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Farmers are exposed to hazardous noise from equipment and livestock and experience high rates of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL); however, their use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) is low. The purpose of this study was to describe farmers' personal experiences using HPDs, influencing others' use of HPDs, and overcoming barriers to the use of HPDs. A purposive sample of farmers who reported a high frequency of HPD use was selected for face-to-face interviews. Findings indicated that farmers have frequent exposure to hazardous noise. They described their motivation to adopt protective behaviors to avoid hearing loss, noise annoyance, or tinnitus. Many tried to influence others' use of HPD, particularly family members. These farmers have developed a variety of methods to ensure convenient access to HPDs when needed, and have developed effective techniques for overcoming common barriers to protection. Findings from this study will be used to form the foundation for future studies aimed at developing and testing an intervention to increase HPD use and decrease rates of NIHL among farmers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-105
Number of pages7
JournalAAOHN journal : official journal of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
Volume57
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

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