MORTALITY OF FARMERS AND FARMERS WIVES IN ENGLAND AND WALES 1979-80, 1982-90

Objectives - To examine the mortality patterns of male and female farm ers and farmers' wives in England and Wales. Methods - Information on all deaths in England and Wales at ages 20-74 during the periods 1979- 80 and 1982-90 was obtained from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were used to compare the mortality of farmer s with that of the general working population, and of farmers' wives w ith wives of all working men. Results - Farmers and farmers' wives had high mortality from accidents and suicide and from certain respirator y diseases. Mortality from hernia was also raised. Deaths from cancer were generally below expectations, but the PMR for prostatic cancer wa s 112 (95%CI 106-118). The PMRs and PCMRs for oesophageal cancer were significantly increased in male farmers from two counties where cider is produced. Conclusions - The occupational hazards of farming continu e to be associated with excess mortality, and most of the risks extend also to farmers' wives. Action is needed to reduce deaths, particular ly from accidents and suicide.