FARMERS LUNG AND VARIABLES RELATED TO THE DECISION TO QUIT FARMING

An exploratory strategy was used to investigate why 55% of patients wi th farmer's lung (FL) disease quit farming. Three groups were recruite d: 47 patients with FL disease who quit farming because of the disease (FLq), 76 patients with FL disease who continued farming (FLc), and 1 23 control farmers without a history of FL disease. The severity of FL disease at diagnosis was similar in both groups of patients. For exam ple, single-breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity predicted for FL q and FLc was 64.4 +/- 28.2 and 63.9 +/- 22.0, respectively. Relying o n a cognitive-behavior theory, numerous physiological, behavioral, cog nitive, affective, and social variables were assessed. Results showed that the decision to quit farming was based on cognitive and behaviora l motives rather than physiological factors. Subjects in the FLq group showed more negative beliefs toward FL and had more fears of FL disea se. FLq subjects also reported that family members, friends, and famil y doctors were more inclined to consider that FL disease could stop th em from farming. However, self-efficacy to continue farming despite ha ving FL disease and perceived hindrance caused by FL disease played th e most important roles in the decision to quit farming.