Moving social work norms via theater for senior farmers

Deborah B. Reed, Deborah T. Claunch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Problem Senior farmers have a 2.6-fold risk of fatal injury compared to their younger counterparts. Usual educational interventions have resulted in limited success in reducing injury. Method An innovative strategy, didactic readers theater, was piloted. Farmers' stories provided the foundation for the scripts. The approach incorporated adult learning strategies based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. The intervention was marketed as a “dinner theater” to farm couples. Three short socio-novels (plays) were presented by local farmers who served as actors. Following each play participants completed a reaction form and participated in a short discussion about the play's content. One week later a phone survey was completed that tapped further reaction to the content and behavior changes. Results Thirty-three farm household individuals (including 16 couples) participated. Participants expressed favorable reaction to the intervention. Within one week post intervention, 42% had made safety changes and 67% were “thinking about/intending” to make changes. Discussion The use of real stories contributed to the success of this intervention. Farmers identified with the stories and began to think and talk about the impact that aging exerts on their health and safety. Interaction among the group identified work modifications which empowered the farmers to make positive changes in their own work behavior. Summary Educational interventions with farmers have met with limited success in reducing farm-related injuries. Moreover, few interventions have utilized the family unit. This novel program, incorporating local organizations and using limited financial resources, resulted in swift behavior changes. Practical applications Total Worker Health includes not only the worker, but also the family. Interventions that include family units should be considered when possible. This format is effective, easily adapted to local issues, can be delivered using existing infrastructure, and is acceptable to the farm community. It is currently being tested on a larger scale.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)17-20
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Safety Research
Volume60
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Agriculture
  • Community
  • Health behavior
  • Safety

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

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