IPB University Faculty of Medicine Lecturers Conduct Mental Health Research on Farmers in Two Villages
Lecturers of Faculty of Medicine (FK) IPB University joined in the National Collaborative Research (RKN) team conducted research integrated with community service activities in two villages namely Bugel Village, Panjatan District, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta and Sawahan Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java.
The qualitative research titled ‘Burnout Prevalence and Dietary Quality among Farmers in Indonesia’ explores diet and stress experiences to develop tips to overcome burnout and raise awareness of the dangers of mental stress. It also aims to improve farmers’ understanding of a healthy diet to improve physical and mental health.
The RKN team consists of Dr Mira Dewi, Dr Yusuf Ryadi from the Faculty of Medicine of IPB University and two other lecturers from the Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta and the Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Sebelas Maret.
Dr Mira explained that the research was conducted through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to explore the diet and experience of psychological stress in 25 farmers of rice, secondary crops, horticulture, plantation, livestock, fish farming, fishing, and forestry crops from the combined farmer groups (Gapoktan) in Bugel and Sawahan villages.
“Temporary observations from the research found that farmers in both locations have relatively low stress levels. Farmers live life as it is, full of gratitude and lived happily,” said Dr Mira.
She continued, in the aspect of diet, the farmers have a good diet, namely the types of food consumed are quite diverse such as rice or bread, eggs, chicken, sea fish, tofu, tempeh, papaya, bananas and various types of vegetables.
“The research also revealed that farmers have a habit of consuming fried foods and sugary drinks in high enough quantities, so this needs attention,” explained Dr Mira.
Dr Mira explained that the research activity was not limited to getting an output in the form of a Quartile 3 (Q3) journal but to improve the mental and physical well-being of farmers so that they are more productive. “The results of this research are also expected to be the basis for programme development in overcoming and preventing burnout in farmers,” she said.
In order to improve physical and mental health, lecturers of FK IPB University also shared tips through leaflets of tips on maintaining mental health compiled by FK IPB University Lecturer, Dr Riati SpKJ. The tips are related to the lifestyle of farmers, especially on sleep and exercise habits which are often late at night and rarely exercise. (MW/Lp) (IAAS/RUM)
