COVID-19 Prevalence and Prevention Behaviors Among US Certified Organic Producers

Rosero, Daisy V; Mas, Francisco Soto; Sebastian, Rachel; Guldan, Steve; Casanova, Vanessa; Nervi, Laura

OBJECTIVE: There is a scarcity of data on the impact of the pandemic in farmers. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of certified organic producers through a 28-item self-reported paper or electronic survey. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach α to measure the internal consistency of a six-item prevention scale, and correlation and regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 344 records were computed. Infection rate among producers was 6.4%. Sex and farm size were the most statistically significant predictors of prevention behaviors. Women reported more use of prevention methods (ß = 0.333, P < 0.001) and those with 50 or more certified organic acres reporting less use of prevention methods (ß = -0.228, P < 0.001). Mask wearing was significantly related to lower COVID-19 prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Determining prevalence and understanding how farmers follow prevention behaviors is essential for health care and public health interventions and policies.