Development and testing of behaviour change based intervention for machine related safety on farms
Surendran, Aswathi
Surendran, Aswathi
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Publication Date
2024-04-15
Type
Thesis
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Abstract
Background Farm machinery-related injuries are a growing concern worldwide, posing serious risks to farmers' safety and leading to severe disabilities or fatalities. As the farming population ages and farming machinery evolves, the need to address long-term safety becomes crucial. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions in improving farm practices. To ensure the successful adoption of safe farming practices, understanding the factors that contribute to farmers' behaviour is important. This understanding allows for developing and tailoring behaviour change interventions to the specific needs and challenges faced by the target population. However, there has been limited work on developing theory driven interventions to increase machine safety among farmers. This thesis aims to develop and test a behaviour change-based intervention focused on enhancing tractor-related safety on farms, with a particular focus on Irish farmers. The research involved collaboration with Irish farmers, experts in agricultural safety, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the intervention's relevance and practicality. Aim The aim of the project was the systematic development and feasibility testing of a behaviour change based intervention to increase machine-related safety on farms. Methods and Results This thesis encompassed four interlinking studies guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework for developing behaviour change-based interventions. Study 1 (Systematic Review): The systematic review (Chapter 3) employed the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework and the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) taxonomy to investigate machine-related farm safety interventions comprehensively. This review revealed gaps in addressing demographic factors, specific machine-related behaviours, and intervention complexity. Additionally, it emphasised the need for tailored interventions and rigorous reporting and evaluation of the active ingredients of the intervention. Further analysis highlighted the significant role of tractors and quad bikes in farm accidents, vulnerability among older farmers and children, and the limited attention to older farmers in safety initiatives. This foundational study informed subsequent research directions, providing essential insights into farm machine safety interventions. Study 2 (Focus Group Discussions): This qualitative study explored the perspectives and experiences of older Irish farmers concerning farm machinery safety, with a particular focus on tractors and quad bikes. Utilising the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model, the focus group discussions identified a range of high-risk behaviours associated with machine operation and safety. The study identified the barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of safe machinery operation practices. This study also explored farmers' attitudes towards behaviour change techniques (BCTs) identified in the systematic review. These insights highlighted the need to tailor interventions for specific demographic groups and the significance of promoting age-appropriate safety measures for older farmers. Study 3 (Co-design workshop): This study aimed to tailor farm safety intervention to the unique needs of older Irish farmers. Two co-design workshops with international farm safety experts and stakeholders were conducted to achieve these objectives. These workshops identified potential target behaviours, barriers, enablers, and intervention components and delivery methods. A web-based rank order survey was used to prioritise target behaviours, and findings from the survey guided discussions during the workshops. Subsequently, with the Teagasc Advisory Team, a feasibility screening to finalise the selection of target behaviours, behaviour change techniques, and modes of delivery based on predefined criteria and empirical evidence. Key target behaviours identified were (i) allocation of attention to machinery operation and the local environment and (ii) installing and using appropriate safety devices on machinery. Barriers included limited knowledge, while facilitators included peer support. The BeSafe tractor safety intervention strategically incorporated BCTs such as 1.1 Goal setting (behaviour), 1.4. Action planning, 4.1. Instruction on how to perform the behaviour, and 13.1 Identification of self as a role model. The study highlighted the importance of tailoring farm safety intervention to different farm types and age groups. Collaboration with the Teagasc Advisory Team ensured practicality, enhancing real-world applicability. Study 4 (Feasibility trial): Study 4, the final stage of this research, involved the feasibility trial of the BeSafe tractor safety intervention. The trial assessed the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of the intervention components and the overall intervention among Irish farmers. The BeSafe intervention, developed based on the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework, encompassed in-person demo sessions, a facilitated discussion, a personalised safety training procedure template, a demonstration kit, and an SMS reminder. The trial included both older and younger farmers, with a focus on enhancing awareness about tractor blind spots. Results from the feasibility trial indicated a positive reception of the intervention among participants. Farmers appreciated the farmer-centric approach, actively engaging with the intervention components. Peer-to-peer demonstrations were particularly effective in promoting peer-to-peer learning and safer farm machine operation practices. This study demonstrated the potential of a theory-driven, stakeholder-informed, behaviour change based intervention to improve machine-related safety on farms. Conclusion In conclusion, this thesis presents a systematic and comprehensive approach for developing a theoretically driven, stakeholder-informed, and behaviour change based intervention to improve farm machine safety. This thesis describes a novel attempt in the development of machine-safety interventions, offering a documented systematic approach firmly rooted in the BCW framework and substantiated by empirical evidence. The studies included in this thesis have contributed to the literature by providing a greater understanding of safety behaviour among Irish farmers, including novel insights on the potential behaviour change strategies to raise awareness among the farming population and enhance the adoption of safer farm practices. Overall, the findings and recommendations presented in this thesis have the potential to contribute to the efforts to address the high injury and fatality rates in the agricultural industry, ultimately promoting a safer working environment for farmers.
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NUI Galway