Racehorse Trainer Mental Health: Prevalence and Risk Factors.
Abstract: Racehorse trainers play an important role within the horseracing industry. Despite this, scarce empirical information exists regarding the mental health of this population. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to explore the prevalence of symptoms related to common mental disorders (CMDs) and their associations with specific risk factors for CMD. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. CMDs were assessed including distress, depression, generalized anxiety and adverse alcohol use. The risk factors examined included career dissatisfaction, social support and financial difficulties. 124 participants (28% response rate) completed the questionnaire. In total, 45% met the threshold indicative of at least one CMD. Specifically, prevalence of symptoms associated with depression (41%), adverse alcohol use (38%), psychological distress (26%), and generalized anxiety (18%) was observed. Career dissatisfaction (28%) and financial difficulties (64%) were identified. Career dissatisfaction, lower levels of social support and financial difficulties all increased the likelihood of trainers meeting the criteria for at least one of distress, depression or generalized anxiety. The study was the first to highlight prevalence rates of symptoms associated with CMDs among racehorse trainers in Ireland and identify certain risk factors which may increase the likelihood of racehorse trainers meeting the criteria for a CMD. Assessment of risk factors can aid early identification of CMDs among racehorse trainers. Such benefits may include early diagnosis or signposting to professional support. Further research is required in examining other occupational stressors experienced by trainers and the impact these may have on symptoms of CMDs.
Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-02-21 PubMed ID: 33993926DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103423Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigates the mental health of racehorse trainers in Ireland, finding a high prevalence of symptoms related to common mental disorders, particularly linked to career dissatisfaction and financial difficulties. The study also seeks to identify potential risk factors for these disorders to facilitate early detection and intervention.
Overview of Research
- The study focuses on the mental health of racehorse trainers—an area with limited previous research. It observes the frequency of symptoms related to common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression, anxiety, distress, and adverse alcohol use.
- The research also explores potential risk factors for CMDs within this demographic. These factors include career dissatisfaction, inadequate social support, and financial struggles.
- To gather necessary data, respondents were asked to fill in an anonymous online questionnaire. There was a 28% response rate, with a total of 124 participants.
Findings of the Study
- The results indicated that a significant proportion of respondents—45%—reached the threshold indicating at least one CMD. This reveals an substantial level of mental health concerns within this population.
- Symptoms associated with depression were most prevalent (41%), followed by adverse alcohol use (38%), psychological distress (26%), and generalized anxiety (18%).
- Career dissatisfaction was reported by 28% of participants, while a majority (64%) encountered financial difficulties. These issues were correlated with an increased likelihood of experiencing symptoms of a CMD.
Implications and Recommendations
- The research is instrumental in shedding light on the mental health landscape among racehorse trainers in Ireland, discovering some specific risk factors and highlighting a notable prevalence of symptoms aligned with CMDs.
- This recognition of risk factors could potentially assist with the early identification of CMDs in trainers, leading to early medical intervention or access to professional mental health support.
- Despite the insightful findings, the study calls for further research. This is to understand other occupational stressors experienced by trainers, as well as to explore the potential impacts of these stressors on symptoms of CMDs.
Cite This Article
APA
King L, Cullen SJ, O'Connor S, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Warrington G, Losty C.
(2021).
Racehorse Trainer Mental Health: Prevalence and Risk Factors.
J Equine Vet Sci, 101, 103423.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103423 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Electronic address: lewis.king@postgrad.wit.ie.
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland.
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance, Athletic Therapy and Training, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
- Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, Kildare, Ireland.
- Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, Kildare, Ireland.
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Athletes
- Depression / epidemiology
- Horses
- Humans
- Ireland
- Mental Health
- Prevalence
- Risk Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Davies E, Liddiard S, McConn-Palfreyman WJ, Parker JK, Cameron LJ, Williams JM. Anxiety and Depression in British Horseracing Stud and Stable Staff Following Occupational Injury. Animals (Basel) 2023 Oct 26;13(21).
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