# Quality of life of organic and conventional fruit growers in Poland - a pilot study

## TL;DR

A pilot study in Poland found that organic fruit growers report better quality of life and health compared to conventional growers.

## Contribution

This study compares quality of life between organic and conventional fruit growers using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

## Key findings

- Organic fruit growers scored significantly higher in overall quality of life than conventional growers.
- Organic growers reported better self-rated health and social relationships compared to conventional growers.
- Self-assessed health was correlated with physical and psychological quality of life domains.

## Abstract

Quality of life is a multifaceted issue that affects an individual’s overall perception of their life, depending on their expectations. It is primarily dictated by subjectively perceived physical health, mental health or social relationships. Our study aimed to examine the quality of life in a group of organic and conventional fruit growers. Fifty-three participants took part in the survey. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. The participants were also asked additional questions about their health situation, financial education, and the length of their farming experience. Body mass and height measurements were taken. Participants mostly rated their economic and health situations as good, with organic fruit growers rating their health situation as better than that of conventional fruit growers. Overall, participants scored 300 (231–388), with organic fruit growers scoring significantly higher than those in conventional production (p = 0.041). In the individual domains of quality of life, the participants mainly scored high. Organic fruit growers scored significantly more than conventional fruit growers in the aspect of social relationships (p = 0.047). Self-assessed health status compared to peers was correlated with physical health and psychological domains (p < 0.05). At the same time, the number of chronic diseases was associated with physical health and social relationship domains (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the quality of life among the group of fruit growers was at a reasonable level; however, the organic fruit growers scored better in self-rated health, overall quality of life, and the social relationships domain.