Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States

IntroductionThis study explores the complex experiences of Spanish-speaking swine caretakers with euthanasia, focusing on mental health, stress, burnout, and the impact of cultural factors.MethodsWe conducted qualitative focus groups with Spanish-speaking swine caretakers from multiple farms, gather...

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Main Authors: Pablo Lamino, Renzo Ceme Vinces, Nancy F. Acevedo León, Amy Boren-Alpízar, Marcelo Schmidt, John J. McGlone, Arlene Garcia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Veterinary Science
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1505531/full
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author Pablo Lamino
Renzo Ceme Vinces
Nancy F. Acevedo León
Nancy F. Acevedo León
Amy Boren-Alpízar
Marcelo Schmidt
John J. McGlone
Arlene Garcia
Arlene Garcia
author_facet Pablo Lamino
Renzo Ceme Vinces
Nancy F. Acevedo León
Nancy F. Acevedo León
Amy Boren-Alpízar
Marcelo Schmidt
John J. McGlone
Arlene Garcia
Arlene Garcia
author_sort Pablo Lamino
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionThis study explores the complex experiences of Spanish-speaking swine caretakers with euthanasia, focusing on mental health, stress, burnout, and the impact of cultural factors.MethodsWe conducted qualitative focus groups with Spanish-speaking swine caretakers from multiple farms, gathering insights from individuals with varying levels of experience and cultural backgrounds. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key factors influencing the euthanasia process.ResultsThe study found that caretaker stress and burnout, exacerbated by the “caring-killing paradox,” significantly affect emotional wellbeing. Factors such as the frequency of euthanasia, level of knowledge and education, and cultural background were identified as influential. Caretakers performing euthanasia frequently showed signs of desensitization, while those with less experience experienced higher emotional distress. Cultural background influenced attitudes and decision-making regarding euthanasia.DiscussionThis research underscores the need for mental health support and culturally sensitive training programs for swine caretakers. The findings align with existing literature on occupational stress and burnout and highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems. Future research should further examine the psychological impact of euthanasia across diverse agricultural settings and develop targeted interventions to support caretakers' mental health and improve animal welfare practices.
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spelling doaj-art-c9d7c7fad6d94d289602719eaefc83632025-01-20T15:40:15ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Veterinary Science2297-17692025-01-011110.3389/fvets.2024.15055311505531Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United StatesPablo Lamino0Renzo Ceme Vinces1Nancy F. Acevedo León2Nancy F. Acevedo León3Amy Boren-Alpízar4Marcelo Schmidt5John J. McGlone6Arlene Garcia7Arlene Garcia8Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United StatesDepartment of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United StatesTexas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, TX, United StatesDepartment of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United StatesDepartment of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United StatesTexas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, TX, United StatesDepartment of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United StatesTexas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, TX, United StatesDepartment of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United StatesIntroductionThis study explores the complex experiences of Spanish-speaking swine caretakers with euthanasia, focusing on mental health, stress, burnout, and the impact of cultural factors.MethodsWe conducted qualitative focus groups with Spanish-speaking swine caretakers from multiple farms, gathering insights from individuals with varying levels of experience and cultural backgrounds. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key factors influencing the euthanasia process.ResultsThe study found that caretaker stress and burnout, exacerbated by the “caring-killing paradox,” significantly affect emotional wellbeing. Factors such as the frequency of euthanasia, level of knowledge and education, and cultural background were identified as influential. Caretakers performing euthanasia frequently showed signs of desensitization, while those with less experience experienced higher emotional distress. Cultural background influenced attitudes and decision-making regarding euthanasia.DiscussionThis research underscores the need for mental health support and culturally sensitive training programs for swine caretakers. The findings align with existing literature on occupational stress and burnout and highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems. Future research should further examine the psychological impact of euthanasia across diverse agricultural settings and develop targeted interventions to support caretakers' mental health and improve animal welfare practices.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1505531/fullPig euthanasiaComprehensive Swine Industry Assessment (CSIA)North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visaHispanic workforcepig caretakers
spellingShingle Pablo Lamino
Renzo Ceme Vinces
Nancy F. Acevedo León
Nancy F. Acevedo León
Amy Boren-Alpízar
Marcelo Schmidt
John J. McGlone
Arlene Garcia
Arlene Garcia
Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Pig euthanasia
Comprehensive Swine Industry Assessment (CSIA)
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visa
Hispanic workforce
pig caretakers
title Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
title_full Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
title_fullStr Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
title_full_unstemmed Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
title_short Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
title_sort overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on spanish speaking swine caretakers in the united states
topic Pig euthanasia
Comprehensive Swine Industry Assessment (CSIA)
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visa
Hispanic workforce
pig caretakers
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1505531/full
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