An Evidence-Based Guide for Delivering Mental Healthcare Services in Farming Communities: A Qualitative Study of Providers' Perspectives

Individuals living in rural areas often face challenges in accessing healthcare, increasing their risk of poor health outcomes. Farmers, a sub-population in rural areas, are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide, yet they exhibit low rates of help-seeking behavior. The aim of o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2024-06, Vol.21 (6), p.791
Main Authors: Purc-Stephenson, Rebecca, Roy, Nicole, Chimaobi, Adachukwu, Hood, Deanna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Agriculture
Canada
Credibility
Data analysis
Farmers
Farmers - psychology
Female
Health Personnel - psychology
Health services
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Interviews
Male
Mental health care
Mental Health Services - organization & administration
Middle Aged
Phenomenology
Qualitative Research
Rural areas
Rural Population
Social networks
Urban areas
Wilderness areas
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Summary:Individuals living in rural areas often face challenges in accessing healthcare, increasing their risk of poor health outcomes. Farmers, a sub-population in rural areas, are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues and suicide, yet they exhibit low rates of help-seeking behavior. The aim of our study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the issues influencing mental help-seeking among farmers living in rural areas from the perspectives of healthcare providers, as well as to explore the strategies providers use to navigate through these issues to effectively engage with this vulnerable population. We used a descriptive phenomenological approach to understand healthcare providers' perspectives, experiences, and approaches to providing mental healthcare to farmer clients in rural areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants practicing in Canada between March and May 2023. Our analysis yielded five thematic areas: (1) ensuring accessibility, (2) establishing relatability, (3) addressing stoicism and stigma, (4) navigating dual roles, and (5) understanding community trauma. Healthcare service delivery for farmers is multifaceted. This study fills a gap in knowledge by translating these data to inform an evidence-based model and a list of recommendations for implementing agriculturally informed practices in rural areas.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph21060791