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Research Questions/Objectives:
To look at where the gap is in the provision of mental health services to rural Queensland, why there is a gap, and what effect this gap has on their ability to cope with the tumultuous nature of farming in rural Queensland.
Brief Description of the Project: This is very much still a work in progress but my goal is to explore, through existing qualitative research as well as my own research (method yet to be determined) where access to health services, particularly mental health services, in rural Queensland is lacking, why there is a gap and what affect that has on the preparedness of farmers when faced with drought and the financial strain that brings to them and their families.
Background and Significance of the Research Question to drought risk, vulnerability, preparedness, or resilience: This topic/question relates to the enhancement of human capacity and their mental health knowledge by identifying where the gap in services is (which is apparent and large as identified by existing research and hopes to further expand on why this gap exists, the impact it has on farmers and agricultural businesses and hopefully further explore what steps could be taken to improve the mental health knowledge in rural.
Academic and research experience relevant to the honours project: I completed my Bachelor of Business majoring in Management and Finance in August 2023 and will graduate with distinction having maintained a GPA of 6+ for the life of my studies. I am enrolled for honours in 2024 and hope to finish with first class honours.
Principal Supervisor’s skills and experience in relation to this project topic: Damian Morgan was my favourite lecturer during my degree and is a skilled academic holding experience across business, leisure and public health fields of endeavour. Academic appointments held with James Cook University, Lincoln University, Monash University and Federation University Australia. Teaching expertise spans an array of methods and disciplines including online and experiential learning supported by digitisation and constructive alignment. Quantitative and qualitative research expertise has been applied in fields including management, recreation and injury prevention, demonstrated through publications (100+) and externally funded grants from government and industry. Damian has made substantial contributions in leadership and service within and outside universities including implementation of organisation change processes in research and teaching.
Embarking on my academic journey sought to introduce a new challenge into my life. Having spent a considerable time in a managerial role, I recognised the need to push my boundaries further, and pursuing a degree in management became the ideal endeavor. Juggling studies alongside a full-time job and parental responsibilities proved to be a formidable challenge, offering insights into my personal growth and capabilities.
The inspiration for my research topic stemmed from a family road trip through the remote areas of northwestern Queensland. This experience underscored the isolation faced by farmers in these regions and shed light on the demanding landscape they navigate. With a background in the health industry, I began questioning the actual access to mental health services for our farmers, who, as integral contributors to Queensland’s economy and Australia at large, shoulder significant pressure and stress in often solitary environments.
Consequently, my research aims to scrutinise the existing accessibility of mental health services for farmers in remote North Queensland compared to their counterparts in more coastal regions. By pinpointing potential disparities, I aspire that the findings will guide policymakers in identifying areas where access is lacking, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of mental health services for all farmers. This, in turn, aims to bolster the overall well-being and resilience of our agricultural workforce.
Future Career Goals:
Considering the future, my intention is to persist in the healthcare industry, aspiring to secure a position that empowers me to instigate positive changes, particularly in enhancing community support. Over the next decade, my family and I anticipate relocating to a rural farming setting, recognising the heightened significance of such work in ensuring accessible services for individuals in these areas.
Summary of Research Findings
The aim of this research paper was to investigate the disparities in mental health service provision and population awareness between farmers in rural and remote North Queensland locations and their counterparts in more regional settings. Consistent with the targeted population of farmers in North Queensland, the study reported here aims to capture diverse experiences shaped by the distinct geographical and socio-economic characteristics of Northwest and Northeast Queensland. Using comparative analysis, the specific challenges faced by rural and remote farmers in seeking mental health support were identified while also examining the potential shortcomings of how available services are promoted to create population awareness.
A comprehensive literature review guided the data collection process, drawing on existing studies related to mental health service accessibility, rural mental health issues, and the specific challenges faced by farmers. To gain in-depth insights, primary data was collected through online interviews with farmers in Northwest and Northeast Queensland, for which ethics approval was secured. In addition, I employed ChatGPT to conduct further interviews, leveraging its ability to process diverse data inputs related to factors such as rurality, age, and gender. Although this method is unconventional, it aimed to supplement insights given the low response rate from traditional interviewees. It will be important to assess this data against real-life participants in future research to evaluate its effectiveness.
Moreover, utilising criteria derived from existing research, I gathered secondary data through online resources to evaluate the efficacy of online mental health services in these regions. This dual approach—combining primary and secondary data—aims to create a more holistic understanding of the mental health landscape for farmers in remote areas.
The analysis of interview data reveals significant disparities in mental health service access for farmers in North Queensland, particularly between those in outer regional and remote/very remote communities. Farmers in remote areas primarily rely on local GPs for face-to-face support, with limited secondary assistance from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). In contrast, those in outer regional areas benefit from a broader range of mental health services, including access to specialists and community health programs.
Technological barriers also contribute to the inequity; farmers in remote areas often face unreliable internet access due to poor weather conditions, hindering their ability to use online mental health services. While technology is available, many older farmers express discomfort in using it for mental health care. Although online services are recognised, uptake is low, with only two participants expressing willingness to use them, citing comfort levels and a preference for in-person interactions as significant barriers.
Awareness of available services is generally low, particularly in remote communities, where information dissemination relies heavily on word of mouth. In contrast, outer regional areas have better access to information through local schools and media. These findings highlight the distinct needs and challenges faced by farmers in different regional contexts.
Secondary data was collected to inform more fully on the topic which, through content analysis of online mental health platforms, identified iFarmWell as the most effective resource, offering culturally relevant content and user-friendly design. However, all evaluated platforms demonstrated opportunities for improvement, particularly in enhancing interactivity, personalisation, and community engagement.
This research highlights the significant disparities in mental health service provision and awareness among farmers in rural and remote North Queensland compared to those in more regional areas. Through a comprehensive approach that combined primary interviews—albeit limited by recruitment challenges—with secondary data analysis, the study uncovered critical barriers to mental health support faced by farmers. Notably, the reliance on local GPs in remote areas, combined with inadequate access to specialised services, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance mental health resources in these communities.
While awareness of local mental health resources exists, dissemination primarily occurs through informal channels, particularly in remote communities. The low uptake of online mental health services, despite their recognition, highlights the need for increased promotion and tailored engagement strategies to encourage use.
Identified Practical Implications
My research outcomes, incorporating and comparing regionally and remotely located farmers, provide support for six practical strategies (listed below) that may inform key stakeholders in farmer mental health provision and access. Implications concern chiefly those relevant policies, service delivery models, and technological innovations. Recommendations arising from these implications may potentially reduce mental health disparities and improve outcomes for affected farming communities.
A key finding of my research concerns the need to enhance access to face-to-face mental health services in remote and very remote areas, where significant disparities exist compared to outer regional locations. Farmers in isolated areas rely heavily on local GPs for mental health support, but these GPs may lack specialised training in areas such as crisis management, PTSD, and farming-specific mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Offering targeted training for GPs in remote areas could improve the quality of care. This training should include a focus on mental health challenges unique to farming communities, as well as building GP’s “bush knowledge” so that they can better understand the local context and relate to farmers’ specific concerns.
Additionally, expanding services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to include more frequent visits and/or telehealth consultations with mental health specialists could prove a valuable support mechanism. Mobile mental health teams conducting regular in-person visits to the most remote areas could also help bridge the gap in care access, improving both frequency and consistency of support.
Farmers in outer regional areas generally have reliable internet access and are open to using online services. However, in remote areas, unreliable internet and lower technological comfort among older farmers create barriers to accessing online mental health services. To overcome these challenges, a hybrid model of service delivery combining face-to-face visits with offline and low-bandwidth alternatives, such as voice calls, could be developed.
Improving digital literacy, especially among older farmers, is also critical. Outreach programs to teach farmers how to use smartphones, tablets, and mental health apps can help build confidence and ensure that they feel comfortable accessing online services. Workshops, community demonstrations, and step-by-step tutorials could support this effort. For those without reliable internet access, phone-based consultations, text-based support services, and radio outreach could provide essential lifelines.
Despite basic awareness of local health services, mental health information is often passed along informally, particularly in remote areas. In contrast, outer regional areas benefit from more targeted promotion of mental health services through schools, radio, and social media. To improve visibility in remote and very remote areas, region- specific campaigns should be developed. These campaigns could use trusted local sources—such as community leaders, radio stations, and local farm supply stores—to promote mental health services.
Engaging local influencers, farming cooperatives, and organisations like Rural Aid and Farm Angels to spread awareness of both local and online mental health services could increase visibility and reduce stigma. Targeted social media campaigns could also be designed to reach farmers who are more active online. Collaboration with local schools, radio stations, and community health networks could further boost awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health in farming communities.
Online platforms like iFarmWell have proven effective in offering culturally relevant content tailored to the unique needs of farmers, but other platforms like Farmer Health and Rural Minds could benefit from greater interactivity and personalised content. To improve these platforms, it is crucial to create farmer-specific content that speaks to their lived experiences, using language, imagery, and case studies that reflect the challenges faced by farming communities. Videos, testimonials, and real-life scenarios illustrating common mental health issues in farming could be powerful additions.
Given the time pressures that farmers face, mental health platforms should prioritise delivering concise, actionable advice that can be easily integrated into daily routines. Additionally, incorporating interactive features like self-assessment tools, discussion forums, and peer support groups can increase engagement and help foster a sense of community among users.
While online platforms like iFarmWell, Rural Aid, and Farm Angels have earned trust within farming communities, more needs to be done to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Older farmers, in particular, may be reluctant to use these services, so it is crucial to build platforms that are perceived as safe, confidential, and non-judgmental. Tailored outreach strategies, particularly for different demographics (e.g., gender-specific content for female farmers), can also encourage greater participation.
Moreover, creating virtual support networks where farmers can connect with others who share similar experiences can further reduce stigma and provide a sense of solidarity.
Mental health services in rural and remote areas are often under-resourced compared to those in outer regional areas. Addressing these disparities requires long-term solutions, including advocating for increased funding for mental health services in these regions and addressing infrastructure gaps such as improving telecommunications. Programs focused on prevention and early intervention—such as stress management workshops, resilience training, and mental health education—could help reduce the long-term mental health burden on farmers.
By implementing these strategies, policymakers, healthcare providers, and digital platforms may see a significant reduction in the mental health burden faced by farmers in remote and regional areas. These efforts will help improve the overall wellbeing and resilience of the farming community, contributing to better mental health outcomes and a stronger, more sustainable agricultural sector.
