Understanding the factors contributing to farmer suicide: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to synthesize qualitative data about farmer suicide. While the enduring challenges and stressors of farming in rural areas may never be eliminated, there may be ways to help farmers build resilience to these factors. Our FARM framework presents a new way of understanding farm culture, the occupational stressors and farmers' wellbeing while also providing direction for future research and guidance for practical interventions. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider developing and delivering mental health literacy programs to farmers and those who work closely with them to identify symptoms of poor mental health and to facilitate attitude change. Greater access to health care should be a priority in rural areas, and clinicians should be familiar with the stressors farmers face so that they can ask questions about their work-life balance to better assess the farmer's mental health and risk of suicide.PMID:37633833 | DOI:10.22605/RRH8189
Source: Rural and Remote Health - Category: Rural Health Authors: Source Type: research