Work

Impact of Training on Addressing Farmer Mental Health in Occupational Therapy Practice

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Farmers experience high rates of mental health conditions and suicide. It is within occupational therapy's scope to address mental health conditions in patients as it pertains to their participation in meaningful occupations. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of training provided to occupational therapy practitioners and students on addressing farmer mental health. Participants were directly recruited from occupational therapy state associations and graduate programs in the American Midwest to attend a 1-hour presentation and complete pre- and post-training surveys. A total of 119 participants completed the pre- and post-training surveys. Both occupational therapy practitioners and students significantly increased their confidence in assessing and addressing mental health concerns and providing resources to farmers following the training. Occupational therapy-specific training can increase therapists' confidence in addressing farmer mental health. Further research should assess multi-faceted interventions related to farmers' mental health in occupational therapy practice.

Source: OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research

DOI: 10.1177/15394492241279781

Authors: Erin Morley, Diane Rohlman, Marsha Cheyney, Anne Lansing

Institutions: Saint Ambrose University, University of Iowa

Language: English

Topic: Agriculture and Farm Safety

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health