(PS10-B34) Acceptability of Telemental Health Services for Farmers

Saturday, November 18, 2023

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

Location: Regency Ballroom, Level 7

Author(s)

KE

Kory D. Engelstad, Ph.D.

Doctoral Student
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi

Co-Author(s)

Marin G. Olson, Ph.D.

Doctoral Student
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
JA

Jenna Anderson, M.A.

Graduate Student
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
DH

Daniel Houlihan, Ph.D.

Professor
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota

Farming as an occupation is notorious for strenuous work that takes a toll on a farmer’s mind and body. Due to a plethora of factors (rural living, lack of insurance, unpredictability of the work, etc.), it has been difficult to increase the accessibility of mental health services for farmers and their families. The aim of the current study was to explore if receiving telemental health services (i.e., mental health care provided via the internet or phone. This includes video calls, phone calls, and messaging services.) would be a viable option to address this need for support. Data was collected via an online survey in 2021. Participants consisted of 31 farmers (8 identified as female; 23 identified as male; 12 were 51 or older) from primarily the United States’ Midwest region. Participants responded to several questions that evaluated their current physical, emotional, psychological, and financial difficulties, in addition to their attitudes toward receiving telemental health services for themselves and their family members. 59% of respondents reported that they were open to receiving telemental health services. A thematic qualitative analysis of the results indicated that the convenience of telehealth and the opportunity to gain support were the primary benefits of engaging in telehealth while the greatest concerns included the quality of services, lack of certainty about how it would help, and building trust in the therapist.