Potential directions for farm stress research: A systematic review of educational interventions to reduce psychosocial stress among farm and rural populations

Abstract

Background: Despite prevalence of high psychosocial stress and suicide among farm and rural populations, few studies exist that measure effectiveness of stress reduction interventions. Purpose: To (1) compare studies with educational interventions on psychosocial stress as measured by reliable and valid instruments in farm and rural populations and (2) identify educational strategies utilized among effective interventions. Methods: This systematic review was conducted across 4 electronic databases and Google Scholar to identify research that reported outcomes of stress reduction educational interventions among farm and rural populations. Original research articles published in English between January 1980 and October 2020 were included. Literature was excluded that: (1) used cognitive behavioral therapy, (2) reported outcomes of post-traumatic distress disorders, and (3) examined clinical guidelines or policy change. Extracted data included study characteristics, outcomes, and delivery methodology. Findings: Title and abstract screening resulted in 256 manuscripts assessed for inclusion criteria. The final selection of 22 studies were categorized into 2 educational intervention delivery methods: home/community setting or virtual. Fourteen out of 22 studies reported significant stress reduction. Virtual interventions had the most promising impact on psychosocial stress with significant reduction reported in 4 of 6 studies; however, mixed results were found among all delivery methods. Conclusions: Educational interventions may reduce psychosocial stress among farm and rural populations, though important questions remain. We recommend future research should focus on barriers to participation, development of measurement tools, and consistent outcome measurement.

Insights into Rural Stress: Using the Community Capitals Framework to Help Inform Rural Policies and Interventions

“…Rural stress has been closely examined with farm stress, due to the considerable overlaps between these populations [23]. Life in rural areas is unique, and there are many factors that may influence stress responses and represent an emerging societal problem in rural areas [23]. In general, farming has been identified as a more stressful occupation than others [24][25][26].…”

“…This may be due to the financial stress, economic insecurity, and isolation that many farmers face [24,26]. Additionally, rural areas often lack sufficient infrastructure for health care services, education, and broadband access [23,27,28]. Kornelsen et al found that lack of access to maternity care increased stress among pregnant women living in rural areas [29].…”

“An Incredible Amount of Stress before You Even Put a Shovel in the Ground”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Farming Stressors in Canada

“…No significant improvement in psychosocial stress outcomes was reported in any of those three studies, and notably, participation was consistently low [17]. The authors highlighted the importance of culturally tailoring stress-reduction interventions to increase effectiveness and participation [17]. Supporting the delivery of interventions and programs specific to farmers, participants in Hagen et al (2022) emphasized the importance of health care providers having a background understanding of the challenges farmers face [18].…”

“…Despite the breadth of literature on farming stressors and stress, there are few publications on stress-reduction interventions that have been designed for farmers. Derringer and Biddle [17] conducted a systematic review of stress-reduction interventions in farming and rural populations and found a total of three published stress-reduction interventions for farmers between 1980 and 2020. No significant improvement in psychosocial stress outcomes was reported in any of those three studies, and notably, participation was consistently low [17].…”

“…Derringer and Biddle [17] conducted a systematic review of stress-reduction interventions in farming and rural populations and found a total of three published stress-reduction interventions for farmers between 1980 and 2020. No significant improvement in psychosocial stress outcomes was reported in any of those three studies, and notably, participation was consistently low [17]. The authors highlighted the importance of culturally tailoring stress-reduction interventions to increase effectiveness and participation [17].…”