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

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.