Conducting mental health research with rural and regional older Australians: Reflections and recommendations

Author:

Wadsworth Daniel P.123ORCID,Cash Belinda24ORCID,Tulloch Kristen1,Couper Rebekah1,Robson Kristy25,Fitzpatrick Sally26

Affiliation:

1. School of Health University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs Queensland Australia

2. Manna Institute for Rural and Regional Mental Health Albury New South Wales Australia

3. Sunshine Coast Health Institute Birtinya Queensland Australia

4. Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia

5. Three Rivers Department of Rural Health Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia

6. Everymind Newcastle New South Wales Australia

Abstract

AbstractAimsThis commentary aims to assist emerging leaders of mental health research with older rural Australians through (i) affirmation that others share the barriers, pitfalls and challenges being faced; (ii) reinforcing the rationale making this a pertinent area for research; and (iii) opening a dialogue for best practice to engage older rural Australians in mental health research.ContextSupporting the mental health of older adults is a pertinent global challenge, none more so than in rural Australia where restricted access to services and supports are compounded by limited help‐seeking behaviours and capacity to engage with support. Paradoxically, such limitations also extend to impact researchers' ability to engage rural older Australians in mental health research, particularly when combined with the stoicism and stigma that often envelopes mental health, and the contemporary challenges posed by the emergence of technology. Such challenges are however not often discussed, more‐often sidelined in favour of reporting positive research outcomes, or seeing emerging researchers eschew such focus entirely.ApproachThrough this paper, the authors utilised critical self‐appraisal and iterative reflection to identify four recommendations for undertaking contemporary mental health research with rural older Australians, namely to: plan realistically through a collaborative, authentic and respectful approach; identify community champions and build/maintain trust; diversify thought, approaches and methodology; and cast the research net far, wide and often.ConclusionBy adopting recommendations, researchers can maximise accessibility to and possible participation in mental health research, providing foundations for older rural Australians' contributions to inform the development of policies and strategies to promote their health and well‐being.

Publisher

Wiley

Reference25 articles.

1. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2022 Australian bureau of statistics

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4. Australian Bureau of Statistics.A causes of death Australia. ABS;2022[cited 2024 July 03]. Available from:https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes‐death/causes‐death‐australia/latest‐release

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