Motivational Interviewing to Encourage Agricultural Producers’ Use of Hearing Protection Devices: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Workers in production agriculture are frequently exposed to high noise levels and face unique barriers to implementing hearing protection, leading to occupational hearing loss. Motivational interviewing is a promising approach to assist workers in preserving their hearing. Methods: This pilot study used a mixed-method approach to evaluate the feasibility of an innovative motivational interviewing intervention for agricultural producers from February to May 2021. Qualitative data included coaches’ and participants’ comments and were coded using a structural coding approach. Quantitative data included Likert-type-style responses given by participants in a post-intervention survey. Data types were then integrated. Results: Sixteen participants were recruited during the 4-month pilot. Participants’ satisfaction scores averaged above six on a 7-point scale for all satisfaction questions. Implementation factors included the intervention’s flexibility, services provided by the coaches beyond motivational interviewing, and difficulties with recruitment. Conclusions/Applications to Practice: This motivational interviewing intervention was highly acceptable to participants, but factors affecting implementation may challenge scalability.