Barriers to Mental Healthcare in Rural Agricultural Communities
Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
Nursing
Faculty Advisor
Wendy Carter Kooken
Location
CNS E103
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:30 AM
Abstract
Mental health diagnoses have become increasingly concerning in the United States (US). In 2024, 60 million adults in the United States experienced a mental illness, and over 14 million adults stated they had suicidal thoughts (MHA, 2025). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports around 4,000 suicide-related deaths in the United States every year (CDC, 2025). One population that suffers from disproportionate rates of suicide is farmers and farm families. Farmers are ranked #4 in the United States regarding suicide rates (Miller & Rudolphi, 2022). Between 2003 and 2018, there were 1,935 suicide-related deaths committed by farmers (Miller & Rudolphi, 2022). There are many reasons farmers and their families are at increased risk of suicide, including access to lethal tools, stigma, rural areas, and barriers to healthcare. However, there is little research conducted with farmers and their families on barriers to getting help with mental health concerns to prevent suicides. The purpose of this research is to gather data from farmers and their families on barriers to getting help. After IRB approval, a survey, available online, was conducted from December 6, 2025, to February 9, 2026. A convenience sample of farmers and their families was sought through advertising on Facebook and in person at a conference for farmers. The survey consists of three categories, including a demographics page, Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) tool, and a free response section. The data will be analyzed using SPSS, examining existing correlations and general responses from the participants. We hope to use the results to mitigate identified issues, provide resources, and prevent suicides. The data analysis is in process.
Barriers to Mental Healthcare in Rural Agricultural Communities
CNS E103
Mental health diagnoses have become increasingly concerning in the United States (US). In 2024, 60 million adults in the United States experienced a mental illness, and over 14 million adults stated they had suicidal thoughts (MHA, 2025). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports around 4,000 suicide-related deaths in the United States every year (CDC, 2025). One population that suffers from disproportionate rates of suicide is farmers and farm families. Farmers are ranked #4 in the United States regarding suicide rates (Miller & Rudolphi, 2022). Between 2003 and 2018, there were 1,935 suicide-related deaths committed by farmers (Miller & Rudolphi, 2022). There are many reasons farmers and their families are at increased risk of suicide, including access to lethal tools, stigma, rural areas, and barriers to healthcare. However, there is little research conducted with farmers and their families on barriers to getting help with mental health concerns to prevent suicides. The purpose of this research is to gather data from farmers and their families on barriers to getting help. After IRB approval, a survey, available online, was conducted from December 6, 2025, to February 9, 2026. A convenience sample of farmers and their families was sought through advertising on Facebook and in person at a conference for farmers. The survey consists of three categories, including a demographics page, Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) tool, and a free response section. The data will be analyzed using SPSS, examining existing correlations and general responses from the participants. We hope to use the results to mitigate identified issues, provide resources, and prevent suicides. The data analysis is in process.