Abstract
This study explored help-seeking among male farmers and their female partners, using
data collected via 16 face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Eight male farmers and eight
female partners aged 26-56 years were recruited. Data were analysed using thematic
analysis. Seven main themes were identified, healthcare, self-protection, costs, support,
roles, accessibility, and community. Both partners valued healthcare but identified barriers
to enacting help seeking. Stigma and fear of embarrassment and disclosure led to selfprotection
through avoidance of help seeking. A community culture of masculinity mitigated
against disclosure and help seeking though females were more open to change. Males
were more reluctant to discuss mental health and focused mainly on physical healthcare.
Time and cost were also restrictive but support enabled help seeking. It is suggested that
a social ecological model should be applied and there is a need to provide a more farming
friendly primary care.
data collected via 16 face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Eight male farmers and eight
female partners aged 26-56 years were recruited. Data were analysed using thematic
analysis. Seven main themes were identified, healthcare, self-protection, costs, support,
roles, accessibility, and community. Both partners valued healthcare but identified barriers
to enacting help seeking. Stigma and fear of embarrassment and disclosure led to selfprotection
through avoidance of help seeking. A community culture of masculinity mitigated
against disclosure and help seeking though females were more open to change. Males
were more reluctant to discuss mental health and focused mainly on physical healthcare.
Time and cost were also restrictive but support enabled help seeking. It is suggested that
a social ecological model should be applied and there is a need to provide a more farming
friendly primary care.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 23 Mar 2024 |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 23 Mar 2024 |