Young farmers and mental health: A systematic scoping review

Abstract

Objective: Supporting farmers to maintain good wellbeing and access to mental health supports is crucial to reducing the number of lives lost by suicide. Little is known about the mental health needs of young farmers, how best to support them and how to build resilience. This systematic scoping review was conducted to identify what literature is currently available on the mental health of young farmers, the knowledge gaps, and the needs of this population. Methods: This systematic scoping review was guided by the Prisma 2020 methodological framework. There were 23 articles included in the review focusing on the mental health of young farmers. Results: Results were grouped into three categories or main themes which emerged from the included studies. These were: i) contested understandings of the “young farmer”; ii) concerns and issues young farmers may encounter; and iii) and protective factors for young farmers’ mental health and wellbeing in rural communities. Results identified several concerns for young farmers, and protective factors that mitigate these concerns. The review identifies that there is a limited focus within the literature on this specific population’s needs to provide relevant support for their unique agricultural environment. Conclusion: This scoping review demonstrates the lack of literature to specifically map the mental health of young farmers. Young people are particularly vulnerable to mental health and wellbeing issues due to the isolated and demanding nature of agricultural environments. The results of this scoping review can be used to inform knowledge and the development of further research that specifically targets this population