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“They Can’t Possibly Understand What I’m Going Through”: Female Farmers’ Perspectives on Barriers to Care in Georgia

Author

Listed:
  • Noah Hopkins

    (Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth

    (Office of Learning and Organizational Development, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605, USA)

  • Chase Reece

    (Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Christina Proctor

    (Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore female farmers’ perspectives on barriers to engaging with resources for physical and mental healthcare faced by agriculture producers in the state of Georgia. In-depth interviews were conducted with female farm owners and managers ( n = 16) across the state. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and researchers coded interviews separately before thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. Three primary themes were identified: (i) formal healthcare challenges, (ii) stigma, and (iii) cultural norms. Formal healthcare challenges included time constraints, healthcare costs, and a lack of cultural competence from healthcare providers. Both community and self-stigma were identified as barriers to engaging with mental health resources. Cultural norms that acted as a barrier to care included the prioritization of farm operations, self-reliance, pride, and the minimization of health concerns. Interviewees identified gender differences in the impact of stigma and cultural norms, reporting that these sociocultural barriers were more prominent among older, male producers. Central to many of these barriers is the concept of ‘farm identity’, where farmers’ commitment to their operations consistently trumped concerns about physical or mental health. Future efforts to improve health outcomes among farmers should utilize the concept of farm identity as a guide for tailoring interventions and improving cultural competence among rural healthcare providers.

Suggested Citation

  • Noah Hopkins & Lauren Ledbetter Griffeth & Chase Reece & Christina Proctor, 2024. "“They Can’t Possibly Understand What I’m Going Through”: Female Farmers’ Perspectives on Barriers to Care in Georgia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1130-:d:1465045
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Briana N. M. Hagen & Alex Sawatzky & Sherilee L. Harper & Terri L. O’Sullivan & Andria Jones-Bitton, 2021. "What Impacts Perceived Stress among Canadian Farmers? A Mixed-Methods Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Dale D. Woolford & Matthew F. Smout & Deborah Turnbull & Kate M. Gunn, 2022. "Male Farmers’ Perspectives on Psychological Wellbeing Self-Management Strategies That Work for Them and How Barriers to Seeking Professional Mental Health Assistance Could Be Overcome," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, September.
    3. Melissa J. Hull & Kate M. Gunn & Ashleigh E. Smith & Martin Jones & James Dollman, 2022. "“We’re Lucky to Have Doctors at All”; A Qualitative Exploration of Australian Farmers’ Barriers and Facilitators to Health-Related Help-Seeking," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-16, September.
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