Risks & Protective Factors for Depression & Suicide Among Hawai'i Agricultural Producers.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Agricultural Health

Background:

• Agricultural producers in the continental U.S. exhibit high rates of depression and suicide.
• Mental health disparities in Hawai'i's diverse agricultural sector remain understudied.
• A mental health needs assessment is crucial for this unique population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess depression and suicide rates among agricultural producers in Hawai'i.
• To identify risk and protective factors influencing mental health in this demographic.
• To inform culturally specific mental health interventions.

Main Methods:

• State-wide mental health needs assessment survey conducted from November 2021 to September 2022.
• Non-probability-based convenience sample of 408 agricultural producers across Hawai'i.
• Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Main Results:

• 35% of respondents reported clinical depression symptomatology; 8% reported suicidal ideation.
• Older age was protective; East and Southeast Asian identification correlated with higher depression/suicidal ideation odds.
• Stress, uncertainty, and media-focused coping strategies significantly increased depression odds; problem-focused coping decreased suicidal ideation odds.

Conclusions:

• Hawai'i's agricultural producers face significant mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal ideation.
• Demographic factors are less significant than stress and coping mechanisms; specific ethnic groups require targeted support.
• Culturally tailored interventions focusing on stress management and adaptive coping strategies are essential for this population.