Back-on-Track: Protocol for Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of Behavioural Activation in Farmers with Mood...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Rural Health

Background:

• Farming communities face significant mental health challenges due to cumulative stressors.
• Limited access to mental health professionals in rural areas necessitates innovative support solutions.
• Peer-worker delivery models show promise for improving treatment accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial for peer-worker-delivered Behavioural Activation in farming communities.
• To evaluate recruitment rates, participant retention, and treatment acceptability.
• To gather data for a potential large-scale trial of this intervention.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled feasibility trial conducted in rural Australia.
• Participants (aged >15) with moderate to severe depression symptoms randomly assigned to peer-delivered Behavioural Activation or a self-help workbook.
• Feasibility outcomes measured include recruitment, randomization willingness, dropout rates, and measure completion.

Main Results:

• The study established recruitment rates and willingness to be randomized.
• Acceptability of peer-delivered Behavioural Activation and participant dropout rates were assessed.
• Data on willingness to complete trial measures were collected.

Conclusions:

• Peer-worker-delivered Behavioural Activation is a feasible intervention for farming communities.
• The findings support the potential for a full-scale randomized controlled trial.
• This approach addresses the critical need for accessible mental health support in rural agricultural settings.