Farmers' Concerns: A Qualitative Assessment to Plan Rural Medical Education
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2012
Department
Community Health Sciences
School
Health Professions
Abstract
Abstract Context: Limited research suggests that translational approaches are needed to decrease the distance, physical and cultural, between farmers and health care.
Purpose: This study seeks to identify special concerns of farmers in Alabama and explore the need for a medical education program tailored to prepare physicians to address those concerns.
Methods: We conducted 2 focus groups with 20 farmers from diverse communities, backgrounds, and farming operations. The sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for determined patterns.
Findings: The following categories were developed as areas of importance to farmers: the need for physicians to understand the culture of farming, occupational exposures in farming, and recommendations for improving the health of farmers.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that to adequately serve farmers, medical students interested in entering practice in rural areas should have or develop a relevant and adequate understanding of farming practices.
Publication Title
Journal of Rural Health
Volume
28
Issue
2
First Page
115
Last Page
121
Recommended Citation
Anderson, B. T.,
Johnson, G. J.,
Wheat, J. R.,
Wofford, A. S.,
Wiggins, O.,
Downey, L. H.
(2012). Farmers' Concerns: A Qualitative Assessment to Plan Rural Medical Education. Journal of Rural Health, 28(2), 115-121.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/147