Young Farmers and Mental Health: A Systematic Scoping Review.

The systematic scoping review identified only 23 articles focusing specifically on the mental health of young farmers.

• The review was guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodological framework
• The limited number of included studies reflects the scarcity of literature specifically targeting young farmers as a population
• The review concluded there is 'a limited focus within the literature on this specific population's needs to provide relevant support for their unique agricultural environment'

The definition of 'young farmer' is contested within the existing literature.

• One of the three main themes that emerged from included studies was 'contested understandings of the young farmer'
• The lack of a consistent definition across studies contributes to challenges in identifying and supporting this population
• This definitional ambiguity represents a knowledge gap in the field

Young farmers face a range of concerns and issues specific to their agricultural environment.

• Concerns and issues young farmers may encounter was identified as one of the three main themes from included studies
• The isolated and demanding nature of agricultural environments was identified as contributing to vulnerability
• These concerns are described as distinct from those of the broader farming population, warranting specific research attention

Protective factors exist that can mitigate mental health concerns for young farmers in rural communities.

• Protective factors for young farmers' mental health and wellbeing in rural communities was identified as one of the three main themes
• The review found that protective factors can mitigate the concerns young farmers encounter
• The rural community context was specifically noted as relevant to understanding these protective factors

Young people in agricultural settings are particularly vulnerable to mental health and wellbeing issues.

• Vulnerability was attributed specifically to 'the isolated and demanding nature of agricultural environments'
• Supporting farmers to maintain good wellbeing and access to mental health supports is described as 'crucial to reducing the number of lives lost by suicide'
• The review highlights that young farmers have unique needs that differ from the broader farming population

There are significant knowledge gaps in the literature regarding the mental health needs of young farmers and how best to support them.

• The review found little is known about 'the mental health needs of young farmers, how best to support them and how to build resilience'
• The scoping review was conducted specifically to 'identify what literature is currently available on the mental health of young farmers, the knowledge gaps, and the needs of this population'
• The authors state the results 'can be used to inform knowledge and the development of further research that specifically targets this population'