Rural mental health strengths and social connectedness: Findings from the Australian National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

objectiveThis study aimed to describe rural data from the Australian National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing survey (2020-2022) to assess strengths-based questions, differences by rurality, and factors associated with excellent social connectedness.

methodsSurvey questions were mapped to the Rural Strengths Socioecological Framework. Descriptive and logistic analyses assessed rural adults' use of strengths by remoteness and presence of affective/anxiety disorders in the past 12 months. Logistic regression explored factors associated with social connectedness.

resultsSurvey questions reflected some strengths within the Framework including self-management techniques, family and friend support, social connectedness, and health care personnel. However, questions were primarily framed using a deficit perspective and many strengths from the Framework (i.e. nature, rural norms, culture, and lay personnel) were absent. Most strengths did not differ significantly between levels of rurality, though making healthy diet choices (as a self-management technique) was significantly lower in remote areas. Adults without affective/anxiety disorders more often reported good social support and self-efficacy. Conversely, those with affective/anxiety disorders were more likely to self-manage and access consultations for mental health. Excellent social connectedness was associated with better mental health.

conclusionThe survey questions reflected limited strengths. Future surveys should include a broader range of strengths-based questions spanning the extent of the Rural Strengths Socioecological Framework. Healthy diet choices as a self-management tool in remote areas may need to be prioritised. Findings also suggest the need for targeted approaches to protect, improve, or leverage social connectedness for those with more severe illness in rural areas.