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Farmers’ Concerns: A Qualitative Assessment to Plan Rural Medical Education
Author(s) -
Anderson Brittney T.,
Johnson Gwendolyn J.,
Wheat John R.,
Wofford Amina S.,
Wiggins O. Sam,
Downey Laura H.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-0361.2011.00366.x
Subject(s) - agriculture , focus group , plan (archaeology) , context (archaeology) , health care , qualitative research , business , medical education , nursing , medicine , marketing , geography , political science , sociology , social science , archaeology , law
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.