Access to healthcare is an issue all too familiar with the rural communities of the Mackay region.
Whether it’s a lack of appropriate services, time or a laissez-faire attitude, farmers often face many barriers when it comes to seeking health care, with researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) saying chronic pain is an often-ignored ailment for farmers.
Untreated, chronic pain can cause serious distress and diminished productivity but a team of UniSA experts are looking to improve the way chronic pain management strategies are delivered in rural communities by exploring what it means to Australian farmers.
Rural health expert, UniSA’s Associate Professor Kate Gunn, said the study will address a serious gap in pain management among farmers.
“Agriculture is a great industry to work in, but one of the down sides is the physical injuries that can result, which can have long term consequences on farmers’ ability to work, and their wellbeing” she said.
“Musculoskeletal disorders are very common in this group and due to the unrelenting nature of farm work, farmers often return to work without accessing best-practice treatments, and without being aware of what this means for their long-term health and wellbeing.
“This new study is all about giving farmers a voice so that we can gain insight into how they perceive chronic pain, how it impacts upon their work and life, and importantly, how they would like to be assisted to manage it, in a way that fits with their preferences and lifestyles,” Ms Gunn said.
“This is important because there are practical things people can do for themselves and with health professional input, that research has shown really do help.”
The research team, which includes PhD student Indika Koralegedera and Dr Gemma Skaczkowski, is now looking to connect with farmers who have experienced chronic pain and will talk in confidentiality about its impact on their life and work.
For further information, please email Assoc Prof Kate Gunn kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au or PhD student Indika Koralegedera indika.koralegedera@mymail.unisa.edu.au.
PhD student Indika Koralegedera (right) pictured with co-supervisor Dr Gemma Skaczkowski. Photo supplied
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