Beyond area of residence: longitudinal predictors of incident depression, suicidal ideation and psychological support seeking in men living in rural Australia

Background: Existing research seeks investigation as to predictors of rural men’s mental health, looking beyond area of residence. This study investigates predictors of incident depression, suicidal ideation, and psychological service access in men living in rural Australia. Methods: Study outcomes were assessed using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (Ten to Men). Data were drawn from Waves 1 (2013-2014) and 2 (2015-2016). Across three models, data from 1,798-2,105 participants were analysed using self-reported measures of depression, and suicidal ideation, alongside sociodemographic data. Psychological service access was measured through objective data demonstrating access of the Medicare benefits scheme. Predictor variables included perceived social support, adherence to masculinity norms, perceived barriers to healthcare access, and experience of a natural disaster. Logistic regression models assessed impact of predictors. Results: Lower perceived social support, higher adherence to masculinity norms, and perceived barriers to healthcare were significant predictors of suicidal ideation but did not significantly impact depression or accessing psychological support. Suicidal ideation was a strong predictor of subsequent depression and help-seeking behaviour. Limitations: Study reliance on primarily self-report data and shorter timeframe of the study. Conclusions: Study emphasises urgent need for targeted interventions addressing influence of masculinity norms, improving social support, and reducing barriers to healthcare access in rural communities. This is crucial for improving mental health outcomes and reducing high rates of suicide among men living in rural Australia. Future research may consider measuring male-specific symptoms of depression.