Rural access to vocational rehabilitation services: minority farmers' perspective.
OBJECTIVE
The paper documents the need for, and obstacles to effective access to rehabilitation services by minority farmers. It draws from the findings of a study conducted in the Mississippi delta.


METHODS
Applying community-based participatory research approach (CBPR) the study trained farmers to conduct interviews and focus group discussions. They interviewed 1308 farmers and had 18 focus group discussions with 254 farmers. The study also interviewed 290 service providers and conducted 8 focus group discussions with 72 State Vocational Rehabilitation services (VR) counselors.


RESULTS
The study found an unmet need for VR services in this population. Farmers were not aware of VR services or how to access them and VR was not aware of farmers' needs. Farmers felt marginalized and afraid that access to VR services would diminish their ability to earn a living on the farm.


CONCLUSIONS
Collaboration between VR and rural organizations, agencies and with rural people would help close the information and gaping service gap. One-stop service centers in rural areas could improve access to services. CBPR is an invaluable research tool especially among marginalized people.
Mwachofi
Ari
A
Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73104, USA. amwachof@ouhsc.edu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000383:Agriculture; D001131:Arkansas; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D008922:Mississippi; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D019035:Rural Health Services