Keywords: mental health; rural health; coastal health; research priorities; rapid review; systematic review; evidence synthesis

Background:

There is a spatial mismatch in rural and coastal communities between demand for, and uptake of, mental health services. To date, there has been no existing synthesis of mental health research priorities as they directly relate to rural and coastal contexts.

Aim of the study:

This rapid systematic review aimed to identify and map international evidence on rural and coastal mental health research priorities.

Methodology:

We adhered to guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group and reported in line with the PRISMA statement. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched in September 2024. Supplementary searching was performed in Google Scholar. Data were extracted using an adapted version of the REPRISE framework. Content analysis was conducted to establish research priorities.

Results:

1,285 studies were screened, and 20 publications were included (Australia n=8, USA n=9, UK n=2, no geographical focus n=1). Priorities were grouped into seven categories: (1) interventions; (2) space and place; (3) stakeholder engagement; (4) improving understanding; (5) standardising data and terminology; (6) outreach; and (7) collaboration. Within these seven categories, there were 16 priorities, and 53 sub-priorities. No literature focused on mental health research priorities in coastal contexts.

Conclusions:

Future research requires stronger collaboration between relevant stakeholders to reflect local needs. Participatory research is key to achieving that. There was no priority setting that explicitly accounted for the coastal context, highlighting a notable gap. A cultural adaptation framework can fill this notable gap by adapting research findings to unique coastal characteristics, including transient populations and environmental risks. Moving forward, rural and coastal mental health research will require engaging with these communities, who have traditionally been reluctant to participate in research. The findings establish a baseline core set of principles from which to inform rural and coastal mental health research activity.