Rural Community-Based Interventions to Improve the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People: A Rapid Scoping Review of the Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence

Abstract

This study synthesised evidence on community-based interventions targeting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in rural and remote locations. Scoping review methodology was employed. Searches of six databases were conducted. Titles and abstracts (N = 6457) were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by full text screening (N = 61). Twelve publications reporting 10 unique interventions were identified. Interventions varied in design and delivery, with the majority targeting adolescents and focusing on either prevention (e.g., suicide) or improvement of mental health or wellbeing. Themes identified in the synthesis of intervention outcomes included mood and self-esteem, resilience and coping, and belonging and social connectedness. Barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation were also identified. Initial evidence suggests positive impacts on youth mental health, wellbeing, and community relationships. However, further research into rural community-based interventions is needed.