Description of the Purpose
The article “‘Get over it and move on’: The impact of mental illness stigma in rural, low-income United States populations” clearly states the purpose of the study. Accordingly, Crumb et al. (2019) note that they set a double objective to be achieved. First, to examine attitudes towards mental illness and discrimination in rural areas. Secondly, to explore how individuals with mental health problems choose healthcare providers in rural areas.
Explanation of Research Design
It is essential to mention that the study by Crumb et al. (2019) is valid because the institutional review board approved the study design. This is because the research uses a qualitative design with the use of qualitative data. However, the article clearly states that content analysis was used as the research method. Also, the article explains the importance of choosing this particular research design. This research method allows us to interpret the content of textual data by means of their reduction and classification.
Discussion of Sample
The study sample is described in a separate section of the article, and the percentage of selected people is clearly indicated. Thus, among the 53 participants, 41 percent of the sample identified themselves as women, and 12, 22 percent as men. In addition, the authors included 20 representatives of European Americans, 17 African Americans, and 16 Hispanics. Meanwhile, the study indicated a wide range of ages from 18 to 79 (Crumb et al., 2019). The authors also chose individuals who have consulted with doctors, received medical care, and have different experiences. Accordingly, the description of the sample is fully presented in the article.
Description of Data Collection Methods
The article states that the participants for the study were selected from the general population of the United States. In addition, people received a survey by e-mail, which they filled out according to their wishes. Thus, the authors could determine where people live and their attitudes and perceptions of mental health problems. Accordingly, the study involved persons who belong to rural communities and are interested in this topic or have problems. Besides, the article indicates the criteria for selecting the participants Crumb et al., 2019). The authors state that they had to live in a rural area, have a low income, have mental health problems, or have previously received treatment. Moreover, the sample included 54 participants out of 632 possible.
Summary of Findings
It is worth noting that the conclusions reached by the authors are in line with the original purpose of the study. Firstly, negative attitudes towards mental health problems still exist in rural areas. Secondly, individuals try to find healthcare providers to avoid obligations and get benefits, such as financial support from the state Crumb et al., 2019). Meanwhile, the article clearly presents the results with references to the previous study and explains the contribution of this research to the topic.
Strengths of the Study
The advantage of this research is the method of encouraging people to participate and answer questions about their own mental health honestly. Thus, participants who completed the first survey received a monetary reward, which stimulated them to give answers that were honest and comprehensive Crumb et al., 2019). Thus, this way of selecting and encouraging participants affects the quality and validity of the results.
Limitation of the Study
A limitation of the study is the chosen method of survey via e-mail. Despite the fact that the participants were motivated to answer honestly, the researchers could not ask additional questions, thus questioning the validity and reliability of the findings Crumb et al., 2019).
Recommendations
Future practice as a nurse practitioner (NP) can use the research findings described by Crumb et al. (2019). Since people in rural areas have stereotypes about mental illness, accordingly, truthful information about it should be disseminated to the public. In addition, disseminating information will increase the number of individuals who access help for problems rather than receiving welfare payments.
Reference
Crumb, L., Mingo, T. M., & Crowe, A. (2019). “Get over it and move on”: the impact of mental illness stigma in rural, low-income United States populations. Mental Health & Prevention, 13, 143-148. Web.