Australians living in rural, regional and remote (RRR) regions have higher rates of mental illness and poorer access to adequate mental health care than their urban counterparts. Similarly, the prevalence of chronic illness and more adverse outcomes is higher in RRR than metropolitan areas.

There are strong direct and indirect links between physical and mental health and the determinants for wellness in both areas are shared, therefore addressing these common determinants will play a role in improving both physical and mental health. Furthermore, the prevalence and determinants of lifestyle behaviours such as physical activity, diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol are different in RRR regions and interventions from urban regions may not be applicable or fit for purpose in RRR regions.

This workstream seeks to advance understanding of the dynamic relationship between physical health and mental wellbeing in RRR communities. Purposeful partnerships and working relationships between the community, those with living experience, researchers, community-based organisations and decision makers is central to the Physical Health Stream.

The Physical Health stream seeks to provide evidence for health promotion initiatives that support the prevention and treatment of both physical and mental health, by:

• Prioritising research that seeks to identify the determinants of and relationships between physical and mental health in RRR regions. These include the social, built and natural environments together with behavioural and clinical determinants.

• Offer new evidence-based interventions and models of care to promote and support wellbeing of those living in RRR areas.

• Addressing inequalities of access to and quality of physical healthcare for those living with mental health conditions.

• Providing evidence related to substance misuse and implications for all RRR populations.

• Keeping a lens on women and their specific needs in managing and recovering from substance use, including physical activity-based initiatives.

• Grow capacity and capabilities and enhance collaborations between researchers, clinicians, consumers and service providers.

Collaboration and opportunities student led projects are invited.

Please email Manna Institute if you’d like to know more about this research group or express your interest to join here.