Rurality and mental health in Southern Italy: professional and community perspectives

Disparities in mental health between urban and rural areas are well documented internationally but underexplored in Italy. Rural patients often face limited-service access, stigma, and underfunding. This research hypothesised structural barriers and role-related factors significantly influence perceptions of care among professionals, caregivers, and service users in rural Southern Italy. Using a mixed-methods design, a 5-point Likert survey was administered to 221 participants from six Southern Italian regions during the 2024 National Conference on Mental Health and Rurality. We identified six emotional clusters expressing a polarisation between integration, participation, and trust versus disillusionment, detachment, and institutional distrust. Results revealed differences in perceived service adequacy, professional preparedness, and institutional support. Participants emphasised frustration over scarce resources but also valued the rural context’s potential for social cohesion and integration. Divergent professional perspectives underscored the need for targeted interventions while addressing cultural and emotional dimensions appeared essential to foster trust, engagement, and resilience. Findings underscore structural and cultural gaps, highlighting the need for workforce development, context-sensitive training, and community-based integrated care.