COVID‐19, mental health, and rurality: A pilot study.

COVID‐19 has caused enormous economic and social disruptions that may have lasting effects on employment, income, and working conditions. Critically, these disruptions often have a negative impact on mental health. While significant research has examined the relationship between COVID‐19 and mental health, most of these studies focus on urban centres. This paper presents results from a pilot study conducted in two rural counties in Ontario, Canada on the experiences of residents from small and rural communities related to COVID‐19. Based on 3496 survey results, this study quantifies the negative impact of COVID‐19 on overall mental health and the confounding role of gender, income, and age. Results must be used to expand the dialogue around rural mental health and to ensure appropriate programs and policies are developed. Key messages: COVID‐19 has had variable and significant impacts on residents in rural communities.Gender is a key characteristic, as self‐identifying females have experienced a greater decrease in self‐assessed mental health since the start of the pandemic.Governments must consider the "lived reality" that residents experience when they design and implement response plans; a one‐size‐fits‐all response to disruption is not sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]