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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Feasibility and Efficacy of a Novel Audiovisual Tool to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening among Rural Appalachian Kentucky Adults
Examines an audiovisual tool to improve understanding of fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) directions and assesses the tool's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in an Appalachian population of Kentucky. Utilizes survey data and focus group feedback from 692 individuals to examine FIT completion. Discusses colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality and strategies to improve screening.
Author(s): Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr, Derek Cegelka, Elizabeth Holtsclaw, et al.
Citation: Public Health, 12
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Social Induction via a Social Behavioral Intervention on Changes in Metabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Appalachia, United States
Examines the effects of a social network intervention on metabolic health in rural, Appalachian Kentucky. Presents data of 301 participants, including data on change in body weight, waist circumference, mean arterial blood pressure, and other cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators. Evaluates the relationship between social networks, health behaviors, and physical health outcomes.
Author(s): Eric L. Ding, Kathleen T. Watson, Leila Makarechi, et al.
Citation: Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 99(7), 1058-1077
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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County Economic Status in Appalachia, FY 2025
Map showing levels of economic distress in Appalachian counties based on unemployment rates, income, and poverty levels. Includes interactive map, downloadable maps and data files, and data report.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Map/Mapping System
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
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The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey Chartbook
State- and county-level information on population, age, race and ethnicity, housing occupancy, education, labor force, employment, transportation, income, health insurance coverage, disability, and veteran status, for the 13 Appalachian states. Features statistics with breakdowns by 5 levels of population density. Includes data explorer options for Appalachian categories such as population and age, education, income and poverty, computer and broadband access, rural Appalachia versus rural America, and employment and commuting.
Additional links: Full Report
Author(s): Sara Srygley, Nurfadila Khairunnisa, Diana Elliott
Date: 06/2024
Type: Website
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, Population Reference Bureau
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Is Peer Support a Tipping Point for the Opioid Use Disorder Crisis in Appalachia? Research Holds the Answer
Investigates how the relationship among cultural, socioeconomic, medical, and geographic factors in Central Appalachia create additional burdens for opioid use recovery. Analyzes the effectiveness of medications for opioid use disorder and peer recovery support services, providing recommendations to address opioid use disorder in Appalachia.
Author(s): Kimberly Horn, Stephanie M. Mathis, Lara Nagle, et al.
Citation: Harm Reduction, 21, 122
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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A Sentiment and Keyword Analysis of College Food Pantry Stigma Among Users and Nonusers
Analyzes food pantry stigma among college students at a rural Appalachian university. Examines responses from an online survey that provides information on student food insecurity, demographic information, stigma associated with food pantry use, and more.
Author(s): Alisa T. Duong, Ayron E. Walker, Amanda R. Bossert, Matthew E. Arnold
Citation: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 11(2), 285-299
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Partnerships to Establish and Sustain Rural GME: Q and A with Randy Longenecker, MD
Interview with Randy Longenecker, founding executive director of the RTT Collaborative, now called the Rural Medical Training Collaborative. Explores the history of efforts to address physician shortages in rural Appalachian Ohio and discusses challenges in developing and sustaining rural graduate medical education partnerships and experiences.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
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Voices of Experience: Lay Perspectives on Severe Maternal Morbidity in Appalachia
Highlights the perspectives of 10 rural Appalachian women interviewed about their experiences with severe maternal morbidity, social determinants of health, the healthcare system, and access to quality healthcare. Offers potential interventions based on interview themes.
Author(s): Anna Hansen, Cassidy Carter, Nancy Schoenberg, Carrie Oser
Citation: SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, 4, 100410
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Community Needs Assessment Collaboration Following the July 2022 Flooding in Eastern Kentucky
Describes the process by which community partners serving 14 rural Appalachian Kentucky counties collaborated to design and conduct a community needs assessment in the aftermath of July 2022 flooding. The assessment collected information related to flooding impact on housing, physical and behavioral health, transportation, work, and finances.
Author(s): Melissa Slone, Frances Feltner, William M. Baker, Anthony S. Lockard, Angela Raleigh
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, (1):163–166.
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
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Providing Employment Services to Individuals in Recovery: Lessons from Addiction Recovery Care
Explores a substance use disorder (SUD) recovery program in rural Appalachian Kentucky that pairs the residential clinic with employment services. Details the phases and strategies of the recovery program: stabilization, recovery and life skills, taking action, and job skills and education. Discusses the demographic profile of those in recovery and the impact of providing occupational training during treatment.
Author(s): Robin Koralek, Hannah Engle, Chelsea Jackson, Hannah Pico
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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