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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Rural Disparities in Cancer Care: A Review of Its Implications and Possible Interventions
A literature review about the disparities in cancer care in rural Appalachia, specifically West Virginia. Discusses possible solutions to bridge the gap, such as teleoncology, virtual tumor boards, patient support groups, and physician training programs. Includes data and statistics for rates of cancer and oncologist availability.
Author(s): Lynne J. Goebel
Citation: West Virginia Medical Journal, 112(3), 76-82
Date: 2016
Type: Document
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Comprehension of Randomization and Uncertainty in Cancer Clinical Trials Decision-Making among Rural, Appalachian Patients
Explores Appalachian patients' comprehension of the randomization process in cancer randomized clinical trials (RCT) as a component of informed consent. Examines sources of ongoing uncertainty that can obstruct a patient's ability to provide informed consent to participate in a RCT.
Author(s): Janice L. Krieger, Angela Palmer-Wackerly, Phokeng M. Dailey, et al.
Citation: Journal of Cancer Education, 30(4), 743-748
Date: 12/2015
Type: Document
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A Feasibility Study of Home-Based Contingency Management with Adolescent Smokers of Rural Appalachia
Reports on a study evaluating a home-based smoking cessation intervention program utilizing the internet to determine the viability and effectiveness of the program for rural adolescents.
Author(s): Brady Reynolds, Millie Harris, Stacey A. Slone, et al.
Citation: Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 23(6), 486-493
Date: 12/2015
Type: Document
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Community-Based Screening for Cervical Cancer: A Feasibility Study of Rural Appalachian Women
Describes a community-based screening program for rural Appalachian women that examines the women's comfort levels and experience self-collecting swabs for HPV testing, whether nurse-guided patient navigation increases the odds of women receiving a traditional Pap test after HPV screening, and explores the hypothesis that women testing positive for oncogenic HPV would be more likely to have a Pap test than those testing negative.
Author(s): Richard A. Crosby, Michael E. Hagensee, Robin Vanderpool, et al.
Citation: Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 42(11), 607-611
Date: 11/2015
Type: Document
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Mortality and Life Expectancy in Rural America: Connecting the Health and Human Service Safety Nets to Improve Health Outcomes over the Life Course
Policy brief describing the driving forces behind rural health disparities in Appalachian Kentucky. Offers nationally relevant recommendations for addressing these challenges. Discusses rural and urban differences in life expectancy and mortality rates, and other significant factors including behavioral health, substance abuse, population health, trauma care, and transportation.
Date: 10/2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
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Delay Discounting and Self-Reported Impulsivity in Adolescent Smokers and Nonsmokers Living in Rural Appalachia
Examines whether impulsivity is associated with adolescent smoking status in rural Appalachian regions of Ohio and Kentucky. Impulsivity data was collected for two measures, delay discounting and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11, through self-reported assessments. Includes demographic data on adolescent smokers and nonsmokers by number of cigarettes per day, number of friends who smoke, whether their closest friend smokes, and if at least one parent smokes.
Author(s): Russell Lewis, Millie Harris, Stacey A. Slone, Brent J. Shelton, Brady Reynolds
Citation: The American Journal on Addictions, 24(6), 492-494
Date: 09/2015
Type: Document
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The Availability of Competitive Foods and Beverages to Middle School Students in Appalachian Virginia Before Implementation of the 2014 Smart Snacks in School Standards
Examines nutritional quality of foods and beverages available in 8 rural Virginia middle schools. Includes statistics with breakdowns by number of foods and beverages offered, number that were compliant with USDA National School Lunch Program standards, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches, and percentages of components such as sugar, fat, and sodium in available foods.
Author(s): Georgianna Mann, Vivica Kraak, Elena Serrano
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 09/2015
Type: Document
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Pediatric Hearing Healthcare in Kentucky's Appalachian Primary Care Setting
Examines rural primary care providers' newborn hearing screening practices and experience with early hearing diagnosis and intervention programs in Appalachian Kentucky.
Author(s): Matthew L. Bush, David Alexander, Bryce Noblitt, Cathy Lester, Jennifer B. Shinn
Citation: Journal of Community Health, 40(4), 762-768
Date: 08/2015
Type: Document
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Acceptability and Feasibility of Physical Activity Assessment Methods for an Appalachian Population
Examines the reliability, validity, acceptability, and feasibility of three self-reported physical activity assessment methods among children, adolescents, and adults living in rural Appalachia Kentucky. Includes descriptive statistics and data on the self-report physical activity questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers.
Author(s): Yelena N. Tarasenko, Britteny M. Howell, Christina R. Studts, Scott J. Strath, Nancy E. Schoenberg
Citation: Journal of Community Health, 40(4), 714-724
Date: 08/2015
Type: Document
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Impact of Coal Mining on Self-Rated Health among Appalachian Residents
Examines the impact of coal mining on self-reported health status of adults in the Appalachian region. Includes statistics on BMI, smoking status, income, educational attainment, coal-related employment, and number of coal facilities nearby.
Author(s): Shannon M. Woolley, Ada O. Youk, Todd M. Bear, et al.
Citation: Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2015, 501837
Date: 07/2015
Type: Document
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