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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: COVID-19

Associations Between COVID-19 Therapies and Outcomes in Rural and Urban America: A Multisite, Temporal Analysis from the Alpha to Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Examines COVID-19 treatment, health outcomes, and mortality disparities in rural and urban areas of the United States. Analyzes 2021-2023 National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) data from 3,018,646 patients to break down COVID-19 disparities according to patient demographics, vaccine status, comorbidities, U.S. Census region, and adverse inpatient events, as well as urban, urban-adjacent, or nonurban-adjacent location.
Author(s): A. Jerrod Anzalone, William H. Beasley, Kimberly Murray, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Impact of In-Home Handwashing Stations on Hand Hygiene During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Unpiped Rural Alaska Native Homes
Examines the impact of installing the Miniature Portable Alternative Sanitation System (Mini-PASS) in rural Alaskan homes that lacked piped water. Utilizes interview feedback from 71 households who used the Mini-PASS during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing themes such as handwashing station usage, the ability to troubleshoot repairs, collaboration with tribal health organizations, and more.
Author(s): Olivia A. Harmon, Tricia S. Howe, Jacqualine D. Schaeffer, Ramot Adeboyejo, Laura P. Eichelberger
Citation: Public Health Reports, 139(1), 81S-88S
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Stroke Prevention and Management in Rural Georgia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Community Paramedicine Program
Evaluates the effectiveness of a community paramedicine service delivery model for improving stroke outcomes for high risk residents of 2 rural Georgia counties. Assesses hospital readmissions and mortality for 22 study participants compared to 621 nonparticipants. Discusses risk factors, telehealth, and pandemic related challenges.
Author(s): Brandon Calvert, Rana Bayakly, Teri Newsome
Citation: Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 30, S32-S38
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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Distance as an Obstacle to Clinical Trial Access: Who Is Affected and Why It Matters
Evaluates factors associated with geographic remoteness of 60 miles or more from the nearest phase 2 or 3 clinical trial for a variety of health conditions. Discusses American Indian reservations and rural areas, and provides data on demographic factors associated with remoteness including race and ethnicity, educational attainment, and poverty. Includes a county-level interactive map of clinical trial remoteness for health conditions including cancers, substance use disorder, diabetes, obesity, COPD, stroke, and more.
Additional links: Interactive Map
Author(s): Andrew Friedson, Bumyang Kim, Maggie Switek, Lawson Mansell
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: The Milken Institute
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Estimating the Burden and Distribution of Post–COVID-19 Condition in Washington State, March 2020–October 2023
Examines the prevalence of post–COVID-19 condition (PCC) in Washington State, utilizing a framework that incorporated data on reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations with estimates of PCC progression from the Household Pulse Survey. Includes data on population subgroups as well as a county-level map of Washington and corresponding chart showing PCC prevalence changes from January 2020 to January 2023.
Author(s): Arran Hamlet, Daniel Hoffman, Sharon Saydah, Ian Painter
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 21
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Excess Deaths Associated With COVID-19 by Rurality and Demographic Factors in the United States
Details a study on the patterns of excess death associated with COVID-19 by rural and urban location and other demographic factors using CDC WONDER data from March 2020 to February 2023. Breaks down percent of excess deaths by large central metro, large fringe metro, medium metro, small metro, micropolitan, and noncore counties.
Author(s): Katherine A. Ahrens, Lauren M. Rossen, Carly Milkowski, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 40(3), 491-499
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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2023 Immunization Profile Study: A Look at Immunization Capacity among Local Health Departments
Reports survey results from 422 local health departments (LHDs) on immunization workforce capacity, vaccine provision and uptake, funding and reimbursement, immunization data capacity, barriers to vaccination, and more in 2023. Includes data comparisons of small, medium, and large LHDs.
Author(s): Margaret C. Cunningham, Amy Maxson, Robin Mowson, et al.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Association of County and City Health Officials
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The Evolution of Health System Planning and Implementation of Maternal Telehealth Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Analyzes the impact of telehealth to provide maternal healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizes interview feedback from 15 health system leaders to discuss issues such as telehealth reimbursement, research, access, barriers, and integration. Includes commentary on telehealth use in rural areas.
Author(s): Monisa Aijaz, Burcu Bozkurt, Arrianna Marie Planey, et al.
Citation: Digital Health, 10
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Nutrition Environment Gaps and Distribution Challenges in Rural Food Pantries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study
Discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food pantries in rural areas. Analyzes survey data from 19 food pantry representatives working in California's San Joaquin Valley between August 2020 and June 2021. Examines the consumer nutrition environment in rural food pantries utilizing the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT).
Author(s): Kimberly D. Sánchez, Karina Díaz Rios, Denise D. Payán
Citation: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 124(6), 713-724.E4
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Health Disparities in Tennessee
Examines health disparities experienced by Tennessee residents. Measures include life expectancy, health equity, healthcare access, mental health and trauma, infectious disease, chronic disease, cancer, reproductive health, and age-specific health. Features statistics with breakdowns by race, ethnicity, gender, and urban or rural location.
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Tennessee Department of Health
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