Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health conditions

Spatial Analysis of Breast Cancer Mortality Rates in a Rural State
Examines breast cancer mortality rates in South Dakota women as related to sociodemographic and county-level factors. Includes county-level state maps of age-adjusted mortality rates and cancer incidence.
Author(s): Marisa Schulz, Emma Spors, Kari Bates, Semhar Michael
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 19
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
view details
The Costs of Cancer in Rural Communities
Explores the financial impact cancer has on individuals in rural communities. Includes information and data related to health insurance, income levels, and how cost is connected to healthcare access and deferred treatment.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
view details
Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel — United States, 2021–22
Reports on influenza, primary COVID-19, and COVID-19 booster coverage among healthcare personnel during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 flu seasons. Includes data by primary workplace location for rural and nonrural areas.
Author(s): Hilda Razzaghi, Anup Srivastav, Marie A. de Perio, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(42), 1319-1326
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
view details
Use of Leading Practices in US Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs
Highlights a study exploring the portion of acute-care hospitals that have implemented best practices in their antimicrobial stewardship programs. Features data compiled from electronic questionnaires to program leaders on the implementation of 6 leading antimicrobial practices. Breaks down data by hospital size, teaching status, and whether the hospital is located in a rural or urban location, among other measures.
Author(s): Edward A. Stenehjem, Barbara I. Braun, Salome O. Chitavi, et al.
Citation: Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 1-8
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
view details
Changes in Emergency Department Visits in the Initial Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic (April–December 2020), 29 States
Presents data from 29 states on the difference between the number of emergency department (ED) visits and ED admission rates between April and December 2020 and compares this data to the same time period in 2019. Includes data by patient characteristics, including urban-rural status and race/ethnicity.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
view details
Home Health Agencies Used Multiple Strategies to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Although Some Challenges Persist
Presents results of a survey of home health agencies (HHAs) conducted between September through December 2021 to explore the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses challenges related to staffing, infection control, the use of telehealth, and the adequacy of emergency preparedness plans, as well as challenges specific to rural HHAs. Provides recommendations for how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can help HHAs prepare for and respond to current and future infectious disease outbreaks and changes to the home health care landscape.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
view details
Promoting Health and Behavior Change through Evidence-Based Landscape Interventions in Rural Communities: A Pilot Protocol
Highlights a study on the efficacy of a rural wellness hub model designed to support physical activity in rural areas. Details the design, implementation, and outcomes of the pilot program in Clay County, West Virginia. Breaks down data by demographic information, such as age, gender, and ethnicity, and by physical activity engaged in.
Author(s): Shan Jiang, Udday Datta, Christine Jones
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12833
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
view details
The Involvement of Rural Health Clinic Practitioners in Cancer Treatment Decisions and Survivorship Care
Results of a survey examining how practitioners from 153 Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) in 36 states are involved in their patients' cancer treatment and survivorship decisions. Features statistics on RHC characteristics, proportions of RHC practitioners who provide care or engage in joint decisions with another practitioner, RHC practitioner roles in cancer survivorship care, and experience with follow-up care for cancer survivors.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Allie F. Silverman, Stella Self, et al.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Minority Health Research Center (formerly the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center)
view details
Rural Students' Access to the Internet
Provides percentages of students who have access to fixed broadband by city, suburban, town, and rural locale, which is further broken down by fringe, distant, or remote areas. Includes discussions of related broadband issues such as influences of poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Education Statistics
view details
RHC Policies & Procedures
Recording of an October 6, 2022, webinar on Rural Health Clinic (RHC) policies and procedures. Discusses regulatory requirements for RHC policies and procedures, including patient care, medical record, and emergency preparedness policies and procedures. Describes new requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the transition out of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and potential changes that may occur in 2023. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 10/2022
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
view details