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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Telehealth Trends and Hypertension Management Among Rural and Medicaid Patients After COVID-19
This study examines trends in primary care utilization and hypertension management among adults who visited Dartmouth Health System in 2017-2018 and 2022. Compares changes in synchronous and asynchronous primary care utilization and effective control of elevated blood pressure by rurality and Medicaid enrollment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic through 2022.
Author(s): Matthew Mackwood, Oleksandra Pashchenko, Christopher Leggett, et al.
Citation: Telemedicine and e-Health, 30(6), e1677-e1688
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Healthcare Spending among Diverse Populations with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: A Claims-Based Analysis
Examines healthcare spending and utilization among commercially insured Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) patients. Explores the impact of race and ethnicity, poverty, and urban/rural status on annual spending among ADRD patients by analyzing data from the FAIR Health National Private Insurance Claims between January 2016 and December 2023, along with demographic and socioeconomic data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Includes data on the probability of ADRD patients using different care venues and the average and expected amounts allowed within each venue based on sociodemographic characteristics.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: FAIR Health
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Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Rural Youth: Insights from Adult Community Members
Presents a study on the barriers to accessing mental healthcare for rural youth in Washington State. Bases finding on interviews with community members, parents, teachers, and healthcare providers and discusses ways to overcome perceived barriers.
Author(s): Janessa M. Graves, Demetrius A. Abshire, Elissa Koontz, Jessica L. Mackelprang
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(6), 725
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Therapists Learn How To Help Farmers Cope With Stress Before It's Too Late
Highlights a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to train mental health workers on the unique stressors in agricultural work contributing to disparate rates of suicides for farmers. Discusses the importance of understanding the culture of farming.
Author(s): Tony Leys
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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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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Differences in Use of Veterans Health Administration and Non-VHA Hospitals by Rural and Urban Veterans After Access Expansions
Presents a study on rural and urban differences in acute inpatient care utilization in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non-VHA hospitals following expansions to the Veterans Choice Act. Breaks down data by patient characteristics, such as age, gender, and race, among others.
Author(s): Matthew P. Dizon, Kenneth W. Kizer, Michael K. Ong, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 40(3), 446-456
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Racial and Ethnic and Rural Variations in Access to Primary Care for Veterans Following the MISSION Act
Examines the impact of the 2018 Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act to provide veterans with equitable access to primary care. Analyzes VA and community care (CC) outpatient data to observe primary care utilization and wait times across Black, Hispanic, and White veteran populations, as well as by rural versus urban location. Discusses how policy can address healthcare access disparities experienced by U.S. veterans.
Author(s): Amy K. Rosen, Erin Beilstein-Wedel, Michael Shwartz, Heather Davila, Deborah Gurewich
Citation: JAMA Health Forum, 5(6)
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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Community Health Needs and Opportunities in Rural Central New York
Reports on community health in central New York's Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego counties. Discusses issues related to rural access to care, funding, and health workforce supply. Highlights health disparities affecting rural Black, Hispanic, multiracial, LGBTQ+, and disabled people. Includes sections dedicated to perinatal health, oral health, mental health and substance use, and medical and nonmedical home care.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Foundation for Western & Central New York
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Reducing Maternal Mortality, a Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicator
Provides an overview of maternal mortality and public health strategies to address maternal health. Includes maternal health resources related to priority issues of the Healthy People 2030 framework, with references to rural maternal health disparities.
Author(s): Corinne Gillenwater
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
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Neighborhood Deprivation and Breast Cancer Mortality Among Black and White Women
Compares the association of breast cancer mortality with neighborhood deprivation among Black and White women in Georgia who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2017. Measures deprivation via the Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI), utilizing 2011-2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Provides additional data breakdowns by level of rurality, neighborhood racial composition, and neighborhood residential mobility.
Author(s): Lauren E. Barber, Maret L. Maliniak, Leah Moubadder, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 7(6), e2416499
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
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