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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Tobacco Retailer Density and Rurality Across Four US States: California, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Ohio
Presents a study on the tobacco retailer density of rural areas. Compares density rates of rural tracts with metropolitan, micropolitan, and small towns. Draws examples from California, Ohio, Connecticut, and North Carolina.
Author(s): Emerson Webb, Peter F. Craigmile, Meghan E. Morean, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70073
Date: 08/2025
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Route and Efficiency Analysis of Cancer Health Care (REACH): Investigating Sociodemographic and Rurality of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients at an NCI-Designated Facility
Explores the association between rurality and access to care for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Examines travel distance and time to treatment, as well as sociodemographic factors among patients with MBC. Draws data from rural and urban counties in Illinois and Missouri.
Author(s): Amanda Golden, Sarah Humble, Rachelle Roy, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70063
Date: 08/2025
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Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Rurality on Glioblastoma Care in Vermont
Examines rural-urban differences in clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes among 119 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who presented at the University of Vermont Medical Center from 2017 to 2021. Discusses rural cancer disparities in treatment outcomes and access to care.
Author(s): Gabriela Sarriera Valentin, Erin D'Agostino, Peter Callas, Alissa A. Thomas
Citation: BMC Health Services Research, 25, 1052
Date: 08/2025
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Outcomes in Pregnant Patients with Congenital Heart Disease by Rurality
Examines associations between rurality, major adverse cardiac events, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with congenital heart disease, utilizing 2016-2021 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample data. Discusses factors influencing access to care, quality of care, and patient outcomes in rural communities.
Author(s): Mehr Jain, Franklin Iheanacho, Kristen Sparagna, et al.
Citation: Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 53(7), 900-907
Date: 08/2025
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Pharmacy Barriers to Receiving Buprenorphine among Patients Undergoing Telemedicine Addiction Treatment
Presents a study exploring pharmacy-level barriers experienced by patients with opioid use disorder who are receiving treatment via telemedicine. Discusses barriers that lead to missed doses or inaccessible prescriptions. Breaks down data by health and demographic characteristics, such as age, education, and insurance type, among others, and whether the patient lived in a rural or nonrural area.
Author(s): Lauren E. Hendy, Lucas G. Hill, Amanda Olguin, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 8(8), e2527418
Date: 08/2025
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Understanding the Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Symptom Reporting in Pediatric Cancer
Highlights a study on the social determinants of health of caregivers of children with cancer in Appalachia. Discusses the symptom burden of child cancer and breaks down data by child's age, rurality, and Appalachian versus non-Appalachian location, among other measures.
Author(s): Micah A. Skeens, Adelaide Booze, Mark Ranalli, Anna Olsavsky
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70071
Date: 08/2025
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Rural–Urban Differences in Health Care Access for Postpartum Parent and Infant Dyads
Details a study on differences in perinatal health among postpartum parents and infants in rural and urban areas. Bases findings on National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data and breaks down data by demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and perceived health along rural and urban locations.
Author(s): Sara C. Handley, Julia D. Interrante, Emily F. Gregory, Katy B. Kozhimannil
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70062
Date: 08/2025
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2025 Indiana State Rural Health Report
Examines the state of rural health in Indiana and provides data on the health of rural citizens. Focuses on access, healthcare workforce shortages, health insurance, healthcare facilities availability, mobile health, telehealth services, maternal and infant health, mental health, substance use, and rural health finances and funding.
Author(s): Amnah Anwar, Kasia Hamman, Anureet Sandhu, et al.
Date: 08/2025
Sponsoring organization: Indiana Rural Health Association
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Geographic Disparities by Rural-Urban Status and Drive Time to Care in Tobacco Treatment for COPD
Explores the potential relationship between the drive-time to tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) services and the development of COPD among smokers. Details distances of rural smokers to TDT services. Draws from Veterans Affairs data and breaks down data by demographic characteristics, treatment type, and rural versus urban location, among other measures.
Author(s): Arianne K. Baldomero, Anne C. Melzer, Ken M. Kunisaki, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 8(8), e2528898
Date: 08/2025
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Community Navigation Intervention for Social Needs in Patients With Abnormal Mammography: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol
Presents a study exploring the efficacy of community navigators, such as 211, to help alleviate unmet social needs and change the likelihood of cancer patients with unmet social needs to complete their follow-up care. Discusses the importance of follow-up care in the treatment and prevention of cancer and the barriers individuals with unmet social needs face to receive it. Explores rurality as a potential barrier.
Author(s): Kirstin Beck, Mackenzie Mitchell, Andrea S. Wallace, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 25, 2926
Date: 08/2025
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