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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Experiences Participating in Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Investigation in Vermont
Analyzes participant experiences with federal nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 period of July 2020 to September 2020 in Vermont. Utilizes qualitative and quantitative feedback to analyze program participation, food insecurity, perceived stress, and fruit and vegetable intake. Discusses rurality as a factor in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Emma H. Spence, Meredith T. Niles, Farryl Bertmann, Emily H. Belarmino
Citation: Nutrition Journal, 23, 74
Date: 07/2024
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Reported Incidence of Infections Caused by Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food: Impact of Increased Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests — Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 1996–2023
Reports on the 2023 incidence of infections caused by eight pathogens transmitted commonly through food, compared with average annual incidence during 2016–2018. Describes changes in the catchment area covered to better represent certain populations, including people living in rural counties. Table 1 includes data on rural cases in the historic and the expanded catchment.
Author(s): Hazel J. Shah, Rachel H. Jervis, Katie Wymore, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 73(26), 584-593
Date: 07/2024
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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The Impact of Regional Disparities on the Availability of Meningococcal Vaccines in the US
Analyzes the relationship among meningococcal vaccines, area-level socioeconomic status (SES), and state policies. Provides data on variables correlated with stocking rate, such as SES, social vulnerability, healthcare access, vaccine policies, and rural or micropolitan area, as well as public versus private proportion of doses. Includes county-level U.S. maps showing variations in meningococcal vaccine stocking rates.
Author(s): Katharina Schley, Eva Jodar, Jessica V. Presa, Sarah J. Willis, Christopher G. Prener
Citation: BMC Public Health, 24, 1771
Date: 07/2024
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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
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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
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Fetal Death in Tennessee, 2017-2021: 2024 Report
Describes the characteristics and trends of reportable fetal deaths in Tennessee from 2017-2021. Features statistics including fetal mortality rate with breakdowns by 6 levels of population density.
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organization: Tennessee Department of Health
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FY24-FY26 New Mexico State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Summary
Outlines New Mexico's disease prevention and health promotion plan for fiscal years 2024-2026. Identifies health priorities and strategies to increase access to primary care, reduce the incidence of substance misuse and mental health conditions, improve environmental health, and increase prevention and support for those affected by adverse childhood experiences. Includes discussion of tribal and rural health needs.
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Changes in Screening Test Volume in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020–2022
Examines trends in National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) screening volume from January 2020 to December 2022. Provides data, with comparisons to the pre-pandemic period, on breast and cervical cancer screening volume in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas.
Author(s): Yamisha Bermudez, Amy DeGroff, Jacqueline Miller, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 816
Date: 06/2024
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Tele-Mental Health Service: Unveiling the Disparity and Impact on Healthcare Access and Expenditures during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mississippi
Results of a study evaluating use of tele-mental health (TMH) services among rural Mississippi patients, as well as the impact of TMH on all-cause and behavioral health-related healthcare resource utilization and medical expenditures between January 2020 and June 2023. Features statistics including demographics with breakdowns by rural and urban residence.
Author(s): Yunxi Zhang, Lincy S. Lal, Yueh-Yun Lin, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 819
Date: 06/2024
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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. Requires the creation of a free account to view.
Author(s): Andrew Friedson, Bumyang Kim, Maggie Switek, Lawson Mansell
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organization: The Milken Institute
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