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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Physical activity

Process Evaluation Findings from Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0: A Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Intervention for Rural Women
Examines the impact and delivery of a 24-week cardiovascular disease prevention program administered to women in rural New York. Utilizes quantitative and qualitative data from 182 participants to analyze implementation measures such as program reach and length, participant attendance and satisfaction, program effectiveness, and more.
Author(s): Jacob Szeszulski, Laura J. Rolke, Priscilla Ayine, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21, 122
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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Walking in the Metro and the Nonmetro: Beliefs and Behavior of People Aged 50 and Older
Analyzes walking preferences and beliefs in metro and nonmetro people aged 50 or older. Utilizes 2022 AARP survey data and includes demographic breakdowns as well as reasons, places, and perceived benefits and barriers of walking.
Author(s): Adee Athiyaman
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
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Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study of an Online Weight Loss Program in Rural, Underserved Communities
Examines the feasibility and impact of implementing an online weight loss program in rural, underserved communities. Follows results of the 1-year intervention, analyzing 16 recruited individuals and their ability to attend nutrition and lifestyle education sessions, complete diet and weight monitoring, and achieve weight loss.
Author(s): Ashleigh Oliveira, Nouf Alfouzan, Jin Yu, et al.
Citation: Peer J Life and Environment, 12
Date: 10/2024
Type: Document
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The State of Obesity 2024: Better Policies for a Healthier America
Presents data on adult and childhood obesity rates, with breakdowns by state and select demographic characteristics. Examines current and emerging policies, provides funding opportunities, and outlines recommended policy actions. Includes a special feature about food environments and systems.
Author(s): Molly Warren, Madison West
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Trust for America's Health
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Relationship Between the Inner Setting of CFIR and the Delivery of the Healthy School Recognized Campus Initiative: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
Examines the influence of inner setting constructs such as organizational culture, implementation climate, and implementation readiness on the delivery of Healthy School Recognized Campus (HSRC) physical activity and nutrition promotion programs in 8 rural East Texas elementary schools. Analyzes survey and interview data of 28 HSRC implementers to identify factors influencing participation and study outcomes.
Author(s): Allyson Schaefers, Lucy Xin, Paula Butler, et al.
Citation: Implementation Science Communications, 5, 96
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
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Rural Louisiana Programs Create Healthier Schools
Features two Delta States Rural Development Network grantees working to improve children's health in rural Louisiana schools. A high school program focuses on preventing diabetes and an elementary school program offers nutrition and physical activity opportunities to students.
Author(s): Allee Mead
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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A Scoping Review of Policies to Encourage Breastfeeding, Healthy Eating, and Physical Activity among Rural People and Places in the United States
Scoping review of 122 studies, reports, and theses on breastfeeding, healthy eating, and physical activity policy, systems, and environment change initiatives in rural areas. Analyzes source design, objectives, setting, focus, results, and more. Summarizes research findings and discusses data collection and sharing for rural initiatives.
Author(s): M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Bailey Houghtaling, Marilyn E. Wende, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 24, 2160
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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The Effect of Proximity to Grocery Stores and the Pandemic on Parents' and Youths' Perceptions of Eating Habits in Predominately African American Rural Communities
Surveyed 203 youth and parents to determine the impact of grocery store access on eating habits, health, and exercise habits in 3 African American rural communities. Compares results between parents with and without grocery store access as well as between parents and youth. Discusses the impact of COVID-19 on eating habits and exercise.
Author(s): Amanda Williams, Sharlene D. Newman
Citation: Frontiers in Nutrition, 11
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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Refined Feasibility Testing of an 8-Week Sport and Physical Activity Intervention in a Rural Middle School
Examines the effectiveness of an 8-week physical activity (PA) and sport program aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in rural, low-income children. Discusses intervention feasibility and reports on the physiological, psychological, and PA outcomes of 35 6th and 7th grade students enrolled in the intervention.
Author(s): Janette M. Watkins, Janelle M. Goss, McKenna G. Major, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 913
Date: 07/2024
Type: Document
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QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Walked for Transportation and Walked for Leisure in the Past 7 Days, by Urban-Rural Status — United States, 2022
Bar chart showing the percent of the adult population that walks for transportation and for leisure in rural and urban areas.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 73(28), 631
Date: 07/2024
Type: Chart/Graph
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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