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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Quantifying the Food and Physical Activity Environments in Rural, High Obesity Communities
Results of a study to assess the nutrition and physical activity environments in rural South Dakota communities with high rates of obesity, to understand whether there are common strengths and challenges that emerge across communities. Features a comparison of availability of various healthful food options between grocery and convenience stores and pricing for healthful vs. regular food options in grocery stores and convenience stores.
Author(s): Lacey A. McCormack, Jessica R. Meendering, Linda Burdette, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24), 13344
Date: 12/2021
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COVID-19 National Emergency: Early Trends in Hospitalizations for Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Health Conditions and 30-Day Readmission Rates
Provides an overview of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). Describes monthly trends in hospitalizations of Medicare beneficiaries for HRRP conditions before and after the implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures through September 30, 2020. Examines how monthly trends in unadjusted 30-day readmission rates before and after implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures and how these rates differ by sociodemographic characteristics, including rurality. Discusses policy opportunities and interventions to enhance post-discharge follow-up and reduce readmission rates.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Veteran Oral Health: Expanding Access and Equity
Report discusses the oral health disparities and barriers to access for veterans. Features data pertaining to the oral health status of rural veterans and explores oral health coverage among veterans.
Author(s): Annaliese Cothron, Sean Boynes, Chelsea Chokas, et al.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organizations: American Institute of Dental Public Health, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
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Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges
Report explores the relationship oral health has to overall health and wellness. Discusses the societal factors that affect oral health and oral healthcare access. Features a discussion on rural oral health disparities and access to care in rural areas.
Additional links: Errata Notice, Executive Summary
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organizations: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health
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Public Health Forward: Modernizing the U.S. Public Health System
Provides a framework for policymakers and public health officials to guide investments and decision-making to implement a public health system to address challenges beyond the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on equity. Covers six core areas: financing, laws and governance, community engagement, partnerships, workforce, and data and information technology. Highlights challenges and considerations for rural communities and Tribal nations throughout.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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Feasibility of Promoting Physical Activity Using mHealth Technology in Rural Women: The Step-2-It Study
Describes a pilot study that examined the potential of text-messaging and utilization of a pedometer to promote walking among rural women age 40 and over in Illinois. Discusses efforts to increase physical activity through rural-specific interventions and assesses the pilot program's feasibility by analyzing participant data.
Author(s): Manorama M. Khare, Kristine Zimmermann, Rebecca Lyons, Cara Locklin, Ben S. Gerber
Citation: BMC Women's Health, 21, 415
Date: 12/2021
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Report of Health Care Provider Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination Among Adults, by Recipient COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Attitudes — United States, April–September 2021
Examines provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination and the impact of those recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination coverage and attitudes. Includes data for urban (MSA principal city), suburban (MSA nonprincipal city), and rural (non-MSA) areas.
Author(s): Kimberly H. Nguyen, David Yankey, Peng-jun Lu, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(50), 1723-1730
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Health Care Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Race and Social Determinants of Health among Adults Age ≥ 58 years in the REGARDS Study
Presents results of a survey of Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study participants about their experiences with SARS-CoV-2 testing and access to care. Presents data on COVID-19 testing, symptoms of COVID-19 without a diagnosis, and changes to access to care by participant characteristics, including rural and urban residence.
Author(s): Emily B. Levitan, Virginia J. Howard, Mary Cushman, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 21
Date: 12/2021
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Implementation and Initial Evaluation of Falls Risk Reduction Resources in a Rural Native American Community
Presents a study evaluating fall prevention interventions aimed at elders at a rural Indian Health Services Center. Breaks down data by the percentage of participants with fall risk, those that had a fall after the intervention, and those that required a visit to the emergency department after their fall, among other efficacy measure.
Author(s): Kyle M. Knight
Citation: Injury Epidemiology, 8(66)
Date: 12/2021
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Evidence Brief: Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Assault Among Veterans
Report details a study on the prevalence of intimate partner violence and sexual assault experienced by veterans. Breaks down data by type of abuse suffered and rurality, among other measures.
Additional links: Supplemental Materials
Author(s): Nicholas J. Parr, Sarah Young, Rachel Ward, Katherine Mackey
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organizations: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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