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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

In-Class Health Literacy Programs Can Improve Rural Students' Health Literacy
Reports on a study comprising of children to assess a school-based intervention focused on improving health literacy among rural children.
Author(s): Sarah A. Aghazadeh
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Communication Association
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Healthcare: A Key Challenge in Alabama's Black Belt
Issue brief examining healthcare access in Alabama's Black Belt region compared to national trends. Covers hospital beds in relation to population, rural hospital closures, COVID-19 strain, and policy impacts.
Author(s): Emily Jacobs, Hunter Whann, Emily Grace Corley, Jonathan Bowen, Noel Keeney
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: University of Alabama Education Policy Center
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Effect of an Additional 30 Minutes Spent Outdoors During Summer on Daily Steps and Individually Experienced Heat Index
Discusses rural-urban differences related to additional time spent outdoors and its impacts on physical activity and heat exposure. Reports on 89 urban and 88 rural residents in Alabama who are given an intervention of 30 minutes of additional outdoor time each day. Includes statistics and graphs detailing the rural versus urban intervention results.
Author(s): Suwei Wang, Molly B. Richardson, Connor Y.H. Wu, Benjamin F. Zaitchik, Julia M. Gohlke
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(20), 7558
Date: 10/2020
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Development and Implementation of a Telenephrology Dashboard for Active Surveillance of Kidney Disease: A Quality Improvement Project
Explores a study on the use of telehealth for early detection and intervention in cases of kidney disease among rural veterans. Evaluates a telenephrology consultation program run by the VA Health Care System at a number of locations in rural Iowa.
Author(s): Melissa L. Swee, M. Lee Sanders, Kantima Phisitkul, et al.
Citation: BCM Nephrology, 21, 424
Date: 10/2020
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Addressing Opioid Use Disorder among Rural Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Study Protocol
Explores a study examining the rates of prenatal opioid use disorder and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in rural areas. Study includes provider-level measurements such as patient retention, adoption of evidence-based practices, and attitude towards substance misuse, among others, and patient-level measurements such as substances used, co-occurring conditions, and birth outcomes, among others.
Author(s): M. Aryana Bryan, Marcela C. Smid, Melissa Cheng, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, 15, 33
Date: 10/2020
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Ohio's COVID-19 Populations Needs Assessment
Describes a statewide evaluation of the unique needs of communities in Ohio at increased risk of disease and death due to COVID-19, as well as barriers these communities face in following COVID-19 protective behaviors. Focuses on 6 population groups, including rural communities. Offers 8 recommendations that would mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 across multiple populations.
Additional links: Executive Summary, Findings & Recommendations for Rural Communities
Author(s): Julianna M. Nemeth, Tasleem J. Padamsee
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: The Ohio State University College of Public Health
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Rural Legal Deserts Are a Critical Health Determinant
Highlights the role attorneys play in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) during the COVID-19 pandemic and how their absence in rural areas exacerbates SDOH. Discusses the concept of "legal deserts" in rural areas, how they affect SDOH, and how things have changed during the pandemic.
Author(s): Michele Statz, Paula Termuhlen
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 110(10), 1519-1522
Date: 10/2020
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Joint Effect of Race/Ethnicity or Location of Residence and Sex on Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol among Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes: A 10-year Retrospective Cohort Study
Details a study exploring the intersection of race/ethnicity, sex, and rurality in the effective management of cardiovascular disease by veterans with type 2 diabetes. Highlights the importance and difficulty of managing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) for patients with both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Breaks down data by race, sex, and rural versus urban location.
Author(s): Erin R. Weeda, Kinfe G. Bishu, Ralph Ward, et al.
Citation: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 20, 449
Date: 10/2020
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Safety Guidelines for Youth Operating Farm Equipment
Report highlights safety measures for youth ages 15-17 operating farm equipment. Details information on farm equipment hazards and risks for young workers, as well as federal and state regulations. Presents guidelines for the safe use of various forms of farm equipment by young workers.
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
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Association of Rurality With Availability of Youth Mental Health Facilities With Suicide Prevention Services in the US
Presents a study on the availability of suicide prevention services for youths age 15-19 at mental health facilities in rural versus urban areas. Compares the rates of prevalence of mental health facilities, youth-serving mental health facilities, and youth-serving mental health facilities with suicide prevention programs by rural-urban continuum codes.
Author(s): Janessa M. Graves, Demetrius A. Abshire, Jessica L. Mackelprang, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 3(10), e2021471
Date: 10/2020
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