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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Continuing Evidence of Chagas Disease Along the Texas-Mexico Border
Explores a study on Chagas Disease on the Texas-Mexico border. Features case studies detailing experiences with the disease in the rural towns of Rio Grande City, TX and San Vicente, Mexico; and in urban centers of Mission, TX and Reynosa, Mexico.
Author(s): Melissa S. Nolan, David Aguilar, Eric L. Brown, et al.
Citation: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 12(11)
Date: 11/2018
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Pharmacy Staff Perspectives on Alcohol and Medication Interaction Prevention Among Older Rural Adults
Analyzes the perspectives of pharmacy staff on alcohol and medication interaction (AMI) prevention programs, dissemination methods for AMI prevention information, and barriers to participation in prevention programs by rural older adults. Interviews were conducted with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in 2 counties for each of the following states: Kentucky, Maryland, and Virginia. Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings were used to identify the counties selected based on their rural and national health risk profiles.
Author(s): Faika Zanjani, Hannah Allen, Rachel Vickers Smith, et al.
Citation: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 4
Date: 11/2018
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Impact of Physical Activity and Sleep Quality on Quality of Life of Rural Residents With and Without a History of Cancer: Findings of the Day and Night Study
Reports on a cross-sectional study comparing the physical activity, sleep quality, and physical and mental health of cancer survivors with cancer-free individuals in medically underserved areas of rural Virginia. Evaluates the relationship between sleep quality, average sleep time, and self-reported outdoor activity with predicted mental health and quality of life. The Harvard Food Frequency Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and RAND 36-Item Health Survey were used to collect data on dietary intake, sleep quality, and physical activity.
Author(s): Carlin Rafie, Yi Ning, Aiping Wang, Xiang Gao, Robert Houlihan
Citation: Cancer Management and Research, 2018(10), 5525–5535
Date: 11/2018
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Working Children: Federal Injury Data and Compliance Strategies Could Be Strengthened
Provides a detailed analysis of children working in agriculture and non-agricultural occupations, with a focus on work-related injuries and fatalities. Provides recommendations for the Department of Labor to help them improve their data collection efforts and to help address the risks for children working in agriculture. Appendix V includes additional detailed information on hired child crop workers and Appendix VI details information for children working on farms.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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American Indian & Alaska Native Health Inequities Compared to Non-Hispanic Whites
Provides an infographic highlighting health disparities for American Indian and Alaska Native children and adults. Covers obesity, depression, diabetes, and more.
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Families USA
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Health Disparities Among American Indians/Alaska Natives — Arizona, 2017
Reports on sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare access, health behaviors, health status, and chronic conditions among Arizona adults, with data for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), White, and other adults. Discusses the need for culturally tailored public health approaches to address AI/AN health disparities.
Author(s): Monique Adakai, Michelle Sandoval-Rosario, Fang Xu, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(47), 1314-1318
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Update: Rural/Urban Disparities in Pneumococcal Vaccine Service Delivery Among the Fee-for-Service Medicare Population, 2012-2015
Updated report on a study to identify disparities in vaccine provision to people ages 65 and over, and to assess the impact of pharmacies as alternate site providers in rural areas. Revised version specifically assesses the uptake of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, in response to the revised vaccination recommendations issued in 2014. Includes statistics on pneumococcal vaccine services provided by fee-for-service pharmacies and primary care providers, with breakdowns by rural and urban frequency, and state-level maps with rate of service delivery per eligible population, using 2014 and 2015 data.
Author(s): Joseph C. Vanghelof, Aric Schadler, Patricia R. Freeman, Jeffery C. Talbert
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
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Ohio Addiction Policy Inventory and Scorecard: Overdose Reversal and Other Forms of Harm Reduction
Describes changes in Ohio addiction policies related to overdose reversal and harm reduction. Examines the evidence supporting the policy changes and how they will address the needs of Ohio residents. Identifies existing gaps in policy and potential opportunities for improvement. Discusses barriers rural counties face, such as limited access to harm reduction services or healthcare specialists for treatment.
Additional links: Detailed Inventory Tables, Recorded Webinar, Slides
Author(s): Amy Bush Stevens, Hailey Akah
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
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Mobile Mammography Participation Among Medically Underserved Women: A Systematic Review
Describes the effect of mobile programs in promoting mammographic screening participation among medically underserved women. Examines 4 studies conducted in rural areas and 3 studies conducted in both urban and rural areas, through articles published from 2010-2018.
Author(s): Suzanne Vang, Laurie R. Margolies, Lina Jandorf
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 15
Date: 11/2018
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The Health and Economic Concerns of Rural Americans
Presentation features a discussion on the role social and economic disparities play in the health of people in rural communities. Highlights the effect the opioid crisis has had in rural areas and discusses ways communities can use local resources to combat opioid abuse. Transcript available in the video description.
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: The Forum, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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