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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity among Mostly Older, Overweight Black Women Living in the Rural Alabama Black Belt
Examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in 4 rural, predominantly Black Alabama communities from March 2020 to Aug 2021. Study participants were predominantly Black, overweight, older women with low levels of physical activity. Provides data on changes in physical activity levels during the pandemic, concerns influencing physical activity, leisure time physical activity habits, and demographic characteristics.
Author(s): Whitney N. Neal, Erica A. Schleicher, Kerri Baron, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7180
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Assessing Social Needs and Engaging Community Health Workers in Underserved Kansas Counties: Insights From Primary Care Providers and Clinic Managers
Details a study exploring how rural and underserved urban communities in Kansas are screening for social determinants of health and using community health workers to address challenges. Bases findings on surveys of providers and clinic managers.
Author(s): Kristina M. Bridges, Joseph W. LeMaster, Daniel J. Parente, et al
Citation: Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, 14
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Use of Primary Care and Emergency Departments for Substance Use Treatment: The Rural and Urban Divide
Explores the use of primary care and emergency departments for substance use treatment in rural and urban areas. Draws from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2015-2019 and breaks down data by age, race, and rurality, among other measures.
Author(s): Nathaniel Albright, Christina Dyar, Ethan Morgan
Citation: Substance Use & Misuse, 59(2), 300-305
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Impacts of Transit on Health in Rural and Small Urban Areas
Overview of how public transportation affects health in rural and small urban areas. Summarizes findings from a literature review that looked at public transportation as it relates to the social determinants of health, healthcare access, physical activity, social isolation, and mental health. Also reports results from a survey of rural older adults supplemented by data analysis looking at travel for healthcare, challenges related to public transportation, and the impacts of missed or delayed healthcare trips.
Author(s): Jeremy Mattson, Bright Quayson
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
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Social and Structural Determinants of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality: An Evidence Map
Presents results of a systematic literature review of risk factors associated with maternal morbidity and mortality before, during, and after birth. Reports study findings on social and structural determinants of health including race, income, mental health, rurality, environment, violence, trauma, and more. Observes the state of current research and identifies limitations.
Additional links: Executive Summary, Full Report
Author(s): Jaime Slaughter-Acey, Kathryn Behrens, Amy M. Claussen, et al.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Urban and Rural Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on HPV Vaccination in Minnesota
Reports findings from a set of 20 qualitative interviews with urban and rural adolescent healthcare providers and clinic staff in Minnesota. Examines provider strategies used when discussing HPV, COVID-19, and other adolescent vaccines, as well as perceptions of parental opinions on adolescent vaccination. Discusses rural cultural values that impact rural provider strategies for promoting vaccination.
Author(s): Elizabeth J. Polter, Ben Christianson, Anne Steinberg, et al.
Citation: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 19(3), 2291859
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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The Influence of Organizational Aspects of the U.S. Agricultural Industry and Socioeconomic and Political Conditions on Farmworkers' COVID-19 Workplace Safety
Interviewed 14 rural Latinx California farmworkers between July 2020 and April 2021 on the impacts of regulatory oversight and workplace safety measures on COVID-19 risks in the workplace. Discusses legal status for farmworkers and offers policy recommendations for occupational health and safety measures.
Author(s): Fabiola M. Perez-Lua, Alec M. Chan-Golston, Nancy J. Burke, Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young
Citation: International Journal of Research and Public Health, 20(23), 7138
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Breast Cancer Disparity and Outcomes in Underserved Women
Provides an overview of breast cancer disparities experienced by underserved and vulnerable women. Discusses racial and ethnic groups, gender minority population, and rural population, and highlights the significance of social determinants of health. Describes strategies to mitigate disparities and improve access, including education and engagement, community health workers, mobile mammography, and care coordination.
Author(s): B Bersu Ozcan, Başak E. Dogan, Ann R. Mootz, et al.
Citation: RadioGraphics, 44(1), 230090
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Disparities in Mortality Between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Regions of Kentucky
Compares all-cause, drug-related, and opioid-related mortality in Kentucky, with breakdowns by metropolitan/nonmetropolitan and Appalachian/non-Appalachian counties. Utilizes 2000-2019 CDC WONDER mortality data. Identifies mortality trends, and discusses related demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors.
Author(s): Sonali S. Salunkhe, Sahal Alzahrani, Beatrice Ugiliweneza
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 5(3), 38-52
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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2023 - 2028 Oklahoma State Health Improvement Plan
Offers overview of Oklahoma resident health indicators and improvement goals with specific focus on social determinants of health, mental health, substance use, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Notes statewide resources and assets for each indicator. Includes a health inequity map at the census tract level.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Oklahoma State Department of Health
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