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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Trials Costs to Patients
Examines the direct and indirect costs of COVID-19 clinical trial participation to patients and the impact of utilizing remote technologies. Presents an environmental scan of articles published between 2010 and 2023 and discusses barriers to clinical trial participation experienced by underrepresented and rural populations.
Author(s): Keri Calkins, Emily Crabtree, Emily Harrison, Nyna Williams, Kirsten Barrett
Date: 06/2025
Sponsoring organization: Mathematica
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Evaluation of FMVSS No. 226: Curtain Air Bags and Ejection Mitigation in Rollover Events
Results of a study evaluating the likelihood of occupant ejection in the presence of curtain air bags deployable during a rollover, and how other factors can affect this outcome. Uses data from the Crash Report Sampling System for 2016-2021. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban and rural areas, and mentions rural throughout.
Author(s): Eliseo Acevedo Díaz
Date: 04/2025
Sponsoring organization: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Occupant Restraint Use in 2023: Results From the NOPUS Controlled Intersection Study
Presents results from the 2023 National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) Controlled Intersection Study. Features statistics from 2022 and 2023 including child restraint use by age, with breakdowns by urban and rural areas.
Author(s): Lacey B. Werth
Date: 04/2025
Sponsoring organization: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Newly Reported Chronic Hepatitis C Among Adults — Alaska, 2016–2023
Reports on changes in the annual average rate of newly reported adult chronic hepatitis C cases during 2016–2023 in Alaska. Includes rate data for 2016-2019 compared to 2020-2023 for urban, rural, and remote areas.
Author(s): Heather M. Scobie, Jamie Allison, Nicholas Masters, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 74(10), 161-166
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Home Healthcare Establishments Serving Rural Areas Increased about 36 Percent from 2010 to 2023

Chart showing the change for home healthcare services, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities in nonmetropolitan areas between 2010 and 2023.


Author(s): Brandon Genetin
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Operating Status of Adult Day Services Centers in 2022

Offers estimates from the 2022 National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study (NPALS) regarding operating status of adult day service centers as a result of COVID-19 response efforts. Compares U.S. Census Bureau regions, metropolitan and nonmetropolitan statistical areas, Medicaid licensure, and number of enrolled participants.


Author(s): Jessica P. Lendon, Priyanka Singh, Christine Caffrey, Manisha Sengupta, Zhaohui Lu
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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Rural Areas Have More Older People Exposed to Greater Wildfire Risk

Bar chart comparing the number of adults 60 or older with moderate, high, or highest risk of wildfire exposure by rurality.


Author(s): Richelle L. Winkler
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Public Health Research and Program Strategies for Diabetes Prevention and Management

Editorial describing diabetes prevention and management efforts and policy since 1975. Discusses disparities in diabetes prevalence including rural residence. Highlights current and future work in diabetes prevention and management.


Author(s): Shelly-Ann Bowen, Arsham Alamian, Stephen Onufrak
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 22
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Rising Rural Mortality Rates From Natural Causes for Working-Age Adults Lead to Widening Gap With Urban Counterparts

Reports on disparities in natural cause mortality rates between rural and urban working age adults. Explores disparities by various demographic factors and underlying causes.


Author(s): Kelsey L. Thomas (Conley), Elizabeth A. Dobis, David McGranahan
Citation: Amber Waves
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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As Older Rural Population Grew, Ratio of Rural U.S. Eldercare Establishments Fell

Bar chart comparing the number of eldercare establishments per 1,000 adults 65 or older in rural and urban areas between 2010 and 2023. Eldercare establishments include those that provide home health, long-term care, or assisted living services, as noted in the 2024 Rural America At a Glance report.


Author(s): Brandon Genetin
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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