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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Rural Definitions and Data: Changes after the 2020 Census
Webinar recording discusses the changes to the way rural is defined in the 2020 Census and how those changes will affect rural programs', organizations', and facilities' access to federal funding. Features presentations from representatives of the Federal Office or Rural Health Policy.
Additional links: Audio Recording, Webinar Slides
Date: 11/2023
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Impact of Geography and Rurality on Preconception Health Status in the United States
Examines preconception health risk and disparities in women aged 18 to 44 years according to health factors, health behaviors, and sociodemographics. Utilizes 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to assess for preconception health risk with results broken down by race, age, education, insurance status, income, rural versus urban, and regional location.
Author(s): Madison D. Haiman, Catherine Cubbin
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 20
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
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Engaging Students in Advancing Campus Tobacco-Free Policies: A Qualitative Study of California Community Colleges' Efforts
Examines student engagement with tobacco-free campus policies in California community colleges. Analyzes 33 semi-structured interviews from stakeholders across 12 community colleges with a focus on themes such as engaging students, ways students are involved in tobacco-free policies, and the benefits of student engagement, according to rural versus urban campus location.
Author(s): Setareh Harsamizadeh Tehrani, Sang Leng Trieu, Lien Dao, Carissa Samuel, Camillia K. Lui
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 20
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
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Trends in the Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — United States, 2011–2021
Reports on trends and differences in self-reported physician-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among U.S. adults 18 years of age and older. Includes data for metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore areas. Includes discussion of COPD-related needs and challenges in rural areas.
Author(s): Yong Liu, Susan A. Carlson, Kathleen B. Watson, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 72(46), 1250-1256
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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In Rural Areas, Population Gains from Net Migration Have Exceeded Losses from Natural Decrease
Bar chart showing metro and nonmetro population change overall, change due to net migration (moves in and out), and due to natural change (births and deaths) for July 2019-June 2020, July 2020-June 2021, and July 2021-June 2022.
Date: 11/2023
Type: Chart/Graph
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Rural America at a Glance: 2023 Edition
Provides an overview of social and economic factors affecting rural America, with a focus on population migration, poverty, housing insecurity, and employment. Includes metro and nonmetro comparisons.
Additional links: Webinar
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Recent Demographic Trends Have Implications for Rural Health Care
Data snapshot describing national nonmetropolitan population change, natural population change, and net migration between 2010-2020 and 2020-2022. Discusses the importance of monitoring demographic trends in order to inform planning for medical facilities, staffing, and access to specialized care.
Author(s): Kenneth Johnson
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) Detailed Tables - 2022
Explores 2022 survey data, including revisions, on use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, trends in substance use disorder and mental health, and access to treatment for youth and adults. Features statistics for a variety of demographic and geographic characteristics, including rural versus urban status. Includes information on substance use and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Food Insecurity in the Appalachian Region
Reports on food insecurity in Appalachia, comparing regional and national trends and identifying contributing factors. Discusses the impacts of food insecurity on health, and profiles initiatives contributing to food security. Appendix C provides tables comparing data, with breakdowns by level of rurality, on topics including childhood food insecurity, households receiving SNAP benefits, low food access, low income population, and more.
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Appalachian Regional Commission
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Declines in Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel in Acute Care Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, 2017–2023
Examines influenza vaccinations among health care personnel (HCP) prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides data on facility-level influenza vaccination levels among HCP for 3 years during the prepandemic period (2017-2020) and 3 years during the pandemic (2020-2023), broken down by HCP type and rural, suburban, or urban location.
Author(s): Hoody Lymon, Lu Meng, Hannah E. Reses, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 72(45), 1244-1247
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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