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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Social connectedness

Social Isolation and Loneliness: Insights from Rural Clinical Providers and Other Experts
Provides an overview of social isolation and loneliness and the factors, such as limited transportation options, that can contribute to these problems in rural areas. Includes discussion of social risk assessments. Features rural clinicians, researchers, and other experts sharing their perspectives on addressing these concerns.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2019
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Behavioral and Clinical Characteristics of American Indian/Alaska Native Adults in HIV Care — Medical Monitoring Project, United States, 2011–2015
Reports on sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients in HIV care. Includes information on stigma, healthcare discrimination, social supports, depression, substance use, sex without a condom, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and viral suppression.
Author(s): Amy R. Baugher, Linda Beer, Heather M. Bradley, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(5152), 1405-1409
Date: 01/2019
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Aging in Appalachia
Episodes of the radio program "Inside Appalachia," exploring challenges faced by elderly people in Appalachia, and the resources available to them. Topics include caregiver shortages, Alzheimer's disease, dying with dignity, and isolation and loneliness.
Date: 2019
Sponsoring organization: West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Key Informant Perspectives on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness
Describes challenges and opportunities related to health impacts of social isolation in rural areas, using data from interviews with 22 experts from 11 states and the District of Columbia. Addresses gaps in the literature on rural-urban differences in social isolation and offers suggestions for policy changes and programmatic interventions.
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Alexandra Ecklund, Megan Lahr, et al.
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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The Role of Social Support and the Neighborhood Environment on Physical Activity in Low-income, Mexican-American Women in South Texas
Presents a study on the effectiveness of a promotora-led intervention aimed at improving the rates of physical activity among low-income Mexican-American women in rural South Texas.
Author(s): Jennifer J. Salinas, Marisol McDaniel, Deborah Parra-Medina
Citation: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 51(5), 234-241
Date: 09/2018
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Intergenerational Continuity in Adverse Childhood Experiences and Rural Community Environments
Reports on a study of two-parent families with children in rural Iowa to determine the effect of community environment on intergenerational continuity in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Measures of community environment including socioeconomic status, social cohesion, perception of community services, and alcohol vendor density were correlated with ACEs to analyze their significance in helping families break the cycle and reduce or prevent childhood adversity.
Author(s): Thomas J. Schofield, M. Brent Donnellan, Melissa T. Merrick, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 108(9), 1148–1152
Date: 09/2018
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Rural Aging: Health and Community Policy Implications for Reversing Social Isolation
Summarizes discussions from a stakeholder meeting regarding reversing social isolation among rural seniors. Highlights three objectives: a common understanding, actionable solutions, and awareness. Discusses the economic and health impacts of isolation for aging rural residents. Covers policy recommendations.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2018
Provides a national and state-by-state overview of population health for older adults across 34 measures, as well as two supplemental measures new in 2018: suicide rate and risk of social isolation. Includes a special focus on persistent health disparities and challenges facing rural seniors.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 05/2018
Sponsoring organization: United Health Foundation
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Examining Protective and Buffering Associations Between Sociocultural Factors and Adverse Childhood Experiences among American Indian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Quantitative, Community-based Participatory Research Approach
Presents a study on the possible correlations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in American Indians and Alaska Natives. Breaks down data by age, sex, and social support, among other factors.
Author(s): Teresa N Brockie, Jessica H L Elm, Melissa L Walls
Citation: BMJ Open, 8(9)
Date: 2018
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Rural Aging in America: Proceedings of the 2017 Connectivity Summit
Summarizes discussions from the 2017 Connectivity Summit on rural aging in the U.S. Covers social connections, access to health resources, and innovative approaches to improve care and deliver programs to the rural elderly. Includes recommendations for stakeholders to improve collaboration and work to improve the health of aging rural residents.
Author(s): Alexis Skoufalos, Janice L. Clarke, Dana Rose Ellis, Vicki L. Shepard, Elizabeth Y. Rula
Citation: Population Health Management, 20(Suppl 2), S-1-S-10
Date: 12/2017
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