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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Statistics and data

Geographic Differences in Potentially Preventable Readmission Rates in Rural and Urban Hospitals
Presents results from a study that estimated potentially preventable hospital readmissions (PPRs) in three types of acute care hospitals: urban prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals, rural PPS hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Focuses on rural/urban differences and whether patient demographics or health condition severity affects PPR rates.
Author(s): Marilyn G. Klug, Alana Knudson, Kyle Muus
Date: 11/2010
Sponsoring organization: Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
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Emergency Department Visits for Adults in Community Hospitals, 2008
Uses statistics from the 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to analyze rates of emergency room visits. Compares data by demographics, acute vs. chronic care, rural vs. urban, high-income vs. low-income, and admissions vs. treat-and-release.
Author(s): Pamela L. Owens, Ryan Mutter
Date: 11/2010
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Factors Influencing Rural Residents' Utilization of Urban Hospitals
Examines which patient, hospital, and county characteristics influence rural residents' use of urban hospitals.
Author(s): Margaret Jean Hall, Jill Marsteller, Maria Owings
Date: 11/2010
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Impact of Employment Transitions on Health Insurance Coverage of Rural Residents
Explores the impact of changes in employment status on insurance coverage for rural and urban workers.
Additional links: Policy Brief: Many Urban and Rural Workers Lose Health Insurance During Job Transitions
Author(s): Nathaniel J. Anderson, Erika C. Ziller, Melanie M. Race, Andrew F. Coburn
Date: 10/2010
Sponsoring organization: Maine Rural Health Research Center
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The Impact of Freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Centers on Rural Community Hospital Performance, 1997–2006
Describes the impact of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) on rural hospital markets. Includes a comparison of urban and rural freestanding ASC services.
Additional links: Policy Brief
Author(s): Walter Gregg, Douglas Wholey, Ira Moscovice
Date: 10/2010
Sponsoring organization: Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
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Access to Mental Health Services and Family Impact of Rural Children with Mental Health Problems
Provides information on the prevalence of children's mental health needs and associated access to care, and family impact across rural and urban areas.
Additional links: Policy Brief: Mental Health Problems Have Considerable Impact on Rural Children and their Families
Author(s): Jennifer D. Lenardson, Erika C. Ziller, David Lambert, Melanie M. Race, Anush Yousefian
Date: 10/2010
Sponsoring organization: Maine Rural Health Research Center
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Risk and Protective Factors for Unprotected Intercourse Among Rural African American Young Adults
Focuses on heterosexual intercourse among African American young adults aged 18-21 in seven rural Georgia counties, 2007-2008. Includes breakdowns by gender, employment status, family and peer relationships, interpersonal characteristics, substance use, and protective factors.
Author(s): Steven M. Kogan, Gene H. Brody, Yi-fu Chen, et al.
Citation: Public Health Reports, 125(5)
Date: 09/2010
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Commute Times, Food Retail Gaps, and Body Mass Index in North Carolina Counties
Examines potential impact that longer commute times and limited access to affordable, healthy food have on the rural obesity disparity. Includes statistical breakdowns by age, weight status, race, education, and income level.
Author(s): Stephanie B. Jilcott, Haiyong Liu, Justin B. Moore, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 7(5)
Date: 09/2010
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Residence in a Distressed County in Appalachia as a Risk Factor for Diabetes, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2006-2007
Discusses rates of self-reported diagnosed diabetes among residents of Appalachian counties. Shows breakdowns by level of county prosperity, based on unemployment rates, per capita income, and poverty. Includes statistical analysis by age group, sex, income, race/ethnicity, education, tobacco use, physical activity level, and weight status.
Author(s): Lawrence Barker, Richard Crespo, Robert B. Gerzoff, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 7(5)
Date: 09/2010
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Safety Net Activities of Independent Rural Health Clinics
Explores to what extent independent Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are serving a safety net role and whether the proximity of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) affects that role.
Additional links: Policy Brief: Are Rural Health Clinics Part of the Rural Safety Net?
Author(s): David Hartley, John A. Gale, Al Leighton, Stuart Bratesman
Date: 09/2010
Sponsoring organization: Maine Rural Health Research Center
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