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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Substance use and misuse

A Qualitative Study on Pharmacy Policies Toward Over-the-Counter Syringe Sales in a Rural Epicenter of US Drug-Related Epidemics
Examines pharmacy over-the-counter (OTC) policies and pharmacists' rationale for, and barriers and facilitators to, OTC syringe sales in a rural Appalachian Kentucky area hard hit by drug-related epidemics. Uses data collected from interviews with 14 pharmacists between February 2018 and January 2019.
Author(s): Monica Fadanelli, Hannah L. F. Cooper, Patricia R. Freeman, et al.
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 19(1)
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Rural and Urban Differences in Undersupply of Buprenorphine Provider Availability in the United States, 2018
Presents a study comparing county-level rates of providers with buprenorphine waivers with rates of opioid-overdose deaths and compares rural and urban areas. Details rural and urban comparisons for 38 states.
Author(s): Kevin P. Conway, Dalia Khoury, Rainer Hilscher, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, 17, 5
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors and Obesity Among American Indians and Alaska Natives of the United States: Assessing Variations by Indian Health Service Region
Study examining behavioral risk factors and obesity in American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) based on 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Investigates rates of current cigarette smoking, heavy drinking, binge drinking, and physical activity, analyzing disparities in AI/AN and non-Hispanic White populations.
Author(s): Guixiang Zhao, Jason Hsia, Alexander Vigo-Valentín, William S. Garvin, Machell Town
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 19, 210298
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Changes in Access to Medication Treatment during COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion and Disparities in Telehealth Use for Medicare Beneficiaries with Opioid Use Disorder
Discusses policies that allow access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) via telehealth before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examines outpatient telehealth use and MOUD treatment among Medicare beneficiaries by dual eligibility status, rurality, and presence of comorbid health conditions between April-December 2020.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Rural Community Health Initiative: Compendium of Best Practices
Presents a collection of community-based health initiatives, including a school health initiative, a COVID-19 vaccine outreach and education program, and telehealth consortia, among others. Describes successful outcomes and sources of funding for each program.
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Evaluation of State-Led Surveillance of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome — Six U.S. States, 2018–2021
Examines data collection challenges and infrastructure gaps that impact surveillance of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), based on information from six states with mandated NAS reporting. Includes brief discussion of rural concerns, including disparities in the incidence of opioid use disorder and NAS and gaps in rural infrastructure and access to care.
Author(s): Shahla M. Jilani, Kristina West, Laura Jacobus-Kantor, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(2), 37-42
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Chronic Diseases and Associated Risk Factors Among Adults in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
Highlights a study on the prevalence of chronic diseases in Puerto Rico before Hurricane Maria and the level of support available to patients before and after the storm. Bases conclusions on 2 studies conducted in 2015 and 2019. Breaks down data by participant characteristics, such as age, employment, and rurality of residence, among other measures.
Author(s): Josiemer Mattei, Martha Tamez, June O'Neill, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2139986
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Outcomes from the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program for Adults with Opioid Use Disorders in Rural Colorado
Examines the efficacy of a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) pilot program in two rural Colorado counties. Details the structure and setting of the program, patient characteristics and outcomes, and the limitations of the program.
Author(s): Claudia R. Amura, Tanya R. Sorrell, Mary Weber, et al.
Citation: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 17(1)
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) Detailed Tables - 2020
Presents 2020 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: 01/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Alaska Tobacco Facts 2022 Update
Report highlights tobacco use in Alaska with an update featuring 2020 data. Looks at tobacco use by age, race, and region of the state, among other measures.
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Division of Public Health
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