Rural Health Disparities – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Apr 8, 2024 - Discusses the mortality rate disparity between rural and urban residents following recent research showing the gap has widened to 43% in 2019 from 6% in 1999 for adults between 25 and 54. Offers analysis by experts on causes of this disparity including social vulnerability factors, community vitality, and insurance rates. Discusses the potential impact of COVID-19 on current mortality rates.
Source: CBS News, KFF Health News
Mar 20, 2024 - Highlights the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Study, a 6 year study investigating risk and protective factors for lung and heart disease for rural residents in 4 Southern states. Discusses the under-representation of rural residents in research and their recruitment strategies. Notes early results from the study as well as the role large public health studies can play in developing a new generation of researchers.
Source: UVM Today
Mar 19, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that rural residents are more likely to have diabetes when compared to urban residents, but the disparity narrowed or even reversed when accounting for activity levels and obesity. Study authors say lifestyle interventions may improve diabetes disparity rates for rural areas. Also notes that tailored interventions may be necessary across rural communities.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network
Mar 6, 2024 - Discusses the rise in colorectal cancer rates and mortality disparities for Black and rural Americans. Highlights efforts by multiple states to increase screening rates including in rural West Virginia. Notes challenges for rural residents such as distance to care and shortages of specialists.
Source: Stateline
Feb 26, 2024 - Summarizes recent research that estimated fungal keratitis in commercially insured patients. Found that the eye infection may be twice as high for rural residents when compared to urban residents in addition to other disparities.
Source: Physician's Weekly
Last Updated: 4/9/2024