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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

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
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High-Performing Rural Health System
Update to the September 2011 RUPRI Health Panel document "The High Performance Rural Health Care System of the Future." Describes affordable and accessible healthcare for all rural residents through a sustainable system delivering high quality, high value services. Defines pillars of accessibility, affordability, community health, and quality.
Author(s): Andrew Coburn, Alva O. Ferdinand, Alana Knudson, et al.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute Rural Health Panel
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Vermont Oral Health Plan 2022
Describes the oral health plan for Vermont including the burden of oral disease, prevention strategies, surveillance and assessment, school-based dental programs, and the oral health workforce. Addresses challenges for people living in rural areas, including healthcare access.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: Vermont Department of Health
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2022 Mississippi State Health Improvement Plan
Describes a plan for health improvement in Mississippi for the period 2022-2026, and includes an overview of current public health challenges. Presents objectives associated with reducing health disparities and addressing social determinants of health, including obesity reduction and improved access to preventative care. Identifies affected groups, including people in rural areas.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organizations: Mississippi State Department of Health, Mississippi State Health Assessment and Improvement Committee (SHAIC)
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Comparing Two Telehealth Approaches for Treating Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Primary Care -- The SPIRIT Study
Details a study on the use of telepsychiatry and telepsychology to treat complex psychiatric disorders in rural primary care settings. Discusses a trials done in 24 primary care clinics without behavioral health services. Compares models of care and draws conclusions from survey data.
Additional links: En Español, Research Summary
Author(s): John C. Fortney, Jürgen Unützer
Date: 2022
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Rural Postpartum Mothers in the United States: Prevalence, Severity, and Psychosocial Correlates
Results of a study exploring the severity of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) among postpartum women living in communities of 50,000 or fewer people. Features statistics including characteristics of participants and associations with PFD symptoms.
Author(s): Kailey Snyder, Elizabeth Mollard, Kari Bargstadt-Wilson, et al.
Citation: Women Health, 62(9-10), 775–787
Date: 2022
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2022 340B Health Annual Survey: Vital 340B-Supported Patient Services Threatened as Manufacturer Restrictions Cut Into Savings
Summarizes the results of an November - December 2022 survey of 633 hospitals, including small and rural hospitals, that participate in the 340B drug pricing program. Describes how these hospitals utilize their savings from the 340B program to benefit patients. Discusses the importance of the program to Critical Access Hospitals, Disproportionate Share Hospitals, and other safety-net facilities. Outlines the effects of manufacturer restrictions on community and specialty pharmacies.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: 340B Health
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Defining Rural Rhode Island
Detailed definition of rural areas in Rhode Island, developed by the Rhode Island Office of Primary Care and Rural Health for the purposes of identifying areas that are potentially at risk for health disparities and limits on access to healthcare. Includes a list of Rhode Island cities and towns, with their population and population density as of 2020.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: Rhode Island Department of Health
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State Summaries of Lifespan Respite Grant Activities and Outcomes: Final Reports, FY2017 – FY2018 Grantees
Summaries of final reports from the fiscal year 2017 and 2018 Administration for Community Living (ACL) State Lifespan Respite Care program grantees. The State Lifespan Respite Care program aims to create coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children and adults of all ages with special needs. Describes each of the project's outcomes, accomplishments, and partnerships. Highlights programs serving rural areas.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
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Does Primary Care Availability Mediate the Relationship Between Rurality and Lower Life Expectancy in the United States?
Analyzes if the availability of primary care providers (PCPs) is a factor in life expectancy outcomes in rural areas. Utilizes county-level statistics for the years 2010, 2015, and 2017 to see if rural counties with higher PCP density trended toward higher life expectancy. Includes descriptive statistics that show rural versus urban comparisons for life expectancy, race/ethnicity, education level, income, insurance and employment status, rate of elderly residents, and access to/cost of medical care.
Author(s): Arjun Sharma, Sanjay Basu
Citation: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 13
Date: 2022
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