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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Identifying Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Statistical Analysis
Describes analysis used in assessing how Appalachia's 420 counties scored in 19 health indicators, and identifies counties with health outcomes that were better than expected. Features statistics and county-level maps showing economic status. Second in a series of reports exploring health issues in Appalachia.
Author(s): G. Mark Holmes, Nancy M. Lane, William Holding, et al.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, PDA, Inc., The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
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Exploring Bright Spots in Appalachian Health: Case Studies
In-depth studies of 10 Appalachian counties with health outcomes that are better than expected, given their characteristics and resources. Identifies actions these areas are taking to improve health and well-being. Features statistics including demographics and health-related data, and maps showing economic status of Appalachian counties. Third in a series of reports exploring health issues in Appalachia.
Author(s): Nancy M. Lane, G. Mark Holmes, Thomas A. Arcury, et al.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, Burness, PDA, Inc., The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
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Belief About Mandatory School Vaccinations and Vaccination Refusal Among Ohio Appalachian Parents: Do Demographic and Religious Factors, General Health, and Political Affiliation Play a Role?
Details a study on the factors that influence beliefs about mandatory vaccinations in schools in Appalachia. Looks at demographic, health, religious and political factors that correlate with vaccine refusal.
Author(s): Jessica L. Krok-Schoen, Brittany M. Bernardo, Rory C. Weier, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(3), 283-292
Date: 06/2018
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Peer Mentor Versus Teacher Delivery of a Physical Activity Program on the Effects of BMI and Daily Activity: Protocol of a School-based Group Randomized Controlled Trial in Appalachia
Describes a school-based program utilizing peer mentors to promote health behavior changes and improved health outcomes in rural Appalachian Ohio teens. Explores unique circumstances leading to limited physical activity among Appalachian youth, such as a lack of organized sports and recreational facilities.
Author(s): Lauren H. Smith, Rick L. Petosa, Abigail Shoben
Citation: BMC Public Health, 18, 633
Date: 05/2018
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A Social–Contextual Investigation of Smoking among Rural Women: Multi-level Factors Associated with Smoking Status and Considerations for Cessation
Presents a study of the personal characteristics of women who use tobacco in the Appalachian region of Ohio. Breaks down data by education, marital status, household income, and employment, among other measures.
Author(s): Julianna M Nemeth, Tiffany L Thomson, Bo Lu, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 18(1)
Date: 04/2018
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Where You Age Matters: Individual- and County-Level Predictors of Formal and Informal Care in Rural Appalachia
Examines the county-level social factors and individual-level personal characteristics of older adults in rural, Appalachian Virginia. Explores how these factors interact to predict if older adults receive formal or informal care and contribute to limited access to care. Discusses implications for researchers and policymakers to better align outreach and service delivery.
Author(s): Jyoti Savla, L. Rebecca Bivens, Karen A. Roberto, Rosemary Blieszner
Citation: Journal of Aging and Health, 31(5), 837-860
Date: 03/2018
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Validation of a Dietary Screening Tool in a Middle-Aged Appalachian Population
Examines the use of a dietary screening tool (DST) utilizing surveys, anthropometry, and dietary recalls to assess nutritional risk in rural older adults living in Appalachia. Includes statistics on patient characteristics and medical history by risk category.
Author(s): Melissa Ventura Marra, Sowmyanarayanan V. Thuppal, Elizabeth J. Johnson, Regan L. Bailey
Citation: Nutrients, 10(3), 345
Date: 03/2018
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COPD & Rural Health: A Dialogue on the National Action Plan
Video of rural health experts discussing the challenges, opportunities, and resources related to the COPD National Action Plan's 5 goals. Presentations feature data including county-level maps on prevalence of COPD and death rates.
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organizations: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health
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Rural Child Welfare Practice
Issue brief discussing the needs and concerns of rural children and families, including healthcare and social services. Examines factors linked to child maltreatment, such as poverty, violence, and substance use, and features descriptions of successful programs designed to promote child welfare in rural areas of Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, and Colorado, as well as Appalachian Ohio and Kentucky.
Date: 02/2018
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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Remarks of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn (as prepared): National Rural Health Association
Statement given at the February 2018 National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Policy Institute. Discusses the goals of the Connect2Health Task Force: to understand the future interplay of broadband, technology, and health policy and to ensure the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stays ahead of the innovation curve. Highlights the FCC's focus of broadband deployment to provide a foundation for health and describes a broadband-enabled project in Appalachian Kentucky created to provide healthcare services to cancer patients.
Author(s): Mignon Clyburn
Date: 02/2018
Sponsoring organization: Federal Communications Commission
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