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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Activating Patients for Sustained Chronic Disease Self-Management: Thinking Beyond Clinical Outcomes
Describes the Expanded Health Coaches for Hypertension Control (EHCHC) project to increase the proportion of adults 45 years and older to self-manage their hypertension. Discusses how a primary care practice and a community-based program can work together to improve patient knowledge and support readiness for behavior change through various channels, including the use of trained volunteer community health coaches.
Author(s): Cheryl J. Dye, Joel E. Williams, Janet H. Evatt
Citation: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 7(2), 107-112
Date: 04/2016
Type: Document
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Association of Blood Lead Levels in Children 0-72 Months with Living in Mid-Appalachia: A Semi-Ecologic Study
Compares the blood lead levels in children ages 0–72 months in Mid-Appalachia with children of same age throughout the U.S. Includes a relational comparison of the number of housing units built before 1950 and 1940 in both regions.
Author(s): R. Constance Wiener, Richard J. Jurevic
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 16(2), 3597
Date: 04/2016
Type: Document
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Correlates to Seroprevalent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Among Rural Appalachian Drug Users
Examines HSV-2 seroprevalence among 499 drug users in a rural Appalachian Kentucky county, and relevant demographic, behavioral, and social network factors. Features statistics on demographics, sexual behavior, and drug use.
Author(s): Dustin B. Stephens, April M. Young, Ursula L. Mullins, Jennifer R. Havens
Citation: Journal of Medical Virology, 88(3), 512-520
Date: 03/2016
Type: Document
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Effects of a Behavioral and Health Literacy Intervention to Reduce Sugar-sweetened Beverages: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Details a study on the effect of several sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption intervention programs on rural adults from 8 counties in Appalachian Virginia. Compares the SIPsmartER and the MoveMore intervention programs and tracks their effectiveness at promoting health literacy relating to SSBs. Breaks down data by age, body weight, and educational attainment, as well as several other factors.
Author(s): Jamie M. Zoellner, Valisa E. Hendrick, Wen You, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 13, 38
Date: 03/2016
Type: Document
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Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Perspectives of Key Players from Social Networks in a Low-Income Rural US Region
Reports on a study based on interviews with "key players" within the social networks of rural Appalachian communities of Kentucky and Ohio. Discusses the role these individuals can play in promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings and identifies the perceived barriers to CRC screenings within their communities.
Author(s): Nancy E. Schoenberg, Kathryn Eddens, Adam Jonas, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 11(1), 30396
Date: 02/2016
Type: Document
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Oral Health in Kentucky
Describes findings from a literature review and analyses of data about the status of oral health among particular population groups in Kentucky and ongoing efforts to improve outcomes. Features statistics including breakdowns by demographics, county economic level, access to dental services, and overall dental health.
Author(s): Simona Surdu, Margaret Langelier, Bridget Baker, et al.
Date: 02/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Center for Health Workforce Studies
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Increases in Acute Hepatitis B Virus Infections - Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, 2006-2013
Reports on increased rates of hepatitis B infections in three Appalachian states, particularly among injection drug users and in non-urban areas.
Author(s): Aaron M. Harris, Kashif Iqbal, Sarah Schillie, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 65(3), 47-50
Date: 01/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Intervention to Improve Preventive Care Practices in a Federally Qualified Health Center in Appalachian Kentucky
Describes an academic partnership between the University of Kentucky and White House Clinics, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Appalachian Kentucky to adopt, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based office consult shown to improve patient acceptance of prevention care practices including a variety of cancer screenings.
Author(s): Robin C. Vanderpool, Stephanie C. Moore, Lindsay R. Stradtman, et al.
Citation: Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 27(4A), 46-52
Date: 2016
Type: Document
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Violent Victimization and Substance Dependency: Comparing Rural Incarcerated Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Women
Reports findings from a study of rural Appalachian women prisoners that looked at sexual identity and violent victimization experiences as they relate to alcohol and drug use.
Author(s): Melanie D. Otis, Carrie B. Oser, Michele Staton-Tindall
Citation: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 16(1-2), 176-201
Date: 2016
Type: Document
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Rural Disparities in Cancer Care: A Review of Its Implications and Possible Interventions
A literature review about the disparities in cancer care in rural Appalachia, specifically West Virginia. Discusses possible solutions to bridge the gap, such as teleoncology, virtual tumor boards, patient support groups, and physician training programs. Includes data and statistics for rates of cancer and oncologist availability.
Author(s): Lynne J. Goebel
Citation: West Virginia Medical Journal, 112(3), 76-82
Date: 2016
Type: Document
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