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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Trust in Physicians Among Rural Medicaid-Enrolled Smokers
Reports on a study of rural Medicaid-enrolled adult smokers participating in a tobacco cessation program to assess their level of trust in their physicians and the relationship between trust and patient characteristics and physician performance.
Author(s): Emory Nelms, Ling Wang, Michael Pennell, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(2), 214–220
Date: 04/2014
Type: Document
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Delays in Diagnosis of Congenital Hearing Loss in Rural Children
Analyzes Kentucky's newborn hearing-screening program data to determine the frequency of congenital hearing loss for both rural Appalachia and non-Appalachia regions of the state. Includes Appalachia and non-Appalachia hearing loss data by the number of births, failed newborns screenings, types of hearing loss, percent of families obtaining diagnostic testing following a failed screening test, and children enrolled in an early intervention program.
Author(s): Matthew L. Bush, Kristin Bianchi, Cathy Lester, et al.
Citation: Journal of Pediatrics, 164(2), 393-397
Date: 02/2014
Type: Document
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Clinical, Sociodemographic and Service Provider Determinants of Guideline Concordant Colorectal Cancer Care for Appalachian Residents
Presents a study of Appalachian colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2006-2008 regarding their adherence to treatment guidelines by measuring rates of chemotherapy, lymph node assessment, and radiation treatments. Breaks down results by participants' age, race, and type and severity of comorbidity, as well as several treatment facility factors, such as bed size and surgical volume, among others.
Author(s): Steven T. Fleming, Heath B. Mackley, Fabian Camacho, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(1), 27-39
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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The Relationship Between Perceived Burden of Chronic Conditions and Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Appalachian Residents
Describes the perceived burden of multiple morbidity among primarily rural Appalachian adults aged 50-75 and the likelihood these patients will undertake colorectal cancer screenings (CRCS). Discusses the prioritization of CRCS by patients with chronic disease and their physicians. Briefly compares reports from both urban and rural areas.
Author(s): Yelena N. Tarasenko, Steven T. Fleming, Nancy E. Schoenberg
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(1), 40-49
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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Examination of the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Central Appalachia, USA
Evaluates the usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among adults in central Appalachia. Data was collected using a 23-question survey asking about different aspects of CAM, including forms of treatment used, frequency of use, reasons for use, and where CAM therapies were obtained.
Author(s): Duc Nguyen, Paul Gavaza, Leah Hollon, Richard Nicholas
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 14(1), 2484
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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Farmers' Market Use Is Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Diverse Southern Rural Communities
Examines the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers market participants, the barriers and facilitators to farmers market shopping in southern rural communities, and the associations between farmers market use with fruit and vegetable consumption and body mass index (BMI). Seeks to assess the potential for using farmers markets to increase access to and the consumption of fruits and vegetables in rural areas.
Author(s): Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts, Alison Gustafson, Qiang Wu, et al.
Citation: Nutrition Journal, 13(1)
Date: 2014
Type: Document
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Description of Healthcare Needs at an Episodic Clinic in Rural Southwest Virginia
Describes the population served at an episodic clinic in Southwest Virginia to better understand patient needs at a yearly episodic Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic providing free healthcare services. Includes demographic information collected from RAM patient records, including age, sex, primary care physician access, tobacco use, and more.
Author(s): Audrey Snyder, Gwyneth Milbrath
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 13(4), 2557
Date: 12/2013
Type: Document
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Comparing the Effects of Teen Mentors to Adult Teachers on Child Lifestyle Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Appalachia
Explores a study of a school-based intervention that mentors young children to reverse obesity health risks in rural Appalachia. Compares two curriculum delivery methods, one using teen mentors and the other adult teachers. Assesses the effects of the number of mentoring sessions attended on the intended outcomes.
Author(s): Laureen H. Smith, Christopher Holloman
Citation: Journal of School Nursing, 29(5), 386-396
Date: 10/2013
Type: Document
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"Living With a Ball and Chain": The Experience of Stroke for Individuals and Their Caregivers in Rural Appalachian Kentucky
Describes a qualitative study based on interviews with 13 stroke survivors and 12 caregivers in rural Appalachian Kentucky. Analyzes the transcripts for qualitative data giving insight into the experience of stroke victims from the time of onset, through their treatment in the healthcare system, to their reintegration into their home and community.
Author(s): Megan M. Danzl, Elizabeth G. Hunter, Sarah Campbell, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 29(4), 368-382
Date: 10/2013
Type: Document
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Loneliness and Quality of Life in Chronically Ill Rural Older Adults: Findings from a Pilot Study
Explores the prevalence of loneliness in older adults living in rural Appalachia with chronic illness and whether loneliness influences their quality of life. Includes statistics on demographics as well as loneliness and quality of life indicators by chronic illness and medication use.
Author(s): Laurie A. Theeke, Jennifer Mallow
Citation: American Journal of Nursing, 113(9), 28-38
Date: 09/2013
Type: Document
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