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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Appalachia

Quality of Life and Loneliness in Stroke Survivors Living in Appalachia
Reports on a study of loneliness and its effect on the quality of life (QoL) among rural stroke survivors in Appalachian West Virginia. Looks at post-stroke factors in determining QoL, such as continued smoking, recovery in a nursing home versus the patient's home, and comorbidity.
Author(s): Laurie Theeke, Patricia Horstman, Jennifer Mallow, et al.
Citation: Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 46(6), E3-15
Date: 12/2014
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Depressive Symptoms and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Appalachia: An 18-month Follow-up Study
Highlights a study of the predictors and rates of depression in rural Appalachian adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD). Analyzes data sets collected 18 months apart and measures the comorbidity at each time by sex, race, and income, as well as by severity of depressive symptoms, method of treatment, and several other factors.
Author(s): Mary de Groot, Todd Doyle, Jennifer Averyt, Carleen Risaliti, Jay Shubrook
Citation: International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 48(4), 263-277
Date: 11/2014
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METelemedicine: A Pilot Study With Rural Alcohol Users on Community Supervision
Describes a study of 127 alcohol users from 4 rural counties in Appalachian Kentucky who underwent several intervention sessions using motivational enhancement therapy via telemedicine (METelemedicine). Discusses the use of METelemedicine as a means of increasing access to treatment for rural alcohol users. Analyzes results at the 3 month follow-up from initial screening.
Author(s): Michele Staton-Tindall, Jennifer R. Havens, J. Matthew Webster, Carl Leukefeld
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(4), 422-432
Date: 10/2014
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Spatial, Temporal and Relational Patterns in Respondent-Driven Sampling: Evidence from a Social Network Study of Rural Drug Users
Reports on a study that used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit participants who were drug users in rural Central Appalachia. Focuses on the patterns of recruitment in this rural setting using RDS, which relies on an initial set of participants who recruit additional participants from their personal networks.
Author(s): April M. Young, Abby E. Rudolph, Deane Quillen, Jennifer R. Havens
Citation: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 68(8), 792-8
Date: 08/2014
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Gender and Age Are Associated with Healthy Food Purchases via Grocery Voucher Redemption
Explores the association of age, gender, education, and income level with purchasing healthy foods using a grocery voucher in rural Appalachian Kentucky, an area considered a food desert with higher rates of chronic disease. Includes data on the purchase of a designated voucher food item by age, sex, education, and income.
Author(s): Frances Hardin-Fanning, Yevgeniya Gokun
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 14(3), 2830
Date: 07/2014
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Assessment of Appalachian Region Pediatric Hearing Healthcare Disparities and Delays
Reports on a study to analyze the timeliness of diagnostic and rehabilitative services for children with severe hearing loss in rural areas of Appalachia which may postpone or delay cochlear implantation and other intervention services.
Author(s): Matthew L. Bush, Mariel Osetinsky, Jennifer B. Shinn, et al.
Citation: Laryngoscope, 124(7), 1713-1717
Date: 07/2014
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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
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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
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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 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
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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
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