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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health conditions

Regional Disparities in Qualified Health Plans' Prior Authorization Requirements for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the United States
Results of a study examining differences in qualified health plans (QHPs) in the South, the Midwest, the West, and the Northeast, in terms of prior authorization requirements for combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. Features statistics comparing 16,853 QHPs, with breakdowns by urban and rural areas.
Author(s): Kathleen A. McManus, Samuel Powers, Amy Killelea, Sebastian Tello-Trillo, Elizabeth Rogawski McQuade
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 3(6)
Date: 06/2020
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Rural/Urban Disparities in Utilization of Diabetes Self-Management Training to the Fee-for-Service Medicare Population
Compares the utilization of Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) services of Medicare recipients in rural and urban areas in 2016. Includes data on DSMT providers, service units, beneficiaries, and average utilization rate in rural and urban counties.
Author(s): Christian Rhudy, Aric Schadler, Jeffery C. Talbert
Date: 06/2020
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
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The Universal Service Fund and COVID-19: The FCC and Industry Response
An overview of three Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Fund programs and actions taken through these programs in response to COVID-19. Describes the steps taken through the Rural Health Care Program to promote access to telehealth services during the public health emergency.
Date: 06/2020
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution and Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation in the Old Order Amish
Analyzes atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in a homogenous, rural Pennsylvanian population of Amish participants to assess endothelial dysfunction, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Reports air pollution exposure estimates over a 12-month period.
Author(s): Shabnam Salimi, Jeff D. Yanosky, Dina Huang, et al.
Citation: Environmental Health, 19(50)
Date: 05/2020
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Missouri Rapid Rural Population Health Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Provides overview of how University of Missouri Extension was able to respond to rural counties during COVID-19. Examines challenges for rural Missourians related to COVID-19 including limited access to rural hospitals, lack of broadband internet, and chronic diseases prevalent in rural populations. Discusses partnerships between state governments and land grant universities to address current and future pandemics and epidemics.
Author(s): Kathleen Quinn, Jennifer L. Eldridge Houser, Julie M. Kapp
Citation: Missouri Medicine, 117(3), 177-179
Date: 05/2020
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Spatial Patterns in Prostate Cancer-Specific Mortality in Pennsylvania Using Pennsylvania Cancer Registry Data, 2004–2014
Analyzes data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry between 2004 and 2014 to examine the mortality risk of prostate cancer for men aged 40 or older living in rural and urban Appalachian areas in Pennsylvania.
Author(s): Ming Wang, Emily Wasserman, Nathaniel Geyer, et al.
Citation: BMC Cancer, 20, 394
Date: 05/2020
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Use of Small-Area Estimates to Describe County-Level Geographic Variation in Prevalence of Extreme Obesity among US Adults
Study examining the variability in prevalence of extreme obesity at the county level, using small-area estimation to pinpoint specific areas of high and low prevalence. Uses data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the U.S. Census Bureau to create county-level estimates for adults over 18 years of age. Discusses contrasting pictures of extreme obesity at a broad state level and at the county level, highlighting ranges of prevalence in select states and noting some areas of rural prevalence.
Author(s): Carrie W. Mills, Glen Johnson, Terry T. K. Huang, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 3(5), e204289
Date: 05/2020
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#CRCFREE: Using Social Media to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk in Rural Adults
Results of a study to examine the applicability, feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of #CRCFree, a 12-week Facebook-based intervention intended to reduce multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) in rural Appalachian adults aged 50 or more who are at risk for CRC. Features demographics and statistics on changes in CRC risk factors during the course of the intervention.
Author(s): Kaitlin Voigts Key, Adebola Adegboyega, Heather Bush, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Health Behavior, 44(3), 353-363
Date: 05/2020
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RHC COVID-19 Testing Funds: What You Need to Know
Recording of a May 26, 2020, webinar providing information about the funding appropriated by the Congress as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to support COVID-19 testing and related activities. Discusses the specific terms and conditions RHCs will have to meet when spending the money to defeat the pandemic. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 05/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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The Impact of the Coronavirus on Local Food Insecurity
Investigates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity in the United States by examining county- and state-level data on changes in food insecurity from 2018-2020. Highlights information from counties in rural areas.
Date: 05/2020
Sponsoring organization: Feeding America
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