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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health conditions

Support and Sabotage: A Qualitative Study of Social Influences on Health Behaviors among Rural Adults
Examines the impact of social relationships on health behavior adoption and maintenance by interviewing midlife and older adults in rural Montana at increased risk of chronic disease. Addresses family and peer influences on diet, physical activity, and tobacco use.
Author(s): Urshila Sriram, Emily H. Morgan, Meredith L. Graham, Sara C. Folta, Rebecca A. Seguin
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(1), 88-97
Date: 12/2018
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New SASI Analysis: In the Deep South, Significant Percentages of People Most Impacted by HIV Live Outside Large Urban Areas Demonstrating a Need for Increased Federal Resources
Examines HIV data in the Deep South to help identify targets for federal funding, focusing on underserved groups in rural areas and small cities. Analyzes Black and Latino populations, drug injection users, men who have sex with men, women, and people aged 13-24 living with HIV. Identifies 6 states where a higher proportion of these groups live outside large, urban areas. See additional links for state-specific reports.
Additional links: Alabama Report, Georgia Report, Louisiana Report, Mississippi Report, North Carolina Report, South Carolina Report
Author(s): Carolyn McAllaster, Gabrielle Goodrow
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Duke University, Southern HIV/AIDS Strategy Initiative
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Addressing the Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Rural America
Discusses the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its impact on rural America. Covers rural risk factors for COPD and healthcare disparities influencing rural COPD patients' ability to access care. Discusses ongoing federal COPD programs and offers policy recommendations and considerations to improve access to COPD care and treatments for individuals living in rural areas.
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
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Hospital Admissions for Uncontrolled Diabetes Improving Among American Indians and Alaska Natives
Analyzes hospital admissions for uncontrolled diabetes for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) over time using data from Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals. Identifies differences by sex and age group. Lists programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services intended to reduce disparities for tribal communities.
Additional links: Infographic
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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America's Health Rankings Annual Report 2018
Provides a national and state-by-state overview of population health by analyzing 35 measures to describe health outcomes in the U.S. Provides rural specific information and statistics by residence, obesity, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, health status, mental and physical distress.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: United Health Foundation
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Rates of Obesity and Obesogenic Behaviors of Rural Appalachian Adolescents: How Do They Compare to Other Adolescents or Recommendations?
Evaluates data from a sample of Appalachian adolescents in Ohio to compare obesity and related behaviors to that of the national adolescent population. Includes comparisons for body mass index (BMI), mean body fat percentage, daily physical activity behaviors, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Author(s): Laureen H. Smith, Devin Laurent, Erica Baumker, Rick L. Petosa
Citation: Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(11), 874-881
Date: 11/2018
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Rural-Urban Differences in Cancer Incidence and Trends in the United States
Examines the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' public use dataset to compare rural and urban population-based cancer incidence rates from 2009-2013 and trends from 1995-2013. Explores factors associated with rural cancer disparities, including demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics as well as exposure to carcinogens, like tobacco and HPV.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Aimee S. James, Wiley D. Jenkins, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1265-1274
Date: 11/2018
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Utility and Generalizability of Multi-State, Population-Based Cancer Registry Data for Rural Cancer Surveillance Research in the United States
Analyzes various cancer registries to determine the usability of these sources in rural cancer surveillance research. Includes data from 2009-2013 on rural and urban cancer incidence rates by cancer site and race/ethnicity.
Author(s): Whitney Zahnd, Wiley Jenkins, Aimee James, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1252-1260
Date: 11/2018
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An Overview of the National Cancer Institute's Initiatives to Accelerate Rural Cancer Control Research
Highlights initiatives developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to address the obstacles and opportunities in rural cancer control research. Summarizes discussions from an NCI-hosted national meeting held on May 30-31, 2018. Conference topics centered on rural definitions, surveillance and epidemiologic research, overcoming methodologic challenges, executing multilevel interventions, and using implementation science in rural cancer control.
Author(s): Amy E. Kennedy, Robin C. Vanderpool, Robert T. Croyle, Shobha Srinivasan
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1240-1244
Date: 11/2018
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Factors Associated with Depression Detection in a New Hampshire Mental Health Outreach Program
Presents a study on the accuracy of depression detection in older adults in New Hampshire. Compares a number of demographic factors, such as age, sex, and rural status, among others.
Author(s): Angela R. Ghesquiere, Renée Pepin, Jennifer Kinsey, et al.
Citation: Aging and Mental Health, 22(11), 1471-1476
Date: 11/2018
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