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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health conditions

What's Killing Our Children? Child and Infant Mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives
Examines social, behavioral, and environmental factors to determine the root causes behind significant disparities in infant and childhood mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Addresses domestic violence, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, environmental degradation, unintentional injuries, and more. Provides policy recommendations to tribal and public health agencies.
Author(s): Teshia G. Arambula Solomon, Felina M. Cordova, Francisco Garcia
Date: 03/2017
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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Terminate Lung Cancer (TLC) Study - A Mixed-Methods Population Approach to Increase Lung Cancer Screening Awareness and Low-Dose Computed Tomography in Eastern Kentucky
Reports on a study of a community awareness intervention supporting low dose computed tomography (LDCT) cancer screening in two high-risk regions of Eastern Appalachia Kentucky. Rates of awareness and LDCT screening in the intervention regions were compared to a control region where the intervention had not been implemented.
Author(s): Roberto Cardarelli, David Reese, Karen L. Roper, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, 46, 1-8
Date: 02/2017
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Disparities in Supports for Student Wellness Promotion Efforts among Secondary Schools in Minnesota
Examines student wellness promotion in rural, urban, and suburban secondary schools in Minnesota using National Center for Education Statistics Common Core and 2012 Minnesota School Health Profiles survey data on 309 schools. Discusses school characteristics, prevalence of dietary and weight management issues among secondary students, and disparities between rural and urban populations.
Author(s): Nicole Larson, Michael O'Connell, Cynthia S. Davey, et al.
Citation: Journal of School Health, 87(2), 90-97
Date: 02/2017
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Cultural Dance Program Improves Hypertension Management for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Results of a 12-week hula-based intervention coupled with self-care education on blood pressure management, done in Honolulu in 2012-2013. Features demographic statistics with breakdowns by ethnic group, and intervention effects on blood pressure from baseline to 3-month follow-up.
Author(s): Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula, Mele Look, Tricia Mabellos, et al.
Citation: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(1), 35-46
Date: 02/2017
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Acceptability of HIV Testing Sites Among Rural and Urban African Americans Who Use Cocaine
Focuses on rural versus urban African-American cocaine users in Arkansas and their views of different types of HIV testing sites. Compares the acceptability of testing at local health departments, clinics, community health centers, and more.
Author(s): D. Keith Branham, Tyrone F. Borders, Katharine E. Stewart, Geoffrey M. Curran, Brenda M. Booth
Citation: AIDS and Behavior, 21(2), 576-586
Date: 02/2017
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Reducing Risky Sex among Rural African American Cocaine Users: A Controlled Trial
Details a study on a STI/HIV risk-reduction program for rural African American cocaine users. Looks specifically the intervention's effect on condom use and sexual risk negotiation skills, among other factors.
Author(s): Katharine E. Stewart, Patricia B. Wright, Brooke E. E. Montgomery, et al.
Citation: Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 28(1), 528-547
Date: 02/2017
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Third Annual Report: HCIA Disease-Specific Evaluation
Findings from the third year for 18 Health Care Innovation Awards Round One projects targeting patient populations with specific diseases. Provides information on program effectiveness based on Medicare and Medicaid claims data and awardee-collected data. Includes projects that serve a variety of rural areas and address conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Approaches discussed include care coordination, education, and telehealth.
Additional links: Addendum, June 2017
Date: 02/2017
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, NORC at the University of Chicago
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New CDC Series Looks at Rural Health Topics
Highlights a 2017 special series in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) that focuses on rural health issues, including mortality, health-related behaviors, chronic diseases, and more.
Author(s): Beth Blevins
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 02/2017
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Health-Related Behaviors by Urban-Rural County Classification — United States, 2013
Provides data on five self-reported health-related behaviors for residents of rural and urban areas. Behaviors include sufficient sleep, current nonsmoking, nondrinking or moderate drinking, maintaining normal body weight, and meeting aerobic leisure time physical activity recommendations. Includes data for each behavior for metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore (rural) areas, as well as prevalence of 4-5 health behaviors by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and education level. Based on 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.
Author(s): Kevin A. Matthews, Janet B. Croft, Yong Liu, et al.
Citation: MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 66(5), 1-8
Date: 02/2017
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Telemedicine and Primary Care Obesity Management in Rural Areas – Innovative Approach for Older Adults?
Explores telemedicine as a potential delivery tool for the Medicare Obesity Benefit in primary care settings. Describes challenges in implementing the benefit in rural areas, including increasing older adult populations, shortages in primary care and specialized healthcare providers, reimbursement issues, and transportation barriers. Presents the potential utility of telemedicine in rural obesity care and non-physician staff delivery options, which require regulatory changes.
Author(s): John Batsis, Sarah Pletcher, James Stahl
Citation: BMC Geriatrics, 17, 6
Date: 01/2017
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