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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Rural and Appalachian Disparities in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Incidence and Access to Opioid Abuse Treatment
Examines the disparity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) prevalence in Appalachian and non-Appalachian Kentucky and in comparison to national data. Considers why data from this study may or may not be useful in identifying regional and national trends. Also discusses the challenges of providing substance abuse treatment to pregnant women and Appalachian populations.
Author(s): Joshua D. Brown, Amie J. Goodin, Jeffrey C. Talbert
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(1), 6-13
Date: 12/2018
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Trend Differences in Men and Women in Rural and Urban U.S. Settings
Highlights a study on differences in rates of smoking between men and women in rural and urban areas across the U.S. Details age, income, and several other indicators that may contribute to rates of smoking.
Author(s): A. Cepeda-Benito, N.J. Doogan, R. Redner, et al.
Citation: Preventive Medicine, 117, 69-75
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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Social Medicine in Practice: Realizing the American Indian and Alaska Native Right to Health
Explores the health disparities facing American Indian and Alaska Native populations and the social determinants of health specific to Native nations. Features a case study of the Maniilaq Social Medicine Program (SMP) in Alaska, which aims to address Native health disparities.
Author(s): Lucas Trout, Corina Kramer, Lois Fischer
Citation: Health and Human Rights Journal, 20(2), 19–30
Date: 12/2018
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Disparities in Social Determinants of Health Outcomes and Behaviours Between Older Adults in Alaska and the Contiguous US: Evidence from a National Survey
Examines sociodemographic factors, rural versus urban residence, health outcomes, and behaviors among adults aged 65 years and older living in Alaska to those living in the contiguous 48 states. Assesses if residence, living in Alaska versus the lower 48 states, is associated with the social determinants of health and health outcomes.
Author(s): Steven A. Cohen, Ana X. Talamas, Natalie J. Sabik
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 78(1)
Date: 12/2018
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Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans
Updates the 2003 report, A Quiet Crisis: Federal Funding and Unmet Needs in Indian Country, evaluating federal spending on Native American programs, including those related to healthcare, housing, education, infrastructure, criminal justice, and economic development. Provides policy recommendations addressing funding, tribal sovereignty, and data collection.
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
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Health Insurance Coverage for Women of Reproductive Age, 2013-16
Explores insurance coverage for women age 15-44 in the U.S. from 2013 to 2016. Presents data by age, ethnicity, and marital status, and other factors. Includes a breakdown of rates by state and metro versus nonmetro.
Author(s): Stacey McMorrow, Emily M. Johnston, Ruby Steedle, Tyler W. Thomas
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: Urban Institute
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How Far Americans Live from the Closest Hospital Differs by Community Type
Features an examination of the differences in the distance traveled between home and the nearest hospital for communities across the nation. Compares the travel time in rural, urban, and suburban areas, as well as by census region.
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: Pew Research Center
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South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan 2018-2023
Describes a plan for public health improvement in South Carolina. Identifies priorities, strategies, and metrics for a variety of topics including child welfare, chronic conditions, and behavioral health. See pages 51-65 for discussion of rural healthcare access and social determinants of health.
Additional links: South Carolina Rural Health Action Plan
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina (AHSC)
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