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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Risk Factors for Poor Health Among U.S. Older Adults in Rural and Urban Areas: Injury, Food Insecurity, and Lack of Social and Emotional Support
Examines health and well-being in older adults by focusing on rural versus urban variations in injury, food insecurity, and lack of social and emotional support. Provides data breakdowns by demographics, employment, income, marital status, education, and more.
Author(s): Ingrid Jacobson, Alexis Swendener, Megan Lahr, Alyssa Fritz, Carrie Henning-Smith
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Barriers to Healthcare and Social Service Utilization among Rural Older Adults Who Use Drugs
Presents a study on the barriers to healthcare and social services access for older adults in rural communities who use drugs. Bases findings on survey results from rural adults over 50 who use drugs on perceived barriers to service utilization. Highlights how barriers such as a lack of transportation, health insurance, and permanent housing correlates with age.
Author(s): Beth Prusaczyk, Sandra Tilmon, Joshua Landman, et al.
Citation: Journal of Applied Gerontology, 43(12), 1977-1984
Date: 06/2024
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Talking about Health Disparities in Rural Contexts
Examines the concepts of health equity and health disparities in rural public health contexts. Discusses communication strategies to increase understanding and support for efforts to address health inequities in rural areas.
Author(s): Theresa L. Miller, Julie Sweetland, Luis Hestres, et al.
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organizations: FrameWorks Institute, National Network of Public Health Institutes
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Tele-Mental Health Service: Unveiling the Disparity and Impact on Healthcare Access and Expenditures during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mississippi
Results of a study evaluating use of tele-mental health (TMH) services among rural Mississippi patients, as well as the impact of TMH on all-cause and behavioral health-related healthcare resource utilization and medical expenditures between January 2020 and June 2023. Features statistics including demographics with breakdowns by rural and urban residence.
Author(s): Yunxi Zhang, Lincy S. Lal, Yueh-Yun Lin, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 819
Date: 06/2024
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Telehealth Trends and Hypertension Management Among Rural and Medicaid Patients After COVID-19
This study examines trends in primary care utilization and hypertension management among adults who visited Dartmouth Health System in 2017-2018 and 2022. Compares changes in synchronous and asynchronous primary care utilization and effective control of elevated blood pressure by rurality and Medicaid enrollment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic through 2022.
Author(s): Matthew Mackwood, Oleksandra Pashchenko, Christopher Leggett, et al.
Citation: Telemedicine and e-Health, 30(6), e1677-e1688
Date: 06/2024
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Healthcare Spending among Diverse Populations with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: A Claims-Based Analysis
Examines healthcare spending and utilization among commercially insured Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) patients. Explores the impact of sociodemographic factors and urban/rural status on annual spending among ADRD patients by analyzing data from the FAIR Health National Private Insurance Claims between January 2016 and December 2023, along with demographic and socioeconomic data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Includes data on the probability of ADRD patients using different care venues and the average and expected amounts allowed within each venue based on patient characteristics.
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organization: FAIR Health
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Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Rural Youth: Insights from Adult Community Members
Presents a study on the barriers to accessing mental healthcare for rural youth in Washington State. Bases finding on interviews with community members, parents, teachers, and healthcare providers and discusses ways to overcome perceived barriers.
Author(s): Janessa M. Graves, Demetrius A. Abshire, Elissa Koontz, Jessica L. Mackelprang
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(6), 725
Date: 06/2024
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Therapists Learn How To Help Farmers Cope With Stress Before It's Too Late
Highlights a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to train mental health workers on the unique stressors in agricultural work contributing to disparate rates of suicides for farmers. Discusses the importance of understanding the culture of farming.
Author(s): Tony Leys
Date: 06/2024
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Excess Deaths Associated With COVID-19 by Rurality and Demographic Factors in the United States
Details a study on the patterns of excess death associated with COVID-19 by rural and urban location and other demographic factors using CDC WONDER data from March 2020 to February 2023. Breaks down percent of excess deaths by large central metro, large fringe metro, medium metro, small metro, micropolitan, and noncore counties.
Author(s): Katherine A. Ahrens, Lauren M. Rossen, Carly Milkowski, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 40(3), 491-499
Date: 06/2024
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Differences in Use of Veterans Health Administration and Non-VHA Hospitals by Rural and Urban Veterans After Access Expansions
Presents a study on rural and urban differences in acute inpatient care utilization in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non-VHA hospitals following expansions to the Veterans Choice Act. Breaks down data by patient characteristics, such as age and sex, among others.
Author(s): Matthew P. Dizon, Kenneth W. Kizer, Michael K. Ong, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 40(3), 446-456
Date: 06/2024
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