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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

The Nature of the Rural-Urban Mortality Gap
Examines rural-urban mortality disparities in the working-age U.S. population. Analyzes the natural-cause mortality (NCM) rate with 1999-2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control's wide-ranging online data for epidemiology research (WONDER) database according to sex, race and ethnicity, health condition, region, and state.
Author(s): Kelsey L. Thomas, Elizabeth A. Dobis, David A. McGranahan
Date: 03/2024
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Associations of Demographic and Social Factors on Health-Related Quality-of-Life Changes Among Older Women With Breast or Gynecologic Cancer
Identifies factors associated with changes in physical and mental quality of life among women aged 65 and older with breast or gynecologic cancer, utilizing 1998-2017 SEER-MHOS data. Compares quality of life over time by race and ethnicity, marital status, level of health-related social interference, and rurality. Discusses implications to nurse-led quality-of-life interventions for older patients.
Author(s): Elizabeth K. Arthur, Melica Nikahd, J. Madison Hyer, et al.
Citation: Oncology Nursing Forum, 51(2), 127-141
Date: 03/2024
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The Impact of Rural General Hospital Closures on Communities—A Systematic Review of the Literature
Presents a literature review of studies on the health and economic effects hospital closures have had on rural communities. Analyzes 21 studies completed in the previous 8 years and details the economic and healthcare access outcomes identified.
Author(s): Carol A. Mills, Valerie A. Yeager, Kathleen T. Unroe, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 40(2), 238-248
Date: 03/2024
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2023 Maine Perinatal Health Disparities Needs Assessment
Qualitative assessment of the perinatal system of care in Maine, based on information from interviews and rural focus groups. Includes information on perinatal health indicators and the perinatal workforce capacity, and offers recommendations for improvement.
Author(s): Cecelia Stewart, Allison Tippery, Hailey Marnell-Bozdag, Frances Tarbell
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
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Risk Factors and Health Behaviors Associated With Loneliness Among Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Explores loneliness as a driver of negative health outcomes among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breaks down data by age, cancer type, living situation, and rural versus urban location, among other measures.
Author(s): Elena S. Aßmann, Jennifer Ose, Cassandra A. Hathaway, et al.
Citation: Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 47, 405-421
Date: 02/2024
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Factors Associated With Myocardial Infarction in a Rural Population With Peripheral Arterial Diseases
Examines the association between sociodemographic and clinical risk factors and myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) in Central Appalachia. Uses data from 5,574 patients in 230 counties across Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Features statistics on characteristics of patients with PAD based on presence or absence of MI.
Author(s): Adeola O. Awujoola, Moboni T. Mokikan, Olufeyisayo O. Odebunmi, et al.
Citation: Angiology, 0(0)
Date: 02/2024
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The Way Forward: Report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children To the President and Congress of the United States
Report details the findings of a comprehensive study by the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children on the programs, grants, and other support available to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. Highlights the socioeconomic, cultural knowledge, and physical and mental wellness rates, among other measures, of Native children. Makes recommendations on cultural engagement, local control, flexible funding, and trauma-informed approaches to support services for Native children.
Author(s): Dr. Dolores Subia Bigfoot, Stephanie Bryan, Dr. Tami Decoteau, et al.
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children
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Oklahoma Cancer Prevention & Control Plan 2023-2028: Cancer is Not OK!
Outlines goals and strategies to prevent cancer, reduce deaths, and increase quality of life among people living with cancer in Oklahoma. Includes data and recommendations related to prevention, screening, survivorship, and population health. See pages 60-61 for discussion of cancer disparities and access barriers in rural areas.
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organizations: Oklahoma Comprehensive Cancer Network (OCCN), Oklahoma State Department of Health
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Advancing Equity in Challenging Times: A Qualitative Study of Telehealth Expansion And Changing Patient–Provider Relationships In Primary Care Settings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic and potential access issues related to technical and workforce barriers. Analyzes interview data from primary healthcare providers to explore challenges such as reduced team-based care coordination, technological difficulties, loss of nonverbal communication, and equity issues for vulnerable groups, including those in rural areas.
Author(s): Monisa Aijaz, Valerie A. Lewis, Genevra F. Murray
Citation: Digital Health, 10
Date: 02/2024
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Disparities in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Based on Residence and Distance From Medical Facility
Evaluates associations between thyroid cancer stage at diagnosis, rural or urban status, and distance from treatment center among 800 current thyroid cancer patients in Nebraska. Includes demographic breakdowns and discussion of access-based treatment and outcome disparities.
Author(s): Sunita Regmi, Paraskevi A Farazi, Elizabeth Lyden, et al.
Citation: Journal of the Endocrine Society, 8(5), bvae033
Date: 02/2024
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