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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

The Unique Impacts of U.S. Social and Health Policies on Rural Population Health and Aging
Examines how the Older Americans Act (OAA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) impact rural and urban communities differently. Includes discussion about policy efforts and the need to consider the context of place.
Author(s): Danielle C. Rhubart, Shannon M. Monnat, Leif Jensen, Claire Pendergrast
Citation: Public Policy & Aging Report, 31(1), 24-29
Date: 12/2020
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Rural Resilience: The Role of Birth Centers in the United States
Highlights a study on the efficacy of the birth center model for maternity care and delivery in rural communities compared with their urban and suburban counterparts. Breaks down data by core variables, such as maternal age, maternal and infant outcomes, and transfers, among other measures.
Author(s): Diana Jolles, Susan Stapleton, Jennifer Wright, et al.
Citation: Birth, 47(4), 430–437
Date: 12/2020
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Papás Activos: Associations between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Personal Networks among Fathers Living in Texas Colonias
Study of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and social networks for Latino fathers living in rural Texas colonia communities on the U.S.-Mexico border. Presents data from 48 families using a community-based promotora research model, addressing physical activity effectiveness, social relationships, and physical activity measurements using accelerometers.
Author(s): Tyler Prochnow, M. Renee Umstattd Meyer, Megan S. Patterson, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(24), 9243
Date: 12/2020
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Equitable Recovery and Resilience in Rural America
Reports on geographic, economic, and cultural diversity in rural America, addressing issues of equity, health disparities, and economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers recommendations for local and federal action related to broadband internet access, small business development, and collaboration to support rural economic vitality and equity.
Author(s): Brian Dabson
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Aspen Institute
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Determinants of Rural-Urban Differences in Health Care Provider Visits Among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States
Uses nationally representative data to investigate whether rural and urban women of reproductive age experience differences in healthcare provider visits. Features rural/urban comparisons on individual- and county-level characteristics and medical provider visits by type of healthcare professional.
Author(s): Hyunjung Lee, Ashley H. Hirai, Ching-Ching Claire Lin, John E. Snyder
Citation: PLos One, 15(12), e0240700
Date: 12/2020
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Addressing Health Disparities in the Rural United States: Advocacy as Caregiving among Community Health Workers and Promotores de Salud
Presents a study comparing the roles played by community health workers (CHWs) and promotores de salud in serving rural communities in Indiana and Texas. Discusses CHWs role in addressing rural health disparities and describes that role in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Ryan I. Logan, Heide Castañeda
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(24), 9223
Date: 12/2020
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"We're, Like, the Most Unhealthy People in the Country": Using an Equity Lens to Reduce Barriers to Healthy Food Access in Rural Appalachia
Examines barriers and facilitators for accessing healthy food in Martin County, Kentucky. Aims to develop socially-, culturally-, and historically-informed policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) interventions to reduce obesity in Appalachia and other areas.
Author(s): Kathryn Cardarelli, Emily DeWitt, Rachel Gillespie, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 17
Date: 12/2020
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Ensuring an Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines in Rural Communities
Policy brief addressing rural access to COVID-19 vaccines. Discusses the vaccine infrastructure, distribution, transportation, and storage needed to reach rural residents. Provides guidance for national, state, and local leaders.
Author(s): John Gale, Alana Knudson, Michael Meit, Shena Popat
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Medicare Fee-For-Service Beneficiaries with Opioid Use Disorder in 2018: Disparities in Prevalence by Beneficiary Characteristics
Examines the sociodemographic, Medicare eligibility, clinical, and geographic characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries with opioid use disorder (OUD). Identifies disparities in OUD prevalence among Medicare beneficiaries. Discusses opportunities to tailor policies and interventions to beneficiary groups with high OUD prevalence to ensure access to treatment.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Washington State's 1115 Family Planning Demonstration Evaluation - Findings from January 2012 to May 2018
Report highlights data pertaining to family planning waiver enrollment in Washington state from 2012 to 2018. Breaks down waivers issued for low income, high income, and pregnancy-related reasons and compares rural and urban populations.
Author(s): Tenaya Sunbury, Dorothy Lyons, Z. Joyce Fan, et al.
Date: 12/2020
Sponsoring organization: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
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