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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health disparities

Effect of Travel Distance and Rurality of Residence on Initial Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in VA Primary Care Patient with Cirrhosis
Highlights a study on the effect of travel distance on hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance for veterans with cirrhosis who are being treated by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Merges VHA and CMS data and breaks it down by demographics and travel distance to both VA and non-VA medical centers and the patients' primary care providers, among other measures.
Author(s): Yolanda Rodriguez Villalvazo, Jennifer S. McDanel, Lauren A. Beste, et al.
Citation: Health Services Research, 55(1), 103-112
Date: 02/2020
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A Prospective Cohort Analysis of Gut Microbial Co-metabolism in Alaska Native and Rural African People at High and Low Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Presents a study examining the role of diet and gut microbiota in rates of colorectal cancer. Compares the diets of Alaska Natives, who have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world, with the diets of rural Africans, who have some of the lowest.
Author(s): Soeren Ocvirk, Annette S Wilson, Joram M Posma, et al.
Citation: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 111(2), 406-419
Date: 02/2020
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Predictors of Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Treatment Use Among Rural Adults using Stimulants over Three Years
Details a study on the factors that predict mental health and substance use treatment utilization among rural stimulant users. Breaks down data from 2002 to 2008 by race, age, and substance use, among other measures.
Author(s): Michael A. Cucciare, Songthip T. Ounpraseuth, Geoffrey M. Curran, Brenda M. Booth
Citation: Substance Abuse, 40(3), 363-370
Date: 02/2020
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Predictors of Substance Use Treatment Initiation and Engagement Among Adult and Adolescent Medicaid Recipients
Presents a study on the indicators of substance use treatment among Medicaid recipients in rural and urban areas. Breaks down data by race, sex, and co-occurring conditions, among other measures.
Author(s): Bonnie K. Lind, Dennis McCarty, Yifan Gu, et al.
Citation: Substance Abuse, 40(3), 285-291
Date: 02/2020
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Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Among Indigenous Women in the United States
Compares maternal mortality and morbidity rates of Native American and Alaska Native women to those of non-Hispanic White women in both rural and urban areas across the U.S. Draws from hospital discharge data from 2012 to 2015.
Author(s): Katy B. Kozhimannil, Julia D. Interrante, Alena N. Tofte, Lindsay K. Admon
Citation: Obstetrics and Gynecology, 135(2), 294-300
Date: 02/2020
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Strengthening Community-Clinical Linkages to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rural NC: Feasibility Phase of the CHANGE Study
Highlights a study evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of a cardiovascular disease prevention program using community health worker (CHW) interventions. Analyzes the CHANGE program in rural North Carolina and discusses the program's design, implementation, and outcomes.
Author(s): Carmen D. Samuel-Hodge, Ziya Gizlice, Sallie D. Allgood, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 20, 264
Date: 02/2020
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Rural-Urban Differences in the Association Between Individual, Facility, and Clinical Characteristics and Travel Time for Cancer Treatment
Examines the association of patient, facility, and clinical characteristics with round trip travel times for all types of cancer patients living in rural and urban areas with the objective to help providers understand which patients may be most in need of resources to assist with travel.
Author(s): Joel E. Segel, Eugene J. Lengerich
Citation: BMC Public Health, 20(1),196
Date: 02/2020
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High Rates of Decay and Need for Dental Treatment Among Rural Kindergartners in North Dakota
Fact sheet describing a study examining results of dental screenings of 1,998 North Dakota kindergartners in 43 schools during the 2018-2019 school year. Features statistics including rates of decay experience, untreated decay, and need for early or urgent dental care, with breakdowns by urban, semi-rural, and rural location.
Author(s): Shawnda Schroeder, Shane Knutson
Date: 02/2020
Sponsoring organization: University of North Dakota Center for Rural Health
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High Rates of Decay and Need for Dental Treatment Among American Indian and Alaska Native Kindergartners in North Dakota
Describes a study examining results of dental screenings of 1,998 North Dakota kindergartners during the 2018-2019 school year. Features statistics including rates of decay experience, untreated decay, and need for early or urgent dental care, with breakdowns by race or ethnicity.
Author(s): Shawnda Schroeder, Shane Knutson
Date: 02/2020
Sponsoring organization: University of North Dakota Center for Rural Health
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Telemedicine and Pregnancy Care
Explores the role telemedicine can play in providing prenatal and postpartum care to women in rural areas. Highlights the types of specialized care that can be delivered via telemedicine to support maternal care in rural areas. Discusses some of the barriers to telemedicine implementation, including state-level Medicaid reimbursement policy.
Author(s): Gabriela Weigel, Brittni Frederiksen, Usha Ranji
Date: 02/2020
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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