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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Illicit drug use

A Rural-Urban Analysis of Buprenorphine Therapy During and After Pregnancy Among the Commercially Insured
Explores the use of evidence-based buprenorphine treatment and adherence during the peri-pregnancy period among commercially insured individuals by rurality. Analyzes data on 1,331,040 people between 15 and 44 years-old with diagnosis codes for pregnancy and labor/delivery from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019.
Author(s): KariLynn Dowling-McClay, Bill Brooks, Daniel Krauss, et al.
Date: 01/2025
Sponsoring organization: ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center
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Patient Centered Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Rural Vermont: A Qualitative Study
Examines patient perspectives on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment in rural Vermont, utilizing interview data from 15 people who received care at Vermont Hub and Spoke clinics. Highlights patient perspectives on aspects of patient-centered care, and their influences on retention and engagement with treatment.
Author(s): Emily G. Hichborn, Owen B. Murray, Eilis I. Murphy, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 20, 3
Date: 01/2025
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Cannabis Use Characteristics and Associations with Problematic Use Outcomes, Quitting-Related Factors, and Mental Health among US Young Adults
Examines factors related to cannabis use via latent class analysis of survey data provided by 4,031 young adults. Includes data on frequency of use, problematic use, quitting, and mental health, with data breakdowns by rural, suburban/micropolitan, and urban dwelling.
Author(s): Carla J. Berg, Cassidy R. LoParco, Katelyn F. Romm, et al.
Citation: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 20, 1
Date: 01/2025
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Implementation of Mobile Medication Units: Findings from a Qualitative Study
Provides a brief overview of the development of policy regarding the approval of mobile medication units (MMUs) operated by opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Presents findings from an environmental scan and key informant interviews regarding MMU implementation. Discusses barriers to establishing, sustaining, and expanding MMU services. Describes opportunities to increase access to methadone in underserved communities. Includes rural references throughout.
Date: 01/2025
Sponsoring organizations: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Mathematica
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Mississippi State Department of Health 2025 Annual Report
Offers overview of public health indicators for residents of the state of Mississippi including mortality, teen birth rates, various health conditions, and vaccination. Discusses regulation and legislative changes, pharmaceutical programs, lab services, public health outreach, rural health and primary care, Health Professional Shortage Areas, and administrative updates.
Date: 2025
Sponsoring organization: Mississippi State Department of Health
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Facilitated Telemedicine for Underserved Populations: Management of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. The TEAM-C Study
Examines the effectiveness of a supported telehealth intervention addressing chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) among people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in New York State, utilizing data of 602 OTP participants. Includes data and discussion of program impacts by participant demographics, including rural versus urban dwelling.
Additional links: Research Summary
Author(s): Andrew H. Talal, Marianthi Markatou, Ponni V. Perumalswami, et al.
Date: 2025
Sponsoring organization: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
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Indian Health Service Program Evaluation Services: Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Projects Aggregate Report 2021-2024
Report evaluates the Indian Health Service's Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Project aimed at addressing opioid use disorder in tribal communities. Collects and evaluates data from grantees after the program's first 3 years, April 1, 2021-March 31, 2024. Explores grantees' progress in building organizational capacity, community and educational events, and professional trainings, among other measures.
Additional links: Infographic
Date: 2025
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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The Implementation Climate for Integrating Buprenorphine Prescribing into Rural Primary Care
Examines the climate in rural primary care settings to expand buprenorphine access for opioid use disorder (OUD). Analyzes interview feedback from primary care practitioners in rural Ohio regarding issues such as OUD treatment prioritization, compatibility of buprenorphine prescriptions in primary care settings, and buprenorphine access shortages.
Author(s): Cheyenne Fenstemaker, Elizabeth A. Abrams, Katherine King, et al.
Citation: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 40, 2879-2889
Date: 12/2024
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South Dakota Department of Health 2024 Annual Report
Describes activities and accomplishments of the South Dakota Department of Health in 2024. Includes sections on public health preparedness and response, rural health, emergency medical services, health information technology, family and community health, and licensure and accreditation.
Date: 12/2024
Sponsoring organization: South Dakota Department of Health
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Substance Use Prevalence Among Indiana Youth
Provides 2024 information on substance use among youth in Indiana, with data on 30-day use rates, highest use substances, monthly use of electronic vapor products and other substances, and prevalence rates of rural student substance use.
Date: 12/2024
Sponsoring organization: Indiana Youth Institute
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