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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

HIV Testing, Linkage to HIV Medical Care, and Interviews for Partner Services Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men — Non–Health Care Facilities, 20 Southern U.S. Jurisdictions, 2016
Reports on work by 20 health departments and 24 community-based organizations (CBOs) funded by the CDC to provide HIV testing and related services to Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the South. Provides rural-urban data on the number of HIV tests provided, new HIV-positive diagnoses, linking people with HIV infection to medical care, and interviews for partner services.
Author(s): Mariette Marano, Renee Stein, Wei Song, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(28), 778-781
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Integrating Responses at the Intersection of Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Disease Epidemics: Proceedings of a Workshop
Features the proceedings of a public workshop on the relationship between the opioid epidemic and the spread of infectious diseases. Presents research and policy options, such as integrating infectious disease treatment into opioid treatment and prevention efforts, as well as exploring the role of law enforcement. Discusses barriers to treatment and prevention in rural areas.
Additional links: Read Online
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Challenges Facing a Rural Opioid Epidemic: Treatment and Prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C
Presents a study on the current trends of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection coinciding with the opioid epidemic and the strategies for treatment and prevention in rural areas. Highlights the barriers to HIV and HCV testing and treatment for rural people who inject drugs.
Author(s): Asher J. Schranz, Jessica Barrett, Christopher B. Hurt, et al.
Citation: Current HIV/AIDS Reports, 15(3), 245-254
Date: 06/2018
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Changes in Influenza Vaccination Requirements for Health Care Personnel in US Hospitals
Results of a study comparing proportions of 1,062 hospitals that did or did not require personnel to be vaccinated for influenza between 2013-2017. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban or rural location and Veterans Affairs (VA) or non-VA hospital type.
Author(s): M. Todd Greene, Karen E. Fowler, David Ratz, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open 1(2)
Date: 06/2018
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Access to Syringe Services Programs — Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia, 2013–2017
Overview of the role of syringe services programs (SSPs) in reducing hepatitis C transmission related to injection drug use. Describes the expansion of SSPs in Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia from 2013 through August 1, 2017. Discusses the opportunity to improve access to care through SSPs, including access to related services such as medication-assisted treatment, which can be included in comprehensive SSPs.
Author(s): Danae Bixler, Greg Corby-Lee, Scott Proescholdbell, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(18), 529-532
Date: 05/2018
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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The Rise of the Current Mortality Pattern of the United States, 1890–1930
Uses nationwide data to examine patterns and rural/urban differences in mortality from 1890-1930, with a focus on the 1918 influenza pandemic and the shift in leading causes of death from infectious disease to degenerative disease. Includes death rates per 100,000 people, with data broken down by rurality and disease type, including infectious disease, influenza, influenza and pneumonia, and degenerative disease.
Author(s): Hiroshi Maeda
Citation: American Journal of Epidemiology, 187(4), 639-646
Date: 04/2018
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Hepatitis C in New Mexico among Persons Less than 30 Years of Age, 2014-2016
Reports on the incidence of Hepatitis C among young people in New Mexico with comparisons for rural/urban counties. Also examines HCV incidence by race/ethnicity, age group, sex, and incarceration status.
Author(s): Drew Faturos, Amy Drake, Jaiju Thomas, Chad Smelser
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Integrating Infectious Disease Considerations with Response to the Opioid Epidemic: A Workshop
Presentation recordings discusses the link between the opioid crisis and infectious diseases, such as HIV and HCV. Features state-by-state, county-level, and rural information, particularly in southern states.
Additional links: Jody Rich: Correctional Health, Nickolas Zaller: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural America
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Infectious Diseases and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Policy Issues and Recommendations
Report details policy recommendations regarding infectious diseases, such as HIV and HCV, linked to injection drug use (IDU). Recommendations look at prevention as well as treatment. Features several important policy considerations for rural communities.
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organizations: HIV Medicine Association, Infectious Disease Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society
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Notes from the Field: HIV Infection Investigation in a Rural Area — West Virginia, 2017
Reports on an investigation by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources that began with 10 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection identified in 3 counties during January-July 2017. Describes how the investigation broadened to 15 counties based on injection drug use and sexual contacts. Identifies risk reduction and treatment options available in these counties and discusses strategies undertaken to limit further transmission of HIV.
Author(s): Mary E. Evans, Sarah M. Labuda, Vicki Hogan, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(8), 257-258
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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