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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Excess Natural-Cause Mortality in US Counties and Its Association with Reported COVID-19 Deaths
Evaluates excess deaths between March 2020 and August 2022 to determine how many may be attributable to COVID-19. Includes data break down across time, at the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan levels, and by Census division. Offers potential explanations for inaccurate counts and implications for public health policy.
Author(s): Eugenio Paglino, Dielle J. Lundberg, Andrew C. Stokes
Citation: PNAS, 121(6), e2313661121
Date: 02/2024
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Early Impacts of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model on Potentially Avoidable Utilization
Assesses the impact of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model (PARHM) on potentially avoidable utilization rates between 2016 and 2022 by comparing participating and non-participating hospitals. Discusses the potential impact of COVID-19 on results.
Author(s): Donald S. Bourne, Eric T. Roberts, Lindsay M. Sabik
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 2(2)
Date: 02/2024
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COVID-19 and Mental Health in Ohio: Trends from 2017 to 2021
Analyzes mental health impairment (MHI) in Ohio residents in 2017, 2019, and 2021 to observe COVID-19 pandemic-related trends and disparities. Includes data breakdowns by sociodemographic characteristics, fiscal stability, health status indicators, insurance status, and Appalachian, metropolitan, rural non-Appalachian, or suburban location.
Author(s): Megan E. Roberts, Dushka Crane, Lauren Elliott-Dorans, et al.
Citation: Ohio Journal of Public Health, 6(1)
Date: 02/2024
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Community-Engaged Transdisciplinary Approaches to Cervical Cancer Prevention in Appalachia
Provides an overview of the Take CARE (Clinical Avenues to Reach Health Equity) program to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Appalachian Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Describes implementation of Take CARE's human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, smoking cessation, and cervical cancer screening initiatives.
Author(s): Electra D. Paskett
Date: 01/2024
Sponsoring organization: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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Physician and Advanced Practice Clinician Burnout in Rural and Urban Settings
Describes burnout and contributing work conditions among physicians and advanced practice clinicians, using data from an anonymous electronic survey conducted in March 2022. Explores the effect of COVID-19 on health workforce burnout, and features statistics with breakdowns by urban and rural areas.
Author(s): Melissa L. Harry, Nancy L. Sudak, Mary J. Engels, et al.
Citation: The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 37(1), 43-58
Date: 01/2024
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Exploring Telemental Health Practice Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Presents a study on the use of telemedicine by mental health providers since the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights the expansion of telemental health during the pandemic and how that expansion has continued in the aftermath. Breaks down data by patient and provider characteristics, as well as the rurality of providers and of the area served.
Author(s): Demi Zhu, Samantha R. Paige, Henry Slone, et al.
Citation: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(1), 72-78
Date: 01/2024
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Educational Intervention to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Rural Patients with Chronic Diseases: Lessons Learned from An Innovative Academic–Community Partnership
Results of a study using an educational intervention to increase vaccine knowledge and vaccine acceptance in rural patients with chronic diseases in West Virginia. Uses data from an academic–community partnership comprising researchers, practitioners, community organizations, community-engaged partners, and patient stakeholders.
Author(s): Ranjita Misra, Brenna Kirk, Samantha Shawley-Brzoska, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(1), 71
Date: 01/2024
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Clinical Risk and Outpatient Therapy Utilization for COVID-19 in the Medicare Population
Evaluates COVID-19 treatment disparities among Medicare beneficiaries, with comparisons by age, race and ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, nursing home use, telemedicine use, rural/urban status, and more. Utilizes Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary and Standard Analytic Claim files for the year 2022. Provides data on rates of COVID-19 therapy use, including medication, hospitalization, and outpatient treatment. Highlights undertreatment experienced by populations with high risk of severe infection.
Author(s): Andrew D. Wilcock, Stephen Kissler, Ateev Mehrotra
Citation: JAMA Health Forum, 5(1), e235044
Date: 01/2024
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Association of Spatial Proximity to Fixed-Site Syringe Services Programs with HCV Serostatus and Injection Equipment Sharing Practices Among People Who Inject Drugs in Rural New England, United States
Examines the correlation of proximity to a syringe services program (SSP) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in rural areas of the northeastern United States. Utilizes 2018-2019 data to analyze people who inject drugs (PWID) and their demographic characteristics, drug usage, and distance to the nearest fixed-site SSP.
Author(s): Eric Romo, Thomas J. Stopka, Bill M. Jesdale, et al.
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 21, 23
Date: 01/2024
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The Effect of Disability and Social Determinants of Health on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines the effect of disability status and social determinants of health on rates of adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizes 2018 and 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Includes statistics and discussion of rural-urban screening disparities.
Author(s): LaShae D. Rolle, Maurice J. Chery, Michaela Larson, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 21, 230234
Date: 01/2024
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