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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity among Mostly Older, Overweight Black Women Living in the Rural Alabama Black Belt
Examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in 4 rural, predominantly Black Alabama communities from March 2020 to Aug 2021. Study participants were predominantly Black, overweight, older women with low levels of physical activity. Provides data on changes in physical activity levels during the pandemic, concerns influencing physical activity, leisure time physical activity habits, and demographic characteristics.
Author(s): Whitney N. Neal, Erica A. Schleicher, Kerri Baron, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7180
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Effects of Rurality and Distance to Care on Perinatal Outcomes over a 1-Year Period During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines how rurality and/or distance to care impacts perinatal outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, neonatal intensive care, birth weight, and more. Analyzes outcomes from 2,497 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period of May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021, with results broken down by distance to care and metropolitan, micropolitan, or rural location.
Author(s): Pratyusha V. Bujimalla, Kimberly A. Kenne, Haley A. Steffen, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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The Influence of Organizational Aspects of the U.S. Agricultural Industry and Socioeconomic and Political Conditions on Farmworkers' COVID-19 Workplace Safety
Interviewed 14 rural Latinx California farmworkers between July 2020 and April 2021 on the impacts of regulatory oversight and workplace safety measures on COVID-19 risks in the workplace. Discusses legal status for farmworkers and offers policy recommendations for occupational health and safety measures.
Author(s): Fabiola M. Perez-Lua, Alec M. Chan-Golston, Nancy J. Burke, Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young
Citation: International Journal of Research and Public Health, 20(23), 7138
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, Fall 2023
Reports on vaccination coverage among adults 18 years and older as of December 9, 2023 for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Figure 2 includes data on vaccination and intent to be vaccinated for rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Author(s): Carla L. Black, Jennifer L. Kriss, Hilda Razzaghi, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 72(51), 1377-1382
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Rural, Regional, Racial Disparities in Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among US Adults: 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Analyzes telemedicine use among rural and urban adults in context of the COVID-19 pandemic using 2021 National Health Interview Survey data. Presents data on telemedicine use and urbanization level, region, income, sex, race and ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics. Highlights access disparities, and discusses COVID-19's influence on telehealth adoption.
Author(s): Jeong-Hui Park, Min Jee Lee, Meng-Han Tsai, Huan-Ju Shih, Jongwha Chang
Citation: Patient Preference and Adherence, 17, 3477-3487
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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NHPCO Facts and Figures: 2023 Edition
Provides an overview of hospice and palliative care in the United States. Includes information and data on patient characteristics, access to care, reimbursement, barriers and facilitators to care, quality of care, and more. Includes rural references throughout.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
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2023 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Provides a comprehensive summary and data analysis of healthcare quality and access in the U.S. Addresses access to healthcare, patient safety, person-centered care, care coordination, effective treatment, healthy living, and care affordability. Focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare and healthcare systems.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Emergency Department Care for Children During the 2022 Viral Respiratory Illness Surge
Analyzed over 2.7 million pediatric viral and respiratory emergency department visits in Michigan in 2021 and 2022 to describe wait times, length of stay, and revisits in both surge and non-surge periods. Includes rural and urban comparisons.
Author(s): Alexander T. Janke, Courtney W. Mangus, Christopher M. Fung, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 6(12)
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Rural Community Pharmacies: A Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Randomized Clinical Trial
Evaluates implementation strategies of rural-located pharmacies looking to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in their communities. Describes how the study will examine intervention fidelity, effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability, adoption, reach, and cost.
Author(s): Geoffrey Curran, Cynthia Mosley, Abigail Gamble, et al.
Citation: Implementation Science, 18, 72
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Rural Populations Facilitated Early SARS-CoV-2 Evolution and Transmission in Missouri, USA
Examines the role of rural communities in the the early COVID-19 pandemic period. Analyzes data from 544 urban and 435 rural COVID-19 specimens in Southwest Missouri between July and December 2020 to understand transmission and evolution of the virus. Discusses the importance of public health surveillance and mitigation efforts in rural areas.
Author(s): Cynthia Y. Tang, Tao Li, Tricia A. Haynes, et al.
Citation: npj Viruses, 1(7)
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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