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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Reflections of Rural Primary Care Physicians on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural primary care physicians' relationships with patients, other physicians, clinic staff, and their communities via interviews conducted between Oct 2022 and April 2023 with 12 Wisconsin physicians. Discusses elements including challenges in implementing new clinical practices, impacts of beliefs about the pandemic, strategies and coping mechanisms, and availability of staff and other resources.
Author(s): Mary F. Henningfield, Keelin McHugh, Sarina Schrager
Citation: BMC Primary Care, 26, 160
Date: 05/2025
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Experiences of U.S. Frontline Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Examines physician experiences during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizes focus group and interview feedback from 17 frontline physicians related to patient care, with a focus on adaptations, challenges, and acute stressors. Includes discussion about healthcare barriers specific to rural and remote areas.
Author(s): Robin L. Whitney, Melissa Gosdin, Sabrina F. Loureiro, et al.
Citation: Archives of Public Health, 83, 122
Date: 05/2025
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2025 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report
Highlights the rates of pregnancies and births among Minnesota adolescents from 1990-2023 and sexually transmitted infections from 2010-2024. Features sections on variations across demographic groups, adolescent sexual health, and geographic disparities between the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota, including a county-level map showing counties with the highest birth, chlamydia, and gonorrhea rates among adolescents.
Author(s): J. Farris, A. Ivers, K. Beckman
Date: 05/2025
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Impact of Alcohol Use Disorder on Inpatient Hospitalizations: A Comparison of Outcomes Between Urban and Rural Veterans Affairs Hospitals
Analyzes Veterans Health Administration hospital admissions data from 2016 to 2020 to determine the burden of alcohol use disorder on 129 rural and urban hospitals. Data shows break down of patient characteristics, hospital characteristics, and admissions characteristics. Discusses mortality and the potential impact of COVID-19.
Author(s): James Willey, Peter Kaboli, Andrea Holcombe, et al.
Citation: Journal of Hospital Medicine, 20(5), 463-470
Date: 05/2025
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South Dakota 2025 HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report
Provides county level data on the number of HIV/AIDS cases for South Dakota. Addresses co-infections with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and characteristics of infected residents.
Date: 05/2025
Sponsoring organization: South Dakota Department of Health
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Perceived Risk and HPV Vaccination Awareness Among Women in Rural and Underserved Communities in the State of Louisiana
Explores human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccination knowledge among women in rural and underserved areas of Louisiana, via a study of 141 women who participated in a mobile health unit-based study conducted between November 2022 and December 2023. Includes data on awareness of the existence of the HPV vaccine, history of being offered or receiving the HPV vaccine, willingness to be vaccinated, and the relationship between HPV knowledge and perceived HPV risk.
Author(s): Deborah Gurgel Smith, Emily M Dantes, Robbie Beyl, et al.
Citation: Journal of Community Health, 50(5), 826-832
Date: 04/2025
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New Mexico MMR Vaccine Coverage for Adults by County, 2025
Provides maps on current measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage among adults in New Mexico.
Date: 04/2025
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Improving HPV Vaccine Coverage in Tennessee: Addressing Barriers and Expanding Access for Mid-Adults
Examines barriers to achieving optimal human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake in the rural South. Analyzes HPV vaccination rates in Tennessee according to insurance status and rural versus urban location. Discusses cancer prevention and interventions to improve education, awareness, access, and vaccination uptake among rural and uninsured populations.
Author(s): Donald J. Alcendor, Patricia Matthews-Juarez, Mohammad Tabatabai, et al.
Citation: Pathogens, 14(4), 311
Date: 03/2025
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H5N1(Avian Influenza) Toolkit
Offers resources, videos, information and news regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for clinicians, farmworkers, and others working with dairy cattle, domestic poultry, and wild birds.
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center
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Newly Reported Chronic Hepatitis C Among Adults — Alaska, 2016–2023
Reports on changes in the annual average rate of newly reported adult chronic hepatitis C cases during 2016–2023 in Alaska. Includes rate data for 2016-2019 compared to 2020-2023 for urban, rural, and remote areas.
Author(s): Heather M. Scobie, Jamie Allison, Nicholas Masters, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 74(10), 161-166
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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