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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infrastructure

Disparities in Adolescents' Residence in Neighborhoods Supportive of Physical Activity — United States, 2011–2012
Discusses the connection between adolescents living in neighborhoods that support physical activity (have sidewalks and walking paths, parks, playgrounds, and/or recreation centers) and overall health. Identifies differences in access to neighborhoods supportive of physical activity by ethnicity and race, income level, parental education level, and rurality. Provides recommendations for community-based projects for improvement.
Author(s): Kathleen B. Watson, Carmen D. Harris, Susan A. Carlson, Joan M. Dorn, Janet E. Fulton
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 65(23), 598-601
Date: 06/2016
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Tribal Internet Access: Increased Federal Coordination and Performance Measurement Needed
Interviews officials from 21 tribal communities and 6 service providers to understand perspectives on high-speed internet access and barriers within remote tribal communities. Highlights the importance of high-speed internet for rural health care facilities to support telemedicine.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2016
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Impact of Providing In-Home Water Service on the Rates of Infectious Diseases: Results from Four Communities in Western Alaska
Examines how rural Alaskans' health is affected by limited access to in-home piped water. Reviews the electronic health records of 1,032 rural Alaskans to determine how transitioning communities to in-home piped water impacts rates of respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal infections.
Author(s): T.K. Thomas, T. Ritter, D. Bruden, et al.
Citation: Journal of Water and Health, 14(1), 132-141
Date: 02/2016
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Associations Between Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Illness and Water System Characteristics in Community Water Supplies in Rural Alabama: A Cross-sectional Study
Examines the associations between self-reported gastrointestinal illnesses and household-level water supply characteristics in rural Alabama.
Author(s): Christine E. Stauber, Jessica C. Wedgworth, Pauline Johnson, et al.
Citation: PLoS One, 11(1)
Date: 2016
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Examining the Role of a Community Coalition in Facilitating Policy and Environmental Changes to Promote Physical Activity: The Case of Get Fit Kaua'i
Examines Get Fit Kauai, a community coalition that brought changes in built environment (BE) policies and infrastructure changes to rural Hawaii. Describes how the community coalition developed a theory to explain the process of the community coalition facilitating BE change to support physical activity.
Author(s): Lehua B. Choy, Jay E. Maddock, Beverley Brody, Katherine L. Richards, Kathryn L. Braun
Citation: Translational Behavioral Medicine, 6(4), 638-647
Date: 12/2015
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Rural Food and Physical Activity Assessment Using an Electronic Tablet-Based Application, New York, 2013-2014
Evaluates the effectiveness of a community assessment tool focused on the built environment and used to capture images such as sidewalks, walkable destinations, restaurants, and food stores, in an effort to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and active living. Includes resident perspectives on community features and opportunities for improvement.
Author(s): Rebecca A. Seguin, Emily H. Morgan, Leah M. Connor, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 07/2015
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A Participatory Regional Partnership Approach to Promote Nutrition and Physical Activity Through Environmental and Policy Change in Rural Missouri
A case study of Healthier Missouri Communities (Healthier MO), a community-based research project in 12 counties in rural southeast Missouri. Describes a group process to identify and select promising evidence-based interventions to promote nutrition and physical activity.
Author(s): Ellen K. Barnidge, Elizabeth A. Baker, Amy Estlund, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 06/2015
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Healthy Vinton: A Health Impact Assessment Focused on Water and Sanitation in a Small Rural Town on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Reports on the findings of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) regarding water quality, sanitation infrastructure, and the health of residents in a predominantly Hispanic rural community along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Author(s): William L. Hargrove, Patricia M. Juárez-Carillo, Marcelo Korc
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(4), 3864–3888
Date: 04/2015
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Rural Water Infrastructure: Federal Agencies Provide Funding but Could Increase Coordination to Help Communities
Discusses the issues impacting rural water and wastewater systems, including the need to upgrade aging and obsolete infrastructure. Identifies federal agencies that provide funding and technical assistance to rural communities related to drinking water and wastewater.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 02/2015
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Development of a Nationally Representative Built Environment Measure of Access to Exercise Opportunities
Describes the development of a county-level measure of residents' access to physical exercise opportunities, based on proximity to parks and recreational facilities. This measure is used in County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Includes a national map showing county-level access to adequate exercise options.
Author(s): Anne M. Roubal, Amanda Jovaag, Hyojun Park, Keith P. Gennuso
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 12
Date: 01/2015
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