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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Maternal health and prenatal care

Non-Medical Opioid Use among Rural and Urban Pregnant Women, 2007-2014
Examines data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2007 to 2014 to determine differences in non-medical opioid use among rural and urban pregnant women. Covers policy and practice implications to inform program and clinical efforts to address the crisis.
Author(s): Katy Kozhimannil, Carrie Henning-Smith, Tongtan Chantarat, Tongtan Chantarat, Cresta Jones
Date: 08/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Obstetric Care by Family Physicians and Infant Mortality in Rural Alabama
Results of a study to determine whether availability of prenatal care and obstetric services as provided by family physicians was associated with lower infant mortality in Pickens County, Alabama. Features statistics including infant mortality rates, rates of low birth weight, and cumulative births to females ages 10-19, in selected Alabama counties during 1986-1991, 1993-2001, and 2005-2013.
Author(s): Jessica Powell, Catherine Skinner, Drake Lavender, Daniel Avery, James Leeper
Citation: Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 31(4), 542-549
Date: 07/2018
Type: Document
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Strengthening the Workforce to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Rural Areas
Highlights rural workforce initiatives related to maternity and childbirth services and discusses strategies to improve rural pregnancy outcomes. Features a training program at a Critical Access Hospital in Alaska and a rural OB-GYN residency program in Wisconsin.
Author(s): Allee Mead
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2018
Type: Document
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Differences Between Rural and Urban Areas in Mortality Rates for the Leading Causes of Infant Death: United States, 2013–2015
Examines mortality rates for the five leading causes of infant, neonatal, and postneonatal death for rural, small and medium urban, and large urban counties, based on location of the mother's residence. Causes examined are congenital malformations, low birthweight, sudden infant death syndrome, maternal complications, and unintentional injuries.
Additional links: Questions for the Author, NCHStats blog
Author(s): Danielle M. Ely, Donna L. Hoyert
Date: 02/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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Challenges Related to Pregnancy and Returning to Work after Childbirth in a Rural, Tourism-Dependent Community
Discusses the challenges related to pregnancy and returning to work after childbirth in rural, tourism-dependent communities. Examines the issues of pregnancy timing and maternity leave, breastfeeding support, and child care, providing recommendations for improving conditions in each area. Results are based on a focus group of 6 women, which included 3 mothers and 3 pregnant women.
Author(s): Amanda Corbett, Carrie Henning-Smith, Kristin DeArruda Wharton, Katy Kozhimannil
Date: 02/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Cavity Free at Three: CDC Evaluation 2013-2018
Presents the key findings of a 5-year evaluation of the Cavity Free at Three (CF3) program that trains medical and dental professionals to provide preventive oral health services for young children and pregnant women. The goal is to decrease dental disease and reduce disparities associated with oral health among vulnerable populations in rural and urban Colorado.
Date: 2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
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Case Study: High-Tech OB Simulation Training Educates OB Teams, Improves Quality of Rural Health Care
Reports on a pilot obstetrics simulation training program intended to help rural family physicians and obstetric care teams recognize and react to complications related to pregnancy, initially focusing on hemorrhaging. Identifies planned quality improvement measures resulting from the training and includes program contact information. Program targeted 12 rural hospitals in Nebraska.
Date: 2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Bryan Health, Heartland Health Alliance
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Preterm Birth - New Mexico PRAMS
Reports on preterm births in New Mexico using data from the state's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Compares preterm birth rates by rural/urban location, race/ethnicity, age group, and more.
Date: 2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Health Equity Report 2017
Reports on trends in health equity and health disparities in the U.S. Provides statistics and information on multiple program areas, including: maternal and child health, primary care, access, quality, HIV/AIDS, mental and behavioral health, chronic disease, health promotion, health workforce, rural versus urban, and geographic disparities. Addresses disparity patterns for 3 priority areas: mental health, opioid use, and childhood obesity.
Author(s): Gopal K. Singh, Andrew "Drew" De Los Reyes, Michelle Allender, et al.
Date: 2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
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First Trimester Prenatal Care Initiation Among Hispanic Women Along the U.S.-Mexico Border
Reports on a study to determine what factors, including barriers, influence pregnant and parenting Hispanic women from counties within the U.S.-Mexico border region to seek first trimester prenatal care – care associated with improved birth outcomes.
Author(s): Katherine Selchau, Maricela Babuca, Kara Bower, et al.
Citation: Maternal and Child Health Journal, 21(Suppl 1), 11–18
Date: 12/2017
Type: Document
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