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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Obesity and weight control

Objectively Measured Pediatric Obesity Prevalence Using the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium
Results of a study measuring the prevalence of obesity among Florida children ages 2-19, using electronic health records. Features demographics and statistics of rates of obesity and severe obesity, with breakdowns by metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural location.
Author(s): Dominick J. Lemas, Michelle I. Cardel, Stephanie L. Fillip, et al.
Citation: Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 13(1), 12-15
Date: 2019
Type: Document
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Association Between the Food and Physical Activity Environment, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Health Across Maine Counties
Study examining associations between demographic and environmental factors, such as food availability and access to fitness facilities, and prevalence of obesity and poor cardiovascular health (CVH) in the predominantly rural state of Maine. Includes relationships between individual characteristics, like age and income, and risk factors for poor CVH, including smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet, and diabetes.
Author(s): Allison Briggs, Adam Black, F. Lee Lucas, Andrea Siewers, Kathleen Fairfield
Citation: BMC Public Health, 19(1), 374
Date: 2019
Type: Document
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The Relationship Between Rural Setting and Health: Factors that Influence Individuals With or at Risk of CVD - A Summary of the Literature
Describes current literature on rural challenges and opportunities, including cardiovascular risk due to obesity, lack of access to healthcare, workforce shortages, importance of paramedics and community health workers, telehealth and broadband, and impact of the substance use disorder epidemic. Intended to help stakeholders understand the causes of health disparities and to support action to improve the health of rural communities.
Date: 2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Heart Association
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A Three-Year Multifaceted Intervention to Prevent Obesity in Children of Mexican-Heritage
Examines the effects of a community-based intervention to reduce the rate of body mass index (BMI) growth among Mexican-heritage children living in the rural areas of California's central valley.
Author(s): Banafsheh Sadeghi, Lucia L. Kaiser, Meagan M. Hanbury, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 19, 582
Date: 2019
Type: Document
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Behavioral and Subjective Health Changes in US and Mexico Border Residing Participants in Two Promotora-Led Chronic Disease Prevention Interventions
Study of two community health worker (CHW) chronic disease prevention programs serving Mexico-born residents of the U.S-Mexico border region: one in a rural Arizona community and one in an urban community in Sonora, Mexico. Discusses challenges related to healthy diet, physical activity, and social support as risk factors for obesity and diabetes. Analyzes data from self-report assessments to evaluate behavioral and subjective health improvements over 6 months of the intervention programs.
Author(s): S C Carvajal, S Huang, M L Bell, et al.
Citation: Health Education Research, 33(6), 522-534
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
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2020-2022 New Mexico State Health Improvement Plan
Describes a disease prevention and health promotion plan to improve health outcomes for New Mexico's population where the majority are people of color. Major health issues include access to primary care, obesity and diabetes, substance use disorder, and mental health with a focus on the cultural and linguistic needs of New Mexico's unique population.
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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Support and Sabotage: A Qualitative Study of Social Influences on Health Behaviors among Rural Adults
Examines the impact of social relationships on health behavior adoption and maintenance by interviewing midlife and older adults in rural Montana at increased risk of chronic disease. Addresses family and peer influences on diet, physical activity, and tobacco use.
Author(s): Urshila Sriram, Emily H. Morgan, Meredith L. Graham, Sara C. Folta, Rebecca A. Seguin
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(1), 88-97
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
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America's Health Rankings Annual Report 2018
Provides a national and state-by-state overview of population health by analyzing 35 measures to describe health outcomes in the U.S. Provides rural specific information and statistics by residence, obesity, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, health status, mental and physical distress.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: United Health Foundation
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Rates of Obesity and Obesogenic Behaviors of Rural Appalachian Adolescents: How Do They Compare to Other Adolescents or Recommendations?
Evaluates data from a sample of Appalachian adolescents in Ohio to compare obesity and related behaviors to that of the national adolescent population. Includes comparisons for body mass index (BMI), mean body fat percentage, daily physical activity behaviors, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Author(s): Laureen H. Smith, Devin Laurent, Erica Baumker, Rick L. Petosa
Citation: Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(11), 874-881
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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High Prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors among Adolescents in Pohnpei, Micronesia
Reports on a study of secondary school students in Pohnpei state, Federated States of Micronesia, regarding substance use and weight. Compares factors by gender, age group, school type, and grade level. Focuses on alcohol, tobacco, and betel nut use.
Author(s): Delpihn Abraham, Haley L. Cash, A. Mark Durand, et al.
Citation: Hawai'i Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 77(11), 283-288
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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