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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Occupational health and safety

Society of Behavioral Medicine Statement on COVID-19 and Rural Health
Highlights the position of the Society of Behavioral Medicine on rural health disparities as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addresses shortages in rural health research, healthcare infrastructure, and other systemic disparities. Makes both short- and long-term recommendations to policymakers.
Author(s): Pamela Behrman, Marian L Fitzgibbon, Akilah Dulin, et al.
Citation: Translational Behavioral Medicine, 11(2), 625-630
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
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Pesticide Exposure and Incident Thyroid Cancer Among Male Pesticide Applicators in Agricultural Health Study
Analyzed 53,096 male pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) for incidences of thyroid cancer. Participants were surveyed at enrollment in the study between 1993 and 1997 and then interviewed again between 1999 and 2005. Data show incidences of thyroid cancer with a break down of age, state, production type, and more. Also shows association between thyroid cancer risk and long-term use of pesticides.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Environmental International 146 (2021), 106187
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Understanding Challenges to Well-Being among Latina FarmWorkers in Rural Idaho Using in an Interdisciplinary, Mixed-Methods Approach
Identifies social, cultural, and workplace-related risk factors impacting well-being in the public and private spheres of 70 female farmworkers in southwestern Idaho. Focuses on 6 themes specific to rural geography and farmworker populations, including long working hours, pesticide exposure, lack of enforcement of regulatory protections, food security, childcare responsibilities, and social isolation.
Author(s): Cynthia L. Curl, Lisa Meierotto, Rebecca L. Som Castellano
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(1), 169
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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COVID-19 Cases and Transmission in 17 K–12 Schools — Wood County, Wisconsin, August 31–November 29, 2020
Examines COVID-19 cases, spread, and compliance with mask use among students and staff participating in in-person learning in 17 rural Wisconsin K–12 schools. Discusses school infection mitigation measures. Reports on community and school-associated COVID-19 cases and in-school transmission.
Author(s): Amy Falk, Alison Benda, Peter Falk, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(4), 136-140
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Caring for Miners During the Coronavirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) Pandemic
Highlights the particular vulnerabilities of miners in the Southwestern U.S. to COVID-19. Discusses preexisting conditions, such as COPD, as well as issues related to access to care.
Author(s): Akshay Sood, Charles Pollard, Kyla Le Suer, Kevin Vlahovich, Jolene Walker
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(1), 165-168
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Rural Michigan Farmers' Health Concerns and Experiences: A Focus Group Study
Interviewed 14 members of the Michigan Farm Bureau in 2019 to explore their healthcare system experiences. Overall themes discussed include formal healthcare, well-being and health supports, health insurance, and virtual healthcare. Data show basic demographics of participants in addition to their access to internet, cell phones, and virtual healthcare.
Author(s): Nathan Wright, Marylee Scherdt, Michelle L. Aebersold, et al.
Citation: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 12(2021)
Date: 2021
Type: Document
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Lessons from the Fields: Farmworker Communities Confronting COVID-19
Describes the impact of COVID-19 on farmworker communities. Discusses barriers to preventive measures and healthcare, including lack of workplace prevention measures, testing and vaccines, and inadequate access to accurate and culturally appropriate information. Highlights cross-sector partnerships and best practices to support workers and their families during the pandemic.
Date: 2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Farmworker Justice Fund, Inc.
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Share Public Health: Rural Health
Podcast series discussing rural life, employment, and health. Topics include successful communities, food systems, public health departments in rural counties, health care delivery in their rural communities, and workplace safety, among others.
Date: 2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Midwestern Public Health Training Center
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Montana Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Bureau: June 2018-July 2020 Progress Report
Report highlights the public health efforts in the areas of tobacco cessation, diabetes and cancer reduction, and promoting physical activity, among other issues in Montana. Compares rates over a two year span and details the programs designed to address them.
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
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Factors That Might Affect SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Poultry Facility Workers — Maryland, May 2020
Looks at workplace-related, community, and household factors that might affect person-to-person SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with data for U.S.- and foreign-born workers at two Maryland poultry processing facilities.
Author(s): Beth L. Rubenstein, Stefanie Campbell, Alysha R. Meyers, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(50), 1906-1910
Date: 12/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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