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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Race and Ethnicity, and Geography on Prenatal Detection of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Transposition of the Great Arteries
Results of a study of 1,862 prenatal and postnatal patients from 21 North American cardiology centers, to determine whether socioeconomic and geographic factors were correlated with lower rates of prenatal detection of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Also compares social determinants of health between the U.S. and Canada due to different healthcare systems. Features demographics and statistics with breakdowns by rural or nonrural location.
Author(s): Anita Krishnan, Marni B. Jacobs, Shaine A. Morris, et al.
Citation: Circulation, 143(20), 2049-2060
Date: 05/2021
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Health Equity and COVID-19: The Impact of Rural Residence on COVID-19 Disparities
Policy brief discussing rural health disparities, social determinants of health, access to care, and COVID-19 impacts in rural Georgia. Compares rural and urban COVID-19 case and death rates, distribution of cases by race, and disparities in Black and Hispanic rural counties. Offers policy recommendations to address disparities.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Georgia Health Policy Center
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Rural-Urban Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life: Patterns for Cancer Survivors Compared to Other Older Adults
Study examining health-related quality of life for older cancer survivors based on data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (SEER-MHOS), comparing quality of life scores in urban and rural areas. Describes implications for interventions to support physical, social, and emotional health-related quality of life for rural older cancer survivors.
Author(s): Jennifer L. Moss, Casey N. Pinto, Scherezade K. Mama, et al.
Citation: Quality of Life Research, 30, 1131-1143
Date: 04/2021
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Caring for American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Adolescents
Examines the influence of historical trauma and health inequities on the socioeconomic and health status of AI/AN youth. Discusses the disproportionate mental and cardiovascular health needs, and disease processes of AI/AN youth. Identifies strategies for culturally sensitive care to lessen morbidity, and makes policy recommendations supporting institutional and system changes for improving health outcomes.
Author(s): Bell. S., Deen, J.F., Fuentes, M., Moore, K.
Citation: Pediatrics, 147(4)
Date: 04/2021
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Hunger and the Local Economy: Integrated State-Level Approaches to Food Access
Describes food insecurity challenges in rural America. Explores state policy options to improve food access such as food bucks, food procurement reforms, farm to school programs, cooperative development tax incentives, farmers markets, establishing food hubs, and supporting small grocers. Offers policy recommendations to increase access to healthy food and address food insecurity in rural communities.
Author(s): Nathan Beacom
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
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Disparities in Meeting USPSTF Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Among Women in the United States
Results of a study to determine which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with women meeting US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. Features statistics with breakdowns by metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural locations.
Author(s): Gabriel A. Benavidez, Anja Zgodic, Whitney E. Zahnd, Jan M. Eberth
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 18
Date: 04/2021
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Case Study: Avera Behavioral Health
Profiles Avera Behavioral Health, which partners with primary care providers, families, and other healthcare providers via a telepsychiatry network to serve rural communities nationwide. Discusses the development of the Avera Behavioral Health network, goals of the program, innovative approaches, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the network. Highlights key lessons for successful community networks.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Reducing Rural Veteran Suicides: Navigating Geospatial and Community Contexts for Scaling up a National Veterans Affairs Program
Details the development of planning maps to facilitate the recruitment of rural veterans into a community-based suicide prevention program. Aims to identify the percentages of rural veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, of veterans in the total population, and of suicide mortality for each county mapped.
Author(s): Carlee J. Kreisel, Lauren K. Wilson, Alexandra L. Schneider, et al.
Citation: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 51(2), 344-351
Date: 04/2021
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The Road to Equity: Examining Structural Racism in Health Care
Recordings of a 2-day forum on health equity, structural racism in healthcare, and the role of federal agencies in responding to issues of inequity. Day 2 includes a presentation on rural-specific issues including health disparities, access to healthcare, facility closures and workforce issues.
Additional links: Day 1 Transcript, Day 2 Recording, Day 2 Transcript
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: CDC's Office of Minority Health
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Tribal Transit Study: Demographic Needs Indicators, Funding Needs and Livability
Explores the demographic characteristics that correlate with transportation needs among tribal populations and discusses the transit options available in several reservations in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. Breaks down data by demographics such as senior citizen status, disability status, and income, among other factors.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
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