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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities ― 19 States, April 2020
Examines COVID-19 cases among workers in 115 meat and poultry processing facilities reported by 19 states. Discusses factors potentially affecting risk for infection, including difficulties with workplace physical distancing and hygiene and crowded living and transportation conditions. Includes recommended changes to address these issues.
Author(s): Jonathan W. Dyal, Michael P. Grant, Kendra Broadwater, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(18), 557-561
Date: 05/2020
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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An Older Population Increases Estimated COVID-19 Death Rates in Rural America
Examines the influence of age structure and other factors on the spread of coronavirus in rural areas of the U.S. Compares the incidence of the virus and the estimated mortality rates due to the virus in rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Kenneth M. Johnson
Date: 05/2020
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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Scope of Practice for Extension Agents Delivering Health Programs
Outlines procedures and processes useful when recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating extension agents and their activities in health program delivery to low-resource and rural communities. Describes South Carolina's Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Program.
Author(s): Michelle Parisi
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Clemson Cooperative Extension
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Ohio State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP): 2020-2022
Provides an overview of Ohio's State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and outlines priorities, measurable objectives, evidence-based strategies, and an evaluation plan. Includes information on community conditions, health behaviors, and access to care related to Appalachian and rural communities.
Author(s): Amy Bush Stevens, Hailey Akah, Zach Reat
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organizations: Health Policy Institute of Ohio, Ohio Department of Health
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Urban and Rural Differences in Coronavirus Pandemic Preparedness
Examines the variation in hospital bed capacity by region in the U.S. and by metro and non-metro status. Discusses urban and rural differences in hospital resources, including hospital and ICU beds per capita. Provides an interactive map displaying hospital beds per capita and select demographic characteristics of metro and non-metro areas of each state and by hospital referral region.
Author(s): Kendal Orgera, Daniel McDermott, Matthew Rae, et al.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organizations: KFF, Peterson Center on Healthcare
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Proximity to Screening Site, Rurality, and Neighborhood Disadvantage: Treatment Status among Individuals with Sexually Transmitted Infections in Yakima County, Washington
Examines rurality, proximity to screening sites, and socioeconomic factors in relationship to individuals seeking treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Identifies barriers to STI treatment such as individuals living more than 10 miles from screening sites, living in micropolitan or rural areas, and others. Includes data on treatment for patients with STIs with breakdowns by sex and metropolitan or micropolitan area.
Author(s): Solmaz Amiri, Christine D. Pham, Ofer Amram, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2679
Date: 04/2020
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Lack of In-Home Piped Water and Reported Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Adults in Rural Alaska
Examines associations between availability of in-home piped water service and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in rural Alaska using data from 2013 and 2015. Assesses health outcomes such as obesity and self-reported poor health as related to SSBs. Includes statistics broken down by age, sex, household income, and education level, among other things.
Author(s): Emily Mosites, Sara Seeman, Andrea Fenaughty, et al.
Citation: Public Health Nutrition, 23(5), 861-868
Date: 04/2020
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Rural-Nonrural Differences in Telemedicine Use for Mental and Substance Use Disorders Among Medicaid Beneficiaries
Presents a study on the rural and urban differences in use of telemedicine for mental and substance use disorder treatment among Medicaid beneficiaries. Breaks down data by patient demographics, year studied, and behavioral health disorder, among other measures.
Author(s): Timothy B. Creedon, Kristin E. Schrader, Peggy L. O'Brien, et al.
Citation: Psychiatric Services, 71(8), 756-764
Date: 04/2020
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AARP Rural Livability Workshop Report
Report describing rural community characteristics with a focus on rural elders. Discusses rural demographics, community dynamics, public spaces, housing, transportation, economy, healthy living, broadband access, and disaster readiness.
Author(s): Melissa Stanton, Patricia Oh
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: AARP
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Patient Perceptions of Video Visits Using Veterans Affairs Telehealth Tablets: Survey Study
Highlights a study on the perceptions of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients on the use of video-based telehealth via VA-issued tablets. Compares perceptions of rural and urban veterans and discusses some of the healthcare needs addressed through telehealth, including mental healthcare, primary care, and rehabilitation, among others.
Author(s): Cindie Slightam, Amy J Gregory, Jiaqi Hu, et al.
Citation: Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(4), e15682
Date: 04/2020
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