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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

The Special Registration for Telemedicine: In Brief
Describes changes to the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) authorizing special registration for telemedicine to increase access to healthcare providers that can prescribe controlled substances using telemedicine, with the goal of helping address the opioid crisis and shortage of mental health providers. Outlines the seven categories for the practice of telemedicine under the authority of the CSA. The Drug Enforcement Administration plans to publish the related proposed rule to finalize the registration process and procedures.
Date: 12/2018
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan 2018-2023
Describes a plan for public health improvement in South Carolina. Identifies priorities, strategies, and metrics for a variety of topics including child welfare, chronic conditions, and behavioral health. See pages 51-65 for discussion of rural healthcare access and social determinants of health.
Additional links: South Carolina Rural Health Action Plan
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina (AHSC)
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Emergency Department Utilization by Native American Children
Examines pediatric emergency department (ED) utilization in Native American (NA) populations in urban and rural areas. Analyzes 8,294 visits by 5,275 NA patients and 44,503 visits by 33,945 White patients across 6 EDs between 2011-2012 to observe health disparities in different areas and populations. Includes data breakdowns of ED patient demographics and characteristics according to rural, mid-size urban, and large urban location.
Author(s): Heather G. Zook, Anupam B. Kharbanda, Susan E. Puumala, et al.
Citation: Pediatric Emergency Care, 34(11), 802-809
Date: 11/2018
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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
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Rural-Urban Differences in Cancer Incidence and Trends in the United States
Examines the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' public use dataset to compare rural and urban population-based cancer incidence rates from 2009-2013 and trends from 1995-2013. Explores factors associated with rural cancer disparities, including demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics as well as exposure to carcinogens, like tobacco and HPV.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Aimee S. James, Wiley D. Jenkins, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1265-1274
Date: 11/2018
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Utility and Generalizability of Multi-State, Population-Based Cancer Registry Data for Rural Cancer Surveillance Research in the United States
Analyzes various cancer registries to determine the usability of these sources in rural cancer surveillance research. Includes data from 2009-2013 on rural and urban cancer incidence rates by cancer site and race/ethnicity.
Author(s): Whitney Zahnd, Wiley Jenkins, Aimee James, et al.
Citation: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(11), 1252-1260
Date: 11/2018
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National Rural Health Day 2018 Community Stars
Collection of stories about individuals and organizations across the U.S. that have made positive differences in the health of the rural communities they serve through innovation, leadership, commitment, collaboration, education, and communication.
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
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Factors Associated with Depression Detection in a New Hampshire Mental Health Outreach Program
Presents a study on the accuracy of depression detection in older adults in New Hampshire. Compares a number of demographic factors, such as age, sex, and rural status, among others.
Author(s): Angela R. Ghesquiere, Renée Pepin, Jennifer Kinsey, et al.
Citation: Aging and Mental Health, 22(11), 1471-1476
Date: 11/2018
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Incidence of Gastroschisis in California
Reports on the incidence of gastroschisis in California by county using data from the Linked Birth Database from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development from 1995 to 2012. Identifies counties according to the 2010 census as rural, partially rural, and metropolitan; identifies agricultural counties based on agricultural production.
Author(s): Jamie E. Anderson, Yvonne Cheng, Jacob T. Stephenson, et al.
Citation: JAMA Surgery, 153(11), 1053-1055
Date: 11/2018
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Designed Cultural Adaptation and Delivery Quality in Rural Substance Use Prevention: An Effectiveness Trial for the Keepin' it REAL Curriculum
Examines the effectiveness of two versions – one urban and one rural - of a culturally adapted evidence-based middle school substance use prevention curriculum on adolescents. Data collected included adolescent self-reported substance use, and ratings of quality in delivery analyzed from video recordings of lessons presented.
Author(s): Michael L. Hecht, YoungJu Shin, Jonathan Pettigrew, Michelle Miller-Day, Janice L. Krieger
Citation: Prevention Science 19(8), 1008-1018
Date: 11/2018
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