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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

The Health and Economic Concerns of Rural Americans
Presentation features a discussion on the role social and economic disparities play in the health of people in rural communities. Highlights the effect the opioid crisis has had in rural areas and discusses ways communities can use local resources to combat opioid abuse. Transcript available in the video description.
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: The Forum, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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The State of Rural Health in Illinois: Great Challenges and a Path Forward
Provides information and statistics regarding rural health issues in Illinois, including healthcare shortages, opioid mortality rates, childhood abuse and dysfunction, obesity rates, housing, and more. Discusses relevant strategies to address these issues.
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
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Examining the Association Between Intervention-Related Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight as Moderated by the Food and Physical Activity Environments among Rural, Southern Adults
Study examining changes in weight, diet, and physical activity in rural adults who took part in a lifestyle intervention in rural Lenoir County, North Carolina. Reports data on self-reported and objectively-measured changes over 6 months, covering access to different kinds of food retailers, gyms, and parks, as well as community walkability, crime, and barriers to physical activity.
Author(s): Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts, Thomas C. Keyserling, Larry F. Johnston, et al.
Citation: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(10), 1618-1627
Date: 10/2018
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Evidence Review — Social Determinants of Health for Veterans
Reports findings from a literature review of studies focused on social determinants of health for veterans. Summarizes study characteristics, social determinants addressed, and whether health behaviors, health services utilization, and health outcomes were examined. Includes an analysis of the studies that looked at effects of rurality, trauma, and sexual orientation.
Author(s): Wei Duan-Porter, Brian C. Martinson, Nancy Greer, et al.
Citation: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(10), 1785-1795
Date: 10/2018
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Supporting Coös Youth on the Path to Adulthood: A Conference for North Country Professionals and Youth Advocates
Report highlights a conference held to support youth and their families in rural Coös County in New Hampshire. Discusses some of the obstacles to development and methods for supporting young people in Coös County.
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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Allergy, Asthma, and Respiratory Disease Surveillance among American Indians in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah
Examines the prevalence of asthma, allergies, and respiratory disease among Native Americans in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, including related hospital admissions and mortality rates. Addresses risk factors such as tobacco use and wildfire smoke, along with prevention and treatment efforts. Identifies action items for tribes, public health professionals, and individuals.
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, American Indian Research Center for Health
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Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment in a Rural Community
Examines the use of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), an alternative treatment option compared to whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT), for patients receiving breast-conserving surgery at an academic institution in Iowa. Includes data on patients receiving IORT and WBRT by age, distance traveled to treatment facility, postoperative outcomes, and more.
Author(s): Allison W. Lorenzen, Boris Kiriazov, James P. De Andrade, et al.
Citation: Annals of Surgical Oncology, 25(10), 3004-3010
Date: 10/2018
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Qualitative Case Study of Needle Exchange Programs in the Central Appalachian Region of the United States
Reports on a qualitative study in West Virginia to address barriers and identify supports that may impact the development of needle exchange programs (NEPs) in rural areas of the U.S. Interviews were conducted in West Virginia with program directors, police chiefs, law enforcement members, and people who inject drugs to obtain information on program implementation and operations, and future growth of NEPs.
Author(s): Stephen M. Davis, Danielle Davidov, Alfgeir L. Kristjansson, Keith Zullig, Adam Baus, et al.
Citation: PLoS One, 13(10)
Date: 10/2018
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Evaluating a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program in Rural Kentucky
Reports on an evaluation of an adapted, shorter "Reducing the Risk" teen pregnancy prevention curriculum delivered in rural Kentucky high schools by local health departments. Evaluated student outcomes using survey data one year and two years after the programs were delivered.
Author(s): Brian Goesling, Joanne Lee, Robert G. Wood, Susan Zief
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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Region XI American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start: A Portrait of Children and Families
Details a report on the American Indian and Alaska Native children and families who have participated in a Head Start Program. Highlights demographic and social factors, as well as the occurrence of depressive symptoms in parents. Discusses the health and wellness of the children in the program, specifically rates of obesity and perceived overall health.
Author(s): Meryl Yoches Barofsky, Laura Hoard, the AI/AN FACES 2015 Workgroup
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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