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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Drone-Based Medication Delivery for Rural, Flood-Prone Coastal Communities
Discusses access to essential medical services and healthcare for rural communities in Virginia's flood-prone Eastern Shore. Utilizes geospatial data to examine the impact of drone-based medication delivery to overcome transportation barriers in these communities.
Author(s): Yin-Hsuen Chen, Amro M. El-Adle, Kevin J. O'Brien, Taylor Wentworth, Heather G. Richter
Citation: PLoS One, 20(10), e0333696
Date: 10/2025
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Cost of Implementing Evidence-Based Practices to Reduce Opioid Overdose Fatalities in New York State Communities
Presents a study on the cost of implementing an intervention to deploy opioid education, naloxone distribution, and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural and urban locations in New York. Evaluates data from two time periods, or waves, from January 2020 to June 2022 and July 2022 to December 2023.
Author(s): Jazmine M. Li, Dawn Gruss, Timothy Hunt, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 20, 77
Date: 10/2025
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"No Rest for Me Tonight": A Social-Ecological Exploration of Insomnia in Rural Appalachian Women
Examines individual, social, and societal factors associated with insomnia among rural, Appalachian women in Kentucky, analyzing and providing excerpts from interviews with 46 women with self-reported insomnia symptoms. Details the high impact of insomnia on women in rural Appalachia and identifies cultural factors influencing insomnia prevalence and treatment.
Author(s): Mairead E. Moloney, Daniela C. Moga, Michael Grandner, Nancy Schoenberg
Citation: Sleep Health, 11(5), 717-723
Date: 10/2025
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Geographic and Socioeconomic Landscape of Veterans With Head and Neck Cancer
Explores the geographic and socioeconomic factors that correlate with the higher rates and worse outcomes for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas among veterans compared to civilians. Breaks down data by socioeconomic factors, such as marital status, unemployment, and service connection, among other factors, as well as rurality, travel distance, and drive time.
Author(s): Kristen L. Zayan, Jennifer L. McCoy, Monique Y. Boudreaux-Kelly, et al.
Citation: Head & Neck, 47(10), 2845-2855
Date: 10/2025
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Examining Trends in Polydrug Overdose Deaths Across Rural Midwest Counties in the United States, 2022 Through 2024
Highlights a study examining the presence of the drug xylazine in postmortem toxicology of drug overdose deaths in rural Minnesota. Breaks down data by county, drugs co-occurring with xylazine, and demographic characteristics of the deceased, among other measures.
Author(s): Bradley R. Ray, Shane Sheets, Patti Constant, et al.
Citation: Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 275, 112832
Date: 10/2025
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Implementing a Mobile Clinic for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in an Urban and Rural Context
Highlights a study on the efficacy of the mobile clinic model at providing opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in rural and urban areas. Compares and evaluates mobile OUD treatment programs in Pittsburgh, PA and rural Robeson County, NC. Evaluates programs on the basis of community engagement, cost, and partnerships with local pharmacies, among other measures.
Author(s): Orrin D. Ware, Divya Venkat, Robyn Jordan, et al.
Citation: Substance Use & Addiction Journal, 46(4), 799–805
Date: 10/2025
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Weight Status Underestimation and Weight Management Goals among Adults in the Rural South of the United States
Analyzes weight status, underestimation, and management goals among residents in rural South Carolina. Analyzes survey data among 185 respondents according to accuracy of weight reporting, weight loss/management goals, and related demographic factors. Discusses accuracy of weight perceptions among residents and the impact on weight management in the rural South.
Author(s): Haakim A. Waraich, Michael D. Wirth, Serge Wandji, Janessa M. Graves, Demetrius A. Abshire
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(2)
Date: 10/2025
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Participation in Cancer Survivorship Survey Research: Differences by Rurality and Age
Analyzes rural and urban and age-based differences in cancer survivorship research participation among 1,679 cancer survivors who recently received diagnosis or treatment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Provides data on likelihood of participation by mail, internet, or telephone, and discusses the importance of improving access to research participation among rural and older cancer survivors.
Author(s): Emily Hallgren, Aaron R. Caldwell, Jennifer A. Andersen, et al.
Citation: Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 9(1), e200
Date: 09/2025
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New York State's Paid Family Leave Improved Postpartum Health Care among Women with Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Assesses the impact of a state paid family leave law on postpartum healthcare utilization among 312,470 women with hypertensive disorders. Includes rural and urban break down by hypertension status of study participants, among other demographic and health characteristics.
Author(s): Donglan Zhang, Jun Soo Lee, Elena V. Kuklina, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 3(10)
Date: 09/2025
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New Mexico Department of Health: FY25-27 Strategic Plan Update
Reports on the New Mexico Department of Health's priorities, initiatives, and services provided under the FY 25-27 Strategic Plan as of September 2025. Discusses topics including access to care, data collection and use, public health, and tribal partnerships.
Date: 09/2025
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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