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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Population health

Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model Phase II: Second Annual Evaluation Report
Presents findings from an evaluation of Phase II of the Medicare Advantage (MA) Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, which allows participating MA parent organizations to offer supplemental benefits and incentives to beneficiaries, hospice benefits, and wellness and healthcare planning through their MA plans. Summarizes findings from interviews with representatives of participating MA organizations, in-network and out-of-network hospices, and beneficiaries. Covers MA organization and beneficiary implementation experiences, plan enrollment, quality of care, health outcomes, and more, for the VBID Model generally and for the VBID Hospice Benefit Component.
Additional links: Appendices, Findings at a Glance, Hospice Benefit Component Findings at a Glance
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, RAND Corporation
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Hunger Pains: How Food Insecurity Affects Oral Health
Report discusses the ways food insecurity affects oral health outcomes. Highlights populations suffering from food insecurity and compares rural and urban populations. Details the oral health disparities that correlate with food insecurity.
Author(s): Paige Martin, Morgan Santoro, Lisa J. Heaton, et al.
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organization: CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
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Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health 2022-3 Annual Report
Highlights work of the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health between September 2022 and September 2023 in 9 Midwestern states. Projects include training, networking, funding, education, and research related to various occupational hazards, mental health, women in agriculture, roadway safety, and more.
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organization: Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health
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National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services Meeting Summary, Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 6-8, 2023
Summarizes the 93nd meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS), which was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Presents an overview of national and state perspectives on disability and independence in rural communities.
Additional links: Lincoln County Human Services Site Visit Summary
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
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Types of Offers of Combustible Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Betel Nut Experienced by Guam Youths
Presents a study on the scenarios where youths in Guam are presented with the opportunity to use cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and betel nut. Bases findings on focus group discussions and breaks down data by type of offer, location, and group context, among other measures.
Author(s): Francis Dalisay, Scott K. Okamoto, Jane Teneza, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(19), 6832
Date: 09/2023
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Mental Health Outcomes Among Patients Living in US Counties Lacking Broadband Access and Psychiatrists
Presents a study on mental health access for people who live in counties without psychiatrists and broadband coverage. Discusses the expansion of telehealth services for mental healthcare and consultation. Aims to evaluate mental health access in mostly rural counties with a workforce shortage and a lack of broadband access.
Author(s): Tarun Ramesh, Ryan K. McBain, Jonathan H. Cantor, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 6(9), e2333781
Date: 09/2023
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Adult Obesity in Rural America: An Examination of the Relationships Between Obesity Prevalence, Sociodemographic Factors, Access to Care, and Differences Between Rural and Urban Counties
Provides an overview of obesity prevalence in rural versus urban counties. Analyzes factors related to obesity such as education, income, physical inactivity, healthcare workforce, and food, internet, and healthcare access. Includes case studies and data related to obesity prevalence in Texas and Arkansas.
Additional links: Appendix, Executive Summary
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organization: NORC at the University of Chicago
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Cancer Survivorship Challenges of Rural Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
Examines the perspectives of rural, older cancer survivors regarding their experiences, challenges, and related recommendations. Provides feedback from 27 former cancer patients regarding survivorship care plans, communication with their healthcare team, and transportation, financial, psychological, diet, and physical health challenges.
Author(s): Evelyn Arana-Chicas, Laura M. Hincapie Prisco, Saloni Sharma, et al.
Citation: BMC Cancer, 23(917)
Date: 09/2023
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Rural Health: Pathway to Progress
Presents insights and perspectives from four rural healthcare leaders. Describes strategies for overcoming workforce challenges, increasing access to specialty care, and addressing cost pressures. Requires registration to download.
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organization: Reuters Events
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National Report: Rural Substance Use Disorder Stigma and Treatment Needs
Report explores the role of stigma among rural substance use disorder (SUD) practitioners providing care to people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Bases findings on a survey of rural SUD practitioners across the country and looks specifically at their opinion of OUD patients and OUD treatment. Highlights other perceived barriers and concerns among rural practitioners.
Date: 09/2023
Sponsoring organization: University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction
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