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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Populations

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity among Mostly Older, Overweight Black Women Living in the Rural Alabama Black Belt
Examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in 4 rural, predominantly Black Alabama communities from March 2020 to Aug 2021. Study participants were predominantly Black, overweight, older women with low levels of physical activity. Provides data on changes in physical activity levels during the pandemic, concerns influencing physical activity, leisure time physical activity habits, and demographic characteristics.
Author(s): Whitney N. Neal, Erica A. Schleicher, Kerri Baron, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7180
Date: 12/2023
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Resources on Rides for Employment for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Describes differences in transportation accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities based on resources available in particular communities. Provides resources and example programs focused on improving transportation options in rural areas.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Confronting Workforce Shortages and Health Worker Well-Being
Six videos addressing the impact of healthcare worker shortages and how those shortages affect individual well-being and the ability to provide care in rural communities. Includes a keynote presentation by the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Health Service. Transcripts available under the descriptions of the videos.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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Impacts of Transit on Health in Rural and Small Urban Areas
Overview of how public transportation affects health in rural and small urban areas. Summarizes findings from a literature review that looked at public transportation as it relates to the social determinants of health, healthcare access, physical activity, social isolation, and mental health. Also reports results from a survey of rural older adults supplemented by data analysis looking at travel for healthcare, challenges related to public transportation, and the impacts of missed or delayed healthcare trips.
Author(s): Jeremy Mattson, Bright Quayson
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
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Social and Structural Determinants of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality: An Evidence Map
Presents results of a systematic literature review of risk factors associated with maternal morbidity and mortality before, during, and after birth. Reports study findings on social and structural determinants of health including rurality, income, mental health, environment, violence, and trauma, among other factors. Observes the state of current research and identifies limitations.
Additional links: Executive Summary, Full Report
Author(s): Jaime Slaughter-Acey, Kathryn Behrens, Amy M. Claussen, et al.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Urban and Rural Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on HPV Vaccination in Minnesota
Reports findings from a set of 20 qualitative interviews with urban and rural adolescent healthcare providers and clinic staff in Minnesota. Examines provider strategies used when discussing HPV, COVID-19, and other adolescent vaccines, as well as perceptions of parental opinions on adolescent vaccination. Discusses rural cultural values that impact rural provider strategies for promoting vaccination.
Author(s): Elizabeth J. Polter, Ben Christianson, Anne Steinberg, et al.
Citation: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 19(3), 2291859
Date: 12/2023
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The Influence of Organizational Aspects of the U.S. Agricultural Industry and Socioeconomic and Political Conditions on Farmworkers' COVID-19 Workplace Safety
Interviewed 14 rural Latinx California farmworkers between July 2020 and April 2021 on the impacts of regulatory oversight and workplace safety measures on COVID-19 risks in the workplace. Discusses legal status for farmworkers and offers policy recommendations for occupational health and safety measures.
Author(s): Fabiola M. Perez-Lua, Alec M. Chan-Golston, Nancy J. Burke, Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young
Citation: International Journal of Research and Public Health, 20(23), 7138
Date: 12/2023
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Breast Cancer Disparity and Outcomes in Underserved Women
Provides an overview of breast cancer disparities experienced by different groups of women, including rural women, and highlights the significance of social determinants of health. Describes strategies to mitigate disparities and improve access, including education and engagement, community health workers, mobile mammography, and care coordination.
Author(s): B Bersu Ozcan, Başak E. Dogan, Ann R. Mootz, et al.
Citation: RadioGraphics, 44(1), 230090
Date: 12/2023
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VA Health Care: The Medically Underserved Facilities Initiative
Describes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medically underserved facilities initiative, which identifies medical facilities that were underserved for primary care and mental health services in 2022. Describes the criteria VA has used to identify medically underserved facilities and which facilities are designated as underserved and what officials from the designated underserved facilities reported about their experiences with the initiative. Explores what VA information shows about the effectiveness of the initiative. Includes rural references throughout.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Rural, Regional, Racial Disparities in Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among US Adults: 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Analyzes telemedicine use among rural and urban adults in context of the COVID-19 pandemic using 2021 National Health Interview Survey data. Presents data on telemedicine use and level of rurality, region, income, and other demographic characteristics. Highlights access disparities, and discusses COVID-19's influence on telehealth adoption.
Author(s): Jeong-Hui Park, Min Jee Lee, Meng-Han Tsai, Huan-Ju Shih, Jongwha Chang
Citation: Patient Preference and Adherence, 17, 3477-3487
Date: 12/2023
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