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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Populations

Trends in Racial, Ethnic, Sex, and Rural-Urban Inequities in Health Care in Medicare Advantage: 2009-2018
Presents an analysis of historical trends in inequities by race and ethnicity, sex, and rural-urban residence among Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans nationwide. Uses patient experience and clinical care measures to examine how inequities in healthcare have changed between 2009 and 2018, how scores for each beneficiary group have changed over time, and which inequities remained in 2018.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, RAND Corporation
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Through the Lens: Youth Experiences with Cancer in Rural Appalachian Kentucky Using Photovoice
Study examining a group of Appalachian Kentucky youth's recognition of cancer disparities in their communities through photography. Analyzes visual themes in participant submissions, including risk factors related to cancer-causing substances, products, or diets, community awareness and support, and healthcare, among other themes.
Author(s): Katie Gaines, Courtney Martin, Chris Prichard, Nathan L. Vanderford
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(1), 205
Date: 12/2021
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Farmer and Rural Perceptions of Mental Health
Presents findings of a poll of 2,004 rural adults, addressing impressions of mental health stigma in rural and agricultural communities. Describes barriers to seeking mental health assistance, who rural adults feel comfortable talking to about stress or mental health issues, and the perceived mental health impacts of farm stress on farmers and farm workers. Compares results to polls conducted in 2019 and 2020.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Farm Bureau Federation
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Reimagining Hunger Responses in Times of Crisis: Insights from Case Examples and a Survey of Native Communities' Food Access During COVID-19
Report examining food insecurity among American Indian and Alaska Native communities during the COVID-19 pandemic based on 504 food access survey responses. Discusses food insecurity rates in relation to respondent characteristics, resiliency of Native producers and food economies, and policy recommendations to address food access issues.
Author(s): Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, Sandy Martini, Geri Henchy, et al.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Food Research & Action Center, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, Native American Agriculture Fund
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Evidence Map: Implementation Factors Influencing the Transition from Emergency to Outpatient Care Settings
Summarizes available research on interventions to improve transitions from emergency department to outpatient care settings across health systems and identifies key findings. Discusses common intervention barriers, including rural residence and transportation, and facilitators.
Additional links: Supplemental Materials
Author(s): Karli Kondo, Johanna Anderson, Sarah Young, Rachel Ward
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development
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COVID-19 National Emergency: Early Trends in Hospitalizations for Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Health Conditions and 30-Day Readmission Rates
Provides an overview of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). Describes monthly trends in hospitalizations of Medicare beneficiaries for HRRP conditions before and after the implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures through September 30, 2020. Examines how monthly trends in unadjusted 30-day readmission rates before and after implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures and how these rates differ by selected sociodemographic characteristics, including rurality. Discusses policy opportunities and interventions to enhance post-discharge follow-up and reduce readmission rates.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Growing Rural Outreach through Veteran Engagement (GROVE)
Describes the Center for Growing Rural Outreach through Veteran Engagement (GROVE) program, which develops capacity and resources for Veterans Affairs researchers and staff to be more inclusive of rural Veteran populations. GROVE also serves as a resource center to support projects interested in including veteran engagement in their methods and promotes veteran engagement in Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) via the HSR&D Veteran Engagement Workgroup, at the Center of Innovation level, and by incorporating Veteran engagement methods in their own HSR&D-funded research.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development
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Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) for American Indian Youth
Manual providing an overview of the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), a school-based intervention designed to help students exposed to traumatic events who are suffering from emotional or behavioral problems. Adapts the CBITS program for American Indian youth and outlines individual and group sessions, the caregiver education program, and teacher education program.
Author(s): National Native Children's Trauma Center, Lisa H. Jaycox, Audra K. Langley, Sharon A. Hoover
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: RAND Corporation
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Veteran Oral Health: Expanding Access and Equity
Report discusses the oral health disparities and barriers to access for veterans. Features data pertaining to the oral health status of rural veterans and explores oral health coverage among veterans.
Author(s): Annaliese Cothron, Sean Boynes, Chelsea Chokas, et al.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organizations: American Institute of Dental Public Health, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
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Public Health Forward: Modernizing the U.S. Public Health System
Provides a framework for policymakers and public health officials to guide investments and decision-making to implement a public health system to address challenges beyond the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on equity. Covers six core areas: financing, laws and governance, community engagement, partnerships, workforce, and data and information technology. Highlights challenges and considerations for rural communities and Tribal nations throughout.
Date: 12/2021
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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