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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Populations

Finding Hidden Insights in American Indian and Alaska Native Data on data.census.gov
Webinar recording discusses how to use data.census.gov to access American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) demographic data. Highlights strategies such as using specialized filter sections,overlooked data sources, and other techniques to reveal detailed data on AI/AN geographies and populations.
Additional links: Webinar Slides
Date: 05/2025
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
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As Rural Populations Grow Older, Communities Increasingly Rely on Smaller Labor Force
Reports on rural-urban differences in labor force availability and age dependency ratios caused by the growing demographic share of older people in the U.S. Breaks down data by county-level rurality, and discusses rural infrastructure, healthcare, and caregiving needs.
Author(s): Richelle L. Winkler
Citation: Amber Waves
Date: 05/2025
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Longitudinal Lipidomic Profile of Subclinical Peripheral Artery Disease in American Indians: The Strong Heart Family Study
Examines associations between lipid species and peripheral artery disease (PAD) among 1,886 American Indian members of tribal communities who participated in the Strong Heart Family Study. Provides data on the connection between specific lipid species and PAD, coronary heart disease, and other clinical factors.
Author(s): Mingjing Chen, Guanhong Miao, Mary J. Roman, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 22, 240220
Date: 05/2025
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Impact of Alcohol Use Disorder on Inpatient Hospitalizations: A Comparison of Outcomes Between Urban and Rural Veterans Affairs Hospitals
Analyzes Veterans Health Administration hospital admissions data from 2016 to 2020 to determine the burden of alcohol use disorder on 129 rural and urban hospitals. Data shows break down of patient characteristics, hospital characteristics, and admissions characteristics. Discusses mortality and the potential impact of COVID-19.
Author(s): James Willey, Peter Kaboli, Andrea Holcombe, et al.
Citation: Journal of Hospital Medicine, 20(5), 463-470
Date: 05/2025
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VA Versus Non-VA Quality of Care: A Living Systematic Review
Presents a review of healthcare quality for veterans in VA and non-VA settings. Analyzes 52 studies of non-surgical care and 24 studies of surgical care. Highlights studies focusing on rural veterans and details rural veterans' reported satisfaction with the care they received.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Author(s): Paul Shekelle, Melinda Maggard-Gibbons, Mariah Blegen, et al.
Date: 04/2025
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Dietary Factors and BMI Among Preschool-Aged Head Start Children and Home Caregivers in Remote Alaska Native Communities
Examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) of caregivers and BMI of the preschool children in their home. Utilizes data from a culturally anchored intervention, "Got Neqpiaq?", focused on remote Alaska Native communities in the southwest portion of the state. Discusses the impact of the composition of traditional food, processed food, and produce in a caregiver's diet on a child's diet, as well as the role of holistic family health interventions and cultural foods.
Author(s): Courtney M. Hill, M. J. Paschall, Kathryn R. Koller, et al.
Citation: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Disparities, 13(3), 2039-2048
Date: 04/2025
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Maine Healthy Aging Data Report: Highlights from 2025
Reports on the demographics, health, and strengths and vulnerabilities of Maine's older adult population, with pages 13-18 providing rural, urban, and suburban community health comparison data. See related maps and community profiles for additional data on a variety of health conditions and factors influencing health.
Additional links: Supporting materials
Date: 04/2025
Sponsoring organization: Point32Health Foundation
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How Does Cost Affect Access to Healthcare?
Explores trends in how costs affect access to healthcare using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) through 2023. Covers the percentage of adults who delayed or went without care due to cost, including insulin users who rationed insulin due to costs. Presents data by income level, health status, insurance status, and urban/rural residence.
Author(s): Shameek Rakshit, Matthew McGough, Lynne Cotter, Gary Claxton
Date: 04/2025
Sponsoring organizations: KFF, Peterson Center on Healthcare
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Rebuilding Maternal Health Access in Western North Carolina: Addressing Critical Gaps Amplified by Hurricane Helene
Discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene on maternal health in rural North Carolina. Focuses on maternal healthcare workforce shortages, access issues in isolated areas, maternal morbidity and mortality, rural health disparities, and more. Offers suggestions to improve rural maternal health in North Carolina, including enhancing data collection, strengthening infrastructure and access, and addressing the social determinants of health.
Author(s): Jennifer Runkle, Maggie Sugg
Citation: North Carolina Medical Journal, 86(1)
Date: 04/2025
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Promoting the Health of Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers in Rural Minnesota Using a Whole-Person Health Approach: A Pilot Project
Discusses the efficacy of a whole-health assessment of migrant and seasonal agricultural workers (MSAWs) at identifying community strengths and challenges pertaining to physical, emotional, social, and economic health. Highlights the University of Minnesota comprehensive whole-health assessment criteria and details the implementation, uptake, and results.
Author(s): Shahidali Jaffer, Robin Austin, Jonathan D. Kirsch
Citation: Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1518686
Date: 04/2025
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