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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Public health

Impact of Mandatory COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order on Controlled Substance Use Among Rural Versus Urban Communities in the United States
Features a study on the effect the shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic had on uses of controlled substances, such as methamphetamine, opioids, and cocaine, among others. Draws data from calls made to poison control centers from October of 2019 to July of 2020 and compares rates of calls by rural versus urban locations.
Author(s): Daniel Maeng, Yue Li, Michele Lawrence, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 39(1), 21-29
Date: 12/2022
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From Believers to Skeptics: Latent Class Analysis of COVID-19 Protective Practices and Perceptions Among Agricultural Community Members
Highlights a study on the perceptions of the efficacy of COVID-19 protective behaviors among farmers and farmworkers from April to June of 2020. Bases conclusions on the results of a survey on agricultural workers' adherence to, and belief in, COVID-19 protective practices, such as social distancing, wearing a face mask, and handwashing, among others.
Author(s): Josie M. Rudolphi, Courtney Cuthbertson, Amandeep Kaur, Jesus N. Sarol Jr
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 39(1), 5-17
Date: 12/2022
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Urban and Rural Child Deaths from Motor Vehicle Crashes: United States, 2015-2019
Results of a study to examine child deaths in motor vehicle crashes by rurality, restraint use, and state child passenger restraint laws. Features statistics with breakdowns by 6 levels of population density.
Author(s): Kate M. Shaw, Bethany West, Sadiqa Kendi, Mark R, Zonfrillo, Erin Sauber-Schatz
Citation: The Journal of Pediatrics, 250, 93-99
Date: 11/2022
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Advancing Environmental Health and Justice: A Call for Assessment and Oversight of Health Care Waste
Addresses the impact on humans resulting from healthcare waste that is processed, incinerated, or transported to landfills. Discusses the inequities that occur with transport and waste sites that disproportionately harm communities of low-income and/or of color in urban and rural areas. Highlights evidence-based strategies and advocacy efforts for public health officials to support when developing solutions to reduce healthcare waste hazards and their effect on humans in rural and urban healthcare systems.
Date: 11/2022
Sponsoring organization: American Public Health Association
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COVID-19 Stakeholder Experiences in the Commonwealth of Kentucky - 2022
Results of surveys taken from October-December 2021 by 145 Kentucky school leaders, community health workers and their clients, rural community members, and healthcare providers. Includes statistics on satisfaction with telehealth, testing locations and vaccines, barriers faced during stay-at-home orders, and impact of COVID on medical care.
Date: 11/2022
Sponsoring organization: University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health
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Trends and Disparities in Firearm Fatalities in the United States, 1990-2021
Results of a study of 1,110,421 firearm fatalities from 1990-2021, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Features statistics including age- and year-specific firearm homicide and suicide fatality rates with breakdowns by metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, and county-level maps showing geographic distribution of firearm fatalities.
Author(s): Chris A. Rees, Michael C. Monuteaux, Isabella Steidley, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 5(11)
Date: 11/2022
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Understanding Barriers to COVID-19 Testing Among Rural and Urban Populations in Kansas
Highlights a study on the barriers to COVID-19 testing in rural and urban Kansas. Bases conclusions on the results of a 2021 survey of 2,196 Kansans and highlights reported barriers such as perceived pain of the test, unsure of where to receive testing, and not wanting to test positive, among other factors.
Author(s): Vicki L. Collie-Akers, Elizabeth Ablah, Sarah Landry, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Public Health, 112(S9), S874-S877
Date: 11/2022
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Practicing Tribal Sovereignty Through a Tribal Health Policy: Implementation of the Healthy Diné Nation Act on the Navajo Nation
Examines the Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) which was passed by the Navajo Nation in 2014 to support health and wellness in tribal communities. Analyzes the process, implementation, and evaluation of the HDNA to understand its impact on public health policy. Includes historical information about the Navajo nation as well as diabetes data and HDNA funding amounts for specific Navajo chapters.
Author(s): Regina Eddie, Caleigh Curley, Del Yazzie, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 19
Date: 11/2022
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Sociodemographic Variation in Early Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine and Parental Intent and Attitudes Toward Vaccination of Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years — United States, July 1–29, 2022
Reports on COVID-19 vaccination and parental intent to vaccinate children 6 months to 4 years old. Includes data by place of residence for urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Author(s): Tammy A. Santibanez, Tianyi Zhou, Carla L. Black, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(46), 1479-1484
Date: 11/2022
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Suicide Prevention: Resource for Action
Presents a compilation of best practices for suicide prevention. Explores 7 different approaches to suicide prevention for communities to implement, such as strengthening economic supports, creating protective environments, and improving access and delivery of suicide care, among others. Includes discussion about how different strategies function in rural communities.
Date: 10/2022
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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