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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Public health

Urban-Rural Disparities in Childhood Obesogenic Environments in the United States: Application of Differing Rural Definitions
Analyzes rural versus urban differences in food and physical activity (PA) environments that contribute to childhood obesogenic environment index (COEI) scores. Utilizes multiple data sources to examine 6 food environment variables and 4 PA variables by rural-urban continuum codes, among other rural definitions. Discusses differences in COEI scores and implications for public health practices.
Author(s): Marilyn E. Wende, M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Christiaan Abildso, Kara Davis, Andrew T. Kaczynski
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 39(1), 121-135
Date: 2023
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Staffing Crisis Casts Shadow Over Vulnerable Rural Communities: Executive Summary
Summarizes key findings from a series of surveys of rural hospital leaders conducted in 2021 and 2022 regarding staffing shortages. Discusses COVID-19 vaccination and exemptions, nursing shortages and the impact on access to care, and the effectiveness of recruiting incentives on attracting staff.
Author(s): Michael Topchik, Troy Brown, Melanie Pinette, Billy Balfour, Ana Wiesse
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: The Chartis Group
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Cancer Clinical Trials: Federal Actions and Selected Non-Federal Practices to Facilitate Diversity of Patients
Examines actions taken by federal agencies to increase diverse population enrollment in cancer clinical trials as well as practices by non-federal cancer centers to facilitate diverse enrollment. Discusses strategies such as collaboration, reducing barriers, data standardization, training, utilization of community ambassadors, and more. Focuses on inclusion of underrepresented groups such as racial/ethnic minorities, young adults, older adults, those with low incomes, women, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons, and people living in rural communities.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Impact of Healthcare Capacity Disparities on the COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study
Examines the impact of the local healthcare capacity on vaccination coverage disparities in the U.S. at the county level. Identifies clustered low-vaccination areas in 17 states. Compares healthcare capacity, including social vulnerability, vaccine hesitancy, and medical doctors per capita, between low-vaccination and high-vaccination counties.
Author(s): Diego F. Cuadros, Juan D. Gutierrez, Claudia M. Moreno, et al.
Citation: The Lancet Regional Health - Americas, 18, 100409
Date: 12/2022
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Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program: 2022 Grantee Directory
Provides contact information and brief descriptions for the 32 rural health networks funded by the Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network (RPHWTN) program during the 2022-2025 grant period to expand rural public health capacity. Includes information by state and organization type as well as by program track for community health support, health IT and/or telehealth technical support, community paramedicine, and case management and/or respiratory therapy.
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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Public Health Is Local
Discusses ways local health departments (LHDs) of various sizes can collaborate with state and federal partners and successfully implement programs. Considers issues facing current LHDs, such as localism versus centralism, the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing and capacity issues, and more. Offers potential solutions and planning strategies for obstacles LHDs face.
Author(s): Nisha M. Patel, Padmini Ranasinghe, Phillip Phan, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs Forefront
Date: 12/2022
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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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