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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

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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Disparities in Mortality Between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Regions of Kentucky
Compares all-cause, drug-related, and opioid-related mortality in Kentucky, with breakdowns by metropolitan/nonmetropolitan and Appalachian/non-Appalachian counties. Utilizes 2000-2019 CDC WONDER mortality data. Identifies mortality trends, and discusses related demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors.
Author(s): Sonali S. Salunkhe, Sahal Alzahrani, Beatrice Ugiliweneza
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 5(3), 38-52
Date: 12/2023
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Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, Fall 2023
Reports on vaccination coverage among adults 18 years and older as of December 9, 2023 for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Figure 2 includes data on vaccination and intent to be vaccinated for rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Author(s): Carla L. Black, Jennifer L. Kriss, Hilda Razzaghi, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 72(51), 1377-1382
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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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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Disparities in LTSS Needs and Supportive Resources at Age 55, and Outcome Disparities During the Next Decade
Reports on disparities in long-term services and supports (LTSS) needs and resources of adults at age 55, and analyzes outcomes over the next 10 years of their lives, using 2008-2018 longitudinal Health and Retirement Study data. Includes data on demographics, including rural or urban setting. Highlights financial resources, health insurance, social supports, cognitive decline, assets, and more.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organizations: ATI Advisory, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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2023 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Provides a comprehensive summary and data analysis of healthcare quality and access in the U.S. Addresses access to healthcare, patient safety, person-centered care, care coordination, effective treatment, healthy living, and care affordability. Focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare and healthcare systems.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Mortality in Adults Age 65 and Older: United States, 2000–2019
Examines mortality trends in adults aged 65 or older from 2000-2019. Provides data breakdowns by various demographics, urban versus rural status, and top 10 leading causes of death.
Author(s): Ellen A. Kramarow, Betzaida Tejada-Vera
Citation: National Vital Statistics Reports, 72(14)
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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Contraceptive Methods Women Have Ever Used: United States, 2015–2019
Examines contraception use among sexually active women aged 15-49. Utilizes 2015-2019 National Survey of Family Growth data and provides breakdowns by contraception type, race/ethnicity, education, religious affiliation, and urban versus rural residence.
Author(s): Kimberly Daniels, Joyce C. Abma
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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Disparities in Health Measures By Race and Ethnicity Among Beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage: A Review of the Literature
Summarizes the results of a review of 20 studies published between January 2018 and April 2023 to examine racial and ethnic disparities in quality of care and beneficiary experience among Medicare Advantage (MA) plan enrollees. Discusses gaps in data and in the literature that contribute to challenges in understanding racial and ethnic disparities in MA quality and beneficiary experience. Includes information on nine studies that explored 25 measures of quality of care received by American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees and two studies that examined disparities among MA enrollees in rural areas by race and ethnicity.
Author(s): Nancy Ochieng, Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, Juliette Cubanski, Tricia Neuman
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Medicare Cognitive Assessments: Utilization Tripled between 2018 and 2022, but Challenges Remain
Describes the utilization of traditional Medicare's cognitive assessment service from 2018 through 2022. Presents stakeholder views on challenges providers and beneficiaries face in providing and accessing the service, respectively. Discusses steps the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken to increase awareness of the service. Includes information on the number of cognitive assessment services by urban and rural beneficiaries.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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