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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Framework for a Community Health Observing System for the Gulf of Mexico Region: Preparing for Future Disasters
Outlines a system for monitoring community health during potential disasters in the Gulf of Mexico region. Details the a framework for collecting and organizing data, and discusses considerations in assessing the disparities between rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Paul Sandifer, Landon Knapp, Maureen Lichtveld, et al.
Citation: Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 578463
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
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Disproportionate Burden of Cervical Cancer Survival by Race and Rurality in South Carolina, 2001-2016
Presentation slides on a study presented at the 13th American Association for Cancer Research Conference. Provides 2001-2016 data and statistics on cervical cancer survival rates in South Carolina, with information broken down by race and rurality.
Author(s): Radhika Ranganathan, Whitney Zahnd, Swann Arp Adams
Date: 10/2020
Type: Presentation Slides
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Minority Health Research Center (formerly the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center)
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The U.S. Rural Mortality Penalty is Wide and Growing
Policy brief examining rural-urban differences in mortality rates among non-Hispanic White people from 1990-2018. Features statistics with breakdowns by age group, sex, metropolitan and nonmetropolitan location, cause of death, and mortality rate per 100,000 people.
Author(s): Shannon M. Monnat
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Aging and Policy Studies, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion
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Demographic Characteristics, Experiences, and Beliefs Associated with Hand Hygiene Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020
Reports findings from an Internet-based survey of U.S. adults related to hand hygiene following contact with high-touch public surfaces. Includes information on hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, with data by rural/urban residence.
Author(s): Mark É. Czeisler, Amanda G. Garcia-Williams, Noelle-Angelique Molinari, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(41), 1485-1491
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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NRHA Policy Paper: Rural Obesity
Policy position paper examining rural-urban differences in obesity prevalence, obesity as a factor in health disparities, differences in weight-related behaviors, and social determinants of health influencing rural obesity. Offers strategies and policy recommendations to address rural obesity.
Author(s): Demetrius Abshire, Cassity Gutierrez
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Overview of Rural Child Health
Policy position paper presenting an overview rural child health and factors influencing health disparities in rural children. Highlights disparities in mortality, physical health, preventive health, and oral health. Includes policy recommendations to address these disparities.
Author(s): Peiyin Hung, Matthew Workman, Kim Mohan
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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Health Equity Report 2019-2020: Special Feature on Housing and Health Inequalities
Provides an overview of the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) program efforts in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity for various populations at the national, state, and local levels. Chapter 10 addresses rural-urban health disparities, with a focus on rural housing inequities and the opioid epidemic, and describes Federal Office of Rural Health Policy programs.
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
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Rural, Urban, and Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Survival among the Residents of South Carolina, 2001-2016
Presentation slides highlighting a study exploring colorectal cancer survival rates from 2001-2016 among people in South Carolina. Includes data breakdowns by rurality and race.
Author(s): Radhika Ranganathan, Whitney Zahnd, Swann Arp Adams
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Minority Health Research Center (formerly the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center)
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Racial and Ethnic Minorities Made Up About 22 Percent of the Rural Population in 2018, Compared to 43 Percent in Urban Areas
Side-by-side pie charts comparing the race and ethnicity makeup of the rural population and urban population in 2018. Provides data on the percent of each population that is White, Black, American Indian, Hispanic, and other.
Date: 10/2020
Type: Chart/Graph
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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How Growing Geographic and Racial Disparities Inhibit the Ability to Live Longer and Healthier Lives
Provides a national-level overview of geographic disparities in life expectancy at mid-adulthood, as well as changes to life expectancy between 1980 and 2014. Discusses gender, racial, and rural differences in life expectancy. Presents nine strategies to address the geographic disparities.
Author(s): Erwin J. Tan
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: AARP
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