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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

The Synchronicity of COVID-19 Disparities: Statewide Epidemiologic Trends in SARS-CoV-2 Morbidity, Hospitalization, and Mortality among Racial Minorities and in Rural America
Presents a study of patterns in COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality among all adults tested for COVID-19 infection in Indiana between March 1 and December 31, 2020. Analyzes data by sex, age, rural/urban location, and other demographic factors. Discusses disparities among rural and minority populations during the fall 2020 surge.
Author(s): Brian E. Dixon, Shaun J. Grannis, Lauren R. Lembcke, et al.
Citation: PLoS One, 16(7), e0255063
Date: 07/2021
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Psychosocial Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Rural Heart Failure Caregivers
Results of a study of 114 rural and 426 urban caregivers in the southeastern United States, to examine whether social support, problem solving, and family function affected burden in caregivers of individuals with heart failure. Features demographic statistics and descriptive differences with breakdowns between urban and rural caregivers.
Author(s): Joan S. Grant, Lucinda J. Graven, Glenna Schluck, Laurie Abbott
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 21(3), 6497
Date: 07/2021
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Perceptions of Diseases of Despair by Members of Rural and Urban High-Prevalence Communities: A Qualitative Study
Reports on a study of community perceptions of despair-related illnesses based on 4 focus groups of 60 patients from 1 urban and 2 rural census blocks in central Pennsylvania where diseases of despair (DoD) are prevalent. Discusses perceived causes of DoD, such as economic instability, substance misuse, and fragmented family life; and intervention strategies at the community, local, and state level.
Author(s): Daniel R. George, Bethany Snyder, Lauren J. Van Scoy, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(7), e2118134
Date: 07/2021
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QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years With Fair or Poor Health, by Urbanization Level and Age Group — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019
Bar chart showing adults reporting fair or poor health in metropolitan compared to nonmetro areas, overall and for ages 18-39, 40-64, and 65 or older.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(30), 1048
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Diabetes-Related Inpatient Stays, 2018
Brief examining nonmaternal inpatient stays related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes based on 2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data. Presents distribution of inpatient stays by age, sex, insurance status, income, race and ethnicity, and metro and rural location.
Author(s): Kathryn R. Fingar, Lawrence D. Reid
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
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Door-to-Door Vaccination Campaign Reaches the Most Vulnerable
Article and video describing the efforts of the Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety (CAPS), a community-based organization, to conduct COVID-19 vaccination outreach door-to-door in rural, at-risk, and immigrant communities in California. Describes the challenges facing public health agencies working in rural areas, vaccine hesitancy, and health disparities in rural areas.
Author(s): Stephen Johnson
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Freethink
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Flood Risk is Higher in Rural and Disadvantaged Communities
Examines how flood risk varies based on rural or urban location and socioeconomic or demographic composition, using data from the 48 lower U.S. states. Features statistics on average percentage of properties at risk of flooding, with breakdowns by urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated areas. Offers recommendations for preparing evacuation and resource distribution materials and creating partnerships with local service agencies, especially in areas with large populations of older adults.
Author(s): Danielle Rhubart, Yue Sun
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Penn State Population Research Institute
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Evolving Roles of Rural Hospitals: Evidence from Pandemic Experiences
Slides presented at the 2021 Southern Legislative Conference annual meeting. Presents data on the spread of COVID-19 in rural communities over time and compares confirmed COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths in urban and rural counties in the southern states. Highlights how state policies can invest in and support rural hospitals.
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute
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Trends in Drug Overdose Mortality Rates in Kentucky, 2019-2020
Evaluates the changes in drug overdose mortality rates for Kentucky residents, using provisional 2020 death certificate data from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Features statistics on Kentucky drug overdose deaths by month from 2011-2020, and Kentucky drug overdose mortality rates and rate ratios by demographic group from 2019-2020, with breakdowns by metropolitan and nonmetropolitan residence.
Author(s): Svetla Slavova, Dana Quesinberry, Sarah Hargrove, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(7)
Date: 07/2021
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Unintentional Drowning Deaths Among Children Aged 0-17 Years: United States, 1999-2019
Reports on accidental drowning deaths using National Vital Statistics System data. Includes comparison of deaths by rural or urban status among other demographic factors.
Author(s): Merianne Rose Spencer, Holly Hedegaard, Margaret Warner
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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