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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services Utilization
Summarizes the results of a poll conducted between April 29-May 2, 2021, regarding patients' experiences receiving mental health and substance use treatment services, including telehealth services, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examines the utilization of these services and barriers to treatment by sex, age, education, income, ethnicity, and urban-rural status. Explores the preferences of individuals seeking mental health or substance use treatment.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Bipartisan Policy Center, Morning Consult
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Vaccine Distribution in Rural Counties
Presents data on COVID-19 vaccination rates and intention to be vaccinated by urban-rural status. Discusses vaccine distribution, challenges facing rural communities, and considerations for communication about the vaccines. Describes best practices in rural counties in Virginia, Washington, and West Virgina.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Food Insecurity Among Working-Age Veterans
Examines rates of food insecurity among working-age veterans from 2015-2019, comparing nonmetro, metro, and suburban veterans. Provides data on characteristics of working-age veterans, household information, period of service, metro/nonmetro residence, and other data.
Author(s): Matthew P. Rabbitt, Michael D. Smith
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Socioeconomic and Racial Inequities in Breast Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Washington State
Describes a study of breast cancer screening disparities, comparing screening rates in Washington by race, socioeconomic status, and rural residence based on data from a statewide healthcare system. Compares rates of screening before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Ofer Amram, Jeanne Robison, Solmaz Amiri, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5), e2110946
Date: 05/2021
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State and Community Efforts to Address Stimulant Use
Explores state and community-based efforts to address stimulant misuse. Summarizes common themes and key findings that emerged from discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders. Covers program activities, funding sources, facilitators, and barriers to implementing programs to respond to stimulant use. Identifies policy options for community, state, and federal stakeholders. Includes rural references throughout.
Author(s): Rebecca L. Haffajee, Sara Heins
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, RAND Corporation
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Mask Use and Ventilation Improvements to Reduce COVID-19 Incidence in Elementary Schools — Georgia, November 16–December 11, 2020
Examines the impact of school-level prevention strategies on COVID-19 incidence among students and staff members at Georgia elementary schools with in-person learning, before the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines. Includes data on case levels in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Author(s): Jenna Gettings, Michaila Czarnik, Elana Morris, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(21), 779-784
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Community Factors Associated With Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines the association of telemedicine use with community factors among people with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance. Features a county-level map showing variation in the percentage of telemedicine visits during COVID-19, and statistics with breakdowns by low, middle, and high population density.
Author(s): Sadiq Y. Patel, Sherri Rose, Michael L. Barnett, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5)
Date: 05/2021
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Preferences for Long-Term Care Arrangements among Rural and Urban Older Adults
Describes long-term care preferences of 4,333 older people with functional limitations. Features statistics on characteristics of respondents, with breakdowns by urban or rural location.
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, John Mulcahy, Megan Lahr, Jill Tanem
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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Evaluation of the 2020 Pediatric Emergency Physician Workforce in the US
Results of a study of 2,403 self-identified pediatric emergency physicians (EPs), examining their characteristics and their practice locations. Features a county-level map showing pediatric EP density per 100,000 population, and statistics with breakdowns by age, sex, U.S. census division, training specialty area, board certification, and urban, large rural, or small rural location.
Author(s): Christopher L. Bennett, Janice A. Espinola, Ashley F. Sullivan, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(5)
Date: 05/2021
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Pain in the Nation: Alcohol, Drug, and Suicide Epidemics - Special Feature: COVID-19 and Trauma
Explores the effect the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent trauma it has had on rates of suicide and alcohol- and drug-induced deaths across the nation. Breaks down data by a number of indicators, such as by age and rural versus urban location.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Trust for America's Health
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