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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Trends in Use of Telehealth Among Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 26–November 6, 2020
Describes trends in telehealth visits at Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)–funded health centers over a 20-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes data on telehealth visits and COVID-19 case levels for urban compared to rural health centers. Discusses barriers to telehealth in rural areas.
Author(s): Hanna B. Demeke, Sharifa Merali, Suzanne Marks, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(7), 240-244
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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QuickStats: Death Rates Attributed to Excessive Cold or Hypothermia Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years, by Urban-Rural Status and Age Group — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2019
Bar chart showing urban and rural death rates due to excessive cold or hypothermia by age group for ages 15-34, 35-54, 55-74, 75-84, and 85 or older.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(7), 258
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Mapping Climate Risks by County and Community
Features maps depicting county-level data on various climate risks, including sea level rise, exposure to hurricanes and typhoons, extreme rainfall, and water and heat stress. Describes climate concerns facing rural communities, including Appalachia, Native American lands, and others. Discusses how heat stress can affect health.
Author(s): Ari Pinkus
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Communities Project
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Preliminary Evaluation of Nonresponse Bias Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on National Health Interview Survey Estimates, April-June 2020
Examines potential nonresponse bias for the National Health Interview Survey associated with a shift to telephone-only interviewing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes data on changes in response rates for metropolitan and nonmetro areas.
Author(s): James M. Dahlhamer, Matthew D. Bramlett, Aaron Maitland, Stephen J. Blumberg
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Health Statistics
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COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Perceptions, and Reasons for Not Vaccinating Among Groups Prioritized for Early Vaccination — United States, September and December 2020
Reports on intent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among different groups and changes in intent between September and December 2020. Includes data for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Author(s): Kimberly H. Nguyen, Anup Srivastav, Hilda Razzaghi, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(6), 217-222
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Visualizing Potential Effects of Dentist Retirements on Accessibility to Dental Care Among Children in Alabama, 2019
Examines dental access among Alabama residents aged 20 or younger. Discusses how dentist retirements may impact access to dental care, with data breakdowns by rural/urban status. Features maps with county-level information on dental access in Alabama.
Author(s): Steven Samsel, Ryan Tramp, Irem Sengul Orgut, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 18
Date: 02/2021
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The Intersection of Rural Residence and Minority Race/Ethnicity in Cancer Disparities in the United States
Examines differences in cancer rates and outcomes according to individuals' rural residence and race/ethnicity. Discusses the role racism and social determinants of health play in cancer disparities. Includes cancer incidence and mortality rates by racial/ethnic groups and rural versus urban location.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Cathryn Murphy, Marie Knoll, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1384
Date: 02/2021
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Rural Residents Appear to be More Vulnerable to Serious Infection or Death From Coronavirus COVID-19
Examines trends in COVID-19 case rates and death rates for urban and rural areas. Discusses factors that may make rural residents more vulnerable to severe illness or death, including underlying health conditions, age, and healthcare access barriers.
Author(s): Elizabeth A. Dobis, David McGranahan
Citation: Amber Waves
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Opioid-Related and Stimulant-Related Adult Inpatient Stays, 2012-2018
Presents statistics on inpatient hospital stays related to the dependence, misuse, and adverse effects of opioids and stimulants between 2012 and 2018. Examines data by patient characteristics, including age, sex, urban or rural location of residence, and income.
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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2020 Snapshot: State of the Oncology Workforce in America
Infographic providing statistics and data on oncology workforce characteristics and geography in 2020. Highlights rural-urban differences in oncology access, and includes a color-coded map showing oncologist distribution on the county level.
Citation: JCO Oncology Practice, 17(1), 30
Date: 01/2021
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