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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Leveraging Technology to Promote Smoking Cessation in Urban and Rural Primary Care Medical Offices
Study examining use of telemedicine to promote smoking cessation in 8 New York counties, comparing the effectiveness of automated voice recognition (AVR) messages directed to residents of underserved areas. Analyzes data from 5812 participants based on sociodemographic characteristics, including residence in rural versus urban areas.
Author(s): Martin Mahoney, Deborah Erwin, Annamaria Twarozek, et al.
Citation: Preventative Medicine, 114, 102-106
Date: 09/2018
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Body Mass Index Category Moderates the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Diet Quality in Overweight and Obese Rural-Dwelling Adults.
Examines questionnaire responses from adults in rural Kentucky to determine whether overall diet quality varies according to body mass index (BMI) category and presence of depressive symptoms in people with or at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Contains data comparing healthy eating habits among depressed and non-depressed individuals who are overweight or obese, including breakdowns by age, sex, marital status, education, comorbidities, and other characteristics.
Author(s): Demetrius Abshire, Terry Lennie, Misook Chung, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(4), 377-387
Date: 09/2018
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Weight Loss Success of Participants Residing in Rural and Urban Areas
Compares the weight loss outcomes of residents in rural and urban areas of Arkansas and Vermont participating in an on-line behavioral weight loss intervention, and assesses any rural and urban differences in adherence to treatment goals.
Author(s): Elise Mench, Delia West, Rebecca Krukowski, Jean Harvey
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(4), 396-400
Date: 09/2018
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Health Research Participation, Opportunity, and Willingness Among Minority and Rural Communities of Arkansas
Examines factors associated with opportunities and willingness to participate in health research, as well as health research participation rates for rural populations based on questions added to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in Arkansas. Addresses the impact of age group, sex, marital status, education, employment, poverty, access to healthcare, and health status.
Author(s): Pearl A. McElfish, Christopher R. Long, James P. Selig, et al.
Citation: Clinical and Translational Science, 11(5), 487-497
Date: 09/2018
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National Food Affordability: A County-Level Analysis
Explores sociodemographic factors contributing to food affordability, with emphasis on differences between rural and urban areas. Features statistics on select food-related characteristics of U.S. counties, with breakdowns by rural or urban location and by Appalachian or Delta counties and other counties.
Author(s): Anne Cafer, Georgianna Mann, Sujith Ramachandran, Michelle Kaiser
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 15
Date: 09/2018
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Rural–Urban Differences in Risk Factors for Motor Vehicle Fatalities
Compares differences in rural-urban motor vehicle fatalities and examines correlations with socioeconomic characteristics, demographics, and health behaviors.
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Katy B. Kozhimannil
Citation: Health Equity, 2(1), 260-263
Date: 09/2018
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America's Eating Habits: Food Away From Home
Examines how eating out and the availability of food options affect U.S. diets. Addresses rural/urban differences, socioeconomic factors, and relevant federal programs. Covers school lunch programs, quick-service restaurants, and full-service restaurants, including maps showing restaurant availability and growth by county.
Author(s): Michelle J. Saksena, Abigail M. Okrent, Tobenna D. Anekwe, et al.
Date: 09/2018
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Any Use and Frequent Use of Opioids among Non-Elderly Adults in 2015-2016, by Socioeconomic Characteristics
Details a study on the rate of opioid prescribing for adults under the age of 65 from 2015-2016. Presents data regarding poverty status and whether prescription was filled in a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or not, among other factors.
Author(s): G. Edward Miller, Asako S. Moriya
Date: 09/2018
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Uninsurance and Medicaid/CHIP Participation among Children and Parents: Variation in 2016 and Recent Trends
Examines insurance coverage for children and parents following state Medicaid expansions, with a focus on Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) participation. Includes metropolitan/nonmetropolitan comparisons. Discusses potential future policy impacts and the need for outreach and enrollment programs.
Author(s): Jennifer Haley, Genevieve M Kenney, Robin Wang, et al.
Date: 09/2018
Sponsoring organization: Urban Institute
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Changing Dynamics of the Drug Overdose Epidemic in the United States from 1979 Through 2016
Features a study on the changes in overdose mortality across the U.S. between 1979-2016. Aims to shed light on the current opioid crisis by placing it within a broader data set incorporating all illicit drug overdose deaths in a longer time frame. Details the specific changes in drug overdose mortality in rural areas.
Author(s): Hawre Jalal, Jeanine M. Buchanich, Mark S. Roberts, et al.
Citation: Science, 361(6408)
Date: 09/2018
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