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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Association Between Environmental Quality and Diabetes in the USA
Results of a study comparing diabetes prevalence in 3,134 urban or rural counties from 2004-2012, taking into account the possible effects of environmental pollutants. Features statistics with breakdowns by 4 levels of urban or rural status.
Author(s): Jyotsna S. Jagai, Alison K. Krajewski, Sabina Shaikh, Danelle T. Lobdell, Robert M. Sargis
Citation: Journal of Diabetes Investigation, 11(2), 315-324
Date: 10/2019
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Addressing a Crisis: Cross-Sector Strategies to Prevent Adolescent Substance Use and Suicide
Report discusses different methods for adolescent substance use and suicide prevention. Highlights rates of suicide and substance use, such as binge drinking, misuse of pain medication, and vaping. Explores differences in rates for youth in rural and urban areas.
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organization: Trust for America's Health
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Obstetric Delivery Inpatient Stays Involving Substance Use Disorders and Related Clinical Outcomes, 2016
Presents statistics from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) on delivery-related inpatient stays involving substance use disorders (SUDs). Types of SUDs reported include the use of opioids, cocaine, and other stimulants in urban and rural areas. Examines clinical outcomes at delivery including preterm delivery, severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage, and placental abruption. Compares delivery outcomes with or without SUD diagnosis, and by rural or urban residence of patient.
Author(s): Anita Soni, Kathryn R. Fingar, Lawrence D. Reid
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organizations: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
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Disrupting Food Insecurity: Steps Communities Can Take
Offers possible solutions to challenges that affect families' ability to afford a healthy diet. Explores strategies developed specifically to meet needs of overlooked rural communities, including help with housing and transportation.
Additional links: Interactive Data Dashboard
Author(s): Caroline Ratcliffe, Elaine Waxman, Cary Lou, Hannah Hassani, Victoria Tran
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organization: Urban Institute
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Risk Factors and Potentially Preventable Deaths in Rural Communities
Compares rates of potentially avoidable deaths in rural and urban communities and shows how these deaths vary by census region. Features statistics on modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and obesity, and percent of potentially preventable deaths attributable to specific health conditions, with breakdowns by rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Mark Holmes, Kristie W. Thompson
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months Among Children Born in 2015 and 2016 — National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2016–2018
Examines vaccination coverage for selected vaccines and doses among children born in 2015 and 2016. Supplementary Table 2 includes data for metropolitan and nonmetro areas.
Additional links: Supplementary Table 2
Author(s): Holly A. Hill, James A. Singleton, David Yankey, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 68(41), 913–918
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Food and Beverage Options at Highway Rest Areas in North Carolina: A Mixed-Methods Audit and Geospatial Approach
Results of a 2018 study to determine the accessibility and healthfulness of food and beverages available at 24 rural and 6 urban North Carolina rest areas. Features statistics on characteristics of the rest areas, including distance from limited-service restaurants or convenience stores.
Author(s): Jared T. McGuirt, Grace Huebner, Rachel Ward, Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 16
Date: 10/2019
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Cascades of Care After Incidental Findings in a US National Survey of Physicians
Results of a study estimating the national frequency and consequences of cascades of testing and treatment after incidental findings on screening and diagnostic tests. Features statistics including physician characteristics associated with self-reported harm from cascades, with breakdowns by practice location in urban, suburban, or rural areas.
Author(s): Ishani Ganguli, Arabella L. Simpkin, Claire Lupo
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 2(10)
Date: 10/2019
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Rural First Responder Access to Mental Health Care: A National Crisis
Explores mental health challenges experienced by first responders and increased risk of suicide. Describes barriers to accessing adequate mental healthcare within the scope of their employment, especially in rural areas where services remain limited and stigma may be associated with the need for assistance.
Author(s): Jeffrey Hintz, Carrie Hintz
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organization: Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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Inpatient Hospital Stays and Emergency Department Visits Involving Influenza, 2006–2016
Examines inpatient stays and treat-and-release emergency department visits with an influenza diagnosis from the 2006–2007 flu season through the 2015–2016 flu season. Covers in-hospital mortality rates, average stay length, and cost. Includes data by patient location for metropolitan areas, rural adjacent to metro, and rural remote areas.
Author(s): Kathryn R. Fingar, Lan Liang, Carol Stocks
Date: 10/2019
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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