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Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Do Rural Patients with Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Gain Access to All Treatment Choices?
Compares prostate cancer treatment options and treatment rates for early-stage prostate cancer patients living in rural and urban areas in 10 states. Includes 4 levels of rurality in the analysis, along with patient demographics, cancer characteristics, and provider access.
Additional links: Policy Brief
Author(s): Laura-Mae Baldwin, C. Holly A. Andrilla, Michael P. Porter, et al.
Date: 02/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
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Map Facts: Disability in Rural America
Analyzes U.S. Census data from 2008 to 2012 to determine whether the prevalence of impairments leading to disability is significantly higher in nonmetropolitan counties than in metropolitan counties.
Author(s): Tom Seekins, Lillie Greiman
Date: 02/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities
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Early Impacts of Dental Therapists in Minnesota
Evaluates the impact of dental therapists on the delivery of and access to oral health services in Minnesota from 2009 through 2014. Includes a rural and urban comparison on the effects of dental therapists on patient wait times and distances traveled for dental appointments.
Date: 02/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
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Widening Rural-Urban Disparities in Life Expectancy, U.S., 1969-2009
Examined the trends in rural and urban disparities in life expectancy at birth in the U.S. between 1969-2009. Features statistics for socioeconomic, demographic, and health characteristics and life expectancy, with breakdowns by five rural and urban categories.
Author(s): Gopal K. Singh, Mohammad Siahpush
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 46(2), e19-e29
Date: 02/2014
Type: Document
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Residency and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Weight Status and Lifestyle Behaviors Among US Youth
Discusses a secondary analysis of a study based on the rates of adolescent obesity and obesity-related behaviors of U.S. students in grades 6-10 during the 2005-2006 school year. Details the results of the analysis by age, gender, race, and whether the students were from metro or nonmetro areas, as well as several other factors.
Author(s): Mary Kay Kenney, Jing Wang, Ron Iannotti
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(1), 89-100
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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Rural, Suburban, and Urban Differences in Factors That Impact Physician Adherence to Clinical Preventive Service Guidelines
Highlights a qualitative study based on interviews with 29 primary care physicians from various areas in Missouri regarding barriers to following the clinical preventive service guidelines. Breaks down results by location and perceived barrier, such as outcome expectancy, patient health status, or evidence interpretation.
Author(s): Elaine C. Khoong, Wesley S. Gibbert, Jane M. Garbutt, Walton Sumner, Ross C. Brownson
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(1), 7-16
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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Health Care Avoidance Among Rural Populations: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey
Presents secondary analysis of questions from the 2008 Health Information Trends Study (HINTS) relating to healthcare avoidance that breaks down socio-demographic and economic data to better understand factors leading to avoidant behaviors. Compares data from metropolitan, urban/suburban, and rural populations.
Author(s): Angela M. Spleen, Eugene J. Lengerich, Fabian T. Camacho, Robin C. Vanderpool
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 30(1), 79-88
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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Urban-Rural Differences in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in the United States: 1999-2009
Describes the trends and magnitude of variations in death rates, with statistical breakdowns by age group, sex, race, geographical region, urbanization level, and year. Examines possible contributing factors for the disparities, including physical activity levels, access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and education level.
Author(s): Ambar Kulshreshtha, Abhinav Goyal, Kaustubh Dabhadkar, Emir Veledar, Viola Vaccarino
Citation: Public Health Reports, 129(1), 19-29
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
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Trends in Pediatric and Adult Hospital Stays for Asthma, 2000-2010
Provides data on inpatient hospital stays for asthma in community hospitals. Table 1 includes information on 2010 stays for children and adults based on the location of patients' residence, for metropolitan, micropolitan, and nonmetro areas.
Author(s): Marguerite L. Barrett , Lauren M. Wier, Raynard Washington
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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2012 Rural Medicare Advantage Quality Ratings and Bonus Payments
Analyzes differences in rural Medicare Advantage (MA) quality ratings and payments and suggests reasons why quality ratings vary by geography. Compares the quality rating of MA plans in rural areas to urban areas and discusses differences in the composition of MA market enrollment and plan availability. Addresses the potential impact of quality bonus payments on MA plan quality.
Author(s): Leah Kemper, Abigail R. Barker, Timothy D. McBride, Keith Mueller
Date: 01/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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