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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Where and What Separates Rural from Urban Hospital Closures?
A brief report that compares characteristics of rural and metro hospital closures. Utilizes 2010-2021 American Hospital Association Annual Survey data to examine rural versus metro hospital closures by hospital bed size, hospital type, accreditation status, location in Medicaid expansion state, and more.
Author(s): Sara D. Turbow, Jennifer Lom, Mohammed K. Ali
Citation: Journal of Hospital Medicine, 19(9), 812-815
Date: 09/2024
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Is Access to Optimal Concussion Care for Pediatric Athletes Limited by Geography?
Examines access to optimal concussion care for pediatric patients in metro and rural areas of the United States. Analyzes internet searches written as "concussion care near me" originating from one rural area and one metro area in each state to observe distance to care, if available clinic treats pediatric patients, and if care allows for self-referral and/or is multidisciplinary. Includes data from select states and representative regions across the country.
Author(s): Ryan Powers, Robert Trevino, Holly Erpenbach, Danny Thomas
Citation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 34(5), 425-429
Date: 09/2024
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Rural and Urban Differences in Marijuana Use Following Passages of Medical Marijuana Laws
Presents a study on differences in marijuana use in rural and urban areas after the legalization of medical marijuana. Compares marijuana usage in rural and urban areas and breaks down data by sex, sexual orientation, and level of marijuana use, among other factors.
Author(s): E. Morgan, C. Dyar
Citation: Public Health, 234, 64-70
Date: 09/2024
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Prevalence of Food Insecurity, 2022 and 2023
Table and graph showing food insecurity by type of household. Includes data by place of residence for metro and nonmetro areas. Based on 2022 and 2023 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement data.
Date: 09/2024
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Prevalence of Very Low Food Security, 2022 and 2023
Table and graph showing very low food security by type of household. Includes data by place of residence for metro and nonmetro areas. Based on 2022 and 2023 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement data.
Date: 09/2024
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Loneliness and Alcohol Use Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Appalachia
Results of a study exploring the association between loneliness and various levels of alcohol use in 2020-2021 among 310 college students ages 18-25 in a rural, underserved region of Appalachian Tennessee. Features demographics with breakdowns including rural, suburban, or urban background.
Author(s): Manik Ahuja, Rachel Miller-Slough, Esther Adebayo-Abikoye, et al.
Citation: Chronic Stress, 8
Date: 08/2024
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Place-Based Differences in the Association Between Greenspace and Suicide-Related Outcomes Among Young People
Presents a study on the role of greenspace and suicide-related outcomes (SROs) in young people. Explores the efficacy of greenspaces as protective factors for SROs in different levels of rurality by metrics such as quality, quantity, and accessibility.
Author(s): Sophia C. Ryan, Jennifer D. Runkle, Luke Wertis, Margaret M. Sugg
Citation: Journal of Adolescent Health, 75(2), 305-313
Date: 08/2024
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Assessing SNAP Participants' Fitness for Work: Final Report
Examines how assessments are made and implemented regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements. Discusses variations of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) across 4 case study states: Georgia, Maryland, Texas, and Wisconsin. Includes SNAP applicant characteristics and determinations for work requirements by demographic information and urbanicity of metropolitan, micropolitan, or rural. Provides feedback from rural SNAP staff regarding difficulties assessing SNAP participants' fitness for work.
Additional links: Appendices, Summary
Author(s): Chrissy Steigelman, Irma Castañeda, Jackie Kauff, Katherine Allison-Clark, Johnny Willing
Date: 08/2024
Sponsoring organization: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
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Health Professional Retention in Underserved Areas: Findings From the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program Participants in the United States, 2019–2021
Results of a study to identify National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (LRP) participants' patterns of experiences, and to assess whether these patterns were associated with post-service retention. Features statistics with breakdowns by standard LRP, Substance Use Disorder LRP, and Rural Communities LRP.
Author(s): Kathleen Rowan, Savyasachi V. Shah, Alana Knudson, et al.
Citation: Journal of Public Health Policy, 2024
Date: 08/2024
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Predictors of a Positive Attitude Towards Rural Practice in Female Osteopathic Medical Students
Results of a study exploring whether rural background, a plan to practice family medicine, and inclination toward civic duty are associated with positive attitudes toward practice of rural medicine among female osteopathic medical students. Uses data from a survey of 97 students at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Author(s): Dana E. Kahl, Kevin M. Roessger
Citation: Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 124(12), 521-527
Date: 08/2024
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