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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Social determinants of health

HealthierRuralWest Resource Guide
Lists information and resources on various rural health topics, such as telehealth; broadband; other technologies to support rural healthcare; social determinants of health; healthcare workforce; mental health; substance abuse; and health equity. Includes rural health resources for specific audiences, including providers, researchers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and communities.
Author(s): David Angelson, Phil Polakoff
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: A Healthier WE
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Disparities in Social Determinants of Health Outcomes and Behaviours Between Older Adults in Alaska and the Contiguous US: Evidence from a National Survey
Examines sociodemographic factors, rural versus urban residence, health outcomes, and behaviors among adults aged 65 years and older living in Alaska to those living in the contiguous 48 states. Assesses if residence, living in Alaska versus the lower 48 states, is associated with the social determinants of health and health outcomes.
Author(s): Steven A. Cohen, Ana X. Talamas, Natalie J. Sabik
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 78(1)
Date: 12/2018
Type: Document
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Evidence Review — Social Determinants of Health for Veterans
Reports findings from a literature review of studies focused on social determinants of health for veterans. Summarizes study characteristics, social determinants addressed, and whether health behaviors, health services utilization, and health outcomes were examined. Includes an analysis of the studies that looked at effects of rurality, trauma, and sexual orientation.
Author(s): Wei Duan-Porter, Brian C. Martinson, Nancy Greer, et al.
Citation: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(10), 1785-1795
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
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Rural Poverty, Part 1
Showcases two papers from the Rural Policy Research Institute's (RUPRI) March 2018 "Rural Poverty: Fifty Years After The People Left Behind" Conference. Covers the causes and consequences of rural poverty and discusses the evolving research agenda to address the issue to improve economic opportunities. Includes information on rural and urban poverty rates by gender, education, marital status, and employment.
Citation: IRP Focus, 34(2), 1-24
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Addressing Social Determinants of Health Needs of Dually Enrolled Beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage Plans: Findings from Interviews and Case Studies
Examines structures and approaches used by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for dually enrolled and other high-cost beneficiaries. Includes case studies showcasing care models and how organizations are addressing social determinants of health for these beneficiaries. Discusses some challenges for rural areas and small community partnerships.
Author(s): Melony E. Sorbero, Ashley M. Kranz, Kathryn E. Bouskill, et al.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
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Care Redesign Survey: Lessons Learned from and for Rural Health
Explores similarities and disparities between healthcare in rural and urban or suburban areas, and discusses barriers to delivering excellent care in rural areas. Based on survey responses from 730 members of the NEJM Catalyst Insights Council.
Author(s): Amy Compton-Phillips, Namita Seth Mohta
Citation: NEJM Catalyst
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Social Determinants of At-Risk Populations: A Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography
A literature review focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social determinants of health (SDOH) in at-risk youth populations, utilizing peer reviewed articles published between 2008-2018. Discusses youth in foster care, runaway and homeless youth, unaccompanied alien children, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, and rural and urban communities.
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Administration for Children and Families, National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center
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Ensuring Access to Quality Health Care in Vulnerable Communities
Highlights the health characteristics and conditions of vulnerable populations in rural and urban communities, and the essential healthcare services as identified by the American Hospital Association Task Force on Ensuring Access in Vulnerable Communities. Discusses several strategies recommended by the task force to address social determinants of health, enhance virtual care services to reform healthcare delivery and payment methods, and support hospitals in their efforts to provide the needed health services.
Author(s): Jay Bhatt, Priya Bathija
Citation: Academic Medicine, 93(9), 1271-1275
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
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Hepatitis C Within a Single Health System: Progression Along the Cascade to Cure Is Higher for Those With Substance Misuse When Linked to a Clinic With Embedded Support Services
Recognizes the barriers to treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by identifying patient and HCV clinic characteristics associated with the achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR) in a large medical center serving a rural population. Characteristics documented included proximity to the health center, household income and assets, availability of private insurance, medical comorbidities, and patients with recorded substance misuse. Suggests models for expanding access to treatment in rural areas through increased prescribing by primary care providers and through telehealth.
Author(s): J. E. Sherbuk, K. A. McManus, E. T. Rogawski McQuade, et al.
Citation: Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 5(9)
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
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Declines in Child Poverty Continue in 2017: Overall Rate Still Above Pre-Recession Level
Examines trends in child poverty from 2007 through 2017, with information for rural areas, suburban areas, and cities. Appendix Table 1 provides state-by-state data.
Additional links: Appendix Table 1
Author(s): Jessica Carson, Andrew Schaefer, Beth Mattingly
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
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