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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Substance use and misuse

Rural–Urban Differences in Substance Use During Pregnancy
Examines perinatal substance use in rural and urban populations. Utilizes 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data to analyze 3,499 pregnant women according to rural, small urban, and large urban location, as well as by demographic variables, health status, and type of substance use.
Author(s): Emma Kathryn Boswell, Olivia M. Hinds, Cassie Odahowski, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(2), e70018
Date: 03/2025
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The Importance of Contextually Specific Support Relationships in Implementing Programs to Link People to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Treatment During Reentry from County Jails
A case study that examines an intervention that links people in county jails to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs. Analyzes 3 rural and 2 urban county jails in Kentucky and the related program implementation, reach, and sustainability.
Author(s): Margaret McGladrey, Marisa Booty, Susannah Stitzer, et al.
Citation: Health & Justice volume 13, 20
Date: 03/2025
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Drug Overdose Deaths: South Carolina, 2023
Reports drug overdose deaths for South Carolina in 2023 using state vital statistics data. Includes statistics on the demographics of drug-related mortality, unintentional and intentional deaths, drug categories, and selected drugs. Includes county-by-county tables and maps showing totals, rates, and change over time.
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: South Carolina Department of Public Health
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Comparative Effectiveness of Buprenorphine Adherence with Telemedicine Versus In-Person for Rural and Urban Patients
Compares adherence to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in telemedicine versus in-person healthcare in rural and urban populations. Utilizes 2017–2022 data from 511 adults and compares 3,302 in-person and 519 telemedicine visits, with breakdowns according to patient characteristics, adherence, gaps in treatment, and rural versus urban location. Discusses changing legislative requirements related to buprenorphine treatment and the potential impact on rural populations.
Author(s): Thomas J. Reese, Nana Addo Padi-Adjirackor, Kevin N. Griffith, et al.
Citation: Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 65(2), 102318
Date: 03/2025
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"I'm Tired of Seeing My Friends Die": Barriers and Facilitators to Participating in Clinical Trials among Rural People Who Use Drugs in the United States
Highlights a study exploring the barriers and facilitators to clinical trial participation by rural people who use drugs (PWUDs). Bases findings on interviews with rural PWUDs in Kentucky, Ohio, and Oregon.
Author(s): Kathryn E. Lancaster, Angela T. Estadt, Madison N. Enderle, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(1), e70009
Date: 03/2025
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Synthetic Opioid and Stimulant Co-Involved Overdose Deaths by Occupation and Industry — United States, 2022
Examines occupations and industries with higher percentages of psychostimulant involvement in synthetic opioid overdose deaths. Includes information on occupations such as mining and farming, fishing, and forestry that are more common in rural areas.
Author(s): Eric W. Lundstrom, Alexandria Macmadu, Andrea L. Steege, Matthew Groenewold
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 74(10), 173–178
Date: 03/2025
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Hawaii Community Health Needs Assessment: 2024 Update
Reports on health needs and health-related priorities for the state of Hawaii. Highlighted topics include financial security, food security, mental and behavioral health, housing, access to care, and more. Discusses rural-specific challenges throughout.
Date: 02/2025
Sponsoring organization: Healthcare Association of Hawaii
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Over-the-Counter Naloxone Availability at North Carolina Community Pharmacies: A Secret Shopper Study
Examines access to over-the-counter naloxone at pharmacies in North Carolina. Analyzes data from 600 community pharmacies and provides rural versus urban data on naloxone availability, pharmacy type, cost, and more.
Author(s): Delesha M. Carpenter, Grace T. Marley, Izabela E. Annis, Paul Delamater, Kathleen L. Egan
Citation: Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 267, 112545
Date: 02/2025
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Mechanisms of Resilience and Coping to Intersectional HIV Prevention and Drug-Use Stigma among People who Inject Drugs in Rural Appalachian Ohio
Analyzes perspectives on resilience and coping strategies and behaviors related to stigma reduction and HIV prevention among people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural Appalachian Ohio, utilizing interview data of 35 PWID. Discusses the role of supports for PWID in improving public health outcomes in rural areas.
Author(s): Stacy Endres-Dighe, Ana D. Sucaldito, Renee McDowell, et al.
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 22, 18
Date: 02/2025
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Peer-Assisted Telemedicine Hepatitis-C Treatment for People Who Use Drugs in Rural Communities: A Mixed Methods Study
Examines the Oregon HOPE TeleHCV study, which provided peer-facilitated telemedicine hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment for people who use drugs (PWUD) in rural Oregon. Utilizes survey and interview data provided by patients and clinicians to identify effective strategies for building trust and reducing barriers to treatment at the systems, clinical, and peer levels.
Author(s): Kim Hoffman, Gillian Leichtling, Sarah Shin, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 20, 10
Date: 02/2025
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