This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Substance use and misuse

The Influence of Transformations in Supply on Methamphetamine Initiation Among People Injecting Opioids in the United States
Discusses the co-use of methamphetamine (MA) and opioids (pharmaceutical pills, heroin and fentanyls) through interview and observation of 30 individuals in West Virginia. Explores drug initiation and supply as well as evolving cultural beliefs and taboos of drug use, including those related to rural spaces in West Virginia.
Author(s): Sarah Mars, Jeff Ondocsin, Nicole Holm, Daniel Ciccarone
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 21, 57
Date: 03/2024
view details
Exploring the Link between Altitude of Residence and Smoking Patterns in the United States
Presents a study exploring the relationship between altitude and rates of smoking. Features a breakdown of the data by demographic characteristics, such as sex and rurality, among other factors.
Author(s): Danielle Jeanne-Marie Boxer, Young-Hoon Sung, Nicolas A. Nunez, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(2), 226
Date: 02/2024
view details
Rural Communities Opioids Response Program (RCORP)
Highlights a review of the RCORP-TA program. Features a number of reports and briefs exploring the efficacy and perception of the technical assistance provided RCORP grantees from March, 2022 to September, 2023 by the RCORP-TA program.
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
view details
The Suicide Epidemic in Rural Minnesota: How We Got Here and How We Move Forward
Provides information on the yearly increase of suicides and deaths of despair in Minnesota, with data broken down by sex, region, and rurality. Discusses factors that impact suicide rates in rural areas, with a focus on tribal communities, farming, stigma, firearm access, and more.
Author(s): Marnie Werner, Tracie Rutherford Self
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Rural Behavioral Health, Center for Rural Policy and Development
view details
Testing the Feasibility of the QuitAid Smoking Cessation Intervention in a Randomized Factorial Design in an Independent, Rural Community Pharmacy
Examines a pharmacist-delivered smoking cessation intervention in rural Appalachia. Analyzes an ask-advise-connect model conducted with 24 adult smokers between September and November 2021, observing recruitment, retention, treatment adherence, and fidelity. Includes data on participant demographics, participant satisfaction, and pharmacist perceptions.
Author(s): Melissa A. Little, Taylor Reid, Matthew Moncrief, et al.
Citation: Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 10(41)
Date: 02/2024
view details
Cancer in Iowa - 2024
Provides county-level data on cancer cases, deaths, and survivors in Iowa. Highlights information on cancer surveillance and care in Iowa, data on specific types of cancer, and risk factors for cancer, with a focus on the connection between cancer and alcohol use.
Additional links: Press Briefing
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organizations: Iowa Cancer Registry, Iowa College of Public Health
view details
Opioid Stewardship Program Implementation in Rural and Critical Access Hospitals in Arizona
Assesses the implementation of 11 opioid stewardship program (OSP) elements at 17 Arizona Critical Access Hospitals. Compares data between the emergency and inpatient departments and analyzes trends. Discusses standardization of OSPs and both preventing and treating opioid misuse disorder.
Author(s): Benjamin R. Brady, Bianca SantaMaria, Kathryn Tucker Ortiz y Pino, Bridget S. Murphy
Citation: Journal of Opioid Management, 20(1), 21-30
Date: 02/2024
view details
Understanding COPD and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Provides an overview of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms and causes, and explains how rural-based pulmonary rehabilitation services help to restore independence and quality of life in COPD patients. Highlights the prevalence of COPD in rural communities and the steps that Critical Access Hospitals and other small rural hospitals can take to improve access to much-needed pulmonary rehabilitation services. Includes transcript.
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Resource Center
view details
Factors Associated with Gaps in Naloxone Knowledge: Evidence from a 2022 Great Plains Survey
Examines naloxone knowledge in Nebraska, such as familiarity with, access to, and competency administering naloxone. Analyzes 2022 Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey data with breakdowns according to respondent substance use, social and demographic data, and metro versus nonmetro location. Discusses issues such as naloxone access, education, and stigma related to opioid-related overdose deaths.
Author(s): Spencer Cooper-Ohm, Patrick Habecker, Ryan Humeniuk, Rick A. Bevins
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 21, 37
Date: 02/2024
view details
Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns Among Adolescents
Report highlights the state of adolescent mental health and substance use across the country. Breaks down rates of suicides, drug use, drug-related deaths, and other behavioral health issues by race, sex, and sexual orientation, as well as by rurality.
Author(s): Nirmita Panchal, Robin Rudowitz, Cynthia Cox
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: KFF
view details