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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention

Understanding and Predicting Flossing Behavior in a Rural Appalachian Community Using the Multi-Theory Model
Presents a study on the initiation and sustenance of flossing among people in rural Appalachia. Explores the factors that lead to regular daily flossing and makes recommendations for interventions aimed at making similar behavioral changes.
Author(s): Rahib K. Islam, Manoj Sharma, Amanda H. Wilkerson, et al.
Citation: Nature: Scientific Reports, 15, 30741
Date: 08/2025
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Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — National Immunization Survey-Teen, United States, 2024
Reports on vaccination coverage among U.S. adolescents for ages 13 through 17. Includes nonmetro data on vaccination for the following vaccines: Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis), MenACWY (quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate), and HPV (human papillomavirus), as well as data on provider recommendation for HPV vaccination.
Author(s): Cassandra Pingali, David Yankey, Laurie D. Elam-Evans, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 74(30), 466-472
Date: 08/2025
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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A Comprehensive Mixed-Methods Analysis of Women's Cardiovascular Health Needs in Georgia, United States
Examines cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women living in rural Georgia, with a focus on barriers to care and strategies to improve health outcomes. Analyzes environmental factors in rural and urban counties in Georgia as well qualitative data from 56 women and 11 healthcare providers. Includes data on health indicators/behaviors in rural versus urban counties.
Author(s): Marlo Vernon, Brianna McIndoe, Michael J. Ryan, et al.
Citation: Biology of Sex Differences, 16, 62
Date: 08/2025
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Examining Geographic Disparities in Access to No-Cost Naloxone in North Carolina: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Naloxone Distribution Programs
Presents a study exploring the geographic distribution of no-cost naloxone in North Carolina. Bases findings on a survey of naloxone distributors in the state and breaks down data by user demographics and distributor type.
Author(s): Grace Marley, Caroline Shubel, Carolyn T. Thorpe, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70069
Date: 08/2025
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Seeking Connection: A Qualitative Study of Psychosocial Support Needs of Rural Cancer Survivors in Minnesota
Explores the psychosocial support needs of cancer patients and barriers to receiving support in rural Minnesota. Bases findings on focus group interviews of cancer survivors and highlights self-reported definitions of support in a rural context.
Author(s): Morgan Gruner, Katherine Brown, Renee Anderson, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 41(3), e70066
Date: 08/2025
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The Boost Team: Transforming Outreach for Female Veterans in Rural Communities
Evaluates the impact of The Boost Team, a telephone-based outreach program focusing on improving access and engagement with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services among rural female veterans. Provides data and discussion on types of assistance provided through Boost, participant and clinician feedback on program impacts, and facilitators and barriers of care among rural, female veterans.
Author(s): Jenny Krause Cohen, Kara Zamora-Rogoski, Caitlin McLean, et al.
Citation: Frontiers in Health Services, 5
Date: 07/2025
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Promoting Intergenerational Health in Rural Kentuckians With Diabetes (PIHRK'D): Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study
Study protocol analyzing whether family participation influences the effectiveness of a nutritional education intervention for rural Kentuckians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Author(s): Brittany L. Smalls, Courtney L. Ortz, Makenzie Barr-Porter, et al.
Citation: JMIR Research Protocols, 14, e69301
Date: 07/2025
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The Impact of Rural Hospital Closures and Mergers on Health System Ecologies: A Scoping Review
Examines 46 studies on rural hospital closures and mergers between 2010 to 2023, with a focus on understanding health system impacts, finances, workforce, utilization, access to facilities and services, and community and economic well-being.
Author(s): Alison Coates, Janice Probst, Kanika Sarwal, Suhaib Riaz, Agnes Grudniewicz
Citation: Medical Care Research and Review, 82(5)
Date: 07/2025
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New Resource Webinar: CRC Screening in Rural Communities Best Practices Guidebook
Webinar introducing the ACS NCCRT Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening in Rural Communities Best Practices Guidebook. Includes an overview of CRC disparities in rural communities and offers guidance for organizations working to improve CRC screening rates in their communities. Highlights successes of CRC screening programs in Alaska and Arizona administered by the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation and Mariposa Community Health Center.
Additional links: Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Communities Best Practices Guidebook, Presentation Slides
Date: 07/2025
Sponsoring organization: American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT)
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Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Communities: A Practical Guide
Provides an overview of rural colorectal cancer (CRC) disparities and guidance for community organizations on improving CRC screening in rural areas. Includes recommendations related to recognizing and addressing barriers to screening, organizational planning and strategy, service delivery models, and more.
Date: 07/2025
Sponsoring organization: American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT)
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