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: Wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention

Rates of Obesity and Obesogenic Behaviors of Rural Appalachian Adolescents: How Do They Compare to Other Adolescents or Recommendations?
Evaluates data from a sample of Appalachian adolescents in Ohio to compare obesity and related behaviors to that of the national adolescent population. Includes comparisons for body mass index (BMI), mean body fat percentage, daily physical activity behaviors, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Author(s): Laureen H. Smith, Devin Laurent, Erica Baumker, Rick L. Petosa
Citation: Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(11), 874-881
Date: 11/2018
view details
Designed Cultural Adaptation and Delivery Quality in Rural Substance Use Prevention: An Effectiveness Trial for the Keepin' it REAL Curriculum
Examines the effectiveness of two versions – one urban and one rural - of a culturally adapted evidence-based middle school substance use prevention curriculum on adolescents. Data collected included adolescent self-reported substance use, and ratings of quality in delivery analyzed from video recordings of lessons presented.
Author(s): Michael L. Hecht, YoungJu Shin, Jonathan Pettigrew, Michelle Miller-Day, Janice L. Krieger
Citation: Prevention Science 19(8), 1008-1018
Date: 11/2018
view details
Continuing Evidence of Chagas Disease Along the Texas-Mexico Border
Explores a study on Chagas Disease on the Texas-Mexico border. Features case studies detailing experiences with the disease in the rural towns of Rio Grande City, TX and San Vicente, Mexico; and in urban centers of Mission, TX and Reynosa, Mexico.
Author(s): Melissa S. Nolan, David Aguilar, Eric L. Brown, et al.
Citation: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 12(11)
Date: 11/2018
view details
Impact of Physical Activity and Sleep Quality on Quality of Life of Rural Residents With and Without a History of Cancer: Findings of the Day and Night Study
Reports on a cross-sectional study comparing the physical activity, sleep quality, and physical and mental health of cancer survivors with cancer-free individuals in medically underserved areas of rural Virginia. Evaluates the relationship between sleep quality, average sleep time, and self-reported outdoor activity with predicted mental health and quality of life. The Harvard Food Frequency Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and RAND 36-Item Health Survey were used to collect data on dietary intake, sleep quality, and physical activity.
Author(s): Carlin Rafie, Yi Ning, Aiping Wang, Xiang Gao, Robert Houlihan
Citation: Cancer Management and Research, 2018(10), 5525–5535
Date: 11/2018
view details
Update: Rural/Urban Disparities in Pneumococcal Vaccine Service Delivery Among the Fee-for-Service Medicare Population, 2012-2015
Updated report on a study to identify disparities in vaccine provision to people ages 65 and over, and to assess the impact of pharmacies as alternate site providers in rural areas. Revised version specifically assesses the uptake of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, in response to the revised vaccination recommendations issued in 2014. Includes statistics on pneumococcal vaccine services provided by fee-for-service pharmacies and primary care providers, with breakdowns by rural and urban frequency, and state-level maps with rate of service delivery per eligible population, using 2014 and 2015 data.
Author(s): Joseph C. Vanghelof, Aric Schadler, Patricia R. Freeman, Jeffery C. Talbert
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
view details
Ohio Addiction Policy Inventory and Scorecard: Overdose Reversal and Other Forms of Harm Reduction
Describes changes in Ohio addiction policies related to overdose reversal and harm reduction. Examines the evidence supporting the policy changes and how they will address the needs of Ohio residents. Identifies existing gaps in policy and potential opportunities for improvement. Discusses barriers rural counties face, such as limited access to harm reduction services or healthcare specialists for treatment.
Additional links: Detailed Inventory Tables, Recorded Webinar, Slides
Author(s): Amy Bush Stevens, Hailey Akah
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
view details
Mobile Mammography Participation Among Medically Underserved Women: A Systematic Review
Describes the effect of mobile programs in promoting mammographic screening participation among medically underserved women. Examines 4 studies conducted in rural areas and 3 studies conducted in both urban and rural areas, through articles published from 2010-2018.
Author(s): Suzanne Vang, Laurie R. Margolies, Lina Jandorf
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 15
Date: 11/2018
view details
The Health and Economic Concerns of Rural Americans
Presentation features a discussion on the role social and economic disparities play in the health of people in rural communities. Highlights the effect the opioid crisis has had in rural areas and discusses ways communities can use local resources to combat opioid abuse. Transcript available in the video description.
Date: 11/2018
Sponsoring organization: The Forum, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
view details
Examining the Association Between Intervention-Related Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight as Moderated by the Food and Physical Activity Environments among Rural, Southern Adults
Study examining changes in weight, diet, and physical activity in rural adults who took part in a lifestyle intervention in rural Lenoir County, North Carolina. Reports data on self-reported and objectively-measured changes over 6 months, covering access to different kinds of food retailers, gyms, and parks, as well as community walkability, crime, and barriers to physical activity.
Author(s): Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts, Thomas C. Keyserling, Larry F. Johnston, et al.
Citation: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(10), 1618-1627
Date: 10/2018
view details
Supporting Coös Youth on the Path to Adulthood: A Conference for North Country Professionals and Youth Advocates
Report highlights a conference held to support youth and their families in rural Coös County in New Hampshire. Discusses some of the obstacles to development and methods for supporting young people in Coös County.
Date: 10/2018
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
view details