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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Type: Document

Breast Cancer Disparity and Outcomes in Underserved Women
Provides an overview of breast cancer disparities experienced by different groups of women, including rural women, and highlights the significance of social determinants of health. Describes strategies to mitigate disparities and improve access, including education and engagement, community health workers, mobile mammography, and care coordination.
Author(s): B Bersu Ozcan, Başak E. Dogan, Ann R. Mootz, et al.
Citation: RadioGraphics, 44(1), 230090
Date: 12/2023
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Disparities in Mortality Between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Regions of Kentucky
Compares all-cause, drug-related, and opioid-related mortality in Kentucky, with breakdowns by metropolitan/nonmetropolitan and Appalachian/non-Appalachian counties. Utilizes 2000-2019 CDC WONDER mortality data. Identifies mortality trends, and discusses related demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors.
Author(s): Sonali S. Salunkhe, Sahal Alzahrani, Beatrice Ugiliweneza
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 5(3), 38-52
Date: 12/2023
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2023 - 2028 Oklahoma State Health Improvement Plan
Offers an overview of Oklahoma resident health indicators and improvement goals with specific focus on social determinants of health, mental health, substance use, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Notes statewide resources and assets for each indicator. Includes a health inequity map at the census tract level.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Oklahoma State Department of Health
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Differences in Buprenorphine Prescribing Readiness Among Primary Care Professionals With and Without X-Waiver Training in the US
Examines readiness of primary care providers (PCPs) to prescribe buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Analyzes PCP knowledge of and confidence in buprenorphine, attitudes toward patients with OUD, and stress and/or empathy toward patients with OUD. Utilizes survey data from 403 PCPs in Ohio and discusses the challenges of addressing OUD in rural contexts.
Author(s): Berkeley Franz, Lindsay Y. Dhanani, O. Trent Hall, et al.
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 20, 180
Date: 12/2023
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High-Risk Individuals and Naloxone Use: Implications for THN Programs in Rural Appalachian Communities
Presents thematic analysis of factors influencing opioid overdose and naloxone use from interviews with 16 people who use opioid drugs in 4 rural, Appalachian Pennsylvania counties. Identifies opioid overdose risk factors, including substance use habits, as well as factors facilitating or preventing effective naloxone interventions. Covers naloxone access and knowledge, experiences, attitudes toward first responders, and disconnects between naloxone intervention and opioid dependence treatment.
Author(s): Victor Garcia, Lisa McCann, Erick Lauber, et al.
Citation: Journal of Appalachian Health, 5(3), 9-21
Date: 12/2023
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Influenza, Updated COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination Coverage Among Adults — United States, Fall 2023
Reports on vaccination coverage among adults 18 years and older as of December 9, 2023 for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Figure 2 includes data on vaccination and intent to be vaccinated for rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Author(s): Carla L. Black, Jennifer L. Kriss, Hilda Razzaghi, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 72(51), 1377-1382
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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VA Health Care: The Medically Underserved Facilities Initiative
Describes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medically underserved facilities initiative, which identifies medical facilities that were underserved for primary care and mental health services in 2022. Describes the criteria VA has used to identify medically underserved facilities and which facilities are designated as underserved and what officials from the designated underserved facilities reported about their experiences with the initiative. Explores what VA information shows about the effectiveness of the initiative. Includes rural references throughout.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Rural, Regional, Racial Disparities in Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among US Adults: 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Analyzes telemedicine use among rural and urban adults in context of the COVID-19 pandemic using 2021 National Health Interview Survey data. Presents data on telemedicine use and level of rurality, region, income, and other demographic characteristics. Highlights access disparities, and discusses COVID-19's influence on telehealth adoption.
Author(s): Jeong-Hui Park, Min Jee Lee, Meng-Han Tsai, Huan-Ju Shih, Jongwha Chang
Citation: Patient Preference and Adherence, 17, 3477-3487
Date: 12/2023
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Who is Served by USDA Rural Broadband Projects? Study Shows Smaller Share of Eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives Reached by ReConnect
Examines which populations were reached in fiscal years 2009-2021 by three USDA rural broadband programs: the Broadband Initiatives Program, the Community Connect grant program, and the ReConnect grant and loan program. Provides information about each program, its service area, and obligations. For the ReConnect program, looks at eligibility and project approval by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, poverty, and population 65 and older, with particular discussion of disparities in access for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Author(s): John Pender
Citation: Amber Waves
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Supporting Resilience in Rural Areas Through Cross-Sector Partnerships
Discusses the importance of working across multiple agencies and organizations to address social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. Describes the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach that uses cross-sector strategies to build health infrastructure and sustainability, with examples from rural communities.
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
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