Articles tagged with Rural Populations
A recent study published by Pennington Biomedical Research Center has shed light on the key drivers of chronic disease in Assumption Parish. The research found that residents with lower education levels are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. This correlation suggests a strong link between edu...
A national study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that breast cancer stage at diagnosis differs sharply across rural US regions, with geographic, racial, and insurance factors influencing stage. The study analyzed data from 52,287 rural women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2021, revealin...
The GRACE project co-develops, tests, and scales climate adaptation solutions with local communities in 10 European regions. It addresses diverse climate challenges through community-led adaptation, digital tools, and capacity-building, ensuring locally relevant and transferable solutions.
A study found that consistent routines in the home can reduce the likelihood of children struggling with school transitions, but harsh parenting can undermine these benefits. Parents who demonstrated flexibility in their parenting style were less likely to parent harshly.
A global study documents the collective ecological memory of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, revealing a consistent pattern of large-bodied bird species disappearing from local environments replaced by smaller-bodied species, with average bird mass declining from 1500g to 535g over eight decades.
Access to higher-level neonatal care is limited at rural birth hospitals, where less than 20% offer this care compared to 74% of urban hospitals. Urban birth hospitals are expanding higher-level neonatal care, exacerbating geographic disparities in access to care for high-risk infants.
A new study published in Nature found that hunter-gatherers in Belgium and the Netherlands adopted farming thousands of years later than elsewhere in Europe. The research suggests that migrant women played a pivotal role in introducing farming practices, bringing their knowledge and genes to the local communities.
A new analysis found that rural cancer patients treated locally have similar surgical outcomes to those who traveled to urban facilities. The study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from Medicare-eligible patients with lung or colon cancer, aged 65 or older, residing in rural areas.
A study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that psychosocial factors like motivation, confidence, and social support are strongly linked to diet quality among rural adults. Participants with higher scores in these areas consumed more fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and fewer ultraprocessed foods.
The study examines the characterization of the international-born health care workforce in rural US communities. It highlights the Conrad 30 waiver program, which enabled thousands of J-1 visa holders to remain in the US, caring for approximately 44 million patients, and H1-B visas as additional vehicles for immigrant clinicians.
Commercially insured patients frequently bypass rural hospitals between 2012 and 2021, generating large payments for receiving hospitals. The findings highlight the need for addressing this issue to alleviate financial distress on rural healthcare facilities.
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
New research from UT Arlington highlights critical gaps in forensic nursing and the challenges rural nurses face in becoming certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). With limited resources and low case volume in rural areas, tele-mentoring is proposed as a possible solution to support newly trained SANEs.
Chronic pain prevalence differs between rural and urban adult cancer survivors, with rural areas showing higher rates despite having fewer resources. Limited access to pain specialists and insurance challenges contribute to these disparities.
The grant aims to increase individual screenings and change how health systems embed evidence-based screening practices into everyday operations. PA-CARES will work with trusted organizations in 28 counties with the lowest screening rates to implement effective screening options and facilitate timely linkage to care.
The Mapping the Digital Gap report found that three in four First Nations people living in remote communities are digitally excluded, facing barriers to accessing and using online services. Despite an 8.7 point improvement in digital ability for First Nations people in very remote communities, the gap remains significant.
A randomized clinical trial found that home hospital care in rural settings resulted in improved patient activity and experience, but not in reduced costs or readmissions. Late transfers to home likely attenuated the intervention's effect on cost outcomes.
A nationwide study reveals an 11% decline in rural family physicians from 2017 to 2023, with the Northeast experiencing the greatest loss. The proportion of female rural family physicians increased during this period, further highlighting the need for strategies to address the ongoing shortage.
A new study reveals that social determinants of health have a significant impact on rural–urban differences in colorectal cancer mortality rates. The research found that low socioeconomic status, household characteristics, and racial/ethnic minority status were key drivers of these disparities.
A new UTA study investigates the effectiveness of the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program in addressing healthcare disparities between rural and urban areas. The research reveals that despite initial enthusiasm, five hospitals have converted to REH status but one closed entirely just nine months later due to financial challenges.
A University of California, Riverside-led study found a community-based health program improving lifestyle changes in low-income, rural Latinas. The program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva!, combined health education, cooking demos, and exercise, resulting in increased healthy habits, weight loss, and improved chronic disease management.
West Virginia University researchers are working with local partners to stop drug use in youth before it starts. They will expand an existing pilot project to encompass 140 schools in 36 rural counties, tailored to individual community needs.
A new study found that public greenspaces are lacking in many American communities, with some groups facing significant barriers to access. The research highlights the need for more inclusive park planning and distribution to ensure equal benefits for all residents.
A pilot program at University of Missouri-Columbia's emergency department connects rural families with community resources, improving their health and stability. Nearly half of participating families reported unmet essential needs, with food insecurity being the most common.
Rural patients face significantly longer emergency medical services call times due to limited access to specialized trauma centers. High-acuity activations are more common in rural areas, resulting in extended transport times.
The October issue of Journal of Counseling & Development features research on rural counseling competencies and high-quality studies on athlete career profiles. The journal publishes practice, theory, and research articles across various professional counseling specialty areas.
The American Counseling Association has launched the Counseling Compact, enabling thousands of professional counselors to practice across state lines. This mutual recognition model allows counselors to work in person or via telehealth, providing access to mental health services for millions of Americans.
The University of Arizona and University of New Mexico received a $43.6 million NIH grant to support translational science and training for early-career researchers. The partnership aims to translate research discoveries into improved patient care, with a focus on substance use disorders and rural health initiatives.
Researchers analyzed data from 33,183 individuals and found that minimally invasive approach was associated with lower complication risks compared to open surgery. This study suggests that expanded use of minimally invasive surgery in rural areas may help bridge the gap between rural and urban patients with colon cancer.
A new study found that the end of COVID-era federal funding led to a significant increase in uninsured children visiting emergency departments in Texas, with 45.2% more visits than before. The share of commercially insured patients also rose 12.5%, while Medicaid-insured visits declined by 11.7%.
Food insecurity is associated with increased caregiver stress and household instability in rural families. The study highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on child mental health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
Only 4 in 10 US retail pharmacies carry buprenorphine, a highly effective opioid addiction treatment, with disparities persisting in minority neighborhoods. Tight pharmacy regulations discourage pharmacies from carrying the treatment, limiting access to vulnerable communities.
A new report from RMIT University and the University of Canberra proposes that local news organisations must adapt to their audiences' shifting news habits. The report recommends embracing community-driven content, including hyperlocal news, human-interest stories, and practical information.
The American Heart Association has extended its Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator program until 2028, expanding access to cardiovascular care and quality improvement resources for over 1,000 rural hospitals. This extension aims to address the significant disparities in health outcomes between urban and rural communities.
Women in counties with low cervical cancer screening rates experience nearly double the rate of cervical cancer diagnoses, particularly late-stage disease, and death. Timely screening can identify precancerous lesions for removal before they develop into cancer.
A cohort study found that hospitals with poor financial health were less likely to provide essential perinatal services. This disparity was more pronounced in Southern and rural regions.
Researchers at Emory University developed two affordable programs to prevent youth substance misuse: Connect Kits for Family Action and Connect Brief Intervention. A randomized trial found that these programs reduced alcohol and other substance use among high school students in rural Oklahoma.
A new study found that mothers living in resource-poor neighborhoods in Arizona were 20% more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus compared to those in less deprived areas. The study also highlighted the high incidence of GDM among Native Americans, who had a rate nearly double the overall population.
A study published in PLOS found that urban exposure significantly increases the risk of obesity among middle and old-age migrants in India. The longer they stay in cities, the greater the risk of obesity.
A study found that family physicians are improving maternal health in rural areas, particularly in Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. Rural counties with only hospital obstetric services have higher rates of social deprivation and Black populations.
Proposed Medicaid reforms would have far-reaching consequences beyond federal budget savings, including negative health outcomes and economic losses. Rural and underserved communities are disproportionately affected by these policy changes.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
The University of Kansas has a significant annual statewide impact of $7.8 billion, supporting nearly 88,000 jobs and generating $2.90 in added tax revenue for every dollar invested. The university's activities also include startup companies, visitors, and research, contributing to the state's economic growth.
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
A little free library was placed near a rural primary care clinic to increase access to anxiety, depression and PTSD resources. Patients who take books complete a survey to assess resource usefulness, allowing for future evaluation of the intervention's impact.
A Cornell University study found that rural students with on-site health clinics miss fewer classes and days of school due to improved healthcare access. The research also found stronger benefits among elementary students who can receive treatment onsite.
A new report from Flinders University reveals that Australia is facing a silent public health crisis due to poor sleep habits. The report outlines four priority actions to address the issue and calls for urgent action from policymakers to bring sleep to the forefront of the country's health agenda.
Research reveals subpar healthcare services in Global South cities, with frequent medicine shortages and inadequate long-term condition management. Innovative policy approaches are needed to balance public service expansion and private subsidies to improve access and equity for marginalized populations.
A recent study suggests that many Americans are unaware of simple food safety practices that can reduce the risk of bird flu infection. The survey found that over half of respondents did not know to pasteurize milk and more than a quarter expressed reluctance to take a potential vaccine.
The American Heart Association will strengthen and expand Hawaii's stroke system of care, reducing death and disability rates from stroke in rural populations. The initiative aims to enhance coordination among emergency responders, hospitals, and healthcare providers.
A new report reveals that Indonesia's small farmers can increase productivity and market access through technology-driven innovations. The report outlines ten best practices for agritech startups and wider ecosystems to enable and shape the country's rural startup ecosystem.
A recent NIH-funded study found that rural adults experience higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors compared to urban counterparts. The study revealed that variables such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare do not explain these differences, with lifestyle risk factors like smoking also playing a lesser role.
The University of Texas at Arlington has launched a new Mobile Simulation Lab to tackle workforce and training challenges in rural areas. The lab, equipped with advanced patient manikins and simulation bays, will provide specialized training for local healthcare providers to expand their expertise.
A recent study found substantial rural-urban disparities in cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among US adults. Social risk factors are identified as the primary driver of these disparities, with efforts to address socioeconomic conditions in rural communities critical to reducing the gap.
Researchers found that women have significantly more sensitive hearing than men, with an average difference of two decibels across all populations studied. Environmental factors such as living in forests or high altitudes also affect hearing sensitivity, with forest-dwellers having the highest and altitude residents having the lowest.
New leukemia treatment combination shows promise for patients with follicular lymphoma. Immunotherapy research also explores ways to suppress protein ZNF638 to boost effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Innovative funding efforts support Sylvester's cancer research initiatives.
A study found that African American youth who sought parental advice and received elaborate cognitive restructuring guidance had more positive social appraisals. Practitioners can equip parents with tools to enhance their parenting strategies and provide supportive guidance.
The updated guidelines substantially increased lung cancer screenings overall, but disparities persist among people with limited access to healthcare. Barriers include cost, knowledge, and lack of primary care providers, with mobile units and patient navigators offering potential solutions.
A new study from Aalto University found that global population datasets may underestimate rural populations by as much as 53% to 84%, revealing a systematic and profound extent of the bias. The findings have far-reaching consequences, suggesting that the needs of people living in rural areas have been under-represented in decision-maki...
A study of over 32,000 people in rural India found scrub typhus infection affects up to 10% annually, leading to hospitalisations due to severe fever symptoms. The researchers highlight the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and community awareness to reduce unnecessary hospitalisations and fatal cases.