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.
A new study reveals significant shifts in new physicians' perceptions of their jobs, financial incentives, and practice locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the need for urgent policy interventions to address rural physician shortages and improve compensation structures.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that babies born to teen mothers weigh less and are smaller for their gestational age. The study highlights the role of social, geographical, and educational factors in teen pregnancy prevention.
A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.
A study found significant racial disparities in who received same-day diagnostic services and biopsies after abnormal mammogram findings, with Black women being less likely to receive same-day biopsies. Rural-resident patients were more likely to receive same-day diagnostic services than urban residents.
A recent study found that telehealth is closing the care gap for people with substance use disorder in rural areas, but those covered by Medicaid managed care have lower access to this treatment. Rural individuals experienced the greatest overall increase in substance use disorder treatment among all populations studied.
The percentage of rural patients traveling over 60 minutes to obtain surgical care significantly increased between 2010 and 2020. This disparity persists due to factors like rural hospital closures and workforce shortages, contributing to growing healthcare access issues for these patients.
A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that fine particulate pollution PM2.5 exacerbates pre-existing conditions in elderly populations, leading to higher hospitalization rates and premature mortality, with significant socioeconomic challenges for rural regions with limited medical resources.
A study found clear differences in brain health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults, with Hispanic participants scoring lower on tests of memory, attention, and problem-solving despite similar mental health. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering social, economic, and cultural factors when developing progr...
Researchers identified inequities related to race and rurality in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and adverse outcomes. Structural racism and disinvestment in rural communities may be linked to individual HAI risk and post-HAI outcomes.
A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability has led to a 30% increase in India's tiger population over the past two decades. The country's unique approach to coexistence between humans and predators involves protected reserves and multi-use landscapes where tigers and people share space.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences has been awarded a $3.9 million grant to address the shortage of primary care physicians in underserved communities in Arizona. The program aims to create more primary care and rural health admissions tracks and expand clinical experiences, ultimately increasing primary care residency matches.
A $16 million NIH program aims to identify barriers to equitable healthcare for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research initiative will examine the relationships between healthcare providers and patients, focusing on provider-patient racial concordance and its impact on health outcomes.
A recent study found that nearly two-fifths of women aged 40-49 did not receive biennial mammography screening, highlighting significant gaps in early detection. To optimize breast cancer detection, ensuring equitable adherence to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations is crucial.
A national study found that walkable neighborhoods increase walking by 23% due to factors like density of people, roads, and amenities. Living in a walkable area also reduces the chance of no transit use, while vigorous exercise is not necessarily linked to neighborhood walkability.
A series of five papers highlights critical public health challenges related to cancer control in eight SAARC countries and the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. The studies identify barriers contributing to significant disparities in cancer outcomes and actionable solutions to address these challenges.
A new study shows that mailing at-home fecal immunochemical testing kits and providing coordinated follow-up led to a tripling of screening completion rates compared to usual care. The intervention increased screening rates by 30% within six months and 34.6% by 12 months.
Life expectancy in the USA varies by more than 20 years depending on an individual's race and ethnicity and where they live. Researchers found that marginalized groups already had lower life expectancy, and the pandemic further increased the gap.
The Tennessee RiverLine initiative has been awarded a $500,000 Area Development grant to support the development of comprehensive Planning and Design Standards. These standards will help accelerate investments in river access amenities, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and community connectivity across the Tennessee River valley.
Cardiovascular disease death rates increased by 21% for adults aged 25-64 living in rural areas, while urban adults saw a 9% decline between 2010 and 2022. Younger rural adults are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality due to worsening cardiometabolic health and reduced healthcare access.
The We-ID project aims to understand the conditions for resilient democratic communities and develop practical recommendations for local stakeholders. Researchers will analyze the effects of migration on host communities and explore strategies to utilize the potential of a diverse population.
Dr. Gergana Daskalova's research explores biodiversity change amidst disappearing human traditions and changing socio-economics, shedding light on interactions between humans and nature. Her five-year fellowship project investigates the ecological and human fingerprints of land abandonment, focusing on Bulgaria's depopulating trend.
A nationwide coyote survey reveals that human hunting practices may increase, rather than reduce, local coyote numbers. Coyotes are found to be most abundant in grasslands and agricultural landscapes.
Researchers are using historical, qualitative, and statistical methods to investigate the needs of over 70 million people in the US who self-identify as having a disability. The study aims to measure specific dimensions of structural ableism and create ways to address its impact on healthcare disparities.
Researchers analyzed 17 cases of land degradation reversal across 13 African countries, finding that strong social arrangements and aligned incentives are key to success. Successful interventions often involve local coalitions, external support, and long-term resilience.
The TTUHSC team will conduct a needs assessment and create an action plan to strengthen clinical and community-based research, guided by strategic translational research themes. The goal is to address health disparities in the region through community-based participatory research.
The Appalachian Region's mortality rate from diseases of despair decreased by 4% between 2021 and 2022, while remaining virtually unchanged outside of Appalachia. However, the region still experiences higher rates of mortality from these diseases across all age groups, particularly among those in their prime working years.
A new study analyzed climate factors' impact on internal migration, revealing regions prone to drought-induced migration, such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The research highlights the need for policies addressing drivers of migration and consequences for destination regions.
The American Heart Association has committed $4.7 million to strengthen stroke care in Minnesota and $5.05 million in South Dakota through the Mission: Lifeline initiative. This will improve access to timely and effective treatments for stroke patients, especially those in rural areas.
A new study finds that rural men can expect to live two years less than their urban counterparts by age 60, and spend fewer years in good health. The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality has nearly tripled over two decades due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.
Children with medical complexity from rural areas are more likely to receive care at non-pediatric hospitals. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring all hospitals can provide adequate care for these patients.
A new $4 million grant aims to test auricular point acupressure as a treatment for chronic pain in rural populations. The project, led by UTHealth Houston and USC, will use a smartphone app to guide patients through self-administered ear stimulation.
This study found that certain social determinants of health affect monitoring for diabetic retinopathy differently for Black and white patients with diabetes. Patients living in rural communities, including Black patients with preexisting diabetic retinopathy, are not receiving eye care in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
East Tennessee State University has been awarded $2.8 million to continue its Rural Health Equity Research Center for four more years. The center will conduct studies exploring rural health inequities, focusing on access to healthcare and behavioral health services. This funding is critical for the research and reflects the impact it h...
A new study found that rural regions in Ontario have significantly higher rates of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. The researchers suggest that stigma and socio-cultural dynamics may contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as telehealth services.
The Arizona Center for Rural Health has been awarded two $4.4 million HRSA grants to improve health services in rural communities. The grants will support Critical Access Hospitals and EMS providers through training programs, data collection, and operational improvements.
A new study by Richard Boylan found that geographic disparities in US homicide rates have decreased since the 1970s, contradicting expectations. Economic and social inequalities between regions have grown, but violent crime rates have fallen, with possible explanations including improved policing and incarceration rates.
A new risk prediction scale specifically for American Indian adults found elevated heart failure rates compared to other population groups. The analysis identified Type 2 diabetes status, kidney damage, and high blood pressure as major modifiable determinants of developing heart failure over 5-10 years.