Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Social support may lower American Indians’ risk of cardiovascular disease, death

A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Rural residents tend to hold fatalistic beliefs and perceive more cancer-related information overload than urban residents

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that rural residents are more likely to think fatally about cancer and feel information overload compared to urban adults. Lower education levels were associated with increased fatalism and information overload.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJan 28, 2022

K-12 experience, population density among factors that support rural ‘brain gain’

Researchers found that college graduates between 34 and 43 years old are more likely to return to their hometowns if they had a strong attachment to their public K-12 schools. The study also revealed that rural communities with lower population densities and fewer postsecondary degree holders were more attractive to returning graduates.

SourceIowa State University·JournalRural Sociology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2022

Poor women in rural India still denied safe hospital births, with maternal deaths at “alarmingly high” levels, study finds

A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGlobal Health Action·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

COVID-19 lockdowns closed racial gap in exposure to air pollution in rural New York, new research shows

Research by Binghamton University economists found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a significant improvement in air quality for minority neighborhoods in rural New York, narrowing the existing gap with majority white neighborhoods. The study suggests stronger regulation can improve air quality in polluted areas.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateNov 10, 2021

City butterflies keep flying for longer

A new study reveals that city butterflies and moths have genetically adapted to the warmer urban environment, starting their overwintering state later in the year. This allows them to take advantage of a longer growing season, reproducing successfully before winter sets in.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Europe-wide political divide emerging between cities and countryside – study

A new study reveals a deepening geographical fracture in European societies, with rural areas showing lower trust in politics but higher voting rates. The research suggests that mainstream politicians must address feelings of disconnection from politics and provide economic opportunities to re-engage residents of small towns and villages.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

City fox and country fox

Researchers identified two genetically distinct 'urban' and 'rural' fox populations in Berlin, influenced by physical barriers and human activity levels. Foxes from the city population are bolder but prefer to avoid areas of high human activity, highlighting their risk management strategies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 5, 2020

Certification as a medical home: Does it make a difference in diabetes care?

Research found certified medical home practices had better performance outcomes on diabetes care quality measures and more systems compared to non-certified practices. Certified practices also showed slightly better performance on diabetes care quality measures despite having similar patient populations as non-certified practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

The future of minority health and health disparities research is here

A two-year science visioning process has identified thirty specific research strategies to improve minority health and reduce health disparities. The NIH Strategic Plan on Minority Health and Health Disparities will be guided by these strategies, enabling a coordinated research approach to promote equal opportunities for all populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 1, 2019

Young, hip farmers: Coming to a city near you

A new generation of farmers is shifting towards the outskirts of cities with high demand and purchasing power, driven by a desire for healthier food systems and authentic rural identities. The movement, identified by Purdue University researcher Andrew Flachs, thrives in hotspots like central Texas, Oklahoma, and the Great Lakes region.

SourcePurdue University·JournalRural Sociology·DateDec 3, 2018

Young Latinos experience discrimination when obtaining health care, research shows

A new study from Oregon State University found that young Latinos in rural areas experience discrimination when obtaining health care services. Nearly 40% of participants reported being prevented from accessing services or being hassled due to perceived discrimination. The researchers emphasize the need for cultural competency among he...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateOct 15, 2015

An appeal to the caregiving values of rural women for breast cancer prevention

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that rural Appalachian women are more likely to perform breast health self-examinations and seek medical attention when their caregiving responsibilities are recognized. The research suggests that appealing to their strength as caretakers encourages them to take care of themsel...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 2, 2011

Mexicans settling in upstate New York are marginalized

A recent study by Cornell University researchers reveals that Mexican immigrants settling in upstate New York communities are marginalized and often unemployed, with limited access to education and social connections. The study found that those with social ties to community members fare significantly better than those without.

Doctors without borders

A survey of international medical graduates who applied to the CaRMS match found that almost half (49.2%) would prefer to practice in communities with a population of less than 100,000 people. However, only 7.8% would choose rural areas with populations under 10,000.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 28, 2003