Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.
A study found that supermarkets provide the healthiest assortment of foods, followed by grocery stores, while convenience stores have lower availability and higher prices for fruits and vegetables. The research has important implications for regions with high obesity rates and limited access to healthy food options.
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.
A study of 2,800 US workers found that clusters of financial, mental health, and healthcare access vulnerabilities contribute to COVID-19-related disparities. Essential workers experienced more financial vulnerability, while women had worse mental health, and rural residents faced greater healthcare access barriers.
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.
The WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute is leading a national study on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop effective treatments for this disabling complication.
Rates of cervical cancer screening have dropped in the US, with significant disparities found across sociodemographic groups. The study highlights the need for targeted campaigns to address lack of knowledge as the primary reason for not receiving timely screenings.
Researchers in Ohio identified five distinct types of rural communities, each with unique characteristics and attracting different demographics. The study found that rural areas near metropolitan cities are experiencing growth, while more remote areas are losing residents.
A large-scale international study found that simple health assessments can identify people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. The screening tools were effective in diverse low- and middle-income settings, highlighting a pressing need for global awareness and early diagnosis.
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.
Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.
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.
A study found that rural women are less likely to get screened for colorectal cancer compared to urban counterparts, despite similar breast cancer screening rates. The disparity may be attributed to limited access to testing and financial constraints, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
A multi-state study shows that family medicine physicians are crucial in rural maternity care, delivering babies in 67% of hospitals and being the only doctors in 27%. The loss of obstetrical services poses a significant burden to pregnant people and infants, with patients facing long distances for care.
Researchers found that 1.5 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa face a one-hour drive to the nearest health facility, with many more struggling due to limited resources. Expanding healthcare access is crucial for reducing HIV incidence and addressing COVID-19.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
Researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between rural and urban emergency departments for life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack. Despite facing funding challenges, rural ERs have proven lifesaving for patients treated at these facilities.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
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.
The WVCTSI will deploy a mobile clinical trials unit in West Virginia, addressing health disparities and increasing participation in clinical research. The 39-foot Winnebago will provide on-site clinical trials and follow-up visits to rural residents.
Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.
The project aims to address rising healthcare costs, health disparities, and expands digital health through advances in AI. It also trains students from different disciplines to develop and apply data science techniques.
A study found that awareness and knowledge of PrEP differ by setting, with lower knowledge in rural Illinois compared to New York City. Despite this, willingness and uptake of PrEP were similar in both urban and rural settings.
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.
A Rutgers University study suggests that video conferencing with tobacco treatment specialists can aid smokers in rural prisons in quitting tobacco smoking. The study also found that providing nicotine replacement therapy patches was effective in aiding the cessation process.
West Virginia University researcher Judith Feinberg is integrating services for opioid use disorder, the hepatitis C virus and HIV in 20 primary care clinics across the state. The project aims to address the intertwined opioid and HIV epidemics through efficient and comprehensive care.
A large-scale study of COVID-19 data in Indiana found that Black communities and rural residents were more likely to be hospitalized and die from the virus. The study highlighted disparities in public health efforts and calls for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
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.
The UArizona Center for Rural Health will continue its mission to improve health and wellness in rural Arizona with a $4.4 million grant from HRSA. The program aims to address significant health disparities affecting Native American and Latinx populations.
Researchers found a significant increase in mortality rates among rural residents aged 25-64, with a 12.1% rise in age-adjusted mortality rates. Death rates among Black individuals remained higher overall, but the gap with white individuals halved.
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.
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.
Research published in BMJ Open reveals India's total health workforce density is estimated to be 29 per 10,000 population, but only 16 for trained workers. The study found an alarmingly large presence of unqualified health professionals, with 20% of doctors lacking required qualifications.
By 2060, rural Northeast counties will experience record-breaking heat for three weeks a year, with those in low-income areas most affected. The study finds that vulnerable counties will see a decline in population while the poor population grows, highlighting the need for heat adaptation strategies.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people in rural communities are more vulnerable to both hot and cold temperature extremes than those living in urban areas. The disparity was greater for women, older adults, and those with poor public health system coverage.
A new study finds that nearly 35% of US rural counties are experiencing protracted and significant population loss, driven by outmigration and declining fertility rates. The researchers also identified 746 depopulating counties, with an average migration loss of 43%, leading to a downward spiral of population decline.
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.
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.
A recent study found that despite a rise in telehealth participation, vulnerable populations continue to have limited access. Lack of accessible providers remains a major barrier for Medicaid beneficiaries, those with lower incomes, and rural communities. State policies alone may not be enough to increase adoption.
A new healthcare delivery model proposes partnering ERs with primary care to address failing health in underserved areas. This approach aims to connect patients to other physicians and resources, improving overall rural population health.
The UNC School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and other health professions schools will establish clinical experiences for students in rural areas of North Carolina, launching the UNC Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative (RIPHI). The program aims to improve health disparities and develop a health workforce prepared ...
Research reveals urban hedgehogs can survive with smaller nightly ranging areas and adjust activity levels to human disturbance. They show similar hibernation patterns to rural populations, highlighting the importance of access to undisturbed habitats for their entire hibernation season.
A University of Missouri researcher found a strong correlation between rural-to-urban migration and negative environmental effects on Chinese cities. Despite negative impacts, the study suggests that policymakers should encourage population redistribution to less-dense urban areas.
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...
A study found that large cities have a lower risk of injury death compared to rural areas, with a 40% higher risk of unintentional injury death in the most rural counties. The risk of firearm-related deaths varied by age and race, but was generally higher in rural areas.
Aarhus University researchers have discovered the remains of a large proportion of the rural population killed during a military invasion in the early 3rd century BC. The excavations have provided insights into daily activities of ancient peasantry and their adaptation to cultural and natural changes.
The study found that almost all US cities have become more diverse over the past four decades, with rural communities following urban trends. Diversity has led to a decline in white-dominant places and an increase in communities with significant minority populations.
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...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a new donor-liver distribution system that could lead to up to 14% more transplants annually. The proposed regions aim to better account for population differences and geographic distance to increase organ availability.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that much of rural America is prosperous, particularly in the Midwest and Plains. Prosperous communities have higher education rates, lower unemployment and poverty rates, and better housing conditions than other rural areas.
Despite having more doctors than nurses, China struggles with uneven distribution and lack of employment for medical graduates. This maldistribution can be corrected through national policies that incentivize health professionals to work in rural areas.
A new study by political scientists found that early voting measures have a negligible or negative impact on voter turnout. The study assessed three primary means of early voting and found that they result in a more accurate count, but do not increase turnout.
The Great Plains' stability is threatened by demographic shifts, environmental degradation, and economic pressures. Despite increased crop productivity, the region faces challenges such as soil erosion, high nitrate runoff, and declining aquifers.
Research reveals substandard living conditions among North Carolina farmworker families, with many experiencing overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and exposure to toxic substances. The study highlights the need for policy changes and education to mitigate these detrimental effects on family health.
The rural population in England is ageing at an accelerated rate, with 5.3m projected growth until 2028 driven primarily by the rise in people aged 60 and above. Rural areas are expected to experience a higher proportion of residents over 50, trebling numbers of those aged 85 and over.
A significant majority of displaced rural populations want to return to their villages, but few have actually done so due to conflicting ideas about 'returning'. The Turkish army and government agencies are hesitant to allow the return of rural populations, fearing they may support the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).
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.
Researchers found that urban coyote populations are larger than expected, live longer, and are more active at night. They help control Canada goose populations by eating eggs from nests and burying them for later consumption.
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.
A recent study in rural Uganda found a significant decline in HIV-1 incidence rates between 1990 and 1999, with a notable decrease in the second half of the decade. The reduction was particularly pronounced among men aged 20–24 years and women aged 13–19 years. This finding suggests that targeted interventions may be effective in slowi...