Rural Health
News by Topic: Rural-urban differences
Apr 8, 2024 - Discusses the mortality rate disparity between rural and urban residents following recent research showing the gap has widened to 43% in 2019 from 6% in 1999 for adults between 25 and 54. Offers analysis by experts on causes of this disparity including social vulnerability factors, community vitality, and insurance rates. Discusses the potential impact of COVID-19 on current mortality rates.
Source: CBS News, KFF Health News
Apr 4, 2024 - Discusses mortality disparities for rural and urban communities across Northeast Ohio and potential reasons including healthcare access, workforce shortages, limited transportation options, and inadequate broadband.
Source: Ideastream Public Media
Apr 2, 2024 - Highlights population shift trends between urban and rural places. Notes that the highest rural county gains were in those closest to metropolitan areas. Discusses current data alongside pre-pandemic patterns as well as state level trends.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Mar 25, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that female patients at rural Community Health Centers are more likely to be behind on cervical cancer screenings than patients in urban community health centers. Discusses factors associated with the disparity including English proficiency, income levels, employment, and primary care physician access. Notes that the disparity grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Medical Xpress
Mar 19, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that rural residents are more likely to have diabetes when compared to urban residents, but the disparity narrowed or even reversed when accounting for activity levels and obesity. Study authors say lifestyle interventions may improve diabetes disparity rates for rural areas. Also notes that tailored interventions may be necessary across rural communities.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network
Mar 18, 2024 - Highlights recent rural employment statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notes that recent trends were improving, but the latest report showed rural employment has decreased 0.4% when compared to pre-COVID numbers. Includes urban and rural comparisons as well as variations within industries.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Mar 6, 2024 - Request for public comments on the impact of private equity and other private payers on healthcare providers and services. Requests information on the effects of consolidation, claimed business objectives, notable transactions, need for government action, and any other impacts. Information request includes differences in rural and urban settings with regard to these topics. Deadline for comments is May 6, 2024.
Source: Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Trade Commission
Feb 26, 2024 - Summarizes recent research that estimated fungal keratitis in commercially insured patients. Found that the eye infection may be twice as high for rural residents when compared to urban residents in addition to other disparities.
Source: Physician's Weekly