Jenny E. Ozga PhD, Andrea Milstred PhD, Melissa D. Blank PhD, Mary Kay Rayens PhD, Brittney Keller-Hamilton PhD, Megan E. Roberts PhD, Seth Himelhoch MD, MPH, Cassandra A. Stanton PhD
{"title":"A comparison of classifications for geographic location and their associations with tobacco use among US adults","authors":"Jenny E. Ozga PhD, Andrea Milstred PhD, Melissa D. Blank PhD, Mary Kay Rayens PhD, Brittney Keller-Hamilton PhD, Megan E. Roberts PhD, Seth Himelhoch MD, MPH, Cassandra A. Stanton PhD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study compared two classifications of rurality and their associations with cigarette, e-cigarette, and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among a nationally representative sample of 31,196 US adults.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data from Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Weighted descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions assessed whether two classifications of rurality were differentially associated with past 30-day (P30D) cigarette, e-cigarette, or SLT use in separate models. Classifications were (1) the US Census Bureau's classification as urban/non-urban; and (2) the National Center for Education Statistic (NCES)’s classification as urban/suburban/town/rural. This study is reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>With the Census Bureau classification, 79.3% were in urban areas. With the NCES classification, 34.3% were in urban, 35.1% in suburban, 9.4% in town, and 21.1% in rural areas. With the Census Bureau classification, non-urban (vs. urban) residence was associated with reduced odds of e-cigarette use (AOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.70–0.88) and increased odds of SLT use (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.97–2.72). With the NCES classification with urban as reference, rural residence was associated with reduced odds of e-cigarette use (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.75–0.98); both town (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.69–2.78) and rural (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI = 2.16, 3.48) were associated with increased odds of SLT use. Location was not associated with cigarette use for either classification.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Location was similarly associated with P30D e-cigarette and SLT use across both classifications in adjusted models. The use of classifications with more categories may be beneficial to understand nuanced location differences in tobacco use.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144782264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Colorectal cancer screening barriers, facilitators, and promotion recommendations by Alaska Native people who are non-adherent to colorectal cancer screening","authors":"Diana Redwood PhD, Melissa Toffolon PhD, Christie Flanagan MPH, Lauren Jeffries MPH, Danika Bailie , Lila Finney Rutten PhD, John Kisiel MD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70067","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We examined barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Alaska Native individuals who had never been screened or were not up to date with screening guidelines.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>As part of a larger study investigating the use of the multitarget stool DNA test in rural Alaska communities, we conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with 28 never screened or not up-to-date Alaska Native people in two remote communities between November 2022 and July 2023. Participants shared their barriers to CRC screening and offered suggestions to improve programs to better reach those who are guideline discordant.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>General screening barriers included lack of knowledge, fear of discovering you have cancer, and cultural health beliefs. Colonoscopy-specific barriers included embarrassment from knowing the local medical staff, having rectal area viewed or touched, fear of pain and injury, difficulty scheduling a procedure due to traditional food gathering activities, lack of provider referrals/reminders, and the high cost of air travel required to get to a colonoscopy facility. Stool DNA-specific concerns included not feeling that it was as good as colonoscopy, lack of privacy to do the test, and hesitancy collecting stool samples. Suggestions for increasing screening rates included increasing access via paid air transportation, using local indigenous languages, improving provider relationships and reminder systems, and providing CRC and screening education using trusted messengers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This was the first exploration of the perceptions of CRC screening among guideline discordant Alaska Native people. Identified themes can be used to improve screening program outreach effectiveness in the future.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144782320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nathan A. Dockery MPH, Qian Huang PhD, MA, MPA, Casey P. Balio PhD
{"title":"An analysis of syringe service programs across the rural-urban continuum in the United States","authors":"Nathan A. Dockery MPH, Qian Huang PhD, MA, MPA, Casey P. Balio PhD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Syringe service programs (SSPs) have been proven to reduce transmission of viral infections, prevent substance use and overdose deaths, and help support public safety in operational areas. This study aims to provide a snapshot of the current distribution of SSPs across the United States and analyze them based on community characteristics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>SSP information was collected from state health department websites and the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) dashboard. Bivariate, multivariate, and geospatial analyses were conducted on the study population to observe significant differences between SSP presence and access between urban and rural populations and to see if community characteristics impact the presence of SSPs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Findings showed that a greater proportion of urban counties had at least one SSP compared to rural counties (<i>N</i> = 353, 30% vs. <i>N</i> = 236, 12% respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The logistic regression model showed that urban counties had 66% greater odds of having an SSP than their rural counterparts. Geospatial hot-spot analysis showed significant hot spots in the West and Northeast United States, and cold spots throughout the Midwest.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research provides the most current and comprehensive look at the current count of SSPs in the United States and highlights an increased need in rural areas for SSP presence and access. This study could be used as a benchmark for policymakers and other decision-makers, especially in rural areas, to properly allocate resources for SSP creation and to ensure that policy does not restrict the creation of SSPs or their ability to function properly.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lina Truong MPH, Alexandra K. Adams MD, PhD, Sonia Bishop BS, Virgil Dupuis BS, Lorenzo Garza , Thomas Quigley BS, Laurie Hassell BS, Paul K. Drain MD, MPH, Genoveva Ibarra , Anna Whiting Sorrell PhD, Teresa Warne MSc, Charlie Gregor MPH, Eliza Webber MPH, Linda K. Ko PhD
{"title":"“It's not about me. It's about what's best for my community”: Factors impacting COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Native Americans and Latinos from two agricultural communities","authors":"Lina Truong MPH, Alexandra K. Adams MD, PhD, Sonia Bishop BS, Virgil Dupuis BS, Lorenzo Garza , Thomas Quigley BS, Laurie Hassell BS, Paul K. Drain MD, MPH, Genoveva Ibarra , Anna Whiting Sorrell PhD, Teresa Warne MSc, Charlie Gregor MPH, Eliza Webber MPH, Linda K. Ko PhD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70057","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>While SARS-CoV-2 significantly impacts rural Native American and Latino communities, COVID-19 vaccines offer an effective and safe mitigation strategy. Vaccine uptake is disproportionately lower in rural communities than in urban communities across the nation. This study examined barriers and motivators of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in two Native American and Latino rural agricultural communities in eastern Washington and Montana.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted 28 key informant interviews with trusted community members and six community focus groups with 39 participants from May 2021 to June 2021. Participants were from the Yakima Valley (WA) and Flathead Reservation (MT). The Social Cognitive Theory and Social Context Framework informed development of the interview and focus group moderator guides. We used deductive and inductive approach to code transcripts and thematic analysis to generate themes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake were misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines shaped by misinformation, politicization of vaccines, historical trauma and mistrust in government, and structural barriers in rural agricultural communities. Having access to accurate and understandable COVID-19 vaccine information and receiving information from trusted sources were motivators of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Protecting families, children, elders, and the community, and striving to return to normal life were also noted as motivators.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding the community's perceptions and experiences around the COVID-19 vaccine is critical for successful implementation of strategies to increase vaccine uptake during future public health emergencies. Strategies for vaccine uptake among communities in the Flathead Reservation and Yakima Valley need to address barriers and highlight motivators of COVID-19 vaccine uptake.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Morgan Gruner MD, Katherine Brown BS, Renee Anderson BS, Shaunequa James MSW, LICSW, Xuan Li MD, MS, Carrie Henning-Smith PhD, Anne Blaes MD, MS, Patricia Jewett PhD, Rachel I. Vogel PhD
{"title":"Seeking connection: A qualitative study of psychosocial support needs of rural cancer survivors in Minnesota","authors":"Morgan Gruner MD, Katherine Brown BS, Renee Anderson BS, Shaunequa James MSW, LICSW, Xuan Li MD, MS, Carrie Henning-Smith PhD, Anne Blaes MD, MS, Patricia Jewett PhD, Rachel I. Vogel PhD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70066","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Individuals diagnosed with cancer have extensive and often unmet psychosocial support needs. We established a partnership between the University of Minnesota and Gilda's Club to identify survivorship issues, unmet psychosocial support needs, and barriers to receiving cancer support in rural Minnesota.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted six focus groups and 16 interviews (41 total participants) between November 2022 and January 2024 among cancer survivors living in rural Minnesota. Structured interview guides included questions about survivors’ definition of cancer support, what community support is desired and available, and barriers to obtaining support. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The mean participant age was 57.1 ± 13.4 years; the majority were female (68%), non-Hispanic White (95%), and college graduates (58%), and they represented many cancer diagnoses, with hematologic (20%) and breast cancers (17%) most frequently reported. Most (73%) were under surveillance (median 4 years from diagnosis). Many participants mentioned extensive travel burdens due to lack of local care, and virtually all participants agreed emotional support was critical. Over half (56%) of participants wished for peer support that they did not have, and 44% said their cancer information needs were insufficiently addressed. Some emphasized that having nurses facilitating care coordination and options for local care made care feel more personalized. Participants identified virtual options for cancer support as potentially beneficial, particularly when meeting in person was not possible.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lack of peer support, lack of local care, and travel burdens are significant concerns among rural cancer survivors. Participants expressed positive views about their rural residence and mentioned alternatives and rural strengths such as virtual support options, help from nurses, and caring relationships in their communities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jrh.70066","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Grace Marley PharmD, Caroline Shubel MPh, Carolyn T. Thorpe PhD MPh, Izabela E. Annis M.S., Paul Delamater PhD, Delesha Carpenter PhD MSPh, Bayla Ostrach PhD, MA, CIP
{"title":"Examining geographic disparities in access to no-cost naloxone in North Carolina: A cross-sectional survey of naloxone distribution programs","authors":"Grace Marley PharmD, Caroline Shubel MPh, Carolyn T. Thorpe PhD MPh, Izabela E. Annis M.S., Paul Delamater PhD, Delesha Carpenter PhD MSPh, Bayla Ostrach PhD, MA, CIP","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The objective of this study was to comprehensively identify the programs that distribute naloxone at no-cost in North Carolina, identify where and to whom these programs distribute naloxone, and evaluate disparities in reported naloxone distribution by geographic area.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional online survey was delivered to potential no-cost naloxone distributors in NC identified by a community advisory panel. Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact tests were utilized to identify disparities in naloxone access by population served (people who use drugs, people who inject drugs) and location of naloxone distribution (rural; urban/suburban).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Approximately 76.5% (241/315) of respondents representing 341 different programs reported that their program(s) distributed no-cost naloxone to community members. Programs represented included health departments (<i>n</i> = 81), treatment programs/centers (<i>n</i> = 59), and syringe service programs(SSPs) (<i>n</i> = 41), among others. Programs reported distributing naloxone most frequently to people who use drugs (94.2%) and people with a substance use disorder history (94.3%). No-cost naloxone distribution was reported less frequently to all patient populations in rural ZIP codes when compared to urban ZIP codes, including justice-involved populations (86.4% vs. 98.3%) and individuals leaving treatment or detox (87.9% vs. 98.6%).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study indicates that although most areas in NC were served by at least one no-cost naloxone program, distribution to rural populations may be limited, indicating a need for increased public investment in no-cost naloxone distribution to populations at greatest risk of overdose.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jrh.70069","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda Golden MD, Sarah Humble MS, Rachelle Roy BPH, Allison B. Anbari PhD, RN, CLT, Lindsay L. Peterson MD, MSCR, Ashley J. Housten OTD, MSCI
{"title":"Route and efficiency analysis of cancer health care (REACH): Investigating sociodemographic and rurality of metastatic breast cancer patients at an NCI-designated facility","authors":"Amanda Golden MD, Sarah Humble MS, Rachelle Roy BPH, Allison B. Anbari PhD, RN, CLT, Lindsay L. Peterson MD, MSCR, Ashley J. Housten OTD, MSCI","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70063","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients experience unique challenges regarding access to care, particularly rural populations. Geographic location may increase travel, impacting time to treatment and adding to patient burden. This study aimed to evaluate the association between rurality and access to care by examining travel distance, time to treatment, and sociodemographic factors in patients with MBC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from Siteman Cancer Center (SCC) Oncology Data Services registry from 2011–2021 with 519 female MBC patients. Rurality was defined by state definition. We used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to calculate travel distances and times from patients’ homes to treatment site. We evaluated travel distance (miles) and time to treatment initiation (days) using <i>t</i>-tests and ANOVA and evaluated any differences based on sociodemographic characteristics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found that rural patients traveled farther for treatment compared to urban patients (mean 87.3 miles vs. 18.0 miles; <i>p</i> < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference found with time to treatment initiation between groups (mean 36.1 vs. 35.0 days; <i>p</i> = 0.68). No difference in travel time or treatment initiation was found when comparing sociodemographic factors, including insurance status and comorbidity scores.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rural MBC patients face longer travel times, which may contribute to barriers to care. However, we found no difference for time to treatment initiation. Future studies characterizing rural patients' experiences can contribute to the development of targeted interventions to mitigate rural patient burden and improve access to cancer care.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara C. Handley MD, MSCE, Julia D. Interrante PhD, MPH, Emily F. Gregory MD, MHS, Katy B. Kozhimannil PhD, MPA
{"title":"Rural–urban differences in health care access for postpartum parent and infant dyads","authors":"Sara C. Handley MD, MSCE, Julia D. Interrante PhD, MPH, Emily F. Gregory MD, MHS, Katy B. Kozhimannil PhD, MPA","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70062","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To examine differences in perinatal health between rural and urban postpartum parents and infants and within postpartum parent–infant dyads.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. Accounting for the complex survey design, we calculated weighted proportions of measures of self-rated health, health care utilization, and barriers to care and used chi-squared tests to assess rural–urban differences between postpartum parents and between infants, and repeated measures to test postpartum parent–infant differences within households in rural and urban counties.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study included 2019 rural postpartum parents, 2191 rural infants, 12,112 urban postpartum parents and 13,088 urban infants. Compared to urban postpartum parents, those living in rural areas were less likely to see an obstetrician–gynecologist (<i>p</i> = 0.002) had more emergency department (ED) visits (<i>p</i> = 0.030), reported more hospitalizations (<i>p</i> = 0.041), more frequently experienced uninsurance (<i>p</i> = 0.006), and lost Medicaid coverage after pregnancy (<i>p</i> = 0.006). While a higher proportion of urban infants were hospitalized than their rural counterparts (<i>p</i> = 0.019), other measures were similar. Accounting for dyad correlations, compared to infants, postpartum parents generally reported worse health (fair or poor self-rated health), and were more likely to experience ED visits, hospitalizations, loss of health care coverage, and barriers to care.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rural postpartum parents experience worse health than their urban counterparts and compared to their infants. Rural–urban differences in access were less common among infants, thus leveraging infant care systems for services to both the infant and postpartum parent may improve household health in all communities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jrh.70062","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mary Christensen PhD, Stacey Culp PhD, John V. Campo MD, Jeffrey A. Bridge PhD, Lisa Horowitz PhD
{"title":"Evaluation of the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool, Item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), pain, and opioid screening to detect suicide risk among rural adult primary care patients","authors":"Mary Christensen PhD, Stacey Culp PhD, John V. Campo MD, Jeffrey A. Bridge PhD, Lisa Horowitz PhD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70064","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluated psychometric properties of the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) and Item Nine of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ Item 9) to detect suicide risk in rural adult primary care and whether pain and opioid screening contributed to suicide risk detection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A sample of adult rural primary care patients (<i>N</i> = 214) completed suicide risk, pain, and opioid screening measures electronically; 48% of participants also completed a follow-up survey. Using the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ) as the criterion measure, psychometric properties for the ASQ and the PHQ Item 9 were compared using McNemar's test for proportions. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses explored associations between suicide risk, pain, opioid measures, and ASIQ results.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Approximately 4% (<i>N</i> = 8) of participants screened positive for suicide risk on the ASIQ relative to 11.7% (<i>N</i> = 25) on the ASQ and 3.7% (<i>N</i> = 8) on the PHQ Item 9. The ASQ had higher sensitivity (75.0%) than the PHQ Item 9 (50.0%); the difference was not statistically significant but may have clinical relevance. The PHQ Item 9 had significantly higher specificity (98.1%) than the full ASQ (91.0%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The ASQ, PHQ Item 9, depression scores, and LGBTQ+ status were significant predictors of ASIQ scores. Pain and opioid misuse were not.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Findings from this small sample provide preliminary support for the ASQ and PHQ Item 9 as suicide risk screens in rural adult primary care, but psychometric studies in larger samples are needed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144751527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Micah A. Skeens PhD, Adelaide Booze BA, Mark Ranalli MD, Anna Olsavsky PhD
{"title":"Understanding the influence of social determinants of health on symptom reporting in pediatric cancer","authors":"Micah A. Skeens PhD, Adelaide Booze BA, Mark Ranalli MD, Anna Olsavsky PhD","doi":"10.1111/jrh.70071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.70071","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Children with cancer experience significant symptom burden, worsened by social deprivation. This study examines social determinants of health, including Appalachian residency, influence on symptom burden.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Caregiver-child dyads were recruited within 1 year of cancer treatment. Addresses were coded for social determinants of health (SDOH) measures: Area Deprivation Index (ADI), rurality, medically underserved areas (MUA), and Appalachian residency. Total child symptom scores (0–31) were calculated for dyad reports using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Provider matching symptom reports were extracted from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics and correlations examined associations between child, caregiver, and provider symptom reports and SDOH. Significant correlations informed three multiple linear regression models examining SDOH predictors of child symptoms by reporter.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fifty-five caregiver-child dyads were recruited. Caregivers were 65.5% female and 87.3% White. Children were 50.9% male, 85% White, an average of 12 years old, 30.9% rural, and 20.0% Appalachian. ADI scores (<i>M</i> = 4.22) indicated moderate disadvantage, and 14.5% were medically underserved. On average, children reported 8.61 symptoms, while caregivers reported 7.15, and providers recorded 1.87 child symptoms. For children, a bivariate association and significant regression model revealed Appalachian children experienced a higher number of symptoms. For caregivers, bivariate associations indicated a higher ADI was associated with more symptoms. For providers, bivariate associations revealed higher symptoms were associated with rurality, MUA, and Appalachian residency, though only Appalachian residency remained significant in the regression model.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Results suggest Appalachian residency is associated with higher symptom burden for children with cancer. Findings support culturally sensitive care to minimize symptom burden.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50060,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rural Health","volume":"41 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jrh.70071","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144758585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}