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. 2021 Jun;37(3):460-466.
doi: 10.1111/jrh.12562. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

State health disparities research in Rural America: Gaps and future directions in an era of COVID-19

Lisa Cacari Stone  1 , Mary C Roary  2 , Augusto Diana  3 , Patricia A Grady  3
Affiliations

State health disparities research in Rural America: Gaps and future directions in an era of COVID-19

Lisa Cacari Stone et al. J Rural Health. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: In an era of the COVID-19 pandemic, improving health outcomes for diverse rural communities requires collective and sustained actions across transdisciplinary researchers, intersectoral partners, multilevel government action, and authentic engagement with those who carry the burden-rural communities.

Methods: Drawing from an analysis of transcriptions and documents from a national workshop on the "State of Rural Health Disparities: Research Gaps and Recommendations," this brief report underscores the gaps and priorities for future strategies for tackling persistent rural health inequities.

Findings: Four overarching recommendations were provided by national thought leaders in rural health: (1) create mechanisms to allow the rural research community time to build sustainable community-based participatory relationships; (2) support innovative research designs and approaches relevant to rural settings; (3) sustain effective interventions relevant to unique challenges in rural areas; and (4) recognize and identify the diversity within and across rural populations and adapt culturally and language-appropriate approaches.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 public health crisis has exacerbated disparities for rural communities and underscored the need for diverse community-centered approaches in health research and dedicated funding to rural service agencies and populations.

Keywords: COVID-19; chronic disease; community interventions; health disparities; rural health.

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Figures

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Figure 1
Central themes and subthemes
Figure 1
Figure 1
Central themes and subthemes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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