This chartbook is the first study to examine the health status of residents living in U.S. counties that border Mexico as a single region rather than as four distinct state areas. We examined select health status indicators among residents of the four border states, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, comparing indicators by ethnicity (Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic), rurality (rural vs. urban), and proximity to border (border vs. non-border).

Statement of the problem - A majority of research related to the health of U.S. residents living near the Mexico border has examined selected health topics or locations within border states. There is little documentation of the health status and health care utilization among persons residing on the U.S. side of the entire U.S.-Mexico border. This chartbook is the first study to examine U.S. counties that border Mexico as a single region rather than as four distinct state areas.

Project goals - This chartbook is the first study to examine the health status of residents living in U.S. counties that border Mexico as a single region rather than as four distinct state areas. We examined select health status indicators among residents of the four border states, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, comparing indicators by ethnicity (Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic), rurality (rural vs. urban), and proximity to border (border vs. non-border).

Methods - We conducted descriptive and bivariate analyses using data from three sources: 2005-2009 State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Surveys obtained from four border states (Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas), 2006-2009 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), and 2008 Area Resource File (ARF). Counties in each state were defined as border or non-border based on the definition provided by the United States Border Health Commission.

Anticipated publications or products - A descriptive chartbook will be published, out of which numerous manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, rapid response policy briefs for ORHP, and scholarly presentations will be developed.

Publications

• Rural Border Health Chartbook
  Rural and Minority Health Research Center
  Date: 01/2013
  The chartbook examines potential geographic and ethnic disparities among U.S. border residents and describes select indicators related to access to care, women's preventive services, oral health, infectious and communicable diseases, and mental health that have been identified as disparities.
• Rural Border Health Chartbook (Key Facts)
  Rural and Minority Health Research Center
  Date: 01/2013
  This report examines potential geographic and ethnic disparities among U.S. border residents and describes select indicators related to access to care, women's preventive services, oral health, infectious and communicable diseases, and mental health that have been identified as disparities.