Stella Self, PhD, MS

Phone: 864.455.1880
Email: scwatson@mailbox.sc.edu

Epidemiology and Biostatistics
University of South Carolina
220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 204
Columbia, SC 29210

Current Projects - (2)

Oral Healthcare Utilization and Outcomes of Rural and Urban Medicaid-Insured Children in the United States
Using nationally representative Medicaid claims data, this project will determine rural-urban differences in the prevalence of early childhood caries, preventative dental visits, and restorative dental visits.
Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Topics: Children and adolescents, Health disparities and health equity, Medicaid and CHIP, Oral health, Rural statistics and demographics
Spatial Distribution of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Need and Care
The incidence of HIV is disproportionately high in rural areas, but these communities often lack access to evidence-based interventions to prevent new HIV diagnoses such as PrEP. Using Medicaid claims data and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Provider file, this study will determine geographic disparities (by rurality and region) in the need for PrEP and PrEP availability and identify whether PrEP availability meets the needs across geography.
Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Pharmacy and prescription drugs

Geographic Variations in Urban-Rural Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentrations in the United States, 2010–2019
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2024
The purpose of this project was to compare fine particulate matter 2.5 across U.S. Census tracts, specifically focusing on rural vs. urban differences between 2010 and 2019.

Assessing Key Indicators of Rural Versus Urban Water Quality
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2023
This study presents a summary of water quality monitoring data sources and models, identifies the gaps that persist, and proposes the salient categories and types of data that should be contained in a national water quality monitoring database to accurately describe rural water quality.
Assessing Geographic Variability in Key Indicators of Air Quality: A Rural vs. Urban Comparison of Pollution and Socio-Economic Factors
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 03/2023
The purpose of this study was to examine rates of air pollution between rural and urban census tracts. In addition, urban-rural disparities in exposure to polluted air across Environmental Protection Agency-defined regions were examined.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Independent and Provider-Based Rural Health Clinics' Operations and Cancer Prevention and Screening Provision in the United States
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 03/2023
The provision of Rural Health Clinic (RHC) cancer prevention and screening services was examined to identify any changes pre- and peri-pandemic. The research examined overall provision of cancer prevention and screening services by RHCs and the provision of these services by independent RHCs and by provider-based RHCs .

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Health Clinics' Operations and Cancer Prevention and Control Efforts
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2022
This study surveyed a stratified random sample of Rural Health Clinics throughout the country to examine how the pandemic has affected their overall operations and provision of cancer prevention and control services.
The Involvement of Rural Health Clinic Practitioners in Cancer Treatment Decisions and Survivorship Care
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 10/2022
This study examined Rural Health Clinics' practitioner involvement in cancer treatment decisions, management of side effects, surveillance, and survivorship care.