American Indians and Alaska Natives: Rural Health Research Products & Journal Articles

2023

Availability of Dialysis Facilities in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2023
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. The brief looks at the availability of dialysis providers in minoritized racial/ethnic areas.
Availability of Primary Care Safety Net Providers in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2023
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at the distance to the nearest primary care safety net provider.
Maniilaq Health Center: Providing High-Quality Obstetric Care to American Indian/Alaska Native People in Rural Kotzebue, Alaska
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
Date: 06/2023
This case study highlights a hospital providing care to rural American Indian and Alaska Native patients within the state of Alaska. The study examines the maternity care context with attention to the intersection of race and geography with social determinants of health.
Access to Health Services Across Rural and Urban Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 03/2023
This brief summarizes selected results from a series of reports documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for rural and urban places that have a relatively high proportion of residents from minoritized racial and ethnic groups. "Areas" were examined at the ZIP Code Tabulation Area level.

2022

Availability of Hospital-Based Emergency Department and Trauma Services in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at the availability of hospital-based emergency department and trauma services at the ZCTA level.
Availability of Nursing Homes in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at the availability of nursing homes at the ZCTA level.
Availability of Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at spatial availability and travel burden for substance use disorder care at the ZCTA level.
Availability of Home Health Services in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at the availability of home health services in minoritized racial/ethnic areas.
Availability of Medicare-Certified Hospice Services in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2022
This is one of a series of briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This brief explores access to hospice services.
Availability of Pharmacies in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at access to pharmacies.
Examining the Association Between Rurality and Positive Childhood Experiences Among a National Sample
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2022
Using the full National Survey of Children's Health with all 50 states and the District of Columbia, this study examined rural-urban differences in positive childhood experiences.
Spatial Access to Hospital-based Obstetric Units in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at spatial access to hospital-based obstetric units in minoritized racial/ethnic areas.
Increased Rates of Death From Unintentional Injury Among Non-Hispanic White, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Nonmetropolitan Communities
Policy Brief
Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
Date: 07/2022
This brief examines the rate of fatal and nonfatal unintentional injuries in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas, with a focus on the effects of race/ethnicity.
Rural Children With 4+ Adverse Childhood Experiences Often Lack Positive Experiences
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 07/2022
This research explored the proportion of rural children with adverse childhood experiences who lack positive childhood experience exposure.
The Problem of the Color Line: Place, Race, and Access to Health Care in America
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 02/2022
Using ZIP Code Tabulation Area boundaries and associated rural-urban commuting area codes, urban and rural places with the largest share of minoritized racial and ethnic groups were identified. A StoryMap was then created to illustrate disparities experienced based on where Indigenous populations and people of color reside spatially.

2021

Rural Health Network Development Planning Grants Awarded to Entities in Counties With Majority Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color Populations, 2003-2020
Policy Brief
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
Date: 05/2021
The purpose of this policy brief is to describe the prevalence of Rural Health Network Development Planning Grants awarded to organizations located in counties where the population is majority Black, majority Hispanic, majority Indigenous, has no majority racial or ethnic group, or is located in a U.S. territory.
The Intersection of Rural Residence and Minority Race/Ethnicity in Cancer Disparities in the United States
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 02/2021
This manuscript summarizes how racism and social determinants of health disproportionately affect rural racial/ethnic minorities, offers a review of the cancer disparities rural racial/ethnic minorities face, and recommends policy, research, and intervention to reduce these disparities.

2020

Rural-Urban and Racial/Ethnic Trends and Disparities in Early-Onset and Average-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 10/2020
The study's objective was to examine joint rural-urban differences in early onset colorectal cancer and average onset colorectal cancer incidence rates across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.

2019

Congestive Heart Failure-Related Hospital Deaths Across the Urban-Rural Continuum in the United States
Journal Article
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 12/2019
This study examines congestive heart failure (CHF)-related, in-hospital mortality across six levels of rurality and four census regions. Results indicated CHF-related hospital admissions in small metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore areas, compared to large central metropolitan areas, were more likely to result in death.
Rural Counties With Majority Black or Indigenous Populations Suffer the Highest Rates of Premature Death in the U.S.
Journal Article
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
Date: 12/2019
Despite well-documented health disparities by rurality and race/ethnicity, research investigating racial/ethnic health differences among U.S. rural residents is limited. We used county-level data to measure and compare premature death rates in rural counties by each county's majority racial/ethnic group.
Rural-Urban Differences in Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the U.S., 2007-15
Journal Article
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
Date: 12/2019
In the U.S., severe maternal morbidity and mortality (SMMM) is climbing—a reality that is especially challenging for rural communities, which face declining access to obstetric services. Using data for 2007-15 from the National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed SMMM during childbirth hospitalizations among rural and urban residents.
Prevalence and Mortality of Heart Disease and Related Conditions: Disparities Affecting the South, Rural Areas, and American Indian and Alaska Natives
Policy Brief
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 11/2019
This policy brief identifies trends in the prevalence of stroke, heart disease, and heart attack while also assessing trends in mortality for heart disease and related conditions across the nation. The study examined whether disease-related mortality and prevalence varied across place and time.
Social Determinants of Health Among Rural American Indian and Alaska Native Populations
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 07/2019
This policy brief is the third in a series of four policy briefs prepared by the Rural and Minority Health Research Center on the topic of social determinants of health. In this brief, we document current disparities within the rural American Indian and Alaska Native population.

2015

Poorer Quality Outcomes of Medicare-Certified Home Health Care in Areas With High Levels of Native American/Alaska Native Residents
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 04/2015
Examines CMS quality indicators in home healthcare to determine disparities in rural areas with high population of Native American or Alaska Natives.

2009

Trends in Perinatal and Infant Health Disparities Between Rural American Indians and Alaska Natives and Rural Whites
Journal Article
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 04/2009
Examines perinatal care, birth outcomes, and infant health between rural American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) persons and rural Whites over time. Despite significant decreases in inadequate prenatal care and postneonatal death among American Indians and Alaska Natives, additional measures are needed to close health gaps for this group.

2008

Access to Specialty Health Care for Rural American Indians in Two States
Journal Article
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 06/2008
Examines access to specialty services among rural Indian populations in Montana and New Mexico, based on a survey sent to primary care providers addressing access to specialty physicians, perceived barriers to access, and access to nonphysician clinical services.
National Trends in the Perinatal and Infant Health of Rural American Indians (AIs) and Alaska Natives (ANs): Have the Disparities Between AI/ANs and Whites Narrowed?
Policy Brief
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 06/2008
This policy brief provides an overview of findings from a study examining trends in prenatal care receipt, low-birthweight rates, neonatal and postneonatal death rates, and cause of death among rural American Indians/Alaska Natives and whites between 1985 and 1997.
National Trends in the Perinatal and Infant Health of Rural American Indians (AIs) and Alaska Natives (ANs): Have the Disparities Between AI/ANs and Whites Narrowed? (Final Report)
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 06/2008
This study examines whether disparities in perinatal care and birth outcomes between rural American Indians and Alaska Natives and whites diminished during a period of policy and funding changes in maternal/child health.

2007

Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Health Care for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2007
This policy brief reports findings from a study assessing health insurance coverage and access to healthcare among American Indian and Alaska Native elders using data from a national survey that included more than 8,300 Native elders.
The Impact of Health Insurance Coverage on Native Elder Health: Implications for Addressing the Health Care Needs of Rural Native American Elders
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2007
This study examines health insurance coverage and access to healthcare among American Indian and Alaska Native elders, defined as 55 years or older. The authors conclude it is essential to develop policies that address the financial, geographical, and cultural aspects that negatively impact access to culturally appropriate healthcare.

2006

Health Risks Factors Among American Indians and Alaska Native Elders
Journal Article
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 2006
Chronic disease rates are higher among American Indian and Alaska Native elders although they exercise more and have higher rates of participation in multiple exercise activities. Research concerning the relationship between chronic disease and health risk factors is limited for American Indian and Alaska Native elder populations. This paper indicated results of an analysis of the effect of risk factors on chronic disease from a survey of 9,296 Native elders, representing 171 tribes from 88 sites. The sampling design employed systematic random sampling for larger tribes, with smaller tribes (fewer than 200) interviewing all or the majority of their elders. The data suggest that smokers, drinkers, and non-exercisers are at increase risk for chronic disease.

2005

Prevalence of Chronic Disease Among American Indian and Alaska Native Elders
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2005
This report examines chronic disease prevalence and functional limitations among American Indian/Alaska Natives by rurality, gender, age, healthcare access, and health behaviors. It includes policy recommendations.
More Culturally Sensitive Neuropsychological Tests (and Normative Data) Needed
Journal Article
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 04/2005
Discusses the need for culturally sensitive tests and normative data regarding the Native elder population.
Chronic Disease and Functional Limitation Among American Indian and Alaska Native Elders
Journal Article
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 2005
Reports the results of an analysis of chronic disease's effect on functional limitation from a survey of 7,107 Native elders representing 143 tribes from 77 sites.
Chronic Disease in American Indian/Alaska Native Elders
Journal Article
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 2005
This journal article describes the prevalence of chronic diseases among Native American elders.

2004

Indian Health Care Improvement Act: Implications for North Dakota Tribes
Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 11/2004
This policy brief provides an overview of healthcare issues facing American Indians in North Dakota, with discussion of the impact of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
American Indians and Alaska Natives: How Do They Find Their Path to Medical School?
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 01/2004
This paper describes the findings of a study to understand the paths of American Indian and Alaska Native students who successfully entered medical school.

2002

Perinatal and Infant Health Among Rural and Urban American Indians/Alaska Natives
Journal Article
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 09/2002
Provides a national profile of rural and urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) maternal and infant health.