Rural Health
Research Gateway

Minority health

Completed Projects

Listed by project completion date. You can also view these projects alphabetically.

2024

  • Rural-Urban Differences in Medicaid Utilization
    Nationwide, approximately 1 in 4 rural residents are insured by Medicaid, yet we lack basic understanding of rural-urban differences in Medicaid utilization.
    Research center: North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center
    Topics: Medicaid and CHIP, Minority health
  • Rural/Urban and Racial/Ethnic Inequities in Patient-Reported Health Care Access and Quality among Medicare Beneficiaries with Lung or Colorectal Cancer
    Incidence and mortality for colorectal and lung cancer are higher among rural versus urban residents, but many rural cancer patients lack accessible, high-quality care. This study 1) Identified rural/urban inequities in Medicare cancer patient-reported health care access and quality and 2) Determined if rural racial/ethnic minority patients have worse health care access and quality than rural White patients.
    Research center: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
    Topics: Cancer, Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Maternal health, Medicare, Minority health, Quality

2023

  • Availability of Healthcare Infrastructure in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Groups
    This analysis compared the likelihood that selected healthcare infrastructure elements are available within rural and urban ZIP Code Tabulation Areas that contain versus do not contain a high proportion of historically disadvantaged minority residents.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Hispanics, Home health, Long-term care, Minority health
  • Improving Racial Equity for Rural Mothers and Infants
    The purpose of this project was to assess differences in maternal and infant health outcomes and access to perinatal care, among urban and rural counties. We also compared health outcomes and availability of services, including evidence-based services and supports, between rural counties that are majority Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with those that are majority white.
    Research center: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Hospitals and clinics, Maternal health, Minority health, Rural statistics and demographics, Social determinants of health, Women
  • Rural-Urban Differences in Three Domains of Access to Health Care Services
    This study proposed to leverage 2018 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine rural-urban and racial/ethnic differences within rural in three domains of access to health care services (affordability, accommodation, and acceptability) that are less frequently examined in population-based surveys.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Minority health
  • Rural/Urban Differences in Health and Health Care Access for LGBT Adults
    The purpose of this project was to identify rural/urban differences in health and health care access for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults. We also identified within-rural differences among LGBT adults by race, ethnicity, age, disability status, and socio-economic status. Finally, we identified examples of best practices supporting LGBT health and wellness in rural areas.
    Research center: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Aging, Cancer, Disabilities, Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+), Mental and behavioral health, Minority health, Poverty, Rural statistics and demographics, Social determinants of health
  • Rural/Urban Differences in Postpartum Health Insurance, Healthcare Use, and Health Outcomes
    The purpose of this project was to identify rural/urban differences in health insurance, healthcare use, and health outcomes among postpartum individuals, and to describe policy-relevant implications or strategies to improve insurance coverage, receipt of recommended healthcare, and, ultimately, health outcomes among rural residents who give birth. With a lens towards health equity, all analyses were stratified by race/ethnicity and income.
    Research center: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Healthcare financing, Hispanics, Hospitals and clinics, Legislation and regulation, Maternal health, Medicaid and CHIP, Minority health, Private health insurance, Women

2022

  • Cancer Prevention and Control Activities in Rural Hospitals
    This project aimed to understand how rural hospitals perceive and implement evidence-based cancer screening and treatment and related intervention strategies.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Cancer, Hospitals and clinics, Minority health
  • Evaluating the Rural HIV/AIDS Planning Grant Program
    The Rural HIV/AIDS Planning Grant program is administered by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to plan and develop healthcare networks designed to address HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in states disproportionately impacted by the virus. This project identified factors that facilitate and impede success of such planning efforts.
    Research center: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Care management, Chronic diseases and conditions, Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Minority health, Networking and collaboration
  • Planning and Pilot Testing of Evidence-Based Cancer Prevention and Control Interventions with Rural Health Clinics
    This project leveraged growing collaborative efforts between the Rural and Minority Health Research Center, South Carolina Office of Rural Health, South Carolina Primary Health Care Association, and Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare to assess and improve cancer prevention and control among rural South Carolina residents.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Cancer, Minority health, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)
  • Rural and Urban Variation in Family Physicians' Demographics and Practices
    This project examined changes in personal demographics of family physicians comparing urban and rural areas, how these changes aligned with those of the populations they serve, and how rural physician practices have changed over time. This project used American Board of Family Medicine data.
    Research center: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Minority health, Physicians, Rural statistics and demographics
  • Rural-Urban Differences in Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences: Results from the National Survey of Children's Health
    Using the 2016-2018 National Survey of Children's Health, the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) exposure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia were examined and whether ACE and PCE exposure differed between rural and urban residents, by type, by count, and by racial/ethnic group.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Children and adolescents, Hispanics, Minority health, Social determinants of health
  • Rural-Urban Differences in Child and Adolescent Mental Health pre and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
    This project examined rural-urban differences in the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as examined rural-urban differences in access to mental health care professionals and the receipt of care from a mental health professional before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Children and adolescents, Health disparities and health equity, Health services, Mental and behavioral health, Minority health

2020

  • Disparities in Preventive Care by Race and Ethnicity Among Rural Adults
    The purpose of this project is to identify differences in access to and use of preventive care by race and ethnicity among rural residents. Results from this project will identify racial/ethnic disparities that exist within rural communities and may guide targeted interventions to improve equity and increase access to high-quality healthcare for all rural residents.
    Research center: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Healthcare access, Hispanics, Minority health, Rural statistics and demographics
  • Risky Substance Use Among Adolescents and Adults in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Counties
    Little research has examined the prevalence of risky substance use (alcohol and drugs) among nonmetropolitan adolescents and adults relative to their metropolitan counterparts. Using nationally representative data, this project shed new light on the prevalence and correlates of risky substance use that could inform prevention strategies.
    Research center: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Health disparities and health equity, Health promotion and disease prevention, Mental and behavioral health, Minority health, Substance use and treatment
  • Rural Colon and Cervical Cancer Environmental Scan
    Detailed research was needed to provide a complex, textured picture of rural healthcare and the ways in which existing federally supported providers could provide adequate services across the continuum of cancer care from prevention through survivorship.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Cancer, Minority health

2019

  • Promotion of Rural Health Research Center Attendance at Cancer-Related Meetings
    This project will promote attendance at cancer-related meetings by Rural Health Research Centers by facilitating the dissemination of information regarding important cancer meetings and handling the travel arrangements for Rural Health Research Center personnel.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Cancer, Minority health
  • Social Determinants of Health Among Minority Populations in Rural America
    This project compiled information from the U.S. Census, the Area Health Resource File, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Rankings data set into a comprehensive summary of key social determinants of health among rural populations: demographic characteristics, economic characteristics, health facility availability, and selected health outcomes.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Minority health, Rural statistics and demographics, Social determinants of health

2018

  • The Burden of Diabetes in Rural America
    The purpose of this project was to determine rural versus urban differences in type 2 diabetes prevalence, morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Diabetes complications, disparities and associated demographics were reported. A comparison of Mexican-American border versus non-border states was also included.
    Research center: Southwest Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Chronic diseases and conditions, Diabetes, Health disparities and health equity, Minority health

2017

  • Rural-Urban Differences in Medicare Service Use and Expenditures in the Last Six Months of Life
    Patterns of end-of-life care are known to vary by rurality and by minority status, and the availability of facilities such as hospice also vary with rurality. This study will examine the relationship between level of service use during the last six months of life and facility availability in county of residence (hospital, SNF, IRF, home health, hospice), as well as minority status of the beneficiary and whether the beneficiary is also eligible for Medicaid ("dual eligible").
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Aging, Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare, Minority health
  • Transitions of Care Among Rural Medicare Beneficiaries: The Care Continuum
    Because they are often hospitalized outside their home community, rural Medicare beneficiaries may experience a different sequence of services after discharge than do urban beneficiaries. This study will follow beneficiaries across the continuum of post-hospital care to determine if rural beneficiaries, particularly minority beneficiaries, are more likely to experience care disruption and adverse outcomes, such as re-hospitalization.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Medicare, Minority health

2016

  • Identification of Highly Vulnerable Counties: The Intersection of Race, Poverty, and Health Care Resources
    The United States rural population has changed since the 2000 Census; minority populations have increased while overall population growth has slowed. This analysis will identify places of high vulnerability, defined as counties with high proportions of poor and/or minority populations with low or reduced healthcare resources.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Minority health, Uninsured and underinsured

2015

  • Post-Acute Stroke Care Delivery for Rural Medicare Beneficiaries
    Post-stroke rehabilitation has been shown to improve outcomes among patients, but the limited available evidence suggests that rural residents and African Americans are less likely to receive this care. Our analysis will determine whether residence or race-based disparities exist in post-stroke care, after taking into consideration differences in patient status.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Medicare, Minority health, Post-acute care

2014

2013

  • Racial and Rural Differences in Cervical Cancer Screening Practices
    The purpose of this study is to describe and compare racial and rural differences in cervical cancer screening practices using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The findings will inform policies to increase appropriate access to quality cancer-preventive services.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Cancer, Health promotion and disease prevention, Minority health, Women

2012

  • Rural Border Chartbook
    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).
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Hispanics, Minority health

2011

  • Premature Mortality: Potential Role of Health Insurance in Moderating Race/Ethnicity and Rural/Urban Disparities
    This project will explore the degree to which lack of health insurance may contribute to high mortality rates among rural minority men and women aged 45-64.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Minority health, Uninsured and underinsured
  • Transitions in Care for Rural Medicare Beneficiaries with Diabetes
    Hospital readmission rates among persons with diabetes, as well as absolute admission rates, may be used to study health disparities among rural and minority populations. This project will use data from the Medicare Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse to explore residence- and race-based disparities in diabetes admission rates, effective transitions to outpatient care, and re-admission rates, to help guide rural policy-makers and healthcare providers.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Chronic diseases and conditions, Diabetes, Health disparities and health equity, Medicare, Minority health

2009

  • Chartbook: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Health of Rural Populations
    This study will provide a cross-sectional, descriptive study that uses large, nationally representative data sets to illustrate health and health care among rural populations. The data sets to be used include the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, and the Area Resource File.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Minority health, Rural statistics and demographics

2008

  • Rural-Urban Differences In The Use, Type, And Quality Of Depression Treatment
    As access to evidence-based treatment for affective disorders (major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder) improves in urban areas, it is critical to monitor rural-urban differences in the use and quality of treatment over time to identify and address rural disparities, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and ethnic minorities.
    Research center: WICHE Center for Rural Mental Health Research
    Topics: Aging, Health disparities and health equity, Mental and behavioral health, Minority health

2007

2006

  • Impact of Health Insurance Coverage on Native Elder Health: Implications for Addressing the Health Care Needs of Rural American Indian Elders
    This project examined the types of health insurance coverage of rural Native American elders ages 55 and older, and examine how different types of health insurance coverage and lack of health insurance coverage impact access to health care services among Native American elders by geographic location (rural frontier, rural non-frontier and urban).
    Research center: Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Aging, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Frontier health, Healthcare access, Minority health, Private health insurance, Rural statistics and demographics, Uninsured and underinsured
  • Mode of Travel and Actual Distance Traveled for Medical or Dental Care by Rural Residents
    This project examined the influence of race and rural isolation on distance traveled to receive medical or dental care, and how the potential interaction of these factors might exacerbate disparities in access to care.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Health services, Minority health, Oral health, Transportation

2005

  • Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder across Rural Populations
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Mental and behavioral health, Minority health
  • Diabetes and Hypertension in Rural Hispanics
    The project will examine the similarities and differences between rural and urban Hispanics and Caucasian adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Chronic diseases and conditions, Diabetes, Health disparities and health equity, Hispanics, Minority health
  • How Rural Hospitals Are Meeting the Needs of Low-English Proficiency Patients
    This study will determine the extent to which rural hospitals have implemented plans for compliance with the DHHS Low-English Proficiency regulations, describe the difficulties rural hospitals must overcome in order to provide health care to Hispanic clients, ascertain the translation techniques most commonly used by rural hospitals, and describe the most effective approaches in the provision of culturally competent health care to Hispanic clients.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Hispanics, Legislation and regulation, Minority health
  • National Trends in the Perinatal and Infant Health Care of Rural and Urban American Indians (AIs) and Alaska Natives (ANs)
    This project examined and compared trends in prenatal care and mortality rates of rural and urban AI/AN and non-AI/AN populations in order to determine the level of disparity between these populations and their temporal changes.
    Research center: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Children and adolescents, Health disparities and health equity, Maternal health, Minority health
  • Native Elder Care Needs Assessment: Development of a Long Term Care Planning Tool Kit
    A long term care planning tool kit will assist tribes with interpreting long term care data obtained through a national Native Elder Care Needs Assessment. It will also assist tribes in using the data to develop long term care infrastructure and comprehensive services that respond to local needs and services.
    Research center: FORHP-funded Individual Grantees
    Topics: Aging, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Long-term care, Minority health
  • Rural Minority Health: A Comprehensive Assessment
    This study will profile demographics of rural African Americans by region of the U.S.; describe clinical problems prevalent in rural African American populations; explore available health care facilities and practitioners in rural areas; investigate outpatient treatment provided to rural African American populations by type of practitioner; explore expenditures for health care among rural African Americans by region of the U.S.; and determine barriers to care such as insurance, provider availability, and health beliefs and behaviors.
    Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
    Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Minority health, Rural statistics and demographics

2004

2003

2002

2001

Unknown

  • Access to Cancer Services for Rural Colorectal Cancer Medicare Patients: A Multi-State Study
    This study examined a comprehensive database to quantify the distance and access to four types of cancer services in a sample of rural, Medicare-insured, CRC patients of different racial and ethnic groups, and will inform future work designed to understand discrepancies in cancer service use by the rural elderly in different racial and ethnic groups.
    Research center: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Aging, Cancer, Chronic diseases and conditions, Health services, Medicare, Minority health