The birds and bees are in the air, the flowers are blooming, and there is new life in the air. Just because it's Spring, it doesn't mean rural health disparities have changed any much more. Which is why today's post is on..
3 Facts of Rural Health Disparities
1. Health disparities is not just based on rurality, but by race as well
For the most part, research has shown that there are disparities between rural America and urban America. However, when we dig deeper, it finds there are disparities among rural populations by race. In a study written by Kevin J. Bennett, PhD it looked at different rates of disease of rural black Americans compared to other racial groups. Rural black adults were found to be more at risk for obesity and diabetes.
2. Less access to care
Based on the same study, it found that rural blacks were less likely to have preventative visits for their diabetes. In addition, rural black residents were less likely to meet any CDC recommendations for physical activity.
3. Less access to care Part 2
Based on a recent finding by Amy Martin, DrPH, only backs up the results by Dr. Bennett. In her research, it looked at the location of free clinics, which serves to treat populations with lower income levels. The results showed that 22% of clinics were located in rural areas. The most astounding result from the study? 17 states had no free clinics in rural areas.
Final Thoughts
Today, we've highlighted the health disparities between rural and urban. Unfortunately, for rural populations these disparities are magnified because the lack of care. What you can do is to help give to organizations running free clinics and help write to your local congressmen or congresswomen about the need for funding in rural areas.
References
Bennett KJ, Olatosi B, Probst JC, Health Disparities: A Rural-Urban Chartbook, June 2008
Martin A, Bhavsar G, Workman L, Probst, JC, Free Clinics in the Rural Safety Net, September 2015
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