AJMC July 1, 2021
With systemic health and social inequalities contributing to a lack of health care access and a growing mortality risk among rural Americans, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated health issues present between community lines. We spotlight several health challenges in these communities and potential solutions to improve the general health of rural populations.
Although systemic health and social inequalities have long existed in rural communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the significant health challenges facing rural Americans who are more likely to have chronic conditions associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, such as blood pressure and obesity, as well as a greater risk of overall mortality.
Published in JAMA Network Open, a study examining the rural-urban disparity in US mortality across...