chapter two: determinants of health in rural communities

Question 1

what factors influence health outcomes?

Answer 1

environmental and community context, economic landscape, socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and health care (*social determinants of health in rural communities)

genetics, behaviors, medical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment

Question 2

how do rural areas differ from urban areas?

Answer 2

transportation, infrastructure, better air quality, poorer water quality, increased risks from climate change and natural environment (toxic exposure), and limited access to the internet and cellular connectivity, poor rural infrastructure, and lack of access to healthy behaviors and resources

Question 3

structural racism

Answer 3

groups of people systematically treated differently through both overt and covert policies, programs, and behaviors

Question 4

examples of structural racism

Answer 4

housing discrimination, employment discrimination, inequitable policing, criminal justice enforcement and imprisonment, segregated neighborhoods with unequal access to resources, and macroaggressions in interpersonal interactions

Question 5

why is access to care difficult for rural residents?

Answer 5

shortages in health care workforce, closures of entire hospitals or units within hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities, rural residents are less likely than urban counterparts to receive recommended preventive care services, and financial barriers to care