An ambitious study looking to understand rural health gaps is taking the research to the doorsteps of those most affected.
The study, which aims to understand why rural communities in the southeastern U.S. experience a shorter life expectancy and higher rates of heart, lung blood and sleep-related diseases, is led by Vasan S. Ramachandran, dean of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health at UT San Antonio.
“The RURAL Cohort Study takes the science to the people,” Ramachandran said. “This award allows work to continue generating actionable knowledge that can improve prevention, treatment and long-term health outcomes for rural populations that have too often been overlooked in scientific studies.”
The custom-built examination unit is loaded with advanced clinical and imaging technology, including a CT scanner. The research will evaluate — through assessments like cardiovascular and lung health screenings and blood and genetic testing — approximately 4,600 residents across 10 rural counties.
The findings will reach farther though, as one in six Americans live in rural communities that experience disproportionate health concerns. The second phase of the study will reexamine participants across the four-state region to observe changes over time and how residents’ health are impacted by environmental, behavioral, biological and social factors.
What the researchers learn, through the collaborative effort of 16 U.S. institutions, will be invested back into the communities, with the goal of improving rural health outcomes.