Dual disparities: The intersection of geography with race and ethnicity

Since its inception, the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center (SCRHRC) has focused on examining the problems experienced by poor and minority rural populations in order to guide research, policy, advocacy and legislation. Our research has documented multiple domains, from self-reported health status through mortality, in which living in a rural area exacerbates disparities associated with minority race/ethnicity.  For example, while 19% of urban African American adults report poor health, 26% of rural African American adults do so. Examining mortality in a cohort of middle aged adults (ages 45 - 64), our Center found that while 5.5% of urban, white adults died before reaching age 65, parallel values among African American incresed to 8.9% for urban  African American adults and to 11.4% among similar rural adults.  In multiple studies, SCRHRC research has identified rural minority disparities in health status, obesity, receipt of preventive services, receipt of diabetes care, potentially preventable hospitalizations, travel for care, and oral health. During the proposed session, the most cogent disparities will be highlighted, along with policy recommendations for reducing the penalties associated with residence in rural America.