Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Project Title

Healthcare Access Barriers in Rural America

Authors

Lakyn E. Jolly, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Domain

Applied Sciences

Abstract

• In rural America, the path to accessing healthcare is met with many challenges. These challenges can present geographically and structurally within rural healthcare systems, as well as larger healthcare delivery entities. Due to these access barriers, rural Americans are at higher risk for developing poor health outcomes, as compared to their urban counterparts. Among these are higher mortality and morbidity rates, higher instances of chronic conditions, and higher rates of childhood obesity. Because rural communities are at risk for adverse health outcomes, it is vital that research and policy be geared toward reducing barriers to accessing healthcare within this population. To effectively understand the needs of this unique cultural cohort, healthcare institutions and agencies should utilize community-based participatory research (CBPR) to identify specific areas for improvement in the delivery and quality of rural healthcare. CBPR would reduce health disparities and improve quality of life for rural communities.

Mentor Name

Renee Causey-Upton

Mentor Email

renee.causey-upton@eku.edu

Recommended Citation

Jolly, Lakyn E. (2019) "Healthcare Access Barriers in Rural America," Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://encompass.eku.edu/kjus/vol3/iss1/8