Overcoming the triad of rural health disparities: How local culture, lack of economic opportunity, and geographic location instigate health disparities

• Published in: Health education journal Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 285 - 294
• Main Authors: Thomas, Tami L, DiClemente, Ralph, Snell, Samuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.05.2014; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Access to Health Care; Adolescents; Cancer; Composition; Cooperation; Cultural Influences; Culture; Economic Factors; Employment Opportunities; Equal opportunities; Geographic Isolation; Geographic Location; Georgia; Health; Health Behavior; Health care; Health inequalities; Health inequality; Health promotion; Health Services; Human papillomavirus; Immunization Programs; Leadership; Local culture; Prevention; Public health; Public Policy; Religion; Religious Factors; Risk; Rural Areas; Rural communities; Triads; U.S.A; Georgia; United States > US; USA; health promotion; health disparities; rural communities; access to care; culture; rural
• ISSN: 0017-8969; 1748-8176
• DOI: 10.1177/0017896912471049

Objective: To discuss how the effects of culture, economy, and geographical location intersect to form a gestalt triad determining health-related disparities in rural areas. Methods: We critically profile each component of the deterministic triad in shaping current health-related disparities in rural areas; evaluate the uniquely composed intersections of these disparities in relation to Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer prevention in three isolated rural Georgia counties; and develop implications for future leadership in rural healthcare research, policy, and practice. Results: The deterministic triad of culture, economy, and geographical location is unique to a rural community, and even if two rural communities experience the same health disparity, each community is likely to have a discretely different composition of cultural, economic, and geographic determinants. Conclusion: The deterministic triad presents a challenge for health policymakers, researchers, and practitioners trying to develop health-related interventions that are equitable, efficacious, and practical in low-resource rural communities. The situation is worsened by the limited opportunities for employment, which leads to greater disparities and creates propagating cultural norms that further reduce access to healthcare and opportunities for sustainable health promotion.