Health Disparities in Rural Wyoming and Mississippi
Author Information
Author(s): Jansen Taylor
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
This study aims to examine the health disparities faced by rural populations by examining county-level 65+ outcomes in Wyoming and Mississippi.
Conclusion
Rural populations in Wyoming reported better health outcomes compared to urban areas, while rural minorities in Mississippi faced worse health indicators.
Supporting Evidence
- Rural counties in Wyoming reported lower morbidity despite having fewer primary care physicians.
- The two frontier counties with a Native American reservation had the lowest life expectancy and highest homicide rates.
- Predominately Black rural counties in Mississippi reported worse health outcomes compared to predominately White rural counties.
Takeaway
People living in rural areas of Wyoming are generally healthier than those in cities, but rural Black communities in Mississippi have a lot of health problems.
Methodology
Bivariate statistical analyses and mapping were conducted using data from the 2023 Wyoming and Mississippi Healthy Aging Data Reports.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on rural populations aged 65 and older in Wyoming and Mississippi, including racial minorities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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