Social Determinants of Health and the Effects on Quality of Life and Well-being in 2 Rural Appalachia Communities: The Community Members' Perspective and Implications for Health Disparities

Fam Community Health. 2018 Oct/Dec;41(4):244-254. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000201.

Abstract

Recent evidence highlights health disparities among rural communities. The purpose of this study was to learn from members of 2 Appalachia communities in North Carolina about barriers to health and well-being. Researchers conducted 3 focus groups (n = 24), which were coded and analyzed by a team of researchers to identify themes. Researchers identified 5 themes: (1) poverty/lack of economic opportunity; (2) access to health care and health resources; (3) social/mental health challenges; (4) food insecurity/hunger; and (5) youth/older adults being most vulnerable to health disparities. Ample evidence suggests that rural Appalachia is in dire need of public health attention.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Rural Population
  • Social Determinants of Health / standards*