Appalachians have been characterized as a population with numerous disparities in health and limited access to medical services and infrastructures, leading to inaccurate generalizations that inhibit their healthcare progress. Appalachians face significant challenges in obtaining effective care, and the public lacks information about both their healthcare needs and about the resources communities have developed to meet those needs.
In Appalachian Health and Well-Being, editors Robert L. Ludke and Phillip J. Obermiller bring together leading researchers and practitioners to provide a much-needed compilation of data- and research-driven perspectives, broadening our understanding of strategies to decrease the health inequalities affecting both rural and urban Appalachians. The contributors propose specific recommendations for necessary research, suggest practical solutions for health policy, and present best practices models for effective health intervention. This in-depth analysis offers new insights for students, health practitioners, and policy makers, promoting a greater understanding of the factors affecting Appalachian health and effective responses to those needs.
List of Illustrations ix
Foreword xi
Introduction 1
Part I Appalachian Health Determinants
1 Genetic Contributions to Health Melanie F. Myers Carol S. Baugh 27
2 Health and the Physical Environment Michael S. Hendryx 47
3 The Quest for an Appalachian Health Lifestyle Evelyn A. Knight 67
4 Health Care Systems Joel A. Halverson Gilbert H. Friedell Eleanor Sue Cantrell Bruce A. Behringer 89
Part II Appalachian Health Status
5 The Heart of Appalachia Ann L. McCracken E. Kelly Firesheets 111
6 Diabetes and Its Management Sharon A. Denham 131
7 Obesity and Food Insecurity Jennifer Chubinski Mark A. Carrozza 149
8 Cancer-Related Disparities James L. Fisher John M. McLaughlin Mira L. Katz Mary Ellen Wewers Mark B. Dignan Electra D. Paskett 167
9 Chronic Kidney Disease-A Hidden Illness Barbara B. Weaner Rebecca J. Schmidt 187
10 Trauma Levi D. Procter Andrew C. Bernard Paul A. Kearney Julia F. Costich 209
11 Mental Health Susan E. Keefe Lisa Curtin 223
12 Substance Abuse Michael S. Dunn Bruce A. Behringer Kristine Harper Bowers 251
13 Oral Health Daniel W. McNeil Richard J. Crout Mary L. Marazita 275
Part III Urban Appalachian Health
14 Identifying Appalachians Outside the Region Robert L. Ludke Phillip J. Obermiller Eric W. Rademacher Shiloh K. Turner 297
15 The Health Status and Health Determinants of Urban Appalachian Adults and Children Robert L. Ludke Phillip J. Obermiller Ronnie D. Horner 315
16 Community-Based Participatory Health Research in an Urban Appalachian Neighborhood M. Kathryn Brown 339
Acknowledgments 361
Selected Bibliography 363
List of Contributors 367
Index 371
Overview
Appalachians have been characterized as a population with numerous disparities in health and limited access to medical services and infrastructures, leading to inaccurate generalizations that inhibit their healthcare progress. Appalachians face significant challenges in obtaining effective care, and the public lacks information about both their healthcare needs and about the resources communities have developed to meet those needs.
In Appalachian Health and Well-Being, editors ...