Health Disparities in Rural Georgia: A Case Study of Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties

Health disparities can be defined as differences in the health status among distinct segments of the population including differences that occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education, income, disability, or living in various geographic localities. When populations are disproportionately unhealthy, they are likely to be unable to maintain steady employment, and are more likely to rely on government assistance and support from others. We conduct a case study of three rural counties; Liberty, Long, and McIntosh to explore what factors explain the incidence of health disparities manifested in high blood pressure and heart disease. We test the hypotheses that older individuals are more likely to experience illness at a higher rate than the rest of the population. Additionally, educated individuals are more efficient producers of healthy outcomes, and blacks face greater disparities in health outcomes. Using survey data collected from the three counties, we apply logistic regression analysis and confirm the presence of health disparities among older individuals and black men with high blood pressure. Additionally, the presence of high cholesterol can exacerbate the incidence of chronic high blood and heart diseases, and educated women are less likely to have high blood pressure.Health disparities, high blood pressure, heart disease, rural community, logistic model, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Health Economics and Policy, I100, I120, I180,

Health Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Pressure Among Adults in Rural Underserved Communities

Purpose: This study examined the factors contributing to health disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high blood pressure (HBP) among adults in three rural underserved communities in southeast Georgia. Socioeconomic status as well as geographic location plays a significant role in one’s quality of health outcomes. Methods: Individuals in three counties in southern Georgia participated in the study. The study was motivated by review of retrospective data from the 2008 Georgia Cardiovascular Health Initiative (CVHI) database to explain the factors contributing to the incidence of health disparities. A survey questionnaire was administered by telephone to adult members of households to determine the incidence of health disparities in CVD and HBP among rural African American and White adult populations. Six hundred respondents participated in the survey but four hundred completed surveys were used in the study, yielding a 67% response rate. Data were analyzed using applied multivariate logistic analysis. Findings: Findings indicated that older men and male residents in Counties A and B regardless of racial background were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with both HBP and CVD. College educated women were significantly less likely to have HBP. Findings also revealed that married men were significantly less likely to have CVD. Uncontrolled elevated cholesterol levels contributed to the incidence of chronic HBP and CVD. Conclusions: The findings add to the current knowledge of research and to the understanding of the critical elements in reducing health disparities among populations in rural underserved communities

Health Disparities in Rural Georgia: A Case Study of Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties

Selected paper accepted for presentation at the Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual meeting