Introduction to the Rural Health Snapshot 2010
Disparities in health status and access to health care exist between people living in rural areas and those in urban areas. The NC Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center has prepared a Rural Health Snapshot (link below) displaying selected indicators of access to health care, health behavior/risk factors, and mortality rates, comparing rural to urban residents. These data were compiled using the following geographic definitions from the data sets also listed below:
Geographies
Metropolitan Statistical Areas
Geographic areas with a core urban area of 50,000 or more population
Non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas
Geographic areas with a core urban area of less than 50,000
or no core urban area
Micropolitan Statistical Areas
Geographic areas with a core urban area of at least
10,000 but no more than 50,000
Non-Core Based Statistical Areas
Geographic areas with a core urban area under 10,000
or no core urban area
Data Sources
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Data are obtained by an ongoing annual telephone survey conducted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Guam by the CDC. The survey collects information on health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access primarily related to chronic disease and injury.
National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data
Data are obtained from official death records from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, and the territories as part of the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS).
For questions about the Rural Health Snapshot 2010 contact:
NC Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center
ncrural@unc.edu or call 919-966-5541