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The influence of social contextual factors on the health outcomes of rural women

Talmadge, Meghan Renee (2009) The influence of social contextual factors on the health outcomes of rural women. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

People living in rural America face unique social circumstances that often prevent them from achieving optimal health status. Economic instability significantly contributes to higher rates of chronic disease and poor mental health among rural residents. The social conditions associated with "rurality" are gendered with rural women bearing the brunt of social and psychosocial detriments to their health. Income, education, role responsibilities, living circumstances and personal and community health resources are among the main areas challenging rural women today. The psychosocial stressors that result from the demands of rural life affect rural women's mental health, functioning and behavior. Considering the social context of individual rural areas in the light of health behavior interventions is essential to increasing their potential effectiveness. Health campaigns targeting smoking, nutrition and physical activity- chronic disease risk factors- can no longer be indifferent to social circumstances. Without recognition of the unique social context and experiences of rural women, the solutions implemented to meet health care needs in rural areas have little hope of achieving success. The examination of rural social contextual factors is of utmost importance and public health significance as intervening to improve social circumstances may result in decreased incidence of some diseases in rural women.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Talmadge, Meghan Reneetalmadge.meghan@gmail.com
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairTerry, Martha Annmaterry@pitt.eduMATERRY
Committee MemberTrauth, Jeanettetrauth@pitt.eduTRAUTH
Committee MemberRobertson, Lindarobertsonlk@upmc.eduLYNNPCI
Committee MemberDocumet, Patriciadocumetp@yahoo.com
Date: 29 June 2009
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 15 April 2009
Approval Date: 29 June 2009
Submission Date: 9 April 2009
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: rural; social factors; women's health
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04092009-141655/, etd-04092009-141655
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:35
Last Modified: 19 Dec 2016 14:35
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/6927

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