Phoenix, Arizona – A recent report from the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service has highlighted concerning trends in mortality rates among rural Americans compared to their urban counterparts. The study, which analyzed CDC death data from 1999 through 2001 and 2017 through 2019, found that individuals aged 25 to 54 living in rural areas were experiencing significantly higher rates of natural-cause mortality, particularly from chronic diseases and cancer.
The gap between rural and urban mortality rates has been steadily widening, with the most significant disparities seen among women in remote areas. The research revealed that women in the 25 to 54 age group in the most rural counties experienced an 18% increase in natural-cause mortality rates, while their male peers saw a 3% increase during the same period.
Among the leading causes of natural-cause mortality for both men and women in rural and urban areas were cancer and heart disease. However, the incidence of lung disease and hepatitis in rural regions, as well as pregnancy-related deaths, contributed to the growing disparity in mortality rates.
The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups, particularly non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The report showed that Native Americans aged 25 to 54 experienced a 46% increase in natural-cause mortality rates over the two-decade period studied, with Native women seeing an even greater jump of 55%.
The findings underscore the urgent need for policymakers to address the growing health disparities between rural and urban populations. Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, emphasized the importance of stronger policies focused on rural health to mitigate the negative impact on local economies and employment.
Experts in rural health suggest that the increasing mortality rates are indicative of deteriorating population health, exacerbated by the erosion of access to quality healthcare services in rural areas. The closure of hospitals and persistently higher rates of poverty, disability, and chronic disease in rural communities further compound the challenges faced by residents in these regions.
Efforts to sustain hospitals in rural areas may not be sufficient to address the underlying inequities. Janice C. Probst, a retired professor specializing in rural health, advocates for a community-centered approach to address the root causes of poor health outcomes in rural regions.
The disparities in natural-cause mortality rates also shed light on the impact of Medicaid expansion on healthcare accessibility in rural areas. States that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have higher rates of mortality in rural regions, highlighting the importance of increasing access to healthcare services for underserved populations.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact rural communities, there is a growing urgency to address the broader public health challenges faced by residents in these areas. The devastating effects of the pandemic have further underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in rural America.