Examining the Relationship Between Place and Health in Rural Georgia
Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional study explores the “place effect” on the health of rural residents in Georgia, by assessing the link between rural residents’ satisfaction with their communities and their general health status.
Methods: The study uses data from 789 adults residing in 6 rural counties in Georgia, collected through an online, self-administered survey from October 2021 to April 2022. The outcome of interest was respondents’ self-reported health status measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Respondents' satisfaction with their community was measured as a composite score derived from a validated 4-item scale. Data were analyzed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression that controlled for respondent demographic characteristics, including sex, age, race, education, income, health insurance. The analysis accounted for the clustering of respondents at the county-level. Statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05.
Results: After controlling for respondents’ demographic characteristics, satisfaction with one’s community was found to be positively associated with self-reported general health status (Odds Ratio (OR)= 1.35; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.13 - 1.62). Other covariates positively associated with general health status included income and education, whereas being uninsured or on public insurance, compared to private insurance, were negatively associated with general health status.
Conclusion: The study’s findings lends support to mounting evidence on the relationship between place and health. This research has implications for efforts to improve population health in rural settings.
Keywords: health, place, rural, population health
Keywords
Keywords: health, place, rural, population health
Examining the Relationship Between Place and Health in Rural Georgia
Background: This cross-sectional study explores the “place effect” on the health of rural residents in Georgia, by assessing the link between rural residents’ satisfaction with their communities and their general health status.
Methods: The study uses data from 789 adults residing in 6 rural counties in Georgia, collected through an online, self-administered survey from October 2021 to April 2022. The outcome of interest was respondents’ self-reported health status measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Respondents' satisfaction with their community was measured as a composite score derived from a validated 4-item scale. Data were analyzed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression that controlled for respondent demographic characteristics, including sex, age, race, education, income, health insurance. The analysis accounted for the clustering of respondents at the county-level. Statistical significance was assessed at p<0.05.
Results: After controlling for respondents’ demographic characteristics, satisfaction with one’s community was found to be positively associated with self-reported general health status (Odds Ratio (OR)= 1.35; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.13 - 1.62). Other covariates positively associated with general health status included income and education, whereas being uninsured or on public insurance, compared to private insurance, were negatively associated with general health status.
Conclusion: The study’s findings lends support to mounting evidence on the relationship between place and health. This research has implications for efforts to improve population health in rural settings.
Keywords: health, place, rural, population health
