Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Rural Areas versus Urban Areas in the College Population

Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name

Marian Tabi

Proposal Track

Student

Session Format

Poster

Abstract

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Rural Areas versus Urban Areas in the College Population

Rebekah Lee, GSU SN

Katheryn Chumley, GSU SN

Shelbie Conley, GSU SN

Emmie Sanders, GSU SN

Marian Tabi, PhD, MPH, RN (Faculty Mentor)

Georgia Southern University

Abstract

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Rural Areas versus Urban Areas in the College Population

Background: According to the CDC, “As of 2012, about half of all adults—117 million people—had one or more chronic health conditions. One of four adults had two or more chronic health conditions.” (2015). Rural residents have higher rates of chronic diseases compared to those of urban areas (Befort, Nazir, & Perri, 2005). We want to study this within the college population. We also believe that there has to be underlying factors as to why rural areas have a higher prevalence. We are going to research whether lack of access to healthcare, level of education, and socioeconomic status have an impact on the prevalence in these areas.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of chronic disease among college students from both rural and urban regions. This information will be used to help educate on chronic diseases and ways to prevent future health problems. Our research question is: Is there a higher prevalence of chronic diseases in rural areas versus urban areas in college students between the ages of 18 and 34 and their families? Our hypothesis is that there is a higher prevalence of chronic disease in students from rural areas versus their urban counterparts. Our secondary hypothesis is that lack of access to healthcare and lower education levels help contribute to the higher prevalence of chronic diseases in the rural population.

Methods: Data will be collected from approximately 300 students in the form of a 16-item descriptive survey. These student will be from a regional university located in Statesboro, Ga. Participants will be between the ages of 18 and 34 and include both genders. The data will be analyzed using SPSS statistical data software with descriptive and interpretive statistics.

Findings: We are currently in the process of collecting and interpreting data and results will be available for presentation at the conference if abstract is accepted.

References

Befort, C., Nazir, N., & Perri, M. (2012). Prevalence of obesity among adults from rural and urban areas of the United States: Findings From NHANES (2005-2008). The Journal of Rural Health, 28(4), 392-397. doi: 1 0.1111/j.1748- 0361.2012.00411.x

Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. (2015). Chronic disease overview:The leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/.

Keywords

chronic diseases, rural, urban, college students

Award Consideration

1

Location

Concourse and Atrium

Presentation Year

2015

Start Date

11-7-2015 2:10 PM

End Date

11-7-2015 3:20 PM

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Nov 7th, 2:10 PM Nov 7th, 3:20 PM

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Rural Areas versus Urban Areas in the College Population

Concourse and Atrium

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Rural Areas versus Urban Areas in the College Population

Rebekah Lee, GSU SN

Katheryn Chumley, GSU SN

Shelbie Conley, GSU SN

Emmie Sanders, GSU SN

Marian Tabi, PhD, MPH, RN (Faculty Mentor)

Georgia Southern University

Abstract

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Rural Areas versus Urban Areas in the College Population

Background: According to the CDC, “As of 2012, about half of all adults—117 million people—had one or more chronic health conditions. One of four adults had two or more chronic health conditions.” (2015). Rural residents have higher rates of chronic diseases compared to those of urban areas (Befort, Nazir, & Perri, 2005). We want to study this within the college population. We also believe that there has to be underlying factors as to why rural areas have a higher prevalence. We are going to research whether lack of access to healthcare, level of education, and socioeconomic status have an impact on the prevalence in these areas.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of chronic disease among college students from both rural and urban regions. This information will be used to help educate on chronic diseases and ways to prevent future health problems. Our research question is: Is there a higher prevalence of chronic diseases in rural areas versus urban areas in college students between the ages of 18 and 34 and their families? Our hypothesis is that there is a higher prevalence of chronic disease in students from rural areas versus their urban counterparts. Our secondary hypothesis is that lack of access to healthcare and lower education levels help contribute to the higher prevalence of chronic diseases in the rural population.

Methods: Data will be collected from approximately 300 students in the form of a 16-item descriptive survey. These student will be from a regional university located in Statesboro, Ga. Participants will be between the ages of 18 and 34 and include both genders. The data will be analyzed using SPSS statistical data software with descriptive and interpretive statistics.

Findings: We are currently in the process of collecting and interpreting data and results will be available for presentation at the conference if abstract is accepted.

References

Befort, C., Nazir, N., & Perri, M. (2012). Prevalence of obesity among adults from rural and urban areas of the United States: Findings From NHANES (2005-2008). The Journal of Rural Health, 28(4), 392-397. doi: 1 0.1111/j.1748- 0361.2012.00411.x

Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. (2015). Chronic disease overview:The leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/.