| The health of people living in rural and remotes areas has been an
issue of concern for many years. This concern is not confined only to the
United States. People living in rural areas often have many health
disadvantages compared with urban counterparts.
Rurality and remoteness have a significant influence on health. Distance, environmental and occupation hazards, access to services and attitudes to health and health risks are determining factors of health in rural areas. The level of health services is often much lower compared with urban areas. Basic primary services are often lacking in rural areas and health statistics indicate that the health status of rural dwellers is significantly worse than in urban areas. The initial aim of the activities in this module is to familiarize you with some of the basic concepts underpinning the practice of community based nursing. Then, by exploring the concept of 'rural' you will become exposed to some of the current issues rural environments and people within them are experiencing. When you see the volumes of material available on the topic of rural you should gain an appreciation of the extent to which there is now recognition that improving the health of rural communities is vital to the quality of life and health outcomes for many Americans. Many government programs are now taking a focus on rural areas. Nurses who work within the rural community environment must understand the broader picture of rural health to appreciate the scope and changing nature of their role. And, importantly they must recognize that within each rural environment they will find a very unique community culture that must be entered, and understood, as a precursor to effecting positive health outcomes within that community. |