19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
The Rural Health Assessment Project: Knox County, MO
Meghan E. Doherty
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
Northeast Missouri is characterized by a rural, low-income population. The purpose of the Rural Health Assessment Project (R-HAP) survey was to improve the health of residents of the 11-county area by determining their current health behaviors and identifying trends and needed health services in each county and the area as a whole. A majority of the 54 respondents in Knox County were Caucasian, female, ages 45-84, with an income of $10,000-40,000. The following problems were identified: 1) lack of affordable health care, health insurance, and prescription drugs; 2) illegal drug use; and 3) lack of blood pressure screenings, physical therapy, diabetic testing, personal fitness and wellness programs. These problems could be alleviated by the active recruitment of health professionals to the area and more mobile screening vans. Knox County residents need to be informed of existing health services including prescription drug programs, available transportation services, and the new TeleHealth Program.
Keywords: health assessment, rural health, Knox County, Northeast Missouri, R-HAP
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-30
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15