rural health disparities

Rural health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes and access to medical care between people living in rural areas and those in urban settings. Rural residents often face challenges like fewer healthcare facilities, transportation issues, and shortages of healthcare providers. These factors can lead to delayed diagnoses, fewer preventive services, and worse health conditions. Social factors such as lower income and education levels can also contribute. Addressing these disparities requires improving healthcare access, infrastructure, and resources to ensure rural populations receive timely, quality care comparable to urban areas.