Date

9-25-2025

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

Chair

Beth Sexton

Keywords

cardiovascular disease, healthcare outreach, underrepresented populations, rural areas, health deserts, risk factors

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

This research project explored the effects of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rural and underrepresented populations while solidifying ways of mitigation in localities with little to no healthcare access. Research included highly underserved individuals who live in or around healthcare deserts with low health literacy statuses and poor resource distribution. CVD has skyrocketed into becoming the leading cause of death in the United States of America, so it is pertinent to create methods of investigation regarding how CVD is currently diagnosed, handled, and projected in these areas where there is a shortage of proper health access and training. While CVD is a general term used for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, other risk factors play a key role in the development of cardiovascular related health problems. Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, socioeconomic status, physical inactivity, and smoking are the risks associated with CVD that have been clinically determined by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. Unfortunately, in 2025, there are still 122 million adults suffering from CVD, and of that number, 55% reside in rural areas. This poses the research question: Is there a correlation between higher cases of provider diagnosed CVD and social determinants of health in rural populations as opposed to urban and suburban areas? To analyze this research question, recommendations included a wide range of methods used to collect data of all hospitalizations, diagnoses, deaths, healthcare outreach, health education, and CVD-related care within rural communities.

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