%0 Generic
%9 Master's Thesis
%A Talmadge, Meghan Renee
%D 2009
%F pittir:6927
%K rural; social factors; women's health
%T The influence of social contextual factors on the health outcomes of rural women
%U http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/6927/
%X People living in rural America face unique social circumstances that often prevent them from achieving optimal health status. Economic instability significantly contributes to higher rates of chronic disease and poor mental health among rural residents. The social conditions associated with "rurality" are gendered with rural women bearing the brunt of social and psychosocial detriments to their health. Income, education, role responsibilities, living circumstances and personal and community health resources are among the main areas challenging rural women today. The psychosocial stressors that result from the demands of rural life affect rural women's mental health, functioning and behavior. Considering the social context of individual rural areas in the light of health behavior interventions is essential to increasing their potential effectiveness. Health campaigns targeting smoking, nutrition and physical activity- chronic disease risk factors- can no longer be indifferent to social circumstances. Without recognition of the unique social context and experiences of rural women, the solutions implemented to meet health care needs in rural areas have little hope of achieving success. The examination of rural social contextual factors is of utmost importance and public health significance as intervening to improve social circumstances may result in decreased incidence of some diseases in rural women.