Children and adolescents

Current Projects

  • Access to and Provision of Child and Youth Behavioral Health Services in the Rural and Urban U.S.
    The need for behavioral health treatment for youth has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the availability of youth behavioral health providers in rural areas. This study will investigate who provides behavioral health services to youth, how equitably the workforce is distributed, and gaps in service availability.
    Research center: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Allied health professionals, Children and adolescents, Health disparities and health equity, Health services, Healthcare access, Mental and behavioral health, Nurses and nurse practitioners, Pharmacy and prescription drugs, Physician assistants, Physicians, Substance use and treatment, Workforce
  • How are Rural Health Clinics Serving Pediatric and Obstetrical Medicaid Populations?
    This project will examine the roles of independent and provider-based Rural Health Clinics in serving pediatric and obstetrical patients covered by state Medicaid programs.
    Research center: Maine Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Children and adolescents, Health services, Healthcare financing, Maternal health, Medicaid and CHIP, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Women
  • Public Health Insurance Coverage among Rural and Urban Children
    Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are important sources of health insurance coverage for rural children, yet analyses have shown a decline in overall U.S. coverage in recent years. This study will use the American Communities Survey to examine rates of Medicaid/CHIP coverage among rural versus urban children and whether these have changed over time.
    Research center: Maine Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Children and adolescents, Medicaid and CHIP
  • The Intersection of Race/Ethnicity and Rurality in Pediatric Asthma: Trends and Predictors
    Little is known about the extent to which the intersection of race/ethnicity and rurality plays a role in the disparities associated with asthma outcomes, particularly among children. Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2015 – 2019, this project will identify trends in pediatric asthma-related hospitalizations and the significant predictors of them, particularly by considering interaction terms.
    Research center: Southwest Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Children and adolescents, Chronic diseases and conditions, Health disparities and health equity