Regional Sociology Commons^™

Hurricane Helene, One Year Later: Lived Experience, Geraldine A. Miller

Journal of Appalachian Health

Ashe County is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina (NC), bordered by Virginia and Tennessee. The county is isolated, mountainous, and historically has lacked good highway access. Hurricane Helene, a category 4 hurricane at landfall, struck Western NC on September 27, 2024, resulting in flooding and wind damage that destroyed local communities in terms of land, homes, bridges, water, electricity, etc. with a damage of $59.6 billion.⁶ One year later, the recovery from the hurricane continues draining individuals and communities of their time, energy, and money. Geri Miller reflects on her hurricane impact experiences a year later. …

Impact Of West Virginia Abortion Ban On West Virginia Physician Trainee Practice Intentions, Rebecca Wald, Kristy Ward, Sarah Dotson

Journal of Appalachian Health

In June 2022, the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the constitutional right to abortion established by Roe vs. Wade. Shortly after, West Virginia (WV) began enforcing a near total ban on abortion. Statewide restrictions on access to reproductive health care have important implications for the recruitment and retention of physicians. This project aimed to determine overall awareness of the 2022 changes in abortion laws among physician trainees, and whether the law influenced the intention of resident/fellow physicians to practice medicine in the state following completion of their medical training. A total of 178 resident and fellow physicians at …

Leveraging Community Health Worker’S Deep Community Knowledge To Address Food And Nutrition Security In Appalachia, Alexis Kimbro Scott, Melissa D. Olfert, Dawn Brewer, Makenzie Barr, Julie Plasencia

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted professionals in communities because of the deep understanding and cultural insights learned from their lived experiences. In Appalachia, CHWs are embedded in the community, giving them a unique understanding of how social determinants, like food and nutrition security, impact health outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the professional characteristics and knowledge of CHWs while identifying culturally sensitive practices around food insecurity.

Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study used an online survey and in-depth phone interviews with CHWs in the Appalachian Region to examine their professional characteristics and knowledge on food security in their …

Stigmatization And Healthcare Inequity Perceived By Individuals Served By Homeless Shelters In An Appalachian City, Molly Powney, James M. Mears, Reagan Sharp, Lisa Calderwood

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: People experiencing homelessness are medically vulnerable and suffer disproportionately from chronic physical and mental health conditions. Evidence-based standards to inform decisions surrounding care would be valuable for this population. Studies exploring how homeless individuals in Appalachia perceive their interactions with the healthcare system remain limited, however.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess perceptions of the healthcare system among homeless individuals served by temporary housing shelters in an Appalachian city.

Methods: A voluntary anonymous survey was administered to residents at three shelters in Charleston, West Virginia (WV) from September 2023 – March 2024. Responses were collected utilizing …

Influence Of Family Health History And Parental Education On Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, And Lipid Levels In 5th Grade Children: A Secondary Data Analysis Of The Cardiac Project, Madha Rani Das, Lee A. Plyes, Eloise Elliott, Christa L. Lilly

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Childhood obesity and related cardiovascular risks reflect the interplay of genetic predispositions and socioeconomic adversity. Appalachia’s poverty, limited health care, and educational gaps worsen family health risks, driving early cardio-metabolic problems in children, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association of family health history and parental education with BMI, BP, and lipid profiles among 5^th grade children in West Virginia (WV).

Methods: The study used WV CARDIAC data from 2006–2009. Outcomes were BMI, SBP/DBP, and fasting lipids (HDL, LDL, TG). Predictors were parental education and family health history …

South Dakota Newcomers Survey Report, Weiwei Zhang, Kara Harders

Center for Rural Vitality and Community Well-being Project Reports

Project Overview:
 While more populous states typically attract larger numerical influxes from other states and abroad, South Dakota has nevertheless experienced growth in immigrants, both from other states and internationally. In 2024, South Dakota State University Extension launched a state-wide Newcomer Survey to gain a better understanding of the newcomer population. Following prior work in Minnesota and Montana, the South Dakota Newcomers Survey was developed to collect data about the motivations that drive people to move to South Dakota, what they enjoy once moved, what they want more or less of, and ultimately what makes them want to, or not …

Undergraduate Awareness Of Sexual Harassment Law In Tanzania's Higher Learning Institutions: Case Studies Of Two Universities, Salma Ramadhan Fundi Phd Candidate

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

This study examines undergraduate students' awareness of legal provisions and guidelines concerning sexual harassment in Tanzanian higher education, focusing on the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) as case studies. Sexual harassment significantly impacts students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. Despite the existence of legal frameworks, students' knowledge of these provisions is often limited. The study employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design to explore students’ experiences and perceptions of harassment policies. This design allowed participants to share the meanings they attach to their experiences and how such policies are understood …

Mountain Communities During A Time Of War: A Case Study Of The Hutsul Region In The Carpathian Mountains Of Ukraine, Pavlo Rybaruk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the ethno-ecological technologies employed by the Hutsul people within the highland agrarian economy of the Carpathian Mountains. Over centuries, the Hutsuls have developed ethno-ecological technologies that maintain ecological integrity while supporting community livelihoods.

The study addresses three primary research questions: What are the most important ethno-ecological technologies of the Hutsul highland economy? How might these traditional ethno-ecological practices be applied to economic, agricultural, and tourism development in the Hutsul region? How might these traditional ethno-ecological practices be combined with contemporary approaches to encourage sustainable development in the region?

The research explores the devastating impact of the Russian …

Casar Public Lecture: The Fierce Battle For The 2024 Us Presidency: Race, Gender, And The Power Of Identity Politics, The Prince Alwaleed Center For American Studies And Research Casar

Performances, Events, and Presentations

In light of the upcoming 2024 US Elections, we hosted this lecture on SUNDAY OCTOBER 27TH - 1-2 pm titled: "The Fierce Battle for the 2024 US Presidency: Race, Gender, and the Power of Identity Politics." Speakers: CASAR guest speaker Dr. Sherri McFarland - moderated by CASAR Assistant to Director and Adjunct Faculty Yasmeen El-Ghazaly. Dr. Sherri Lynn McFarland's academic and professional careers demonstrate her passionate desire to contribute to the economic, social, and political progress of African and Middle Eastern North African (MENA) countries and their diasporic communities. Her keen interest in the people of these regions led her …

Roots Of Justice: A History Of Race And Racism In Nebraska, Kevin Abourezk, M. Dewayne Mays, Paul Olson, Gabriel Bruguier, Preston Love Jr., Adam Fletcher Sasse, Heather Fryer, J.S. Onésimo (Ness) Sándoval, Sharon Ishii-Jordan, Emira Ibrahimpašić, Julia Reilly

Zea E-Books Collection

There is much to understand about the history of Nebraska and how the past shapes the present. This book attempts to bring into clearer focus the triumphs and trials of five broad groups whose lives have often been overlooked when the state’s history is told. The authors know some of this history of racism firsthand: Most of them have lived as people of color in Nebraska. They’ve experienced “the good, the bad and the ugly” that makes up our state story. We encourage educators, scholars and family historians to continue to dig, to document and to tell these stories. And …

Nasis Reference List, Bureau Of Sociological Research

Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey (NASIS)

This document contains citations of articles and presentations that have used NASIS data.

Understanding Rural Health Through Rae Garringer's Country Queers: A Love Letter, Bradley A. Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

Rae Garringer’s Country Queers: A Love Letter examines the experiences of queer individuals in rural America, emphasizing the relationship between place and identity. Through oral histories, the book presents perspectives on community, resilience, and healthcare access. While not centered on medical care, it highlights challenges in obtaining affirming services in rural areas. Garringer’s experience as a standardized patient provides additional context on healthcare gaps. For public health professionals, Country Queers offers insight into the structural and social factors affecting rural LGBTQ2+ populations, contributing to a broader understanding of community health and identity in Appalachia and similar regions.

The Status Of Children’S Dental Health In Rural Appalachian West Virginia, R. Constance Wiener, Gina Graziani

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Non-metro/rural Appalachian West Virginia (WV) residents have been stigmatized for poor oral health (OH), despite many advances.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to examine current OH in children in WV, as compared to children in the greater United States (U.S.), and secondarily in subgroup non-metro/rural comparisons.

Methods: This observational study involved the U.S. National Survey of Children’s Health 2022–2023 data from parents/guardians who were asked about their child’s previous 12-month OH. Rao-Scott Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used.

Results: Nationally, the mean age was 9.7 years; for WV children, it was 9.9 years. Nationally, 12.4% of …

Identifying Barriers And Place-Based Solutions To Physical Activity For Older Adults In East Tennessee, Lydia Hoskins, Jodi Southerland

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Older adults in East Tennessee (TN), the fastest growing demographic, face significant health challenges, with 44% reporting four or more chronic conditions. The state ranks 45th in physical inactivity among older adults, exacerbating chronic disease risks, fall-related injuries, and mental health issues. Urban-rural disparities in East TN further complicate efforts to promote active living, particularly for rural residents.

Purpose: This qualitative study explored socioecological barriers and solutions to increase physical activity (PA).

Methods: In April 2024, two focus group were conducted in East TN, with a total of 11 participants composed of six community partners and five older adults. …

Radon Environmental Health Literacy Among Health Council Participants In Northeast Tennessee, Kawther Al Ksir, Stacy Stanifer, Hadii M. Mamudu, Megan Quinn, Deborah L. Slawson

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Radon, a radioactive gas, poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, and is prevalent in indoor environments. Understanding radon testing behavior and Environmental Health Literacy (EHL) is crucial for individuals to take appropriate preventive measures.

Purpose: This study assessed radon-related EHL among Health Council participants in seven Northeast Tennessee (NETN) counties and examined associations between sociodemographic factors and EHL levels. Understanding radon knowledge and behaviors within this influential group is critical, as they often serve as trusted public health advocates.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September – November 2023 among Health Council participants across seven counties in …

Prevalence Of Screening Patients For Alcohol Use In West Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Bayan Abuhalimeh, Christopher Waters, R. Constance Wiener

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Consequences of alcohol consumption are well-established and compounded by physiological changes of aging (increased sensitivity; medication interactions; etc.). Alcohol screening for all ages is recommended, especially as most Americans believe moderate drinking is acceptable. Screening is important in high alcohol use regions, such as rural areas where isolation is more likely, especially for older adults. The Appalachian Region has a significant rural population of older adults. West Virginia (WV) is representative of Appalachia. It is a rural state, has many older adults, and all counties are Appalachian.

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the likelihood …

Finding Community: A Thematic Analysis Of Resilience During The Pandemic, Myles Kwitny, Quinn Richards, Grace Digirolamo, Shannon Freedman, Sophie Wenzel

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic impacted those within rural Appalachian communities, particularly people with marginalized identities.

Purpose: Through interviewing 44 participants from New River Valley, an Appalachian community in Virginia, this study sought to understand how resilience impacted individuals' experiences during the pandemic.

Methods: Participants belonged to one of the following groups: African American, Hispanic, older adults, or people who use drugs. Participants were required to reside in the New River Valley and be older than 18. Each participant was interviewed either in person, by phone, or over video call. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, then thematically analyzed for themes of resilience. …

Addressing The Root Causes Of Population Health In Central Appalachian Virginia, David L. Driscoll, Kol Gold

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Southwest Virginia Health Authority (SWVHA) recently commissioned a community health needs assessment (CHNA) to reduce the high rate of preventable health problems in Virginia’s (VA) Appalachian Region. The CHNA took place over a two-year period from 2023 – 2025.

Purpose: This iterative, mixed-method CHNA informed the development of a new iteration of the regional Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity identifying and prioritizing health issues and develop strategic planning to address them in VA’s three westernmost regional health districts.

Methods: The CHNA followed a sequential mixed methods design to assess the regional health status, the contextual factors …

Align Appalachia’S Opioid-Settlement Spending With Evidence And Emerging Threats, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

State and local governments across Appalachia are allocating opioid-settlement dollars over the coming years. This funding opportunity can support lasting public health infrastructure or be spent on short-term programs anchored in the opioid crisis of the past. Evidence indicates that emerging synthetic drugs such as nitazenes and xylazine are altering overdose risk patterns in ways that require urgent policy attention.

The Impacts Of Brookings Health System On The Economy Of Brookings County And Rural Health In South Dakota, Weiwei Zhang

Center for Rural Vitality and Community Well-being Project Reports

Project Overview:

Located in Brookings County, South Dakota, Brookings Health System (Brookings Health) is a vital economic and healthcare hub, providing crucial employment and access to care. This assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of the profound impacts of Brookings Health on the county economy, and the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services to rural populations in the surrounding areas. Rural community hospitals serve as foundational drivers of local economies. Their operations necessitate a substantial local workforce, encompassing a wide array of positions from clinical to administrative, representing a considerable labor expense. Indeed, numerous hospitals rank among the premier individual employers …

Music, Poetry And Identity In Badakshan, Tajikistan: Singing And Sounding Community, Chorshanbe Goibnazarov

Music & Performance in Muslim Contexts

An illuminating account of Ismaili music, spiritual poetry and social change in Badakhshan.

In the riverine valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Tajik Badakhshan, a thriving millennium-old community of Nizari Ismaili Muslims created a unique spiritual culture in which the performance of music and poetry plays a central role. This book focuses on the central musical and poetic tradition of the Pamiri Ismailis, qasīda-khonī (also known as maddo), tracing its origins, evolution, delocalisation and relocation.

This book introduces readers to leading performers of qasīda-khonī and to the Ismaili gnosis that inspires its music and poetry.

• Based on six …

‘Casar Public Lecture: 100 Days Of Trump: America, The Middle East, And Beyond’, The Prince Alwaleed Center For American Studies And Research Casar

Performances, Events, and Presentations

The entire world is literally getting new updates about Trump's internal & external policies almost everyday now....can you imagine that we are still yet to reach 100 days?? USAID cuts, Chinese and Canadian Tariffs, DEI revokes, Gaza War, Ukraine War, the case of Iran, National Economic Emergency in the US, ICE arrests in the US & so much more to discuss.....Trump's policies impact the US as well as everywhere in the world, but what are the repercussions so far?

Speakers: From AUC: Dr. Sean Lee, Assistant Professor, Political Science Department - Amb. Dr.Alaa El-Hadidi , CASAR Adjunct Professor.

The panel …

Impact Wv: Adapting Patient Navigation Models Of Care To Improve Services To Caregivers Of Infants Exposed To Substances In Utero, Charlotte S. Workman Bsms, Ccrp, Lesley Cottrell, Mawyah Bashatah, Aisha Hashmi, Kayla Richard, Poornima Murthy, Susan Harrison, Ashleigh Mckinsey, Amy Bott, Sydney Leary, Cody Smith, Melina Danko

Journal of Appalachian Health

Patient navigation (PN) is a healthcare service delivery model designed to partner clients with service providers to reduce challenges to health care, as well as to improve access to care by identifying opportunities to coordinate services for clients. The IMPACT WV project at the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED) implemented PN models of care for caregivers of infants exposed to substances in utero. The purpose of this program was to reduce burden for potentially at-risk families and improve caregiver and infant outcomes as a result. To understand the processes that influence the implementation of PN …

Drive Time Analysis Of New Gynecologic Oncology Patients At West Virginia University, Kassandra Whitfield, Ariel Cohen, Krista Pfaendler, Kristy Ward

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: West Virginia is a rural mountain state; access to medical care, especially specialty care, can be difficult for patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the geographic status and transportation times of new gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: Home zip codes for new patient gynecologic oncology patients were analyzed for drive times to the cancer center. Zip codes of oncology providers in the state were compared to the location of patients.

Results: A total of 1,097 new gynecologic oncology patients lived within a 240-minute drive of MBRCC; nearly half (48.9%) of them drove greater than 60 minutes. …

Patient-Clinician Communication In The Appalachian Region: A Scoping Review, Kawther Al Ksir, Hadii M. Mamudu, Chidiebube J. Ugwu, Emily K. Flores, Tracy Fasolino, Holly Wei, Rick L. Wallace, Florence M. Weierbach

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Effective communication between patients and clinicians is a critical component of quality health care, influencing disease prevention, management, and outcomes. In regions with unique socioeconomic and geographic challenges, communication barriers can further exacerbate health disparities. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder patient-clinician communication is essential for developing targeted interventions that improve health care delivery.

Purpose: This review explores the existing literature on patient-clinician communication concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Appalachian Region with the aim to understand existing gaps and interventions.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were utilized to conduct a systematic search. The Population, Concept, …

Using Photovoice To Define The Experiences, Needs, Strengths, And Priorities Of Gay Men In South Central Appalachia, Ana D. Sucaldito, Lilli Mann-Jackson, Jorge Alonzo, John W. Chaffin, Scott D. Rhodes

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men and transgender and nonbinary persons living in rural Appalachia experience profound health disparities. Limited research, however, has focused on the needs, strengths, and priorities of these communities.

Purpose: This study sought to better understand the lived experiences of the vulnerable, underrepresented, and underserved Appalachian gay male community by working with a small group of self-identified gay Appalachian men.

Methods: As part of a larger community-based participatory research study (the Appalachian Access Project), four self-identified gay men participated in a photovoice project. Participants took photos based on …

Determinants Of Willingness To Share Wearable Health Data With Health Care Providers In Appalachian Populations: An Exploratory Study, Gilbert Munoz Cornejo, Joonghee Lee

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: Wearable health devices capture metrics (e.g., physical activity, ECG, sleep) that can enhance care when shared with providers. Yet, willingness to share wearable data may differ in Appalachia, where chronic disease burdens, mistrust, and limited infrastructure pose unique challenges.

Objective: This study explored (1) which sociodemographic, health, and digital behaviors correlate with willingness to share wearable data and (2) how these insights can guide region-specific interventions in Appalachia.

Methods: We analyzed 320 Appalachian respondents from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models examined willingness to share wearable data. Because of small cell …

Heartache In The Heartland: Unraveling The Social Roots Of Deaths Of Despair In Kentucky, Lyndsey K. Blair, Madeline M. Tomlinson, Michele Abee-Biskis, Jessica Hume, Gabri Warren

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Deaths of despair (DoD), encompassing suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related liver diseases, have emerged as a critical public health crisis in the United States, with their rise particularly pronounced from 1995 to 2013 and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kentucky, grappling with high rates of substance use disorder, poor mental health, and economic hardship, is at the forefront of this issue, particularly in its rural and Appalachian regions.

Purpose: This study explores the social determinants contributing to DoD in Kentucky, focusing on economic and social factors that influence rising rates of suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. The …

Time And Location: Physical Activity Trends In Parents And Children In A Rural Region During Covid-19, Brooke C. Towner, Robert Broce, Rebecca A. Battista

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: COVID-19 restrictions altered the structure of the school and workday for families with children and led to changes in active transportation. Continued restrictions impacted access to many community locations and led to changes in physical activity (PA) behavior.

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to describe the changes in the 1) amount of PA time per day, 2) frequency of PA, and 3) sitting time. Information about how PA changed for parents and children during the COVID-19 pandemic will have potential implications for education, public health, and recreation management.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enlisted participants via an online …

Recognizing Injustice, Reclaiming Voices: Establishing A Missing Persons Database For Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women And Children In Nebraska, Bayly W. Watson

Department of Anthropology: Theses and Student Research

Indigenous people have been the victims of harsh persecution since the time of colonization; this has negatively impacted Native communities and has contributed significantly to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children (MMIWC) across the United States and Canada. Under Legislative Bill 154, Richards et al. (2021) conducted an initial study to identify missing Native cases in Nebraska and in 2023, the Attorney General appointed a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Liaison to help combat the number of missing Indigenous in the state. This thesis contributes to previous research by analyzing 20,049 reports from three …