Residents of rural areas in noncore counties in the state of Oklahoma experienced alarming rates of preventable premature deaths during a recent study period. Disparities in premature deaths between rural and urban areas varied by the cause of death, showcasing a need for targeted interventions based on demographic factors such as race and ethnicity. Specifically, areas with higher populations of Black, African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native individuals showed the highest rates of premature deaths.
The study highlighted significant progress in reducing preventable premature deaths from cancer, particularly in urban counties where access to preventive services and specialized care is more readily available. Factors contributing to this decrease include advancements in cancer screening, vaccination rates for cancer-causing viruses, and improvements in treatment options. Despite these improvements, disparities still exist, with noncore rural counties surpassing national averages in cancer-related premature deaths, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts in these areas.
Unintentional injuries, including drug overdoses, motor vehicle accidents, and falls, were identified as key drivers of preventable premature deaths in both rural and urban areas. The study revealed disparities in access to treatment for opioid use disorder in rural counties, as well as lower rates of seat belt usage among rural residents. Addressing these disparities through evidence-based interventions is crucial to narrowing the gap in unintentional injury-related premature deaths between rural and urban areas.
Heart disease and stroke also showed disparities in preventable premature deaths between rural and urban areas, with increases observed during the study period, likely influenced by factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on delayed emergency care seeking behavior and increased risk factors for heart disease and stroke underscore the importance of addressing health care access and monitoring to reduce premature deaths in these categories.
Furthermore, chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) saw a decline in preventable premature deaths overall, particularly in larger urban areas. However, stability in rates was observed in medium and small urban counties and rural areas, suggesting a need for continued attention to reduce preventable deaths from CLRD. The study highlighted the increased risk of death from COVID-19 for individuals with CLRD, emphasizing the interconnected nature of respiratory health and infectious diseases.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address disparities in preventable premature deaths across different demographic groups and geographic locations. Continued efforts in cancer screening, access to treatment for opioid use disorder, and improving health care access for individuals with chronic conditions are critical to reducing premature deaths and improving overall population health.