This RFA encourages research to promote a greater understanding of the challenges faced by rural population groups, for the development (or adoption/adaptation) of evidence-based interventions that can reduce the health risks faced by rural Americans.
Both prevention and treatment interventions
are needed to address rural health issues.
Prevention strategies should address and measure reductions in risk factors and enhancement of protective factors, while treatment approaches would seek to measure and address amelioration of health in individuals living with existing conditions.
To accomplish these goals, the research community will be encouraged to use a wide range of culturally appropriate methodological approaches that can enhance access to and acceptability of interventions in rural settings, such as telehealth and community-based prevention research, where appropriate.
It is our hope that research supported under this RFA will contribute to our knowledge of the sustainability of health promotion strategies in rural settings.