Rural Health: Selected Annotated References, January 1953 to June 1960

Excerpts from the Introduction: Striking changes have ensued from the expansion of medical knowledge and the development of medical techniques in recent years, particularly since World War II. These changes occurred during a time when important changes were also taking place in the size and distribution of the rural population, and particularly of the rural-farm population. The growth of medical specialization and the increasing importance of hospital facilities have been accompanied by the concentration of medical services in urban areas where accessibility to large populations and specialized resources is greatest. One effect of these and related changes in U. S. society has been to place the rural population at a relative disadvantage in regard to obtaining health services. Thus, despite marked improvement in the health status of the rural population, rural residents continue to be confronted with problems of obtaining adequate health care. In view of the continuing concern with problems of rural health and medical care, the need for a source of information on social research in the field of rural health is apparent. This reference list was compiled to help meet this need. It was prepared to facilitate the use of resource materials by research workers and others interested in rural health problems and activities.