Introduction
In the “Health Disparities Between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Counties in Virginia USA,” the authors examine health disparities among people living in Appalachian counties compared to those in other counties. This paper finds the authors’ research compelling, their views intelligent and most importantly worth consideration.
Summary
The communities in Appalachia have inadequate health care resources. This has been associated to lack of specialty care providers in the area. Ironically the utilization of the health resources is low even when they are available. This is possibly due to lack of insurance services, inadequate funds for payments or simply related to Appalachian culture of self-reliance and distrust of outsiders. The study findings show that deaths from cancer, heart disease, lung disease and stroke are significantly higher than those of the state as whole.
The purpose of the study
The study was conducted to investigate various health perceptions of Appalachian community residents. Those related to their health status and health care utilization were of major concern. The findings were to be compared to those who live outside the Appalachian counties of the state.
Weaknesses of the study
Appalachia being home to 25 million people of which 42 percent considered to be rural residents, more than double the normal average, it could be wise to use the conclusions of this research to generalize to the whole population. The researchers and authors of this study failed to identify with acceptable metrics of sampling. By engaging 1,164 residents in the study does not make the generalization of the findings to the population easily acceptable. A conclusion that the health of residents is dependent on the level of education and economic status is refutable. Previously, similar studies have shown that residents in central Appalachia are economically distressed but have good health. The conclusion also lacks considerable evidence to support the claim.
Strengths of the study
In this study, the authors have made a profound utilization of recent data. Use of current data in analyzing this study adds value to the findings. This makes it more relevant in the current health policy formulation scene.
Conclusion
Finally, the paper observes that this article clearly presents findings of the study. The culture of Appalachian people, the social class and the region are major barriers to accessing health care in Appalachia. In reforming this, the federal government should formulate policies that will more clearly benefit people in Appalachian counties. To improve the integrity of such future studies, the paper recommends that the sample size be increased so as to be more representative in nature. Similarly, the modes and instruments of collecting the sample should be diversified. This will prevent externalities upfront if a single instrument has large error margins.
References
Bealy, F., & Chapman, R. (2009). Elements in Political Science. London: Edinburgh University Press.
McGarvey , E., Verdin, M., Killos, L., Guterbock, T., & Cohn, W. (2011). Health Disparities Between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian In Virginia USA. Journal of Community Health, 348-356.
