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Gap in urban-rural pediatric mortality rates widens

Aerial view looking directly down at a combine harvester driving through rows of soybeans and kicking up dust, Maryland. (Photo by: Edwin Remsberg / VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Photo: Edwin Remsberg / VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Pediatric mortality is declining more slowly in rural areas than urban areas, a Health Affairs report released Thursday notes. Racial and ethnic gaps also persist.

The big picture: Deaths from unintentional injury and suicide among rural youth compound the slew of health struggles that more than 46 million Americans living in remote areas face.

Between the lines: Rural Americans experience higher rates of automobile accidents, with high speed limits and poor quality roads.

  • Lower physician-to population ratios in rural areas also means higher hospital visits and ambulance calls.

Go deeper: Rural Americans can't catch a break

Children's health