Rural Services Research Articles

Constraints Faced by the Farmers in Utilizing Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSKs): An Extension Services

A survey of 210 farmers in Haveri district, Karnataka, was undertaken to investigate the constraints they encountered in utilizing the extension services provided by the Department of Agriculture during 2018-19. The constraints encountered by farmers were categorized into five major categories. The study revealed that, in terms of information services, over two-thirds (71.90%) of the farmers reported a lack of available extension workers in their offices and irregular visits to villages and fields. This indicates a significant gap in the availability and accessibility of information resources for farmers. Majority of the farmers (73.33%) reported that time constraints prevented them from participating in extension activities offered by RSKs, followed by more than half (58.57%) of the respondents who expressed that the location of extension activities was inconvenient. Regarding input services availed by farmers 70.00 per cent of farmers expressed non availability of required inputs (variety, chemical). Additionally, over three-quarters of farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the distance between their villages and Rural Service Centers (RSKs), making it difficult to access diagnostic services and technical support. Regarding developmental activities, a significant number of farmers, 77.14 per cent, reported delays in the construction of Krishi-Honda (agricultural machinery). Additionally, over two-thirds of farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of access to drip and sprinkler irrigation sets for all categories of farmers. These constraints hinder the adoption of modern agricultural practices and limit the potential for increased productivity and income.

Interdependent Effects of Agro-input Node Interventions on the Adoption of Cattle milk Production Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Kericho County, Kenya

Agricultural extension service delivery system is a vital component in agricultural development initiatives of any nation. Several extension approaches are used to achieve these initiatives. Globally, many Governments and development partners in rural agricultural development initiatives have gradually transitioned away from total state control of rural community and agricultural extension service delivery into adopting and supporting a more multifaceted system built on holistic participatory approach commonly referred to as Agricultural Value Chain Extension Approach (AVCEA). This AVCEA is relatively new in developing countries, including Kenya, and specifically in Kericho County where exploration on its impact on farm-level technology adoption has yet to be undertaken. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interdependent effects of agro-input node interventions on the adoption of cattle milk production technologies among smallholder farmers in Kericho, Kenya. This study adopted an ex-post-facto research design and systematic random sampling technique to select a sample of 132 farmers who previously exposed to AVCEA. Interviews were conducted for eight (8) dairy production experts and 6 Dairy organization representatives as key informants. The primary data were collected using interview schedules, questionnaires and focus group discussion tools. The data were analyzed for descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and inferential statistics like Chi-square tests with the aid of SPSS version 26.0. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant interdependence between some agro-input value chain node interventions and the adoption of cattle milk production technologies. There was also Interdependence between ease of access to farmers ‘groups/cooperative societies and the adoption of cattle milk production technologies by the smallholder farmers. Based on findings of this study, Agricultural experts, stakeholders, and other concerned bodies should focus on developing strategies to strengthen interventions at the agro-input node, particularly by fostering cooperation among smallholder farmers to enhance collective actions.

How Can Digital Villages Improve Basic Public Services Delivery in Rural Areas? Evidence from 1840 Counties in China

Digital transformation is spreading from urban to rural areas, and the construction of digital villages has become a key growth point for rural sustainable development globally. Digital villages improve the level of basic public services delivery in rural areas via the penetration of digital technology. However, few studies have empirically investigated the theoretical mechanisms underlying the impact of digital villages on various aspects of rural basic public services. To address these gaps, this study investigates the impact mechanisms of digital villages on rural basic public services delivery in terms of accessibility, equity, agility, holistic nature and participation. Using 1840 counties in China as the research sample, this study applies the entropy method to extract a composite index of basic public services and performs correlation, regression, and heterogeneity analyses to examine the effects of digital villages on basic public services delivery. Empirical analysis results show that the construction of digital villages is positively associated with the level of basic public services in rural areas. Meanwhile, heterogeneity analysis results confirms that this relationship is mainly observed in eastern counties but not observed in central and western counties. These findings provide a basis for using digital inclusion to improve basic public services delivery in rural areas and achieve balanced development across regions.

Growing the peer workforce in rural mental health and social and emotional well-being services: A scoping review of the literature.

Growing the mental health peer workforce holds promise for rural communities, but we currently lack an understanding of the guidance available to support the development, implementation and sustainability of this workforce in rural settings. Study aims are to: (1) determine the extent and nature of the literature that provides guidance for growing the peer workforce in rural mental health services; and (2) identify and explore any guidance relevant to rural peer work services dedicated to First Nations communities, including those promoting social and emotional well-being within this body of literature. A scoping review method was employed to identify relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 2013 and 2022 across PsychInfo, Medline, Embase and CINAHL, Scopus and Informit HealthInfoNet databases, as well as targeted organisation websites and Google Advanced Search. A total of 26 unique studies/projects were included from the US, UK, Canada and Australia with public mental health, non-government/for purpose and private sector service settings represented in the literature. Grey literature, such as reports of evaluations and frameworks, formed the majority of included texts. While there is a lesser volume of rurally focused literature relative to the general peer work literature, this is a rich body of knowledge, which includes guidance concerning services dedicated to First Nations communities. Via synthesis critical considerations were identified for the development, implementation and sustainability of peer work in rural mental health services across six domains: 'Working with community members and stakeholders', 'Organisational culture and governance', Working with others and in teams, Professional expertise and experience, Being part of and working in the community and 'Local mental health services capacity'. While there are considerations relevant across a range of settings, the domains of: 'working with community members and stakeholders', 'being part of and working in the community' and 'local mental health services capacity', capture additional, distinct and nuanced challenges and opportunities for growing the peer work in rural services. The literature offers insights valuable for service planning, policy development and the allocation of resources to support rural peer workforce growth.

Analysis on the Evolution Characteristics of Rural Tourism Public Service System from the Perspective of Digitalization—Empirical Evidence from the Silk Road Economic Belt

The integration of digitalization with public tourism services has emerged as a new model for the development of the rural tourism public services. The Silk Road Economic Belt is a crucial area for the future development of the tourism industry. Exploring the coupling of the digitalization and the development trends of the rural tourism public services is significant for advancing rural tourism in this region. This study applies Complex Adaptive Systems theory and Synergy theory to the development of the digitization of rural tourism public services, clarifying the structure of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system. Based on this, a collaborative development evaluation system for the digitization of rural tourism public services is constructed, focusing on the Silk Road Economic Belt. By using the SMI-P evaluation model, ArcGIS spatial visualization, Gini coefficient, and kernel density methods, the collaborative development of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system was measured and analyzed in this paper. The findings reveal the following: (1) The collaborative development of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system in the Silk Road Economic Belt shows a gradual upward trend, yet the overall level of the collaboration is transitioning from a state of imbalance. (2) Compared to the Southwest, the Northwest exhibits a lower overall level of collaboration, with growing disparities in collaborative development indices among provinces, although there is a trend toward higher levels of aggregation. (3) The development of the rural tourism public services is trending toward a favorable state of multi-dimensional collaboration, characterized by significant regional features, including multi-polarization and unbalanced development. Finally, optimization paths for the digital development of the rural tourism public services were proposed in this study, which can provide guidance for improving the construction of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system and exploring clear development pathways.

Enhancing Clinical Data Quality to Improve Patient Care in Rural Health Facilities

WHO recognizes that high-quality research is not just a scientific pursuit but a crucial factor in achieving global health, health equity, and economic development. It is not just about the numbers but about the lives we can save and improve. In this context, four research priority areas have been identified: prioritizing health needs, building research capacity, ensuring good research practice, and ensuring good evidence is translated into practice. Local health research tailored to local needs remains an important global health goal, with the potential to revolutionize patient care in rural health facilities. Researchers and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries have expressed serious concerns about the limited access to high-quality data, a fundamental requirement for reliable and valid research. The assessment of data quality is typically categorized into five key areas: availability, usability, dependability, relevance, and presentation quality. This concept is further clarified by demonstrating how a robust healthcare data environment can enhance patient management through research efforts. The term ‘health data environment' encompasses the entire process of gathering, storing, managing, analysing, and utilizing health-related data to improve patient care and healthcare policies through informed decision-making. In this context, we present the challenges that undermine the quality of research data and propose solutions. Specifically, we identify the lack of adequate human resources, reliance on paper-based records systems, and the high costs of internet connectivity as the primary barriers to collecting and sharing high-quality data for research in low-resource settings. To tackle these challenges, we advocate for governments and funding institutions to invest in data management and communication systems, recruit and train data management staff to support clinicians, and reduce connectivity costs. Furthermore, we propose the deployment of a decentralized system as a cost-effective and less labor-intensive solution that only requires data entry staff at health facilities in resource-limited settings. This article explores current data collection, storage, and interpretation challenges and proposes innovative improvement solutions. It emphasizes the transformative potential of digitization, standardization, and staff training to enhance data quality. It further addresses the impact of quality data on evidence-based practice, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. Focusing on rural healthcare facilities sheds light on the unique barriers these settings face, proposing tailored strategies that can bridge the gap between urban and rural health service delivery. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and practitioners striving to improve patient care in rural areas through data-driven strategies.

Design and Application of Exclusive Service App for Rural Elderly

With the further advancement of rural development and the rapid development of mobile Internet, rural service apps have gradually become an important means of promoting rural economic development and improving farmers’ production and living standards. At present, a number of service-type apps with wide applications in the field of rural services have emerged, such as “Planting Master”, “Farming Network”, “Rural Taobao”, etc. However, these apps do not pay special attention to special groups, but only target the majority of young people and office workers. However, these apps do not pay special attention to special groups, but only target the majority of young people and office workers. In order to fill this gap, we have designed a software called Nong’e Tong, which is specially designed for the elderly and other special groups. The software has a simple and beautiful interface, and is easy to use. It not only provides a lot of special functions, but also can link the elderly’s cell phone with their children’s cell phones to check the health and safety of the elderly at any time. Compared to other software, the application has special features for seniors to ensure that they can use the application easily and quickly.

Kenneth Jack and rural towns: Australian socialist realist art (or just a less bitter pill to swallow)?

Early Australian artists of European extraction had to wrestle with the vast, inhospitable climate of inland Australia, unfamiliar animals and plants, and harsh sunlight. To a greater or lesser extent, especially Boyd and Drysdale, they also considered the Aboriginal inhabitants and how Europeans’ grip on the land and their understanding of it always paled in comparison with theirs, leaving the Europeans the ones out of place, infringing on a complex culture. Here, I use Marxist theories of ideology and art to examine the work of Kenneth Jack, an Australian realist painter of rural towns. His reassuring images are not confrontational, unlike those of Boyd and Drysdale. They can be ideological by pointing to an apparently timeless and tranquil midday peace, free from urban stressors and manufacturing and architectural blight. As with poet Banjo Paterson, they create a discourse that raises up life in “the bush.” These images can function as ideology where rural communities and services appear to be underappreciated and under threat. It is a conservative vision as the absence of people and vehicles reminds us, perhaps paradoxically, of romanticized rural communities just out of the painter’s sight.

Examining multidimensional health poverty and determining factors among rural women of childbearing age in ningxia, china

BackgroundThe multidimensional health poverty afflicting rural women of reproductive age bears profound implications for the sustainable development of families, societies, and healthy villages. Elucidating vulnerable groups at risk of multidimensional health poverty and delineating its determinants can inform refinements and implementation of health-poverty alleviation policies.MethodsBased on the 2022 "Health Status and Health Service Utilization" survey data in rural Ningxia, China, this study analyzes the dimension of health status, capacity for health service utilization, health expenditure and security using the A-F dual-threshold method, logit model, and probit model. It comprehensively evaluates multidimensional health poverty and analyzes its determining factors among rural women of childbearing age.ResultsWith k set at 0.3, the health multidimensional poverty index, incidence, and intensity among rural women of reproductive age were 0.021, 0.053, and 0.392, respectively. Chronic illness, capacity for free gynecological examination utilization, health examination utilization, and borrowing due to illness contributed significantly to multidimensional health poverty. Risk factors for multidimensional health poverty among rural women of childbearing age include age, unemployment, family size, and lack of sanitary toilets. Protective factors include being married, educational level, non-farm or student occupation, receiving government support, separate housing and kitchen, owning a television and computer.ConclusionsEven with the elimination of absolute poverty, the multidimensional health poverty situation among rural women remains important from a gender perspective. It is recommended to strengthen economic assistance and health service support for these groups, improve the level of rural health services from a gender perspective, and enhance housing structure and sanitation toilet usage in rural areas. Efforts should be made to narrow the digital divide in rural areas and promote digital health education. Pre-interventions on multidimensional health poverty can provide new pathways for the development, empowerment, and well-being of rural women of childbearing age.

Evaluating Age-Friendly Health Care Approaches in Rural Primary Care Settings: A Multi-Case, Mixed-Methods Hybrid Type 2 Effectiveness-Implementation Study.

Maintaining and improving the health and well-being of older people in rural communities through integrated care is essential to address this cohort's frailty risk. The Indigo 4Ms Tool for health workers is a rural-specific approach to providing care that addresses the common conditions of ageing. With Australian government funding, five small rural health services are implementing the tool. This paper describes the protocol for a hybrid type 2 implementation-effectiveness study to evaluate the tool's impact on multidisciplinary comprehensive care planning and the implementation strategies that enhance the adoption and sustainability of the tool across diverse rural health settings.

Acceptance of Rubella-Containing Vaccine and Factors Associated with Acceptance among Women of Reproductive Age in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: To investigate the acceptance and factors influencing acceptance of rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) among women of reproductive age in Guangdong, Henan, Hubei, Liaoning, Shanxi, Sichuan and Zhejiang provinces of China. Methods: Using a stratified sampling method, we selected one urban and one rural community health services center in each of two cities in seven provinces. From these centers, we recruited women 15–49 years of age to complete a questionnaire on their willingness to receive RCV and factors influencing willingness. The survey instrument was adapted from the behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) of vaccination survey tool developed by the World Health Organization. Results: Among 1286 participants, 981 (76.3%) were willing to receive RCV. Awareness of rubella ranged from 12.4% to 70.6%. Willingness to receive RCV differed significantly by region, occupation, vaccination history, and awareness. All latent variables of the structural equation model (SEM) were positively correlated with willingness, and all standardized paths were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Thinking and Feeling had direct positive effects on Social Processes (β = 0.789) and Practical Issues (β = 0.542), thereby indirectly affecting motivation. Conclusions: Women of reproductive age had high willingness to receive the rubella vaccination, but their general awareness of rubella was relatively low. It is necessary to strengthen the health education of women of reproductive age regarding rubella to improve RCV coverage.

A state-of-the-art review of community-based palliative care services in rural areas of Southern Minnesota and the United States.

This state-of-the-art (SOTA) review aimed to understand the historical, current and future of rural community palliative care services (PCS) with a primary focus in rural southern Minnesota communities and the United States. This review followed the six step SOTA systematic review process described by Barry et al (2022) and examined articles from 2010-2023 regarding rural PCS. Historical and current research consistently supported the benefits of PCS and reported the top facilitators as a clear definition of palliative care and PCS. The top barriers included a lack service provision, funding/resources, national policies/regulation, and shortages of trained providers in rural communities. Barriers to the provision of PCS have not improved based on this review in rural areas and must be addressed to reduce healthcare disparities for rural populations.

The Construction and Application of Evaluation Index System of Rural Public Digital Cultural Service Accessibility

ABSTRACTThis research takes the accessibility of rural public digital cultural services as the research object. Based on the accessibility framework and system evaluation theory, an evaluation index system is constructed through investigation and analysis. Firstly, through on‐site investigation and interviews, explore service accessibility factors and establish a feature factor model; Secondly, based on industry norms, an evaluation system was constructed that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary indicators, and was revised and validated through empirical analysis; Finally, the AHP fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was applied to study the indicator system. The results indicate that the accessibility of public digital cultural services is good, but still needs to be improved, and improvement path suggestions are proposed from the aspects of resource supply, services, organization and management, etc. The research enriches the evaluation system of public cultural services and provide reference for the government to improve public digital cultural services.

Rural community-centred co-planning for sustainable rural health systems.

Sustaining rural healthcare services is challenging because of numerous systemic factors. Rural communities can inform the design of sustainable rural health models; however, further evidence of effective co-design is needed to guide implementation. The study aim was to co-design a series of place-based and evidence-informed rural health models, to improve local health system sustainability. A rural region (categorised as Modified Monash Model 5) defined by three adjoining Shires in Central and Northwest Victoria, Australia. A health executive co-planning network led the co-design, with input and oversight from a broader cross-sector group. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) and consumers and carers (n = 21) participated in interviews, and an online survey was completed by healthcare professionals (n = 11) and consumers and carers (n = 7) to provide feedback on the preliminary results. Community-based participatory action research was applied incorporating co-design methods and systems thinking. Data were collected through qualitative interviews followed by an online feedback survey. Mixed method data analysis (QUAL-quant) was conducted with qualitative directed content analysis of interview transcripts and quantitative descriptive analyses of survey responses to aid prioritisation. Healthcare priorities, strengths and challenges, and proposed rural health models are described. A rural health system sustainability strategy was developed with three integrated pillars: 1. Workforce strengthening, 2. Integrated health services and 3. Innovative models of care. Community-centred co-design with rural health stakeholders was effective for generating locally tailored ideas and potential health models that emulate community strengths and resources, and provide a foundation for further planning, implementation and evaluation.

Rising to the challenge: The motivation to champion routine intimate partner violence screening in rural emergency departments.

To understand the motivations of champions who worked to bring about system and practice change that supported routine screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) in two rural emergency departments (EDs). Practice changes are required to achieve routine and effective identification and response to IPV. Nurses play a significant role in affecting such practice change. This paper identifies the motivations of champions in the ED setting who successfully brought about such change. The EDs of two Level 5 tertiary hospitals within a rural Local Health District (LHD) of New South Wales, Australia. Twenty-three individuals who identified as champions and worked to introduce routine IPV screening in two rural hospital EDs. Qualitative longitudinal semi-structured interviews employing a process of constant comparison and an interpretive framework to analyse data thematically. Interviews were carried out between June and August 2017 and again between July and August 2019. Over the period of the study, routine screening was established, and screening rates steadily increased from a low baseline to a significantly higher rate. Three aspects of champion motivation emerged from the analysis: formation of an identity as a champion, making a difference to a significant social justice issue and providing quality and community-relevant care. This study is the first study to report on champions and their motivation as they supported IPV practice change in the ED. The findings highlight the capacity for innovation in rural health services, with important implications for other settings looking to translate similar programs. Understanding motivating factors may assist in improved utilisation and support for champions. This is vital if champions are to bring about required practice change within their service and ensure the needs of individuals experiencing IPV are effectively met.

Associations between Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index Scores, Rurality, and Histoplasmosis Incidence, 8 US States.

To explore associations between histoplasmosis and race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and rurality, we conducted an in-depth analysis of social determinants of health and histoplasmosis in 8 US states. Using the Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index (MH SVI), we analyzed county-level histoplasmosis incidence (cases/100,000 population) from the 8 states by applying generalized linear mixed hurdle models. We found that histoplasmosis incidence was higher in counties with limited healthcare infrastructure and access as measured by the MH SVI and in more rural counties. Other social determinants of health measured by the MH SVI tool either were not significantly or were inconsistently associated with histoplasmosis incidence. Increased awareness of histoplasmosis, more accessible diagnostic tests, and investment in rural health services could address histoplasmosis-related health disparities.

Research on the Mechanism and Realization Path of Digital Technology Enabling High-quality Integration between Urban and Rural Areas

Urban and rural integration is the only way to solve the main social contradictions and achieve high-quality economic development. The booming digital technology, as the core of new quality productivity, provides new momentum for urban and rural integration. This paper takes the equalization of urban and rural basic services as a proxy variable for high-quality urban-rural integration, and empirically examines the enabling effect of digital technology on high-quality urban-rural integration based on the data of 282 prefecture-level cities nationwide from 2011 to 2021. The research shows that digital technology can effectively enable high-quality urban-rural integration; The development of digital technology promotes the high-quality integration of urban and rural areas by promoting industrial transformation and upgrading.

Agro-Pastoral Youth Participation in Livelihood Activities, Development Programs and Interventions in East and West Hararghe Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to identify the status and determinants of male and female youth participation in selected livelihood activities, development programs and interventions in agro-pastoral areas of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design and mixed methods research approach were employed. A multi-stage random sampling strategy was followed to select four agro-pastoral Woredas (A ‘Woreda’ is an administrative unit equivalent to a District), 12 Kebeles (A ‘Kebele’ is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia. A Woreda/District consists of several Kebeles) and 398 youth aged 15–29 years for a face-to-face interview. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometric model (Logistic regression) estimation. We found that whereas male youth had better access to land, participation in extension/advisory services and Farmers’ Training Centers (FTCs), agricultural training, and NGOs, female youth had better participation in non-/off-farm livelihood activities and Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). Our findings indicated that lack of access to financial resources, limited access to land, poor extension and rural advisory services, limited skills development programs and mentorship were key factors affecting youth participation. Other factors include: targeting criteria, discrimination (e.g. on the basis of gender, social structure), cumbersome organizational procedures and requirements, limited availability and capacity of supporting organizations, poor infrastructural developments, mismatch between needs and services provided, conflict, and climate-induced shocks and uncertainties. To overcome these challenges, local and regional governments and their development partners operating in the area should implement a multi-stakeholder, participatory, co-design and development of programs, projects and interventions to enhance collaboration, youth engagement and benefit. Investments in capacity-building and alternative income-generating activities, entrepreneurship education and business skills training are also important.

Barriers and enablers to breast cancer screening in rural South Africa

Background: The breast cancer burden on the South African healthcare system is severe, with rural South African women often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. South Africa’s rural areas are classified as low-resource settings with limited medical services and infrastructure. The impact of breast cancer on rural communities in South Africa requires ongoing research to better understand the severity of this disease among one of the most vulnerable populations.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers of breast cancer screening among rural South African women.Method: An exploratory qualitative study was utilised. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 22 rural South African women. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. This study utilised the care-seeking behaviour theory as its theoretical framework.Results: Participants identified many barriers to breast cancer screening, including individual affordability, transportation, rural services, infrastructure, health professional behaviour, and the lack of educational materials. Several factors are suggested to enable the screening of breast cancer in rural South Africa, including breast cancer campaigns, health education, the involvement of key stakeholders, and promotional materials.Conclusion: Despite the many barriers to breast cancer screening among rural South African women, there is still hope in implementing the various promotional tools outlined in this study and ensuring that breast self-examination is an alternative, affordable screening method.Contribution: The purpose of this article is to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focusses reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cancer.

Gram India: Scaling Up a Social Enterprise

This case focuses on Amrita Sharma, a social entrepreneur and the challenges her team faces in managing the social enterprise Gram India. Gram India is the marketing division of Parnana Parnani Education Society, which offers free education and employment opportunities to rural Indian women. Established as a Limited Liability Partnership on 18 December 2015, Gram India specializes in embroidery and offers products, such as handicrafts, suit covers, incense sticks and rural BPO services. The corporate office is in Jaipur, Rajasthan and the production centre is in Newai, Rajasthan. Gram India strives to balance two main objectives as a social enterprise: creating social value by employing rural women and achieving financial sustainability through sufficient revenue generation. However, several challenges impede their path to self-sustainability. These challenges include over-dependence on a single customer, the physical distance between the office and production centre, labour issues, funding uncertainties, distribution channel choices, staff management and inventory handling. After four successful years, Amrita and her team are contemplating strategies to ensure Gram India’s long-term sustainability. They need to devise effective plans to overcome these obstacles and secure the future of their enterprise.