Honors Theses
Date of Award
Fall 11-20-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Health
First Advisor
Ashley Jones White
Second Advisor
Hannah Allen
Third Advisor
Andrew Pfrenger
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Health is more than the absence of disease—it is the product of opportunity, trust, and access. Yet for millions living in rural areas of the United States, equitable healthcare remains out of reach. This thesis seeks to amplify the voices of rural residents in Mississippi and uncover how their experiences, beliefs, and cultural values shape their perception of their local hospital and the care that is provided there. This qualitative research study examines the experiences and opinions of a rural community in south-central Mississippi regarding their local hospital, as well as their perceptions of the most effective approach to prevent its closure in the future. Data was collected from nine participants with three overarching themes discovered through thematic analysis: (1) perceived inadequacy and conditional trust in local healthcare facilities, (2) the burden of travel and loss of local providers, and (3) financial, emotional, and social strain from inaccessible healthcare. By examining these perspectives, the research highlighted the importance of community-informed public health initiatives that address both the physical and social dimensions of healthcare access.
Recommended Citation
Craft, Cambry L., "Band-Aids and Backroads: Surviving Rural Healthcare in South-Central Mississippi" (2025). Honors Theses. 3366.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3366
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Quality Improvement Commons