The Impact of Rurality, Community Attachment, and Community Involvement on Health Among Rural Texans
Abstract
This study examines the differences in three health status indicators by rurality and the effects of community attachment and involvement on health among rural residents in Texas. We use the 2013 Texas Rural Survey (TRS) data, which include information on a representative sample of 757 rural Texas residents. The results show that the three health status indicators – self-rated general health, functional status of physical health, and functional status of mental health – are predicted by different factors. Overall, residents in small places often reported better health than those in medium-sized and large places. Community attachment and involvement were shown to have beneficial effects on health status, but they affect different aspects of health. Stronger community attachment is significantly predictive of better self-rated general health and functional status of mental health,while involvement in a greater variety of community organizations is closely associated with functional status of physical health. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Choi, Jin, E. Reiter, and Gene Theodori. 2015. "The Impact of Rurality, Community Attachment, and Community Involvement on Health Among Rural Texans." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 30(1): Article 2. Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol30/iss1/2
Publication Date
12-31-2015
