Sleep disorders among rural Veterans: Relative prevalence, comorbidities, and comparisons with urban Veterans.

Robert L FolmerConnor J SmithEilis A BoudreauAnnette M TottenPriyanka ChilakamarriCharles W AtwoodKathleen F Sarmiento

Published in: The Journal of rural health : official journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association (2022)

Although rural Veterans exhibited a higher prevalence of 3 comorbid conditions associated with sleep disorders, the prevalence of sleep disorder diagnoses was similar between rural and urban Veterans. Therefore, it is possible that sleep disorders are underdiagnosed among rural Veterans. The fact that rural Veterans received VA sleep care at a lower rate compared to urban Veterans indicates that rurality is a disparity in access to care in this population. VA is addressing this disparity through a variety of programs, including telehealth initiatives.

Keyphrases

south africa
sleep quality
physical activity
risk factors
healthcare
palliative care
public health
depressive symptoms
health insurance