Child Health in Rural America

Key points

  • Parents of children with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in rural communities often report more hardships than their urban counterparts.
  • Children with these disorders who live in rural areas could benefit from better access to mental and behavioral healthcare programs that support parents and caregivers.
Child Psychologist at Work with a child and parent

Overview

Mental, behavioral, or development disorders, such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and language problems, often begin in early childhood. These issues can affect life-long health and well-being.

Parents of children with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in rural communities more often reported having financial difficulties. They also rated their own mental health or their partner’s mental health as “fair” or “poor.” Additionally, they more often reported living in a neighborhood in poor condition and without parks, recreation centers, and libraries.

Health care in rural areas may need to do more to help children with mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders.
Children in rural areas may need more access to health care.

These challenges make it harder for families to give their children the environment and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Children with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders could benefit from better access to mental and behavioral healthcare, programs that support parents and caregivers, and opportunities to learn, play, and socialize.

Collaboration among healthcare systems, primary care clinicians, and family support programs may offset the challenges faced by children in rural areas.

Resources and tools

RHIhub offers webinars to dive deeper into child health in rural areas.
RHIhub offers more information on health in rural areas.

Watch the RHIhub webinar to learn more about issues with child health in rural areas.