The quantity and identity of drugs prescribed under the National Health Service vary widely between different towns (Martin, 1957; Benjamin and Ash, 1964). The reasons are not well understood, but differences of morbidity and mortality in the towns are not solely responsible (Lee, 1964). The differences in prescribing between towns remain relatively stable over months and years, so that the ran...

A plague (Yersinia pestis) epizootic spread through Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni), and possibly other rodent species, in the Moreno Valley in north-central New Mexico between winter 1984-1985 and autumn 1987. We observed the progress of the epizootic and subsequent population recovery at four prairie dog towns within the valley during this period. At two towns (Midlake and Val Ver...

BACKGROUND Despite the widespread use of written health education materials as interventions, relatively few studies have adequately evaluated the effectiveness of such materials on changing healthcare behaviors in the general population. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The study consisted of ten matched pairs of small rural towns in New South Wales, Australia, with a total combined population of approx...

The process of urban shrinkage is affecting many cities around the world. It evident in small towns as well, but unlike larger cities, it has not received much attention. Accordingly, this paper analyses towns? shrinking focusing on post-socialist context development, which led to new patterns countries Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). After discussing specific characteristics towns, their pat...

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic diseases internationally. The health complications associated with type 2 diabetes can be prevented, delayed, or improved via early diagnosis and effective management. This research aims to examine the impact of a primarily web-based educational intervention on the diabetes care provided by general practitioners (GPs) in rural are...

Background: Despite the widespread use of written health education materials as interventions, relatively few studies had adequately evaluated the effectiveness of such materials at changing health behaviors among the general population. Design: Randomized, controlled trial. Setting / Participants: Ten matched pairs of small, rural towns in New South Wales, Australia, with total populations of ...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether rural consumer preferences for health services have changed over time or vary across communities with different models of health service delivery. DESIGN Questionnaire survey replicating a 1989 study, with ranking of seven different healthcare services. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Adult occupants from a 20% sample of private residences, in towns and on farms, in t...