Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says some of the more notable findings include elevated rates of two key health factors.
“Franklin Parish did have more overweight and obese residents than Louisiana as a whole; slightly higher rates of high blood pressure and on par with some of the others, like diabetes,” Broyles explained.
The RURAL Health study compares rural communities to other rural communities, as opposed to urban communities. Dr. Broyles says these findings underscore the importance of having strong healthcare in all communities, including in rural areas.
“We need better opportunities for people to screen for these diseases, and to be able to access either medications or be able to make lifestyle changes to address these conditions,” Broyles noted.
These findings come on the heels of the initial findings from an earlier study in Assumption Parish. Broyles says now that we know the what, now the job for the researchers is to figure out the why.
“That’s a big part of why we partner with community members and community organizations to take what we’re learning and provide the local knowledge about what it may mean and what to do about it,” Broyles said.
More information on the study can be found here.
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