Rurality as a Risk Factor for Pulmonary Health Disparities.

Rural populations experience significant pulmonary health disparities compared with urban populations. Patients in rural communities experience health determinants including high smoking prevalence, worse nutrition, lower educational attainment, specific occupational exposures, decreased health-care access, as well as unique cultural and political drivers of health. This article describes social determinants of pulmonary health relevant in rural communities, describes examples of existing pulmonary disparities in rural populations, and highlights health policies with potential to mitigate disparities.