Date of Graduation
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Health, Human Performance and Recreation
Advisor/Mentor
Elbin, Robert J.
Committee Member
Hammig, Bart
Abstract
Within East Texas, there is a critical shortage of physicians and lack of access to healthcare that is taking a major toll on the health of residents. For Texas as a whole, almost 70% of their 254 counties are classified as a rural. Within the United States, Texas has the largest amount of hospital closures and rural areas including East Texas have lost over half of their hospitals since 1960 (Nevins et al. 2021). The area endures some of the highest rates of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions.
In knowing about the many health disparities and alarming statistics about East Texas, I wanted to explore and learn more specifically about the access to neurological services treatment protocols due to their physician shortage. Each healthcare provider and office I contacted were more than willing and happy to speak with me about these issues as they are eager for change to happen as well as spreading awareness about the physician shortage. The East Texas community and in particular the city of Tyler is extremely close-knit and has a community centered focus.
Keywords
Lack of Healthcare Access; Rural Healthcare; Neurology; East Texas
Citation
Arlen, A. (2024). Lack of Access to Healthcare and Neurology within East Texas. Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/hhpruht/119
