The Intersection of Rurality With Female Sex and Gender in Heart Failure: A Scoping Review Using the...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Rural Health

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern, particularly for rural populations and women.
• The specific challenges faced by women in rural areas regarding HF are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review synthesizing evidence on the intersection of rurality, female sex, and gender in heart failure.
• To examine how social-ecological model (SEM) factors influence HF experiences, management, and outcomes in women.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases.
• The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).
• Findings were analyzed and organized according to the social-ecological model (SEM) levels.

Main Results:

• Eleven original studies were included from 1119 reviewed articles.
• Rural women exhibit a higher risk of developing HF and experience worse outcomes, including increased hospitalizations and mortality.
• Rural women are less likely to receive evidence-based care and utilize healthcare services less frequently.

Conclusions:

• SEM factors significantly impact HF outcomes in rural women, highlighting multifaceted disparities.
• There is an urgent need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve care for rural women with HF.
• Further research is recommended to explore the complex interactions of SEM factors to enhance HF management and outcomes for this demographic.