Understanding heart and lung health in rural communities

RURAL Study Coordinating Center and Pulmonary Core

Observational The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT05006729

This study looks at heart and lung health in rural communities to see how often these diseases occur and what factors might contribute to them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment4600 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05006729 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The RURAL Cohort is a health research project that aims to enroll approximately 4,600 adults from ten rural counties across Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This observational study will investigate the frequency and risk factors associated with heart and lung diseases in these communities, while also examining psychosocial, economic, and familial factors that may contribute to health disorders. The findings will help inform future health programs and improve health outcomes for residents in these rural areas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults residing in specific rural counties in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi who have lived there for at least two years.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently incarcerated, in hospice care with a terminal illness, or actively treated for cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health programs and interventions tailored to the unique needs of rural populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on rural health disparities have shown success in identifying unique health challenges and informing targeted interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be a resident of specific counties in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi
* Have resided in the specific county for the past two years and plan to reside at the residence for the next two years
* Speak English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently incarcerated or institutionalized
* Currently in hospice care with a terminal illness and less than 6 month life expectancy
* Being actively treated for cancer

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rural HealthPulmonary DiseaseHeart DiseasesRisk factors for heart diseaseRisk factors for lung diseasePsychosocial factorsFamilial factorsEconomic factors
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.