Part 7/9:
The implications of self-identified rurality extend beyond mere perception; they manifest profoundly in health outcomes. Research consistently points to correlations between self-identification as rural and negative health behaviors, such as increased obesity rates, smoking, and alcohol consumption, often driven by a rural lifestyle narrative. The health disparities between urban and rural populations are stark, with rural residents experiencing higher mortality rates linked to lifestyle rather than geographic conditions. Interestingly, the identification itself—rather than the actual physical living situation—plays a larger role in health-related challenges faced by these individuals.