A study by Dahlia Remler and Sherry Glied found that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may not reduce healthcare spending for the lowest and biggest spenders. In fact, cost-sharing increases for mid-range spenders, while tax subsidies benefit higher-income individuals disproportionately.
A study analyzing data from the National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs found that 26% of CSHCN and 13% of their family members reported mental health care needs, with 18.4% of CSHCN and 21.3% reporting unmet needs. Poverty, lack of insurance, and severity of condition were strongly associated factors.
Researchers found that Maori were nearly ten times more likely to experience discrimination than Europeans, leading to poor self-rated health, low mental health, and cardiovascular disease. After controlling for age, sex, deprivation, and racism, the inequalities in health outcomes between Maori and Europeans significantly reduced.
The 2007 Nieman Fellowship in Global Health Reporting is awarded to David Kohn, Harro Albrecht, and Kondwani Munthali for a year of study at Harvard School of Public Health. After completing their studies, the fellows will embark on four-month journalistic field work in developing countries.
Health researchers across Canada will investigate social determinants of health, ethnic influences on aging, and disparities among Aboriginal peoples, children, rural youth, seniors, and sexual minorities. The research aims to improve the lives of vulnerable Canadians and build stronger communities.
A new study finds that health care spending generates significant health benefits, with a return on investment of $1.55 to $1.94 for every dollar spent. The research demonstrates the value of estimating the impact of health care investments and challenges policymakers to consider cost-effectiveness in their decision-making.
A new Kent State group called the Center for Health Literacy aims to improve the health literacy of adults and families. The project will evaluate all aspects of the health information-seeking process and make recommendations to help health-related institutions craft more effective health information programs and services.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for a comprehensive healthcare response to pandemic influenza, highlighting the critical role of primary care physicians. The organization recommends hands-on clinical training for internists to address public health crises like pandemic influenza.
The US Surgeon General has launched a new, free, Web-based tool called My Family Health Portrait to help Spanish-speaking families organize their health histories. The tool provides a graphic printout that organizes information into a diagram or chart, which can be shared with healthcare professionals.
Research projects focusing on Aboriginal women's self-care, mental health consumers' recovery, and psychologists' role in the Mental Health Service have been allocated funding. The programs aim to build research capacity with the health region through collaborative education processes.
The NIH Cognitive and Emotional Health Project aims to coordinate research on interventions for neurological health. The report highlights the interconnectedness between cognitive and emotional health, emphasizing the need to examine them simultaneously.
The USF College of Public Health is collaborating with 12 institutions to develop and implement strategies focused on eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. The initiative aims to build a model for the nation, leveraging partnerships between communities and institutions to address health disparities.
A survey of 14,000 young people found that health indicators worsen with age, except for mental health and exposure to violence, which improve. Disparities increased across all racial and ethnic groups, with significant declines in health from adolescence to young adulthood.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of preparing health ministries for progressive liberalization of trade in health services. The WHO should continue to provide guidance on international standards and advice on trade rules from a public-health perspective.
The Health Care Standards Landscape (HCSL) is a comprehensive source of information on health care standards, providing real and sample data to demonstrate its capabilities. Organizations such as the Agency for Health Research and Quality are collaborating with NIST on this project.
The University of Georgia has received a $3.5 million CDC grant to establish a center focused on reducing health disparities through effective communication and marketing strategies. The center will conduct research studies on how low-income individuals respond to health risks and develop culturally appropriate risk messages.
Experts from UWS Men's Health Information and Resource Centre argue that worsening men's health statistics are due to social causes such as education, socio-economic status, and housing stress. They advocate for a national health policy to address these underlying factors and improve men's health outcomes.
Research Australia highlights 12 pressing health concerns affecting Australian children, including rising obesity rates, asthma, and increasing cases of child abuse. The list aims to raise awareness about these issues and promote action from researchers to improve children's health.
A study found that nearly half of US adults have inadequate health literacy, which is associated with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Individuals with low health literacy were more likely to report activity limitations and pain interfering with daily activities.
A new study aims to develop models of care that address socio-economic and environmental issues threatening the health of Aboriginal children. The research will investigate successful models of care in rural and remote areas, with a goal of establishing an evidence-base for future use.
The five-year project aims to develop innovative tools for measuring population health, particularly in resource-poor settings. It will provide governments and communities with practical strategies to understand their health state and prioritize spending, ultimately improving global health outcomes.
The NIH/National Library of Medicine (NLM) will administer a new public health information expert training program, funded by the $3.68 million grant. The program aims to develop more public health professionals skilled in applying computer technology to enhance their work.
A new study led by Dr. Tarani Chandola found no link between high intelligence in childhood and better health among highly educated adults. The study instead highlights the importance of policies targeting specific areas such as working conditions and enabling healthy lifestyles.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that learning to recognize and follow internal hunger cues can significantly improve overall health regardless of weight loss. Non-dieters who adopted the Health at Every Size approach showed significant improvements in metabolic and psychological health, including lower cholesterol levels a...
A recent Emory University study found a strong correlation between health levels and healthcare use, as well as work productivity. Adults with high levels of physical and mental health reported fewer lost workdays and lower healthcare use compared to those with lower health levels.
A study by Debarchana Ghosh found extreme inequality in health care resource availability, with western and southeastern Kansas counties facing significant challenges. The research identified 'high health care resource regions' and 'low or very low health care resource regions,' highlighting the need for policy-makers to address these ...
The US healthcare system exhibits both strengths and failings, with private market competition driving inequality, inefficiency, and high costs. Researchers explore the role of corporate interests in shaping health care markets, organizational forces, and clinical practice guidelines.
The World Health Organization is launching an independent Commission on Social Determinants of Health to review evidence and recommend policies to improve health globally. The commission aims to address the social factors that contribute to ill health, including poverty, education, housing, and economics.
A new commission aims to address health inequalities globally by focusing on the social determinants of health. The commission's findings highlight the need for governments to take action on poverty, education, and working conditions to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Rozier has made significant contributions to dental public health, developing methods and findings to improve basic public health core functions and access to dental care for disadvantaged populations. He also conducted research on effective public health interventions to promote oral health and prevent dental diseases.
According to a study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) have significantly higher healthcare expenditures compared to their peers. The study found that CSHCN account for 42.1% of total medical care costs and 33.6% of total health care costs.
A study from Honduras found that direct cash payments to poor families increased the take-up of antenatal and infant health services, with a 15-20% increase in coverage. This suggests that such interventions could improve maternal and child health outcomes in developing countries.
The Joint Learning Initiative proposes that strengthening human resources for health is crucial in combating health crises and building sustainable health systems. To achieve the required health improvements and millennium goals, an estimated 4 million extra health workers worldwide are needed, with a focus on tripling human resources ...
Indiana University is a national leader in new federal funding for health information technology, aiming to improve healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency. The state has received $6.5 million to develop and implement a statewide health information network.
Health experts emphasize the need for stronger health systems to achieve improved health outcomes, but agree that a more manageable approach is needed. Disease-specific interventions can deliver quicker results, yet may lead to duplication and disruption, while system-wide approaches build benefits over time, but are less manageable.
A new study finds that a father's mental health has a significant impact on a child's behavioral and emotional problems, especially if the mother is struggling with depression. The research suggests that emotionally healthy fathers can substantially reduce the negative influence of a mother's poor mental health.
A Michigan Medicine study found that female and black legislators are more likely to sponsor child health bills, with proposals making up 37% of all child health bills. Child health bills were a small percentage of overall health bills, but states with higher legislative passage rates had more success in enacting these bills.
Research by Dr. Riley found that children aged 6-11 can complete age-appropriate health questionnaires and provide reliable information about their health. The Child Health and Illness Profiles assessment tools, including the CHIP-CE, have been shown to predict future healthcare use.
The University of Minnesota has established the nation's first endowed chair in sexual health, aiming to promote science-based research and education. The new chair will provide important contributions to the field of public health, guided by principles of equity and social justice.
A recent Emory University study found that adults with better mental health have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Only 17% of the sample met full mental health criteria, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to consider mental well-being in treating patients with heart conditions.
Researchers found that unstable placements and episodic foster care increase mental health service use, with older children and those with high physical health care costs at greatest risk. The top 10% of mental health users account for 83% of $2.4 million in mental health costs.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been awarded $3.9 million to assess the Afghan health system and develop a new financing system. The evaluation system will measure progress in providing basic health services, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children.
Community-based oral health research studies in Hawaii prioritize tangible oral health problems, including intervention trials. Community involvement is essential in addressing disparities in oral health among population subgroups.
A report by Dr. Simpson and Denise Dougherty highlights the need for pediatricians and parents to collaborate on improving children's health care, focusing on quality indicators and evidence-based practice. The authors recommend creating an information technology system to track health care indicators and provide better care for children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting its approach to prioritize reducing global health disparities and addressing emerging epidemics. The organization aims to strengthen health systems and deliver sustainable care to vulnerable populations by 2015. This shift in focus will depend on research priorities and funding to achieve...
A Vanderbilt University researcher suggests that ignoring racism in mental health diagnosis can mask severe psychological problems. Brown proposes five mental health issues linked to racism that are prevalent among blacks, including nihilistic tendencies and suppressed anger expression.
Low health-related quality of life scores among urban children could impact their educational success. The study found an association between health-related quality of life and school connectedness, suggesting that programs addressing mental and physical health needs can improve perceptions.
A study of 4,764 Internet users found that 40% of American adults with online access use the Internet for health information. The study also revealed that men and individuals over 75 were less likely to use the Internet for health, while those who do use it tend to have a more limited frequency of use.
A study found that US per capita health spending rose to $4,631 in 2000, significantly higher than other OECD nations. The researchers also discovered that the US spent 13% of its GDP on healthcare, with private financing accounting for a majority of public funds.
A study of 4,615 elderly individuals found that physical health problems had a greater impact on their health behaviors than mental health issues like depression. Regular contact with healthcare providers may encourage better health practices among this population.
A recent study found that 62.2% of surveyed US adults are classified as incompletely healthy, with most suffering from poor physical health. The researchers identified key factors associated with complete health, including gender, age, marital status, education, and income.
The Center will develop the environmental public health tracking network with the CDC, linking environmental protection efforts to public health surveillance. The initiative aims to track exposures to environmental hazards and develop sound policies to prevent disease.
A new Center for Health Disparities Solutions will bring together resources from Johns Hopkins and Morgan State University to conduct research, training, and interventions to address health disparities. The center plans to educate participants on conducting research on disparities and establish connections with healthcare advocacy groups.
A new healthcare model is being launched at Duke University Medical Center, focusing on personalized health planning, coaching, and disease prevention. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes by empowering patients to make lifestyle changes.
Smokers are less sensitive to future health consequences than nonsmokers, prioritizing immediate health gains over long-term risks. Smoking cessation therapies should focus on illustrating the immediate consequences of not smoking, such as contingency management therapy.
Research by James P. Smith and Dana P. Goldman found that education level is a significant factor in adherence to treatment regimens, particularly for complex diseases like HIV and diabetes. The study suggests that education can help improve health outcomes by promoting better adherence to treatment plans.
A strong primary care system is crucial for a nation's health, with countries boasting robust systems showing the most favorable health indicators at young ages. Strong primary care is particularly important for children, as it significantly impacts postneonatal mortality rates and low birthweight.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Investigator Awards program funds research initiatives addressing cultural influences on pain management, the right to healthcare, and the impact of regulation on human subjects. The newly funded projects will provide fresh insights to inform health policy.
A new study finds that lifestyle factors, including obesity and stress, significantly predict healthcare costs among young employed adults. Participants with high-risk scores for overall wellness, stress, or obesity used more healthcare services and incurred higher costs.
Researchers argue that policies improving education and equalizing resources can have significant health benefits and cost savings. Experts also suggest a broader approach to addressing socioeconomic disparities in health by considering multiple determinants and promoting cross-cutting policy initiatives.