A global survey of health professions schools reveals that 63% offer climate change education, with most commonly integrated into core courses. However, many schools face institutional challenges and limited resources in developing curricula.
Research presents evidence that home health care after a heart attack can lower hospital readmission rates, with patients receiving care being older and more likely to have underlying health conditions. The study found that home health care was associated with an 11% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days.
Comparing lockdowns across nations reveals no consistent advantage of extreme versus limited social distancing measures, highlighting the need for a standardized approach. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing public health and socio-economic costs in reopening strategies.
Researchers found that 92% of employers believe public health professionals with climate change training will be in high demand in the next 5-10 years. Employers value skills such as knowledge of climate mitigation, health equity, and risk assessment. The study analyzed 16 years' worth of job postings to project future workforce needs.
Children with chronic health conditions may experience higher rates of mental illness in early adolescence, according to new research. The study found that children with chronic health problems showed higher rates of mental illness at 10 years and continued to be associated with poor mental health at ages 13 and 15.
The Indiana Network for Population Health enables secure data exchange to track diseases and connect patients with community-based services addressing their social determinants of health. Integrating social determinants into electronic medical records enhances health surveillance, but current systems often lack access to this information.
A new roadmap highlights the urgent need to tackle the pandemic's impact on mental health, calling for real-time monitoring and evidence-based treatments. The public already expresses substantial concerns about mental health due to COVID-19.
The University of Montana has received a five-year, $10.75 million grant to establish the Center for Population Health Research (CPHR). CPHR will support epidemiological and mathematical modeling approaches to understand risk and resilience factors for children's health outcomes.
New research from Rice University found that Barack Obama's 2008 presidential election improved the mental health of black men, with an average decrease in poor mental health days from four to three. However, this benefit did not extend to black women, who reported a slight increase in mental health problems following the election.
A comprehensive review of US social policies found that early life and education interventions can reduce smoking by 8%, while income support and health insurance programs show the most promise in improving population health. However, some studies showed no health impact, highlighting the need for careful policymaking.
Regenstrief Institute researcher Brian Dixon is presenting strategies for integrating social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status and access to food, into patient records. This integration aims to better address individual and public health needs by combining clinical data with social determinants.
A new commentary highlights how collaborations between schools and health departments can create vulnerabilities for students' private health information. To address these gaps, researchers recommend creating clear privacy protocols and mapping out processes to anticipate potential issues.
The Astellas Global Health Foundation has awarded a three-year, $1.35 million grant to AMPATH to provide mental health programming for 400,000 people in western Kenya. The grant will support training for community health volunteers and integrate mental health services into public health facilities.
A community health worker program in Philadelphia reduced hospital admissions by 38% and saved Medicaid $1.4 million annually, resulting in a $2.47 return on investment for every $1 spent. The program's success was demonstrated through a randomized controlled trial, improving quality of care and patient outcomes.
A new UMass Amherst study found that military members with serious brain injuries are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. The research suggests that critically injured soldiers with severe TBI have particularly high rates of these conditions.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that households in the bottom fifth of income groups pay an average of 33.9% of their income toward health care, while families in the highest income group pay 16%. The analysis also reveals that payments to finance health care account for 18.7% of average household income.
Research finds that poor mental health can both cause and effect school exclusion, with early intervention crucial for preventing exclusion and improving outcomes. Children who were excluded from school often had poor mental health and faced family adversity.
A long-term study found that bariatric surgery does not improve general mental health in adolescents despite substantial weight loss. Mental health problems persisted, and those who underwent surgery had more hospital-based care for mental health issues.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a new vision for a better US healthcare system, emphasizing universal coverage, reduced barriers to care, and value-based payment systems. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and promote patient-centered care.
Detained adolescents experience high rates of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopment disabilities. A whole-of-system approach is needed to address health and social inequalities in childhood and adolescence.
Researchers from Boston University School of Public Health argue that calling pornography a public health crisis endangers the health of the public by leading to unwarranted policy shifts. The existing evidence suggests negative health consequences for some individuals, but not substantial harm overall.
A UK study found that poor sexual health affects women in diverse ways and is often overlooked by current intervention efforts. The research identified distinct groups at risk, including women with low interest in sex and those experiencing depression, alcohol or drug use. Tailored programs may be needed to address these vulnerabilities.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that adults in Southern states with expanded Medicaid programs experienced lower rates of physical and mental health decline compared to those without expansion. The research suggests that access to the safety net is an inadequate substitute for coverage, highlighting the need for non-expan...
A Spanish study reveals socioeconomic inequalities have a profound effect on the health of the elderly population. Educational attainment and past occupations are key factors in these disparities. Higher educational attainment and adequate pensions may help reduce inequality.
The University of Illinois at Chicago will establish a Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center (P3RC) to study various public health issues, including obesity and diabetes among Chicago schoolchildren. The center will also support researchers and community leaders in advocating for change and leveraging research data.
Environmental health professionals in US report challenges in six areas: drinking water quality, wastewater management, healthy homes, food safety, public health pests, and disaster risk reduction. The study emphasizes the need for professional training, expanded partnerships, and translational research to address these issues.
A new study finds that integrating behavioral health services into pediatric primary care increased visits by children with mental health diagnoses without raising Medicaid costs. This integrated model, called TEAM UP, has measurable value and potential for long-term cost savings.
Research from Northwestern University and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center found that mothers' heart health during pregnancy affects their child's cardiovascular health long-term. Children who had good heart health in utero were more likely to have healthy hearts as tweens and teens.
A study of over 65,000 postmenopausal women found specific jobs, including healthcare providers, are associated with poorer cardiovascular health. Researchers suggest occupation is an important determinant of women's heart health, highlighting the need for workplace health programs to improve heart health.
A recent study led by Boston College researcher Nadia Abuelezam found little evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans. In contrast to previous research on Asian and Latino immigrants, first-generation Arab immigrants had poor health profiles compared to second- or third-generation immigrants.
A new study found that children of fathers with poor mental health have a higher risk of poor mental health and overall health, highlighting the significant role fathers play in their children's well-being. The researchers emphasize the need for interventions to improve father involvement in children's lives.
The survey found significant disparities in health conditions, insurance coverage, and access to care across Harris County neighborhoods. Black residents were more likely to experience economic hardship and face food insecurity, with areas such as Aldine and Settegast reporting the highest percentages of residents living in poor health.
Researchers found a significant connection between positive childhood experiences and adult respondents' mental and emotional health. Those reporting six to seven positive childhood experiences had 72% lower odds of depression or poor mental health days compared to those with zero to two.
LSU Health New Orleans has been awarded a $13.6 million grant to expand its clinical trials network, providing cancer care and access to over 50% of newly diagnosed patients in the region. The new network will also increase minority patient participation in clinical trials.
A new JAMA paper encourages doctors to screen for social determinants of health and refer patients to relevant programs. The authors argue that addressing these factors is crucial for optimal patient health and reducing health disparities.
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has funded 11 research centers in minority institutions to foster the next generation of researchers and address health disparities. The centers will focus on diseases disproportionately affecting minority populations, including cancer, cardiometabolic diseases, and HIV/A...
A Veterans Health Administration program significantly improved access to mental health and primary care services for veterans with behavioral health needs. The initiative resulted in 11% more mental health visits, 40% more primary care visits, and a 9% higher average annual cost per patient.
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies has been awarded a competitive 5-year NIH/NIMHD grant to educate diverse scientific workforce. The program provides health disparities research training experiences in six countries, with the ultimate goal of creating a culturally competent healthcare workforce.
A new study found that good cardiovascular health at age 50 is associated with a lower risk of dementia later in life. Researchers used the Life Simple 7 cardiovascular health score as a tool for preventing dementia, and their findings support public health policies to improve midlife cardiovascular health.
African American men are more likely to delay routine screenings and doctor's appointments due to medical mistrust fueled by experiences of racism. The study found that men who report experiencing frequent everyday racism had higher odds of delaying screenings and routine health care visits.
Oral diseases pose a major global public health burden, with 3.5 billion people affected, yet access to care remains inaccessible for billions. The Lancet Series on Oral Health calls for radical reform of dental care and tightened regulation of the sugar industry.
A global commission has released a blueprint for protecting physical health in people with mental illness, highlighting key factors driving poor health and presenting initiatives for health policy and clinical services. The report reveals a broad range of mental illnesses are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A study of 561 healthy adults found an average of five unidentified health problems per person, including undiagnosed high blood pressure and hearing loss. Regular health checks can help identify these issues and improve health outcomes through individualized screening and self-management recommendations.
A new case study from NYU School of Medicine provides a roadmap for academic medical centers to bridge the gap between clinical practice and public health. The report outlines four core approaches to improving health and reducing health inequities, including engaging community partners, transforming healthcare operations, and shaping p...
A new Lancet Series highlights persistent failures by governments and health institutions to address gender equality despite its impact on health. The series presents evidence-based recommendations to reduce gender inequality, reform workplaces, fill data gaps, empower civil society, and strengthen accountability.
A new study from UVA School of Medicine suggests that co-located mental health services improve HIV viral suppression rates among vulnerable populations, with a notable increase in older and white patients. The researchers are calling for more Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics to expand their on-site mental health services.
A new health IT intervention improves detection and treatment of mental health disorders in Cambodian refugees, with primary care providers detecting depression six times more likely to diagnose. The program also leads to higher rates of evidence-based trauma-informed care.
A new NIH supplement explores the role of health information technology in addressing health disparities. Researchers discuss the potential of health IT to increase access to care, improve healthcare quality, and promote better patient-clinician communication.
Health expenditure in China is expected to grow from 5.3% of GDP in 2015 to 9.1% in 2035, with inpatient services projected to increase 9.2% annually. Circulatory diseases are expected to account for the largest percentage of health expenditure by disease type.
A new study finds that out-of-pocket spending is a major problem in low- and middle-income countries, forcing people to choose between care and poverty. By 2050, health spending is projected to nearly double to $15.0 trillion, with less than one percent spent in currently low-income countries.
The survey found that nearly half of American workplaces, including small employers, now offer some level of health promotion or wellness programs. Comprehensive workplace health promotion programs are more common in larger employers with a budget, experience, and assigned responsibility.
A new study at New York University finds that team-based clinical experiences significantly improve interprofessional competencies among nursing, dental, and medical students. Students who participated in the program showed improvements in communication, collaboration, conflict management, and patient-centered approaches.
A study of 10 European health systems found that multimorbidity among older adults increased from 38.2% to 41.5% between 2006 and 2015. Germany saw the largest increase, while Denmark and Italy experienced declines in multimorbidity.
A new study suggests that democracy is associated with improved public health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, especially in areas such as cardiovascular disease and noncommunicable diseases. The researchers found that democratic institutions and processes can be a catalyst for improving population health.
Restrictive entry and integration policies are linked to poor mental health, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of premature death among migrants. More inclusive approaches can improve migrants' health and life opportunities.
A study by North Carolina State University found that older adults are more willing to engage with negative health information when they have a positive attitude towards their health. Participants who completed a checklist designed to make them feel good about their lifestyle choices read more than 50% of the negative articles, compare...
UC San Diego Health, Ochsner Health System, Sutter Health and Stanford Health Care developed diverse models of care incorporating patient-centered technologies with measurable outcomes. Technology improved medication adherence for hypertension and diabetes, reduced distress in cancer patients, and enhanced patient engagement.
A new study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research found that high health literacy can be a resource in old age, leading to better physical functioning, fewer illnesses, and improved health ratings. The study also highlighted the importance of evaluating media health information's reliability.
The Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA) aims to address persistent health inequities in the region by fostering intersectoral partnerships. HENA's approach focuses on increasing knowledge of effective practices, promoting adoption of policies and programs, and ensuring successful implementation.
A study conducted in rural Uganda found that verbal autopsy interviews performed by community health workers provided more accurate data on deaths than traditional health facility-dependent surveillance methods. The results showed that many deaths were not reported due to incomplete or inaccurate patient registration at health facilities.