Global health advocates call for aligning medical intelligence, national security, and global health priorities to prevent blurring of boundaries. A pathway for cooperation, highlighting health threats with national security implications before policy action, is proposed to mitigate adverse consequences.
A study published in July Health Affairs found increased out-of-pocket expenditures among people aged fifty and older in eleven European countries between 2006-07 and 2013. The study revealed that those in lower income quintiles incurred less out-of-pocket expenditure compared to higher-income populations.
A large-scale survey found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of severe psychological distress, heavy drinking, and smoking compared to heterosexuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners to address the unique health needs of this vulnerable population.
Health Equity is a new peer-reviewed open access journal launching in Fall 2016, focusing on translational research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease to achieve optimal outcomes and health equity. The journal will serve as a primary resource for organizations and individuals working with vulnerable populations.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley economist Timothy Brown estimates that each dollar spent on public health programs returns $67 to $88 in improved health outcomes. This far exceeds the return on investment for selected aspects of medical care, which ranged from $1.10 to $4.80 per dollar spent.
San Diego State University has received a $10 million endowment from the National Institutes of Health to improve its research infrastructure and support population health and health disparities research. The funding will enable researchers to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, fostering innovations in research programs w...
The NIH has partnered with EPA to fund five new research centers studying environmental health disparities, including air and water pollution, housing conditions, and diet. The centers will work with community organizations to develop culturally appropriate strategies to reduce exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
A new NIH study explores how deaf adults, proficient in ASL, use the internet for health-related information. The HINTS-ASL program collects data on trends in health communication and perception among this population. The research aims to improve the dissemination of health information to the deaf community.
A new report by The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing reveals that unsafe sex has become the fastest-growing risk factor for ill health among young people aged 10-24 years. Guaranteeing access to free quality secondary education is identified as a single best investment to improve adolescent health.
Fred Trotter, a healthcare journalist and author, has been awarded the Health Data Liberator award for his work in liberating health data. His efforts have led to the release of multiple datasets to help researchers, journalists, and companies provide data-backed healthcare solutions.
A major new Lancet Commission highlights the critical need for increased investment in adolescent health and wellbeing, citing alarming rates of preventable deaths and diseases among young people. The report emphasizes that behaviors established during adolescence can determine lifelong health outcomes.
The new journal Occupational Health Science will focus on research related to worker safety, health and well-being. The journal will publish leading-edge research on behavioral, social and psychological aspects of occupational health.
The Maryland Climate and Health Profile report highlights the state's vulnerability to climate change, with extreme weather events increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses, heart attacks, and severe asthma attacks. The report projects higher rates of these health issues in future decades, particularly among coastal communities.
The Lancet study reveals that by 2040, nearly half of developing countries will fall short of international health spending targets, leaving millions without access to basic services. Global health funding is expected to stagnate, with minimal growth since 2010, and may not be sufficient to bridge the gap.
Funding for maternal and child health has grown faster than HIV, TB, and malaria since 2010. Despite this growth, global health spending remains stagnant, with total development assistance for health increasing only slightly between 2010 and 2015.
A new study predicts that global health spending will increase to $18.28 trillion by 2040, but persistent inequities are expected to worsen. Low- and lower-middle-income countries will spend the least on health, while high-income countries will allocate a significant portion of their GDP to healthcare.
A new evidence-based toolkit will help family health teams in Ontario provide more proactive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes a four-step process to implement health checks, resources for clinicians and patients, and examples of how to embed the tools into Electronic Medical Records.
The fellowship program will provide LSU Health New Orleans M.D./M.P.H. students with working knowledge of health policy, enabling them to better understand the policy context in which healthcare is practiced. The program aims to bridge gaps between healthcare and public health disciplines.
A collection of papers from global health experts argues that investing in new health tools, delivery innovations, and disease control strategies can avert 10 million deaths annually. The collection focuses on five conditions disproportionately affecting the world's poorest people.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that Asian-American adolescents desire more open discussions about sexual health with healthcare providers. Key themes included confidentiality concerns, a general lack of knowledge regarding STIs and contraception, and hesitation to discuss sexual histories. Providers can a...
A $3 million grant will assess key differences in attitudes, knowledge and skills related to health information between deaf and hearing individuals. The project aims to understand mechanisms of visual learning as it relates to health information accessibility.
A new study finds that government funds account for 64% of US health care spending, exceeding private spending and surpassing other nations with universal health programs. Taxpayers pay the highest health-related taxes per capita, yet millions remain uninsured.
A recent study by Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health found that local health departments provide mental health care services to around 30-40% of their populations, with those that offer services being seven times more likely to address population-based mental illness prevention. Local health departments also have oppo...
A new study by CAMH and ICES found that heavy users of mental health care account for 88% of total costs, with psychiatric hospitalizations and visits to doctors making up the majority. The average cost of healthcare used by these individuals is 30% higher than others.
The Planetary Health Alliance aims to improve understanding of environmental change and human health. The alliance will foster research, training, and policy action at the intersection of environment and public health.
A new paper calls for a radical shift in India's healthcare delivery system, prioritizing primary care and strengthening the public sector. The authors identify structural problems with the current system, including high healthcare costs driving millions into poverty, poor quality of care, and inadequate human resources.
A recent study found that a reform model aimed at improving coordinated care for individuals with mental health diagnoses has yet to deliver desired results. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract, which began in 2009, was designed to encourage high-value care and improve quality coordination, but its ...
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that children exposed to Medicaid in early childhood have significant improvements in adult health. The research suggests that increased access to and use of healthcare services, as well as reduced family medical debt, contribute to better adult outcomes.
The International Health Regulations (IHR) face a 'crisis of confidence' following the Ebola epidemic. Georgetown experts recommend reforms to build core capacities, clarify reporting requirements, and strengthen emergency responses.
A UK study found that each additional 10,000 people reassessed using the Work Capability Assessment was associated with an increase in suicides, self-reported mental health problems, and antidepressant prescribing rates. The most deprived areas experienced the greatest increases in these adverse outcomes, widening health inequalities.
Researchers find per capita public health spending declining from $281 in 2008 to $256 in 2014, reflecting a $40.2 billion loss to disease prevention and related programs. This decline reflects the nation's 'dangerously out of balance' healthcare system, where more is spent treating disease than preventing it.
A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that self-rated health accurately predicts susceptibility to the common cold in healthy adults. Those with better self-rated health were more resistant to developing a cold, despite accounting for socioemotional factors and health practices.
Lawrence Gostin, a renowned public health lawyer, has made significant contributions to the field of public health law. He continues to lead major global health law reform initiatives and serves on various commissions to report on global health risks.
Researchers found that living environments contribute to health disparities among US men, with integrated communities showing less difference in behaviors compared to national data. Socio-economic factors and environmental conditions play a significant role in explaining racial disparities.
A new study reveals that 38% of state public health workers plan to leave the workforce by 2020, with those aged 25-40, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with fewer than 10 years of experience being most likely to exit. The study also highlights pay disparities between different groups in the public health sector.
A new study led by USC researcher Cleopatra Abdou found that people who encountered negative stereotypes in healthcare settings reported adverse effects, including hypertension, depression, and poor self-rated health. The researchers highlight the need for inclusive policies to reduce healthcare stereotype threat and promote health dis...
A recent study found that some health apps, despite being clinically-accredited, were transmitting unencrypted personal and health information, compromising user privacy. The study reviewed 79 apps listed on the UK NHS Health Apps Library and found 23 sent identifying info over the internet without encryption.
A $381,000 grant from the National Library of Medicine will support the development of open-source software tools to measure and monitor the quality of electronic data received by public health departments. The goal is to improve data quality, which will ultimately lead to better health outcomes.
The US Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision reduces stigmatization and discrimination among LGBT individuals, leading to improved mental and physical health. The ruling also expands health coverage for same-sex couples and addresses barriers to care through employer insurance and tax benefits.
A new NIH-funded program will assess the health effects of home gardening on 100 Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho families. The study aims to reduce health disparities suffered by Native Americans in nearly every measure of health.
Healthcare is a major responsibility of Canada's federal government, which must be addressed in the upcoming election. The system has struggled with quality rankings and access to primary care, mental health services, and new treatments.
Two leading public health scholars, Sandro Galea and Ronald Bayer, warn that the US emphasis on precision medicine may distract from broader investments to reduce health inequities and address social factors. They cite a 2013 report by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, which found that health is determined by...
A researcher developed a Public Health Index (PHI) model to identify top health risks for chronic diseases among specific populations. The tool balances magnitude, severity and urgency of health issues with intervention effectiveness and cost.
A recent study found that bisexual men and women experience poorer health outcomes compared to gay, lesbian, and heterosexual adults. The study discovered that bisexual individuals are more likely to be disadvantaged on socio-economic factors strongly linked to well-being, such as educational attainment and income levels.
A new study examines the impact of remoteness on health care access in rural Liberia, highlighting strategies to close disparities. Strategies include shifting care to lowest level providers and training community health workers.
A new report by The Lancet suggests that climate change could wipe out health progress over the past 50 years, but effective climate action may improve global health. The report highlights positive co-benefits of reducing emissions, such as lower incidence of respiratory diseases and obesity.
Since 1990, $458 billion was disbursed to developing countries for health, with the US government providing 31.2% and private philanthropies like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributing 7.1%. Maternal health and newborn/child health received most of these funds.
A new Commission on women and health found that women's contributions to healthcare amount to $3 trillion, with nearly half being unpaid and unrecognised. The report emphasizes the need for gender equality and empowerment in healthcare policies and interventions.
A Dartmouth study found that playing a role-playing game called RePlay Health can shift attitudes towards public health issues, with players becoming more accepting and understanding of personal behaviors and health care costs.
The American College of Physicians recommends comprehensive transgender health care services in health benefits plans and civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. The organization also opposes 'conversion' therapy and aims to eliminate disparities in healthcare access for LGBT individuals.
The west African Ebola epidemic has sparked interest in global health security, but its impact on political commitment to public health is uncertain. The crisis has highlighted the importance of securing individuals' access to healthcare as part of global health security. Key challenges include counterfeit medicines, antimicrobial resi...
Global health experts offer a new framework for creating a robust global health system with national health systems at its foundation. The framework proposes key priorities, including funding, technical excellence, operational capacities, normative standards, regional offices, and engaging non-state parties.
A commentary published in American Journal of Public Health argues that health awareness days have not been evaluated adequately. The authors recommend researching the effectiveness of awareness days and developing resource guides to improve public health initiatives.
The University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences has been selected as Kentucky's Local Performance Site within the Region IV Public Health Training Center. The program aims to strengthen the public health workforce in the southern US region, providing education and training for healthcare professionals.
Existing health information exchange studies show little to no correlation between their use and improved patient care outcomes. Researchers found that high-quality evidence linking HIE adoption to clear benefits is scarce, with most studies having methodological limitations.
A Canadian study found that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience poorer health outcomes than those in higher socioeconomic brackets. The research analyzed data from over 68,000 new mothers and their babies, highlighting disparities in prenatal care, labor experiences, and infant health.
A UCLA study identifies four key problem areas for Latinos under the Affordable Care Act: uninsurance of undocumented residents, growing Latino population in non-expansion states, increased demand on health systems, and language barriers. Insuring undocumented residents could improve access to care and reduce costs.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that female health workers deployed to a remote rural area in northern Nigeria led to significant increases in healthcare service utilization. The program showed a 500% increase in health post visits, sustained over two years.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that one-quarter of insurance exchange plans appear non-compliant with parity laws requiring equal benefits for general medical and mental health care. The research highlights inconsistencies in benefit brochures, including prior authorization requirements and financial r...
A new report finds that sub-Saharan Africans perceive their own health care systems as low-rated, but prioritize jobs and economic growth over healthcare. The research suggests that HIV/AIDS aid may have improved perceptions of health care in some countries, despite chronic poverty and unemployment.