The number of suicides among US college student athletes has doubled over the past 20 years, with males and cross-country competitors most affected. The study found that suicide rates increased throughout the study period, with a peak age of 20, and were higher in male athletes than female athletes.
An investigation by The BMJ found that most NHS trusts in England did not make derogation requests due to concerns around patient safety. However, some trusts warned of potential harm to patients from cancelling operations at the last minute and short staffing, leading to rejected requests.
A large retrospective cohort study found that delirium in hospital patients aged 65+ is associated with a threefold increased risk of dementia. Delirium was linked to a higher risk of death and a tripled risk of dementia diagnosis compared to patients without delirium.
The report highlights key challenges and priorities in ensuring the NHS vision is realized, including improving workplace conditions, effective people management, and workforce planning. The authors emphasize the importance of operational management and new technologies to support the effective running of the NHS.
A French study found prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone drugs is associated with an increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma. Medrogestone and medroxyprogesterone acetate were linked to a significant increase in risk, particularly among women using these medications for extended periods.
A shared digital prescribing record across the NHS in England could avoid nearly 1 million annual drug errors, stopping up to 16,000 patient harms and saving up to 22 lives every year. Implementing such a system could also save £millions for services in England.
A 10-year study found that consistently exercising 2-3 times a week is linked to lower current insomnia risk and improved sleep duration. Participants who were persistently active were less likely to experience insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and had better sleep quality.
A brief intervention based in an emergency department, comprising advice and e-cigarette starter kit, can help smokers quit. After 6 months, the intervention group showed a 76% higher rate of continuous abstinence compared to those signposted to smoking cessation services.
The NHS requires an immediate cash injection of £8.5bn a year over four years to address the current crisis, particularly in areas such as waiting times, primary care, workforce, and capital investment. Experts recommend key priorities for extra funds, including sustainable reduction of elective, mental health, and cancer waiting times...
A 25% decline in doctors' real terms salary since 2008 has significantly reduced their purchasing power, with junior doctors facing particularly challenging affordability issues. The study reveals a substantial rise in the cost of living and house prices, making home ownership and financial stability unaffordable for many doctors.
Researchers tested publicly accessible AI assistants on two health disinformation topics, finding that many consistently generated disinformation despite having built-in safeguards. Experts call for enhanced regulation, transparency, and routine auditing to prevent LLMs from contributing to the mass generation of health disinformation.
The air quality around new schools in England is alarming, with 86% of sites exceeding World Health Organization targets for major pollutants. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing bodies and organs.
A case-control study found that individuals with joint hypermobility were 30% more likely to not fully recover from COVID-19 infection and experience persistent fatigue associated with long COVID. The study, published in BMJ Public Health, also identified other underlying health conditions as risk factors for developing long COVID.
A study published in The BMJ found a modest rise in UK cancer cases among men and women aged 35-69 years over the last quarter century, but a substantial decline in deaths. The researchers attribute the decline to factors such as reduced smoking rates, improved screening programs, and better treatment options.
A large population-based study found that taking 9000 to 10000 steps daily reduces death and cardiovascular disease risk in highly sedentary individuals. The optimal number of steps per day to counteract high sedentary time is between 4000 and 4500 steps/day, lowering mortality risk by 39% and incident CVD risk by 21%.
A pooled data analysis of 752,050 adults found that even modest amounts of leisure-time physical activity can lower stroke risk by 18-29%. The effects are independent of age and sex, suggesting that everyone should be encouraged to engage in some form of physical activity.
Research found a consistent association between green space and reduced risk of osteoporosis, with each increase in NDVI corresponding to higher bone mineral density and 5% lower risk. Lower levels of air pollution in green spaces were also significant contributors.
A comprehensive review of 45 meta-analyses found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and 32 adverse health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Higher exposure was linked to increased risks of death from any cause, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
A study found that over half of cancer drugs approved through expedited pathways recover research and development costs within three years, despite lacking proof of added benefit. The researchers emphasize the need for better alignment between regulatory and reimbursement processes to promote effective drug development.
A study of 236,506 patients found that poorly controlled asthma generates more greenhouse gas emissions than well-controlled asthma. The excess emissions are equivalent to those from over 124,000 homes in the UK each year, with most coming from inappropriate SABA use.
Research published in RMD Open journal found a strong association between sinusitis and rheumatic disease, with the highest risks for blood clotting disorder and Sjögren’s syndrome. The study used data from Rochester Epidemiology Project and included 1729 adults diagnosed with various rheumatic diseases.
The 2030 Global Alcohol Action Plan aims to reduce alcohol consumption by 20% by 2030, but few countries are implementing measures to reduce affordability, availability, and marketing. Health scientists warn that failure to meet targets will have dire consequences for low/middle-income countries with expanding alcohol markets.
The article argues that US covid-19 outcomes are disproportionately affected by systemic racism and economic inequality. The authors suggest strategies for improving health equity, including anti-racist action, separating health insurance from employment, and rethinking vaccine distribution.
A US study published in The BMJ found that children born in October are less likely to get the flu and more likely to be vaccinated. The study suggests that October is the optimal time for young children to receive an annual flu shot, aligning with current recommendations.
Two large US studies link short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution to increased risk of hospital admission for major cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease. Exposure to PM2.5 accounts for an estimated 7.6% of total global mortality, with no safe threshold found for heart and lung health.
Research found that adopting healthy lifestyles can significantly lower the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. Middle-aged participants who engaged in at least three healthy behaviors had a 42% lower risk of IBS compared to those who did none.
Research finds minority ethnic NHS staff more likely to experience workplace harassment, discrimination, and unavailability of PPE than their White colleagues during the pandemic. The study highlights urgent need for diversity and inclusion training and workforce equality standards.
Research published in General Psychiatry finds a J-shaped association between dietary thiamine intake (0.68mg/day) and cognitive decline in cognitively healthy older Chinese individuals, with optimal maintenance dose below 1mg/day.
Researchers argue that commercial interests hijack feminist health narratives to market unproven technologies and treatments. Health professionals and governments must ensure balanced information based on high-quality scientific evidence. The authors call for wariness of simplistic messages that claim 'any knowledge is power'.
A systematic review found large reductions in depression for dance and moderate reductions for walking, jogging, and strength training. Exercise combined with SSRIs or psychotherapy showed added benefits. Vigorous exercise had greater effects than low-intensity activities.
Processing times for complaints against UK drug companies have tripled over nearly two decades, from less than three months to over eight and a half months. The industry's trade body has raised fees related to these complaints by more than 40% in an effort to tackle the backlog.
A BMJ survey shows that more than nine out of ten doctors have struggled to find suitable childcare for their work schedule, with many citing high costs as a major issue. The survey found that the lack of flexible and affordable childcare options is leading to stress, guilt, and even career change among doctor parents.
A study found that acupuncture can lower the risk of ischaemic stroke in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment was effective regardless of sex, age, medication use, or co-existing conditions, and may work by reducing pro-inflammatory proteins in the body.
Research published in Thorax found a link between age of menarche and increased COPD risk, with early menarche increasing the risk by 17%. Women who experienced infertility or had multiple miscarriages were also at higher risk. Menopause before age 40 was associated with a significant increase in COPD risk.
A recent analysis by researchers found that the quality of evidence submitted to NICE for informing its decisions on treatments is poor in more than half of cases. The study, which reviewed data from 2000 to 2019, showed that only 1% of submissions had good-quality evidence, while 55% were deemed poor. The analysis highlights the need ...
A new trial published in The BMJ found that an online programme of physical and mental health rehabilitation can improve fatigue, pain, and depression in adults with long COVID. The REGAIN programme was well-tolerated and led to sustained improvements in quality of life at three and 12 months compared to usual care.
A US study published in The BMJ found that a person's chance of surviving while receiving CPR for cardiac arrest declines rapidly from 22% after one minute to less than 1% after 39 minutes. The likelihood of leaving hospital with no major brain damage also decreases significantly after 32 minutes without heartbeat.
Research found that boosting weekly total physical activity by just over an hour is associated with a 33% lower risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. The study also showed that longer bouts of moderate-intensity exercise, even those below 10 minutes, contribute to better outcomes.
A large long-term study found that women's antidepressant use increases after later life divorce or break-up, with a significant increase in the 4 years leading up to the event. Women's use tends to tail off only slightly and briefly after re-partnering, while men's use returns to pre-break-up levels within a year.
A lack of older women in sport and exercise science studies hinders understanding of perimenopause and postmenopause effects on physical activity, athletic performance, and overall health. Researchers call for improved data collection and methodology to support female athletes and patients across the lifespan.
A study of 115,726 Korean adults found that eating up to three daily servings of kimchi was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity. Radish kimchi was also linked to a lower risk of midriff bulge in both men and women.
A high quality diet at 1 year of age is associated with a lower IBD risk, particularly when high fish intake and higher vegetable consumption are present. A medium or high quality diet reduces overall IBD risk by 25% compared to low quality diet, while sugar-sweetened drink consumption increases the risk.
Research found a strong association between annual improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Men with higher levels of fitness were 35% less likely to develop the disease than those with declining fitness. The study suggests encouraging physical activity may help lower prostate cancer risk.
The BMJ Commission recommends critical changes to the NHS's scope, organisation, and governance. They urge the new government to recommit to the founding principles of the NHS and establish an independent Office for NHS Policy and Budgetary Responsibility.
A series of articles highlights lessons from the US's covid-19 experience and calls for crucial systemic reforms to transform public health and preparedness. The authors emphasize the need for government actions beyond healthcare insurance to protect health in future pandemics.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) outside the NHS breast screening programme are four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer and die from breast cancer. The increased risk lasts for at least 25 years after diagnosis, suggesting longer-term monitoring is needed.
Children born between 32-33 weeks and 34-36 weeks have higher long-term risks of neurodevelopmental difficulties, including motor, cognitive, epileptic, hearing, and visual impairments. The study found that these risks should not be underestimated and may help professionals and families better assess risk and follow-up.
A large Norwegian study found that energy drink consumption is associated with poor sleep quality and insomnia among college students. The study showed a dose-response association between energy drink consumption and fewer hours of sleep, as well as increased risk of disturbed sleep.
The prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity in England has risen from 30% in 1995 to 38% in 2019, with the fastest growth among 11-15 year olds. Socioeconomic disparities have deepened, with higher rates among disadvantaged children and those from lower-income families.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases suggests that men with inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are less likely to be childless and have more children than their healthy peers. The study found that these men had an average of 1.8 children compared to 1.7 in the comparison group.