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.
The UK government's new legislation could force tech companies to withdraw services from the country, leaving the NHS without secure messaging options. Patient care would suffer as a result, with doctors warning of an 'NHS wide problem immediately' if WhatsApp were to disappear.
A recent study found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. The researchers suggest that better surveillance, prevention, and early intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes in individuals with OCD.
A clinical trial found that a tailored programme of physiotherapy after a dislocated shoulder offers no additional benefits over general advice, supporting materials, and self-referral to physiotherapy. The study's findings provide evidence-based guidance for non-operative rehabilitation.
A systematic review of 14 peer-reviewed studies found that video gamers are exposed to high sound levels, often exceeding permissible safe limits. The authors urge greater public health efforts to raise awareness of potential risks, as there were over 3 billion gamers worldwide in 2022.
Australian research predicts a surge in same-level workplace falls among older women due to the growing number of females in the workforce. The study analyzed hospital admission records and found that women aged 45 and older account for 21% of these falls.
A nationwide study found that men with enlarged breast tissue (gynaecomastia) are at a 37% higher risk of early death. Those with pre-existing risk factors, such as cancer or circulatory diseases, are most vulnerable. The condition is often linked to hormone imbalances and weight gain.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that women with perinatal depression are more than twice as likely to die than those without. The risk is highest during the first year after diagnosis, especially due to unnatural causes such as suicide.
A study found that six in ten US physician contributors to the American Psychiatric Association's official manual of psychiatric disorders received payments from industry, totaling $14.24m. The study highlights concerns about editorial independence and suggests a rebuttable presumption against financial conflicts of interest among pane...
A sex-specific panel of 10 proteins can detect 18 different early-stage cancers, with high accuracy and sensitivity. The findings could lead to a new generation of screening tests for early cancer detection, particularly in women.
A large study of 223,526 UK Biobank participants found that early menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and fewer reproductive years are associated with a heightened risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Women are 4-5 times more likely to develop the disease under 50 than men.
A predominantly plant-based diet is associated with a 39% lower risk of COVID-19 infection. Participants who followed such diets had higher intakes of vegetables, legumes, and nuts, and lower intakes of dairy products and meat, which may help boost the immune system.
A study found a significant spike in emergency contraception sales in the US after New Year's Eve, with nearly 41,000 extra pills sold. The researchers highlight the need for improved access to contraception and prevention strategies during holidays associated with high-risk behaviors.
Researchers analyzed 48 Christmas dessert recipes from The Great British Bake Off and found that ingredients like fruit, coffee, and nuts were linked to a reduced risk of death or disease. However, ingredients like alcohol and sugar were associated with an increased risk.
The study found three distinctive acoustic features - roughness, mean, and period entropy of mel-frequency cepstral coefficients - that are associated with healing music's emotional responses. These features were consistently present across various genres, suggesting a universal language of music.
The use of 'trip-killers' to shorten psychedelic drug trips is a growing concern among doctors, with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics being the most frequently recommended options. However, warnings about their potential side effects are rarely included, highlighting a need for greater awareness.
A diabetes drug called dulaglutide may significantly lower a woman's risk of substantial weight gain after giving up smoking. In contrast to men, women are five times as likely to experience substantial weight gain after stopping smoking, according to the study.
A study published in The BMJ analyzed Barbie's medical and scientist dolls and found they largely depicted white, adult, female doctors with limited specialties. The research highlights the need for more diverse and accurate representations of medical professionals and scientists in toys to inspire young girls.
A new Doctor Who episode aired during the festive period is associated with lower death rates in the subsequent year across the UK. The study highlights the positive effect doctors can have when working during the holiday season, suggesting that watching a doctor care for people may encourage health-seeking behavior.
A recent study suggests that hospital coffee machines are not a breeding ground for bacteria and do not pose a risk to patients. Despite being touched by multiple people, the machines were found to harbor only a few medically relevant pathogens, with most being harmless commensals.
A BMJ investigation reveals lax regulation of prescription-only weight loss drug adverts in the UK, leaving patients vulnerable to potential harms. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not issued a single sanction for prescription drugs in five years.
Researchers analyzed over 500 young skateboarders' moves, finding that flat ground, quarterpipe, and ramp tricks pose the highest risk of falls. The study suggests grading skatepark features according to popularity and expertise required to reduce fall risk.
A 7-year analysis of a US national injury database found that female victims of gun violence are less likely to die than male victims, despite having similar injury severity. They also experience better outcomes with fewer complications after hospital admission.
Researchers found that UK White and minority ethnic medical students have varying academic achievement gaps depending on their individual ethnicity and medical school attended. Minority ethnic students are more likely to be male, from deprived backgrounds, and achieve lower UK Foundation Programme scores compared to their White peers.
Research found a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes and stroke in women who started menstruating before age 13. Earlier age at first menstrual cycle was associated with higher diabetes risk after adjusting for influential factors, while very early age (10 or younger) linked to more than doubling stroke risk among those with diabetes.
A recent analysis found that US Minority adults who smoke have double the annual tobacco-related healthcare spend and higher long-term health risks compared to their White peers. Despite lower smoking rates and more quit attempts, minority adults are more likely to experience severe health consequences from smoking.
A small clinical trial found that twice daily transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease, particularly word recall and recognition. Cortical plasticity was also enhanced after 6 weeks of treatment.
A recent survey of medical students in the US reveals that state abortion access is a key factor in choosing residency programs, with over half indicating it would influence their decision. The survey also highlights the importance of reproductive healthcare and contraception for residents, who are increasingly women.
A systematic review of over 250 social media measures found frequent or daily social media use associated with higher odds of alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco use, risky sexual behaviors, and anti-social behavior. Exposure to content such as alcohol advertising had the strongest evidence of harm.
A recent study published in The BMJ suggests that actively monitoring abnormal cells on the cervix rather than removing them immediately may be associated with a higher long-term risk of cervical cancer. Women who underwent active surveillance had a nearly fourfold higher risk of cervical cancer after 20 years compared to those who rec...
A new study estimates that air pollution from fossil fuels accounts for 61% of global ambient air pollution deaths, corresponding to 82% of preventable deaths. Phasing out fossil fuels could save up to 5.1 million extra lives annually, with the greatest impact in South and East Asia.
A pooled data analysis of 10 studies found that walking speeds above 4 km/hour are associated with a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes. For every 1 km increase in speed, the risk drops by 9%. Regular brisk walking may be an effective strategy to stave off the disease.