A recent survey of 5000 adults in England found that nearly one in five people experienced harm due to others' drinking, including physical violence and emotional neglect. The study also revealed that younger age, certain ethnicities, and hazardous drinking habits were associated with a higher risk of experiencing harm.
A study of gay and bisexual men in Melbourne found that kissing, with or without sex, was associated with a higher risk of throat gonorrhoea. The researchers suggest that this may be an important route of transmission, potentially leading to new preventive options.
A large study found that fewer than half of men and women in Britain aged 16-44 have sex at least once a week. Declines in sexual activity were evident across all age groups for women, and for most age groups for men, with the largest declines among those aged 25 and over and those who are married or living together.
Newborns with Apgar scores of 7, 8, and 9 have a higher risk of infections, breathing problems, brain injury, low blood sugar levels, and death compared to those with a perfect score of 10. A small change in score from 10 to 9 at five or ten minutes after birth also increases the risk.
A Swedish study found that preterm and early term birth are strong risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease from childhood into mid-adulthood. Preterm birth interrupts kidney development, leading to fewer nephrons forming and an increased risk of high blood pressure and progressive kidney disease.
Top doctor David Nutt and mother of Alfie Dingley Hannah Deacon argue that many children are still not getting the treatment they need. Despite a law change in 2018, access to medical cannabis remains slow due to lack of training, fear of prescribing off licence, and difficulties obtaining supplies.
A study suggests that the proportion of UK adults on low incomes who face hunger has almost doubled since 2004, with those who are unemployed or disabled being most vulnerable. Nearly one-third of adults with children under 16 were food insecure in 2016.
A small study found that teenagers' fear of being seen while seeking sexual health advice online is a significant barrier to accessing reliable information. The researchers call for more sensitive and user-friendly digital content to address this issue.
A sharp rise in musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnoses has led to MSK conditions ranking as the second leading global cause of years lived with a disability. European countries top the international league table, and there is a significant link between MSK conditions and national economic output.
Achieving sugar reduction targets could lead to a 5.5% reduction in obese children and adults, as well as significant decreases in type 2 diabetes cases and NHS costs. However, the potential benefits may be lost if goals are not fully met.
Activists argue that pre-treatment mental health assessments of trans people are dehumanizing and unjustified, treating self-reports of gender dysphoria as if it were a mental illness. Informed consent should replace these assessments, respecting patients' autonomy and lived experience.
Researchers found that half of patients prescribed statins failed to achieve 'healthy' cholesterol levels within two years, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Patients who did not respond well had a 22% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who reached the target.
A small study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that doubles badminton players are at greatest risk of potentially serious eye injuries during matches. Protective eye wear is highly recommended for all competitors to prevent such injuries, which can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness.
A study found that a resting heart rate of 75+ beats per minute in mid-life is associated with a doubling in the risk of an early death from all causes. Men in their 50s with increased heart rates are at heightened risk of developing heart disease over the next 11 years.
A Swedish study finds a strong link between stress-related disorders and cardiovascular disease, with a 64% higher risk among those with a stress related disorder compared to their unaffected sibling. The risk is highest during the first year after diagnosis, especially for heart failure and major blood clots.
Veterinary professionals have sounded the alarm on the first reported UK case of dog-to-dog transmission of leishmaniosis, a potentially fatal infection. The infection was passed from one dog to another through direct contact, highlighting the need for extra vigilance against its spread.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that many UK foods marketed to children have misleading health and nutrition claims, contributing to childhood obesity. The study called for stricter regulations on food labelling and product content to reduce the risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that routine HPV vaccination in Scotland led to a significant reduction in cervical disease among young women. Vaccinated women showed an 89% reduction in CIN grade 3 or worse, while unvaccinated women also experienced a decrease in disease, possibly due to herd protection.
Research published in Tobacco Control found that e-cigarette growth between 2011 and 2015 was not associated with the 'renormalisation' of smoking among teens. favourable perceptions of regular smoking also fell at a faster rate after e-cigarettes proliferated.
Research suggests that higher circulating SHBG levels are associated with a lower risk of asthma, particularly in women. The study found that higher SHBG levels were linked to around a 14% lower odds of asthma, although the exact mechanism is unclear.
Families of patients who died after medical errors argue that the term 'second victim' is incompatible with patient safety and accountability. They suggest abandoning this term as it reinforces an inward-gazing provider-centric approach to healthcare.
Thousands of migrant agricultural workers have died in Italy due to exploitation, with many facing poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of access to basic services. The doctors' call for action aims to address these issues and promote fair treatment for these vulnerable workers.
An investigation by The BMJ found that many NHS trusts are keeping secret details of their partnerships with drug companies, despite official guidance for transparency. Joint working arrangements between the NHS and industry have spent over £7.5m on projects such as ADHD medication reviews and age-related macular degeneration treatments.
A study published in The BMJ suggests that non-surgical brain stimulation techniques, such as ECT and rTMS, may be effective as alternative or add-on treatments for adults with severe depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and potential side effects.
Increasing the legal age for tobacco purchase would protect younger children from exposure to older pupils who smoke and remove a potential source of supply within schools. A 'polluter pays' tax and other measures, such as retail licensing schemes and mass media education campaigns, could also help reduce smoking rates among young people
A prospective study found that pregnant women working two or more night shifts in one week had a 32% higher risk of miscarriage the following week. The association between night work and miscarriage was strongest after week eight of pregnancy.
A 64-year-old woman developed acute liver injury after taking red yeast rice supplement for six weeks. The supplement contains monacolin K, a chemical found in lovastatin, which carries the same risk of liver damage as statin medication. Doctors warn that more regulation is needed to prevent harmful side effects.
Research suggests that spending large amounts of time sitting down increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and death. The study estimated that sedentary behaviour is associated with 11.6% of all deaths in the UK, with 69,276 potential deaths avoided if sedentary behaviour were eliminated.
Research found that adopting stricter state gun laws is associated with reduced rates of weapon carrying and perceived threats among students. This study highlights the need for stronger gun control policies to improve school safety.
Experts argue that new regulations challenging women with differences of sex development are based on limited scientific data and may set an unscientific precedent. Blood testosterone levels vary naturally in men and women, making it difficult to determine direct associations between testosterone levels and sports performance.
A study found that popular health apps share user data with 55 unique entities, including companies and service providers, posing significant privacy risks to consumers.
A Norwegian study found that women under 30 have the lowest risk of miscarriage, while those over 45 face a 53% risk. Previous pregnancy complications also increase the risk, with pre-eclampsia not being a factor.
Research finds a modest association between prenatal and infant pesticide exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study supports efforts to prevent exposure during pregnancy to protect brain development.
Research by the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds, York, and Liverpool found that New Labour's policies narrowed the gap in infant mortality rates between English local authorities between 1999-2010. However, the trend was reversed since 2011 due to austerity measures.
A large observational study found that even low-level physical activities, such as walking or gardening, are associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or any cause. Increasing activity levels continues to mount health benefits, with vigorous sports providing additional protection.
A large observational study published in BMJ Open found that medium to high awareness of alcohol marketing among UK teens is linked to increased consumption and a greater probability of 'higher risk' drinking. Ownership of branded merchandise is also associated with future intentions to try alcohol, particularly among never drinkers.
The UK is failing to provide universal health coverage to undocumented child migrants by charging them for healthcare, contravening the UN Convention on Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goals. The policy has led to poor health outcomes, underuse of services, and obstacles in identifying children at risk.
Researchers found that one in 20 patients had troponin levels higher than the recommended limit, but most were being treated for other conditions. The study highlights the need for medical staff to carefully interpret troponin levels to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
A study published in The BMJ found a genetic link between high testosterone levels and increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, and heart attacks in men. Researchers suggest that treatments lowering testosterone levels could help protect against these conditions, particularly in men.
Research reveals that US states with more relaxed gun control laws and higher gun ownership rates experience higher rates of mass shootings. The gap between permissive and restrictive states has widened in recent years, with rates falling in restrictive states and rising in permissive ones.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of oral hormone therapy is associated with a small increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. Women who used hormone therapy for over 10 years had an increased risk, especially those diagnosed at age 60 or older.
Researchers found that high flavonoid cocoa powder improved fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis by reducing mental and physical fatigue. Participants who drank the high flavonoid version showed a moderate effect on fatigability and improvements in pain symptoms, while those drinking low flavonoid cocoa saw no significant benefits.
Research found that 31% of raw meat dog food samples exceeded EU regulations' maximum threshold for bacteria per gram. The study highlights the importance of proper storage, handling, and feeding to minimize potential health risks associated with these products.
Older women who are sporty or bisexual tend to have had a higher number of lifetime sexual partners. Meanwhile, income and same-sex preference play a significant role in the number of partners for older men. The study highlights the importance of considering sociodemographic factors when assessing health risks.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment courses for common infections in English primary care often deviate from guidelines, with the majority of excess days attributed to respiratory conditions. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic overuse through better adherence to recommended treatment durations may have significant scope.
Researchers found that delaying or withholding antibiotics for older adults with urinary tract infections increases the risk of bloodstream infections and death. Immediate antibiotic treatment is recommended for this vulnerable group due to their increased susceptibility to sepsis following UTI.
A survey of 91 different multivitamins and vitamin D supplements for children in the UK found that many do not provide the recommended daily dose of 400 IU of vitamin D. Only one multivitamin was suitable for use from birth, while between a quarter and a third of available products supplied at least 400 IU/day for children over 6 months.
Research found that long working hours, particularly 55+ hours a week and/or weekends, are associated with increased depressive symptoms in women. Women in male-dominated occupations often work longer hours, while those in low-paid service sector jobs tend to work weekends, both linked to depression.
Experts argue that the UK's policy of recruiting children to the Armed Forces is harmful to teen health and causes specific health harms. The UK is one of only two countries in the world to recruit teenagers, with 15-year-olds allowed to begin the enlistment process at age 16.
A clinical trial found that inducing labor at 41 weeks of pregnancy leads to a small reduction in birth complications, with an absolute risk difference of 1.4% in favor of the induction group. However, the results are not conclusive enough to change current practice, according to a linked editorial.