A systematic review found that UK public health interventions return an average ROI of £14.30 on every £1 spent, with national policies producing even higher returns. The study warns that recent cuts to public health budgets will cost the NHS and economy 'billions'.
Very premature babies benefit from corticosteroids given to mothers at risk of preterm delivery. Exposure to antenatal corticosteroids reduces mortality and morbidity rates, especially among infants born at the lowest gestations.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that knee replacement surgery for patients with osteoarthritis has limited effects on quality of life and is economically unattractive. However, restricting the procedure to patients with more severe symptoms may improve effectiveness and make it more economically viable
Experts call for improved surveillance, latest testing technology, and further research on glyphosate's impact on human health and the environment. The current safety standards may fail to protect public health and the environment from potential harm.
A large study of UK adults found that moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk of several cardiovascular diseases, including angina and heart failure. However, heavy drinking was linked to an increased risk of other conditions, such as cardiac arrest and ischaemic stroke.
The NICE-recommended 'budget impact test' aims to slow-track technologies costing the NHS over £20m a year, but experts say it's flawed and discriminatory. The test prioritizes cost-effectiveness over patient needs, potentially leading to widespread harms.
Research published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that higher outdoor temperatures are associated with increased diabetes incidence and glucose intolerance prevalence worldwide. A 1°C rise in temperature could account for more than 100,000 new diabetes cases per year in the USA alone.
Young men who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing severe liver disease or liver cancer in later life. Men with obesity have more than twice the risk of liver problems compared to normal-weight men.
A study found that taking opioids with benzodiazepines increases the risk of opioid overdose by substantially. Researchers call for cautious prescribing and education programs to warn prescribers and patients about the risks of concurrent use.
Experts predict that adopting and enforcing tighter air quality standards in China could save 3 million premature deaths each year, primarily due to a decrease in cardiorespiratory diseases. The study found that bringing PM10 levels to the WHO standard of 20 μg/m3 would have significant public health benefits.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that parenthood is associated with lower risks of death in older age, particularly among men. The study tracked the lifespan of over 1.4 million people in Sweden and found a two-year difference in life expectancy between parents and childless individuals.
A long-term study of British children found that physical activity levels began to decline at age 7, not just during adolescence. The study suggests that a shift in research focus is needed to understand the factors behind this decline and inform policy and practice.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found a strong association between daily screen time of 3+ hours and increased risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children, including adiposity and insulin resistance. The study suggests that reducing screen time may be beneficial in reducing these risk factors.
A new model of care has been associated with a higher uptake of insulin treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes, reports a study published in The BMJ. By focusing on an enhanced role for practice nurses, the model aims to improve outcomes and reduce barriers in clinical practice.
Bruno Moonen advocates for a global commitment to support regional elimination efforts and sustained investments in research, while Clive Shiff suggests prioritizing the management of health services rather than massive eradication efforts due to funding constraints and resource limitations.
The Trump administration's policy changes put women's access to effective contraception and abortion care at risk. Professor Daniel Grossman warns that the re-imposition of the Mexico City Policy and proposed legislation could severely limit access to reproductive healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals.
A large-scale study found a significant association between autoimmune diseases and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. People admitted to hospital for autoimmune diseases were 20% more likely to be readmitted for dementia compared to those with other conditions.
Local sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) for NHS England are unlikely to work due to four major problems: insufficient funding, rushed development, lack of statutory force, and a gap in social care services. Expert Kieran Walshe calls for government action to address these issues.
Research suggests exposure to low doses of pyrethroid insecticides may be associated with behavioral disorders in children. Higher levels of specific metabolites were linked to internalising and externalising behaviors.
A study reveals significant variation in palliative care services across England, with some regions failing to provide standardised information and patient choice being hindered. Experts recommend a national framework to ensure fair access to palliative care, citing the Welsh Palliative Care Strategy as a best practice model.
A large-scale study published in The BMJ found that taking neuraminidase inhibitors during pregnancy does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The study analyzed nearly 6,000 women who received these medications and did not find a link to low birth weight, stillbirth, or birth defects.
A large review found strong associations between obesity and risk of certain cancers, including oesophageal, bone marrow, colon, rectal, biliary tract system, pancreatic, endometrial, and kidney cancers. The study calls for more research to confirm these findings.
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic lung disease (COPD) in former and current smokers. The study found that each additional daily serving was linked to a 4-8% lower risk, with the strongest influence coming from apples, green leafy vegetables, and peppers.
Researchers found that people with severe gum disease had higher HbA1C values and were more likely to have pre-diabetes or suspected diabetes. This suggests that severe gum disease may be an early sign of undiagnosed diabetes, making screening in dental practices a feasible option.
Research published in BMJ Open found that brainy teens are less likely to smoke, but more likely to drink alcohol and use cannabis. The study tracked the substance use of over 6,000 English teenagers from age 11 to 19, revealing persistent patterns into adulthood.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that nearly all off-label antidepressant prescriptions (around 29%) were not supported by strong scientific evidence. Only 16% of these prescriptions had direct evidence backing the drug's use for the indication, while 40% relied on another drug in the same class with strong evidence.
Experts argue that the UK's action plan to reduce childhood obesity is lacking in key measures, including evidence-based interventions and strong controls on advertising. They recommend a new global alliance to strengthen the plan and develop a strategy for childhood and future societal health.
The BMJ warns that Trump's administration may damage health by suppressing research and limiting communication on scientific topics deemed politically inconvenient. This could harm public health efforts globally.
A panel of international experts recommends abandoning the costly and ineffective treatment, citing a lack of benefit for outcomes important to patients. The guideline advises against using ultrasound therapy for bone healing after fracture, suggesting future research focus on other interventions that may speed up healing.
Experts warn that routine screening may lead to overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The US Preventive Services Task Force's liberal recommendations have sparked criticism, with some experts questioning the validity of the research methodologies used.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that vitamin D supplementation results in a 12% reduction in the proportion of participants experiencing at least one acute respiratory tract infection. Daily or weekly doses show greater benefit, particularly in those with severe vitamin D deficiency.
Dr Geoff Debelle, a child protection expert, expresses concerns about the impact of the Children and Social Work Bill on vulnerable children in the UK. He argues that the clause introducing local authorities' powers could lead to inconsistent practices and erode trust with these children.
A researcher argues that permitting some individuals to continue self-injuring in mental health units can be a more respectful and less harmful approach than traditional methods. This harm reduction strategy aims to reduce the risk of serious injury while acknowledging the individual's autonomy.
Research suggests that recreational amphetamine use may hasten the biological ageing of the heart, with effects seen in both men and women. The study found that amphetamine users showed signs of premature ageing of the heart, even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.
Experts warn that rising inequality is a major contributor to global problems such as populism, climate change and social instability. Decades of research have shown that tackling structural determinants of health can reduce health inequalities, but progress has been slow.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that physically demanding jobs and shiftwork are associated with poorer egg quality and lower fertility rates in women. Women working in heavy-lifting jobs or evening/night shifts had fewer mature eggs, representing a nearly 9% reduction in total reserve of eggs.
Research finds that teen vaping acts as a 'one way bridge' to future smoking among those who have never smoked before. Vaping is also associated with an increased risk of smoking among teens who have previously smoked, possibly due to desensitization to cigarette health risks.
A study published in The BMJ found that internationally trained medical graduates care for patients with higher rates of chronic conditions yet have lower mortality rates than their US counterparts. International graduates also tend to be more expensive but save lives on average.
A study published in The BMJ found that continuity of care with a general practitioner is associated with lower hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among older patients. Patients who saw the same GP more frequently experienced almost 9-12% fewer admissions.
Research suggests that people infected with HIV may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, with a prevalence nearly 4% higher than the general public. Despite obesity being a key risk factor, the study found that HIV positive adults are at heightened risk of diabetes at younger ages and in its absence.
The total economic cost of smoking was US$ 1436 billion in 2012, equivalent to 1.8% of the world's GDP, according to a new study published in Tobacco Control. Developing countries accounted for nearly 40% of this sum.
Healthcare professionals have high variation in judgement when assessing the same claimant for disability benefits. The use of standardised approaches to guide judgment is strongly associated with higher agreement, highlighting the need for more research and improved assessment methods.
A study found that psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, may increase the risk of death from cancer types such as bowel, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Higher levels of distress were associated with consistently higher death rates in these groups.
A study published in The BMJ found that hormone treatment among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with a lower risk of pregnancy loss, but an increased risk of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Women treated with thyroid hormone had a lower risk of pregnancy loss compared to untreated...
Death clocks, which calculate an individual's life expectancy, are shown to be inconsistent and should come with a health warning. By adjusting for personal characteristics and circumstances, John Appleby found that life expectancy predictions varied widely, from 67-89 years.
A team of experts reviewed post-Ebola reports to identify key problems and recommendations for reform. They found significant gaps between proposed changes and actual action, particularly in strengthening compliance with International Health Regulations.
A group of UK and US respiratory doctors argue that President Trump should follow Margaret Thatcher's lead on ozone layer protection to reduce the impact of climate change. They suggest a series of policy actions, including investing in clean energy and green transport, to protect public health and prosperity.
The war on drugs has devastating effects on human rights and public health worldwide. Experts call for drug policy reform, citing mass incarceration's failure to deter drug consumption or trafficking. They also highlight the lack of access to medicines like morphine to treat pain in millions of people.
A study found that financial ties between researchers and the drug industry are associated with more favorable trial outcomes. The authors suggest that this could lead to biased evidence and call for increased transparency and disclosure of financial ties. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these findings.