Two doctors criticize Australia's Border Force Act 2015 for silencing healthcare professionals who report substandard medical care in detention centres. The law can lead to imprisonment for whistleblowers, violating their professional duty and international humanitarian obligations.
Partnerships between multinational companies and child health programs can improve treatment rates and access to life-saving treatments, but also pose an ethical minefield. Critics argue that these connections can legitimize the sale of unhealthy products while diverting resources from public health measures.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that knee surgery for middle-aged and older adults with persistent knee pain offers a small but significant effect on pain, but no benefits for physical function. The research also identified potential harms, including deep vein thrombosis and infection.
Charging migrants for NHS services will not ease strain on the UK's National Health Service (NHS), according to experts. The new policy, which imposes a £200 surcharge per year, may push undocumented migrants into irregularity and prevent them from regularizing their residence.
A survey reveals that UK hospital post mortems are disappearing, with only half of one percent carried out in 2013. This decline has significant implications for quality assurance, public health, and the teaching of medical students.
Research published in the journal Heart found a strong association between daily chocolate consumption and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Participants who ate more chocolate had lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and related death.
Research suggests that aerobic exercise can curb asthma symptoms and improve quality of life by reducing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory response. The study found significant improvements in symptom-free days, worsening symptom bouts, and quality of life scores among participants with moderate to severe asthma.
Research published in BMJ Open found that weekend screen time is associated with lower bone mineral density in teen boys, while teenage girls with different body fat distribution may be protected from the negative effects of screen time on their bones. The study suggests that persisting associations between sedentary activities and bon...
Research suggests pyrazines, found in low tar cigarettes, can act independently of nicotine to prompt dopamine release and enhance tobacco dependence. The study calls for swift regulation of pyrazine additives to mitigate their role in nicotine addiction.
According to research published in the Heart journal, cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of death in men, but not among women. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women.
A group of former senior editors from The BMJ criticize NEJM's backtracking on conflict of interest policies, arguing that financial ties can compromise objectivity. They commend The BMJ's zero-tolerance policy on industry-funded articles and urge NEJM to retain rigorous standards.
A study of over 69,000 individuals in Sweden found no association between varenicline and increased risks of suicidal behaviours, criminal offending, transport accidents, or psychoses. However, a small increased risk was found in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders during periods of medication.
A large study found that teenagers who experienced frequent bullying were more than twice as likely to develop depression later in life. The study analyzed data from over 3,800 participants and suggested that antibullying interventions at school may help reduce depression in later years.
The first ever UK guidance suggests office workers should be on their feet for a minimum of 2 hours daily during working hours, breaking up prolonged periods of sitting with sit-stand desks and regular walk-abouts. Employers are also encouraged to promote other healthy behaviors.
Research finds EU tobacco agreements with major companies have failed to stop cigarette smuggling and recoup lost tax revenues. The agreements contain many loopholes that the industry can easily exploit, making them ineffective deterrents.
Research published in BMJ Open found that many UK patients with gonorrhoea are being prescribed outdated antibiotics. The study analyzed electronic health records and found that between 2000 and 2011, nearly 17,000 people were diagnosed with gonorrhoea, accounting for 6-9% of all cases in England.
A psychiatrist advocates for the reclassification of psychedelic drugs as Schedule 2 compounds, citing their potential benefits in treating various psychiatric disorders. He notes that these substances were extensively used and researched before prohibition in 1967, but are now subject to strict regulations that hinder further research.
The dominant approach to hip fracture prevention is neither viable nor cost-effective, according to experts. The focus on drug treatment overlooks feasible alternative strategies like physical activity, which can have little to do with osteoporosis but are often overlooked.
A recent study has found that women using newer types of combined oral contraceptives containing drospirenone, desogestrel, gestodene, and cyproterone have a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to those using older progestogens like levonorgestrel and norethisterone.
Research found a strong association between road traffic noise and increased waist size and waist:hip ratio, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. The study also suggested that cumulative exposure to multiple sources of noise pollution may pose the greatest risk.
Patients aged 80 and above are significantly less likely to be investigated or aggressively treated after surgery than their younger counterparts. This is despite the fact that the oldest old have higher rates of trauma and multiple underlying conditions on admission.
Research published in Gut journal found that being very overweight in teens doubles the risk of developing bowel cancer by middle age. High levels of systemic inflammation, measured by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), also increase the risk of bowel cancer in later life.
An investigation by The BMJ found that 38 MPs have accepted over £60,000 worth of tobacco industry hospitality since 2010. More than half of these MPs are from constituencies with higher rates of smoking-related deaths. The study also revealed that 20 of the 38 who had accepted industry hospitality voted against plain packaging.
A study published in The BMJ found that cholesterol-lowering drugs are associated with a 30% lower risk of stroke in healthy older adults. No association was found between drug use and coronary heart disease, but the results suggest that lipid-lowering drugs might be considered for preventing stroke in older populations.
Research suggests single motherhood before age 50 is associated with poorer health in later life, particularly in countries with weak social support safety nets. Single mothers tend to be younger, less well-off, and less educated than dual-parent households.
Regular physical activity among elderly men is linked to a 40% lower risk of death from any cause. The study found that even light physical activity was associated with a significant reduction in risk, and those who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity lived five years longer than sedentary individuals.
A study in The Netherlands found that vaccinating girls against HPV also protects men from some cancers. The authors suggest that authorities prioritize vaccinating as many girls as possible, but consider including boys in preadolescent vaccination programs once costs and benefits align.
The UK is launching a Choosing Wisely programme to tackle overdiagnosis and unnecessary care, following a US initiative. The programme aims to promote evidence-based care by identifying tests and procedures with no benefit, and reducing waste in healthcare.
Criticism of Israeli government policy is not necessarily antisemitic, say leading doctors in The BMJ. They argue that medical journals should discuss political issues with bearing on health to remain silent would be 'obdurately' so.
Research suggests that psychiatric drugs may be harming more people than helping them, with experts arguing that the benefits are minimal and the risks are immense. The BMJ says that more than half a million people die from psychiatric drug use every year in Western countries.
Analysis of seven electronic databases reveals frequent users account for up to one in 12 patients seeking emergency department care, and are around 2.5 times more likely to be admitted or require outpatient treatment. The study suggests that frequent users may benefit from targeted proactive approach.
Researchers found that switching from driving to walking, cycling, or public transport can lead to a significant reduction in BMI (0.32 kg/m2) over two years. The longer the commute, the stronger the association with weight loss.
A consultant cardiologist argues that private practice has direct adverse effects on the NHS, leading to increased waiting times and unnecessary tests. He believes doctors should not be allowed to work in both sectors due to conflicting priorities.
BMJ has opened its online resources, including The BMJ and BMJ Journals, decision support tools from BMJ Best Practice, and learning resources from BMJ Learning, to support doctors and healthcare institutions in Nepal. Free access is available for three months for anyone with an IP range originating in Nepal.
The BMJ urges the next Health Secretary to prioritize sustainable funding, collaboration, and transparent governance to secure the NHS's future. The service is stretched close to breaking point due to flat-line funding, aging population demands, and social care cuts.
The study found that reducing alcohol-fuelled car crashes in the US increased national income by $6.5 billion and created 215,000 jobs in 2010. The economic gains resulted from a substantial fall in road traffic collision since 1984-6.
A successful UK programme reducing salt content added to foods was derailed due to changes in the coalition government. Salt reduction led to a decrease in blood pressure and death from stroke and ischaemic heart disease.
A leading public health doctor argues that calorie counts should be mandatory on all alcoholic drinks to address obesity concerns. The Royal Society for Public Health supports this move, as a recent survey found that many consumers are unaware of the calorie content in common drinks.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children whose parents separate or divorce are more likely to experience psychosomatic problems. However, those living with both parents in a joint custody arrangement had fewer symptoms than peers living mostly or only with one parent.
Experts in British Journal of Sports Medicine say regular exercise is key to staving off serious disease, but calorie-laden diets generate more ill health than physical inactivity. The evidence suggests up to 40% of those within a normal weight range harbor harmful metabolic abnormalities.
Experts warn that the UK government's plan to fund and increase school rugby participation lacks injury data and prevention programs, putting children at risk. Injuries are common in rugby, with 12% of child players requiring hospitalization, and studies show that tackles are a major cause of injury.
A leading psychiatrist argues that depression is not caused by low serotonin levels and that effective treatments do not raise these levels. The serotonin reuptake inhibiting drug class, popularized in the late 1980s, was marketed despite lacking evidence of its effectiveness.
The millennium development goals have made remarkable progress in areas such as child mortality reduction and HIV prevention. However, significant shortfalls remain in other areas, including newborn death rates and undernutrition.
Research reveals that Dutch doctors are withholding treatment from a substantial proportion of elderly patients, driven by considerations of comfort and respect rather than ageism. Treatment was withheld in 37% of cases, with the oldest patients being more likely to have artificial feeding and fluids or antibiotics withdrawn.
A study published in BMJ Open found that UK doctors amass debts of over £80,000 by graduation, with women paying more interest despite earning less. The research suggests that women doctors repay more for initial debts below £50,000 due to longer debt periods and higher interest accrual.
Research finds 9/11 emergency medical services workers, especially those on the scene, are at high risk for physical and mental ailments. The study tracked 2281 NYC Fire Department workers over 12 years, finding nearly all health conditions analyzed were more prevalent among those who arrived earliest.
A recent study found that e-cigarette use is more common than traditional cigarette use among some teen groups, particularly those aged 11-16, who are also more likely to be smokers. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than previously thought, but regular use remains relatively rare.
A recent study found that some e-cigarette flavors contain high levels of chemicals that exceed recommended exposure limits and could be respiratory irritants. The research analyzed 30 products and found that 13 contained flavoring chemicals totaling more than 1% by volume, with some levels reaching as high as 3% by weight.
Research suggests heroin assisted treatment can improve outcomes, reduce harm, and lower societal costs for a subgroup of patients who do not benefit from conventional treatments. This approach could provide savings that could be redirected to addiction prevention programs.
While some health apps have shown promise in improving weight loss and physical activity, others have yielded conflicting results. Iltifat Husain argues that doctors should recommend tested and validated apps to help people stay healthy. Des Spence cautions that many health apps are untested and may even cause anxiety and medical harm.