A third of all work-related disability worldwide is attributed to low back pain, primarily affecting agricultural sector workers and individuals between 35-65. The study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study, indicating that these groups are almost four times more likely to develop low back pain disability.
Rates of blindness have halved in high-income countries over the past 20 years, falling from 3.314 million to 2.736 million people. Macular degeneration has become the leading cause of blindness in rich countries, replacing cataracts.
A study of over 37,000 men and women found that eating fried foods four times a week had twice the impact on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk scores. Genetic variants associated with BMI and obesity also interacted with fried food consumption to influence adiposity.
Complex NHS sight tests are leading to unnecessary referrals and resource waste due to clinically insignificant abnormalities. Opticians refer patients to medical practitioners if abnormalities are found, but many of these referrals result in false positives and anxiety for patients.
Research reveals young women most at risk of cervical cancer are least likely to be offered and complete the HPV jab. The survey found that these women need targeted efforts to improve vaccination uptake, which was below 80% required for significant impact on cervical cancer rates.
Health outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis have improved dramatically following the implementation of quality improvement strategies, including patient education, nutritional support, and enhanced continuity of care. Key clinical outcomes, such as improved lung function and nutritional status, have also seen significant progress.
Research suggests that people exposed to more takeaway food outlets are more likely to consume these foods and be obese. The study found a significant dose-response relationship between takeaway outlet exposure and both diet and body mass index.
Research finds nicotine patches do not aid pregnant women in quitting smoking; behavioral support remains most effective approach. Average birth weights similar between groups, but nicotine patch linked to higher blood pressure.
Experts warn that scrapping the alcohol duty escalator would lead to more affordable drinks, increasing alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions. The UK is facing over 8,700 alcohol-related deaths annually, with £21 billion cost to society.
Girls born unexpectedly small or underweight may face fertility problems in adulthood, research suggests. Analysis of 1206 Swedish women found those with female infertility causes were almost 2.5 times more likely to have been underweight at birth.
Research suggests that drinking alcohol during early pregnancy may heighten the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with even moderate consumption increasing the likelihood of these outcomes. Women from more affluent backgrounds were found to be more likely to drink excessively.
A survey of nurses and patients in a UK hospital found that many struggle to identify qualified doctors from their name badges, which use new terminology introduced since 2009. The researchers call for a national review of the current system, suggesting simpler terms that include 'doctor,' 'senior,' and 'junior' to improve identification.
A leading US cardiovascular research scientist argues that low saturated fat diets do not reduce heart disease risk and that current dietary guidelines are based on flawed data from the 1950s. He recommends a diet low in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods to boost and maintain heart health.
A new criminal offence of wilful neglect is needed in the healthcare sector to address appalling care and provide a clear message. Existing regulation is not up to the job, and patients can only seek redress through civil courts, which have limited scope.
Research suggests that terminally ill cancer patients who receive chemotherapy in the last months of life are more likely to undergo intensive medical care and die in an intensive care unit. The study highlights the importance of end-of-life discussions between patients and physicians.
A recent study published on bmj.com found that the HPV vaccine significantly protects against cervical abnormalities in young women. The research estimated that three doses of the vaccine provided 46% protection against high-grade cervical abnormalities and 34% protection against other cervical abnormalities.
A large observational study found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy. The risk is cumulative and heightened with the length of exposure.
A review of UK troop mental health finds most regulars resilient, but certain groups more vulnerable; depression and anxiety prevalent, while harmful drinking remains a concern. The evidence suggests that social support during childhood and after leaving the Army has a greater impact on suicide rates than deployment.
A recent study suggests that people in their 80s are often prescribed stroke-prevention medications despite low risk, leading to unnecessary side effects. Doctors must rethink common prescribing patterns to prioritize patient well-being over prevention.
A study found that public defibrillators are underutilized in England, with only 1.74% of cardiac arrests being treated with the device. The authors suggest that more education and placement of defibrillators in public areas could improve survival rates.
Environmental scientists warn that synthetic food packaging chemicals can leach into foods and harm human health over the long term. The authors argue that little is known about their impact on chronic conditions like cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders.
New estimates suggest that China can prevent over 13 million smoking-related deaths by 2050 through effective tobacco control measures. Implementing World Health Organization guidelines could lead to a relative reduction in smoking of over 40 percent, resulting in significant public health gains.
A study of 26 studies found that quitting smoking is associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological quality of life. The findings suggest that smokers can be reassured that stopping smoking has mental health benefits.
A study found tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment, in three out of four samples of the bodybuilding supplement Esto Suppress. The product label suggested a dosage that may provide enough to treat gynaecomastia. Off-the-shelf supplements have been known to contain pharmacologically active substances, posing risks to users.
The study found that the scheme had a positive overall health effect, with reduced disease rates linked to increased cycling. However, benefits varied by age and sex, with older men experiencing larger benefits than younger cyclists or women.
Research highlights the challenges faced by UK hospitals in adopting electronic health record systems due to underestimated costs. The study identified four key cost categories: infrastructure, personnel, estates/facilities, and other expenses, which are often cut back during implementation.
A study published in BMJ Open finds that the UK tobacco industry's claims that plain packaging won't work are based on weak evidence. The research analyzed submissions made by four major tobacco companies and found that most of the cited evidence lacked policy relevance and was of poor quality.
Research published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that widely used acupuncture needles have significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies, which could lead to painful reactions, bleeding, or bruising. The study calls for manufacturers to review and improve their quality control procedures for needle fabrication.
A Canadian study of 89,000 women aged 40-59 found that annual breast screening did not reduce mortality from breast cancer beyond physical examination or usual care. The study also revealed that 22% of screen-detected cancers were over-diagnosed, with one over-diagnosed cancer for every 424 women screened.
A recent study suggests that women with a BRCA gene mutation who undergo a double mastectomy have a significantly lower risk of death from breast cancer, with an estimated 48% reduction in mortality. This finding has implications for the treatment options available to young women with early-stage breast cancer and BRCA mutations.
A quarter of crashes in the US are now attributed to mobile phone use, with texting being the riskiest activity. Experts recommend technological solutions to prevent distracted driving, such as software that prevents texting while driving or signal jamming keys.
An expert argues that allowing patients to choose the ethnicity of their attending doctors perpetuates institutional racism in hospitals. Dr Nadeem Moghal suggests that confronting racists and strengthening institution policies are key to preventing such incidents.
A recent study found that nearly three-fourths of common medicines contain animal derived products, including lactose, gelatine, and magnesium stearate. The authors call for improved labelling to inform doctors, pharmacists, and patients about the content of medicines.
The number of excess deaths caused by hot weather in England and Wales is projected to surge by 257% by the mid-2050s due to climate change and population growth. The elderly, particularly those aged 75+, will be most at risk, with rising temperatures expected to lead to increased mortality.
A new criminal sanction is being considered to deter poor care resulting in severe harm, but critics argue it may cause distress and disruption. The proposed legislation aims to close a gap in the law and promote open culture, but its potential pitfalls remain unclear.
Poor growth in early pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in childhood, including higher blood pressure and adverse cholesterol profiles. The study suggests that the first trimester of pregnancy may be a critical period for cardiovascular health in later life.
A large population-based study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) taken regularly after knee or hip replacement reduces the risk of repeat surgery by around 40%. The research also showed that taking HRT for 12 months or more after surgery further decreases the risk, with those rec...
Decisions on homebirth vs hospital birth should consider long-term disability risk to child, leading ethicists say. Homebirth risks include increased chances of death, disability, and neonatal intensive care admission compared to hospital births.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 studies involving 1,896,859 patients found that presenting with a heart attack during off-hours (weekends and nights) is associated with a 5% relative increase in mortality. This results in an estimated 6,000 extra deaths per year in the US alone.
Research finds a link between childhood death of a nuclear family member and increased risk of psychosis. Exposure to suicide has the highest risk, especially in early childhood.
A study of over 100,000 people found that long-term exposure to particulate matter in outdoor air is strongly linked to heart attacks and angina. The association persists at levels of exposure below the current European limits for PM2.5 and PM10.
A study in one UK city reveals that bartenders frequently sell alcohol to intoxicated patrons, contradicting UK law aimed at preventing further sales. The findings suggest that poor management and inadequate staff training contribute to the routine flouting of this legislation.
Gout affects 1 in 40 UK residents, with the highest rates in Wales and North East England. Only a third of patients are treated with urate lowering drugs, highlighting suboptimal management.
A meta-analysis published in The BMJ suggests that infants exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during late pregnancy are at a higher risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to breathing difficulties. However, the authors stress that the overall risk remains low and that depression during pregna...
A study found that women previously treated for CIN3 have an increased risk of developing and dying from cervical or vaginal cancer compared to the general female population. The risk accelerates above age 60 and is more pronounced in those who received treatment later in life.
Researchers found that increasing dietary fiber intake by just 1 extra portion of wholegrains and more fruit and vegetables can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. A 7g daily increase in fiber consumption was associated with a lower risk of CVD and CHD events.
Researchers found that nearly 8% of metal-on-metal hip replacements have no readily available clinical effectiveness evidence. The study highlights the need for improved device regulation to prevent widespread use of untested implants.
A recent study found that three out of five hospital meals exceed salt levels of a Big Mac, leading to concerns about malnutrition. The government's voluntary initiatives have failed to improve food standards, wasting over £54 million since 1992.
Researchers found prescribing an apple a day to adults over 50 would prevent or delay 8,500 vascular deaths. This approach matches the efficacy of statins while having fewer side effects.
A study published in The BMJ found a significant increase in births in Catalonia nine months after FC Barcelona won three major football trophies. Births rose by 16% in February 2010, with some areas experiencing even higher increases, although the findings fall short of earlier media reports.