Research suggests that health warnings on cigarette packs can deter relapse in ex-smokers. The study, which monitored responses from almost 2,000 recent ex-smokers, found that those who actively used the warnings were less likely to start smoking again.
Research predicts a modest decline in global smoking prevalence to 22% by 2030 without government intervention, but a significant drop to 13% if World Health Organization (WHO) measures are adopted. This could lead to millions of premature deaths prevented.
A systematic review of 13 studies found that electronic reminders, including text messages, boosted patients' ability to stick to their drug dosing schedules, with significant differences reported in eight studies. However, the effectiveness of these reminders may decrease over time due to habituation.
Research based on 367 men and 370 women found that those who are retired, unmarried, or depressed are most at risk of needing urgent hospital care. Men were twice as likely as women to require further urgent hospital care within 30 days of discharge.
Research of almost 4000 teens in Quebec, Canada found that secondary school kids using speed and ecstasy are prone to subsequent depression. The findings were independent of previous bouts of depressive symptoms or other drug use, suggesting additive or synergistic adverse effects of concurrent use.
Research in over 3000 children found no association between vitamin D levels and academic performance. Higher levels of vitamin D2 were linked to poorer English grades and fewer A* to C GCSE grades.
Simple insect bites often resolve on their own without treatment, but over-the-counter remedies have limited efficacy. Antihistamines and steroids are not backed by strong evidence for treating itching and inflammation.
A long-term study found that early life emotional trauma can stunt intellectual development, with the most significant impact during the first two years of life. The study tracked 206 children and found that those exposed to maltreatment or violence against their mother had lower cognitive scores at all age points.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine finds that asbestos workers are significantly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for smoking. Women are found to be at greater risk than men, with longer exposure durations increasing the likelihood of heart disease deaths.
The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.
A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.
Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that some NHS trusts deliver a consistently better experience for patients, with a strong association between Foundation Trust status and improved performance. The study identified system-wide successes and failures, highlighting areas for improvement across the healthcare system.
Research found that over half of school children carry rucksacks weighing 10% or more of their body weight, increasing the risk of back problems. Girls are more susceptible to back issues, which worsen with age. Experts advise parents and teachers to promote healthy backpacking habits.
A qualitative study of new mothers found that the ideal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months can be unhelpful and difficult to achieve. The study suggests that more realistic and incremental goals should be set, with a focus on emotional support and family-centered care. Healthcare professionals are advised to adopt a proactive ap...
Healthcare professionals are more likely to get vaccinated if they believe the flu jab really works, according to a descriptive meta-analysis of 85,000 healthcare workers. Convenient access and willingness to prevent spread also play significant roles in increasing vaccination rates.
US Army suicides surged by 80% between 2004 and 2008, with 39% of cases linked to post-Iraq events. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse increased significantly during this period.
Researchers argue that UK law on cycle helmets should apply only to kids due to equivocal evidence of adult protection. The authors suggest a paternalistic approach and instead recommend public health information to empower adults to make their own decisions about helmet-wearing.
A matched cohort study found that certain commonly prescribed sleeping pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of death and cancer among users. The study linked these drugs to a more than fourfold increased risk of death, even at relatively low doses.
Research reveals that a significant proportion of vegetarians and patients with dietary restrictions are unwittingly consuming animal gelatin in medicines. Most patients prefer medicines containing only vegetable products, but over half would take a drug with an animal product if no alternative is available.
Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.
A small qualitative study suggests extending the smoking ban outside bars could help curb 'social smoking' by removing cues that stimulate this behavior. Social smokers often have conflicted identities and manage their smoking through limiting where and when they smoke, rationalizing their behavior with drinking.
Research reveals that Rugby teams with taller backs, heavier forwards, and greater collective experience tend to perform better at the World Cup. The study analyzed data from 1987-2007 and found a significant correlation between team performance and these factors.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cases in the UK are projected to increase by a third by 2020, with 679,000 individuals affected. The majority of these cases will be in women, and prevalence rates will rise sharply with age.
Research published in Postgraduate Medical Journal reveals significant variations in pass rates for UK medical graduates in MRCOG Part 1 and Part 2 written examinations. Doctors from top-performing medical schools like Oxford and Cambridge had higher pass rates compared to those from lower-performing schools like Southampton and Wales.
A study of four European countries with smoke-free legislation found that banning smoking in public places prompts smokers to ban smoking at home, contrary to the displacement hypothesis. The percentage of smokers implementing a home smoking ban increased significantly across all countries.
A study of nearly 9,000 Norwegian teenagers found that school drop-outs were three times more likely to receive benefits than their peers who completed their education. The findings suggest a strong link between poor health and higher rates of social exclusion in young adulthood.
Research on 850 participants found frequent house moves during childhood were associated with poorer overall health and psychological distress. Illicit drug use during adolescence and adulthood was independently linked to childhood house moves.
A study published in Heart analyzed almost 800 babies and found that combined maternal smoking and high BMI increased the risk of congenital heart abnormalities by more than 2.5 times. The exact mechanism is unclear, but disturbances in cholesterol levels are thought to play a role.
A recent study found that male doctors, those working in group practices, and those repeatedly seeing the same patients are at higher risk of burnout. The research used a validated measure to assess emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment among 564 GPs.
A regional survey of 1500 NHS junior doctors found that they are willing and able to contribute to improving health services, but lack support and recognition. The survey results highlight the need for the government and NHS organisations to value and engage junior doctors to optimise organisational performance.
Researchers treated 17 patients with trigeminal neuralgia using Cyberknife radiosurgery, resulting in partial or complete relief from symptoms for 14 patients. The procedure offered a viable alternative to invasive approaches, with no major complications reported.
A cross-sectional study of 1500 adults in Stockholm found that only 3% lodged official complaints, despite 18.5% feeling they had grounds for complaint. Poor experiences and lack of trust in healthcare were common deterrents.
Researchers found that a daily dose of skimmed milk enriched with glycomacropeptide and G600 milk fat extract can significantly reduce gout flare-ups. This is matched by improved pain levels, reduced uric acid in urine, and fewer tender joints.
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that vaccination-induced anaphylactic shock is extremely rare. In a study of children under 16 in the UK and Ireland who were suspected of experiencing anaphylaxis after vaccination between 2008 and 2009, only seven cases were confirmed, resulting in no fatalities.
A mindfulness-based group intervention significantly reduced stress levels and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid joint disease, with lasting improvements also seen. The study found no comparable reductions in the comparison group, highlighting the potential benefits of mindfulness strategies for managing arthritis-related distress.
Research found that patients with high levels of nickel and selenium had a lower risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas those with high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium had an increased risk. These findings suggest a potential role of trace elements in pancreatic carcinogenesis.
A nationwide Danish cohort study suggests women with endometriosis are 50% more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that affects the bowel and causes abdominal pain. The risk persists for over 20 years after diagnosis and is linked to common causes or treatment effects.
Androgen suppression therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer may significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, say specialists. This risk is often overlooked in standard management of the disease.
Research suggests children born moderately preterm (32-35 weeks) have higher scores on behavioral and emotional problem measures at preschool age. This includes increased levels of anxiety/depression, aggression, attention disorders, and somatic complaints.
A small pilot study suggests that acupuncture can improve nerve signaling and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients. The treatment showed positive effects on nerve conduction studies and patient-reported improvements, sparking hope for further investigation into its potential benefits.
Shakespeare's works show that physical symptoms like dizziness and fatigue are common in characters expressing strong emotions. This data suggests the Bard was a master at portraying psychological causes of physical symptoms, making his characters more human and empathetic.
A simple device that filters out airborne asthma triggers during sleep can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of atopic asthma. The study found a 14-15% difference in quality of life scores between those using the device and those with a dummy device.
In a surprising finding, firefighters are more likely to be injured while exercising than during firefighting activities. This is according to research that analyzed data from 21 fire stations in Tucson, Arizona between 2004 and 2009.
Research found a strong link between high childhood IQ and subsequent illicit drug use, particularly among women. High IQ scores at age 5 or 10 were associated with increased use of cannabis, cocaine, and other drugs by age 30.
Research published in BMJ Open found a significant association between contraceptive pill use and increased rates of new prostate cancer cases and deaths globally. The study suggests that environmental oestrogen exposure from oral contraceptive metabolism may contribute to this risk.
A study published in BMJ Open found that if the UK population adopted the average English diet, around 4,000 deaths could be prevented every year. The research suggests that a poor diet high in saturated fats and salt contributes to higher death rates in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compared to England.
Researchers found that UK doctors are reluctant to cite smoking as a cause of death on death certificates due to concerns about stigmatizing the deceased. In contrast, alcohol was cited as a cause in over half of cases linked to excessive drinking.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that teens who consume high amounts of carbonated non-diet soft drinks are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,800 Boston teenagers, discovered a significant association between heavy soft drink consumption and violence perpetration.
A study published in Gut found that specific types of mouth bacteria are associated with pancreatic cancer. The researchers identified two key species - Neisseria elongata and Streptococcus mitis - which were significantly less present in cancer patients' mouths, while Granulicatella adjacens levels were higher.
Research finds UK doctors are underdiagnosing and undertreating atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke, despite improvements in stroke prevention. The study analyzed data from the General Practice Research Database and found that only one in four patients with AF were prescribed preventive anticoagulant treatment.