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.
Research published in the Journal of Medical Genetics found that faulty intellectual disability genes are largely paternal in origin and more common in children born to older fathers. The study analyzed rare copy number variations (CNVs) in over 3,500 people with intellectual disabilities.
Research suggests that referring patients with mental health problems to talking therapies reduces their use of healthcare services and sick leave. Patients who received therapy had fewer hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and emergency care services, but were prescribed more antidepressants.
The study reveals regional and temporal variations in organ donation across the UK, with Wales consistently outperforming its neighbors. England and Scotland have lower organ donation rates, while Northern Ireland surprises with high lung donation rates.
The NHS has wasted £625 million on synthetic insulin over the past decade, as recommended human alternatives would have been just as effective, reveals research published in BMJ Open. The study analyzed publicly available data and found that the annual cost of synthetic insulin rose from 12% to 85% of total costs.
Research found that under 16s comprise just 0.6% of national NHS patient surveys since 2004, with most young adults being less satisfied with their care than older adults
A new image-guided technique may enable more stroke patients to be successfully treated, particularly those living far from specialist medical care. Researchers found no difference in recovery time or 90-day survival rates between patients receiving treatment within six hours of symptom onset.
Experts argue that current film classification guidelines are inadequate and failing to control the impact on adolescents. Studies show a significant association between smoking depiction in films and increased risk of tobacco use among teenagers. The authors propose applying default 18 classification for all films containing smoking.
Research reveals significant differences in patient experience of primary care among different age groups, health statuses, and ethnicities. Minority ethnic patients report lower satisfaction rates due to poorer practice performance, but internal factors also contribute to the disparities.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of skin cancer. The pooled risk showed a 45% higher likelihood of developing other types of skin cancer, while two studies indicated a 79% increased risk of melanoma.
Research published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care found parents who lost a child during the first year of life are at significantly increased risk of an early death. Bereaved mothers are especially prone to an early death, with effects lasting up to 25 years.
A review of seven studies involving over 100,000 participants found that higher levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke. However, the authors caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Watching TV for six hours a day may shorten life expectancy by almost five years, according to research. Sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of death from heart attack or stroke, and TV viewing accounts for substantial sedentary activity.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found a significant association between pre-pregnancy obesity and asthma-like respiratory symptoms in adolescents. Teenagers whose mothers were severely overweight before pregnancy were 20-30% more likely to wheeze or have asthma.
The deployment of speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money by reducing the number of road traffic accidents. This financial analysis reveals net savings of up to £20.17 million over two years.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that growing up on a livestock farm is associated with an increased risk of developing blood cancers. The study found that those who grew up on poultry farms were three times more likely to develop a blood cancer.
An analysis of patient safety incident data reveals that the NHS is poorly equipped to handle obese patients, with common themes including inadequate staffing, specially adapted equipment, and surgical errors. Most incidents resulted in little or no harm, but severe cases were reported.
A survey of 733 medical students found that nearly half believe doctors should object to certain procedures, such as abortions and intimate examinations. Muslim students were more likely to express this view, while Jewish students were less likely.
A randomized trial found that manual breast milk expression was more effective in improving breastfeeding rates than using a breast pump, especially in the first two months. Manual expression also led to higher comfort levels and more frequent breastfeeding among mothers.
Research published in BMJ Open found a strong association between contact allergies and reduced rates of breast, non-melanoma skin, and brain cancers. However, higher rates of bladder cancer were detected among those with contact allergies.
Climbing the social ladder may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure among those born into disadvantaged backgrounds. Researchers found that upwardly mobile adults had a 20% lower risk of hypertension, while those who fell further down the social ladder were at increased risk.
A recent study suggests that romantic fiction continues to shape women's perceptions of idealized love and sex, potentially influencing negative attitudes towards condom use and non-consensual sex. The author argues that the genre can perpetuate unrealistic expectations and escapism, running counter to real-life health messages.
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) poses a significant threat to global food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries. The virus has been reported in several regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and China, and can spread quickly through goat herds and sheep flocks.
A survey of 89 junior doctors in three NHS hospital trusts in Wales found that nearly all were unaware of their roles and responsibilities during a major incident. The knowledge gap has sparked concerns about the preparedness of healthcare professionals to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Research found that outpatient electronic prescribing systems do not significantly reduce medication errors, with over 12% of prescriptions containing mistakes. The most common errors were related to missing information and involved anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, nervous system drugs, and cardiovascular drugs.
Research suggests that students who experience frequent drink-fueled memory blackouts are at a higher risk of sustaining an injury while under the influence. The study analyzed data from over 800 undergraduates and found that those with six or more memory blackouts were almost three times as likely to sustain an injury.
The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin warns that current UK sun cream advice is too low on protection and impractical to follow. The organization recommends rethinking the current SPF of 15 and suggests a more balanced approach with products labeled as 'factor 30' for broad-spectrum ultraviolet screening effect.
Regular cultural activities like visiting museums and theatres improve mental health in adults, with receptive cultural activities showing greatest benefits for men. Engaging in creative or active cultural activities also has positive effects on perceived health and well-being.
Most medical students feel unprepared to challenge poor clinical practice and promote better patient care due to inadequate legal training. A survey of 1,154 UK medical students found that confidence in using legal rules and challenging deficiencies is low.
A systematic review found that t'ai chi is effective for fall prevention and improving psychological health, with general health benefits for older people. However, its effectiveness for other conditions such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis is contradictory.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that young drivers who engage in risky behavior, such as speeding and using mobile phones while driving, are at a greater risk of psychological distress. The study also discovered that women are more likely to experience increased psychological distress compared to men.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery suggests that taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of developing cerebral aneurysms. The study found that women with cerebral aneurysms were less likely to have taken these medications and had an earlier average age of menopause.