A University of Ottawa professor argues that Canadian health research must define Black communities accurately to meet their needs. The use of precise language is crucial for comparing study findings, ensuring that only self-identifying Black people participate in studies.
Provincial health ministries hold COVID-19 vaccination data but have been reluctant to share it with researchers. Establishing partnerships between provinces and the Health Data Research Network would enable timely data transfer and support research into vaccine effectiveness.
A study published in CMAJ found that patients who received care from physicians speaking their primary language had shorter hospital stays and fewer falls and infections. Francophones had a 24% lower risk of death, while allophones had a 54% lower risk.
The article highlights key health considerations for Ukrainian refugees in Canada, including timely access to care and trauma-informed approaches. Key gaps in the Canadian healthcare system include lack of universal access to interpreters and coordinated care across services.
A comparison analysis found that Canada handled the pandemic well by most measures, thanks to strict policies and high vaccination rates. The analysis showed that if US vaccination and death rates occurred in Canada, about 5.9 million fewer Canadians would have been vaccinated and 68,800 more would have died from COVID-19.
A new study published in CMAJ found that youth hockey players with more years of bodychecking experience had a significantly higher risk of concussion than those with less experience. The researchers collected data on 941 players aged 15-17 and found that concussion was the most common injury, making up over one-third of all injuries.
A new study finds that transgender adolescents are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as suicide prevention programs and gender-affirming care, can help reduce the burden of suicidality among this group.
Residents of Ontario retirement homes have high rates of hospital-based care compared to long-term care facilities and community-dwelling individuals. They have double the rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions as LTC residents, but lower rates of primary care visits.
Excess deaths in Canadian provinces from March 2020 to October 2021 showed wide variability, with Quebec having the highest COVID-19 mortality rate and Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia having the lowest. The article calls for better data management to prepare for future health crises.
Long-term exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and O3 increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including ICU admissions and deaths. The study analyzed data from over 151,000 people in Ontario, Canada, and found a significant association between chronic air pollution exposure and more severe COVID-19 severity.
New research published in CMAJ found that 11% of patients discharged from COVID-19 hospitalization were readmitted or died within 30 days. Notably, the rates of readmission were consistent with admissions for other medical conditions.
A recent study in CMAJ found that nearly half of Canadian drownings were caused by pre-existing medical conditions, with seizure disorders posing a significant risk. Young women aged 20-34 with seizure disorders were particularly vulnerable, facing a risk 23 times higher than the general population.
Canada's cancer rates are declining overall, but new cases and deaths are on the rise due to an aging population and growing numbers. Despite this, efforts in cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and treatment have led to improved survival rates for those diagnosed with cancer.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that unvaccinated individuals pose a significant risk to vaccinated people, even when vaccination rates are high. The research suggests that mixing between unvaccinated and vaccinated populations can lead to substantial new infections among the vaccinated.
A Canadian study of over 12,000 hospital admissions found that updated product label changes did not reduce rates of accidental acetaminophen overdose. The study suggests additional measures are needed to prevent these episodes beyond just labeling changes.
A new study found that older children (6–12 years, 13–17 years) and those with high inflammation markers were at highest risk of severe MIS-C. Gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac involvement were common in affected children.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a decline in ischemic stroke presentations and treatments in Alberta, with more out-of-hospital stroke deaths. Researchers attribute the decrease to hospital avoidance during the pandemic.
A new study by researchers in Ontario found that pandemic-related slowdowns of cancer surgeries resulted in 843 life-years lost across the province's cancer population. The study highlights the need for measures of surgical prioritization during pandemic-related slowdowns.
A national study found a stark paucity of racialized leaders in Canada's high-level healthcare leadership, despite gender parity. Increasing racial diversity can promote culturally sensitive care, address discriminatory policies, and provide a broader perspective on health inequities.
A new randomized controlled trial found that making small changes to caloric intake and physical activity levels did not prevent long-term weight gain better than monitoring alone. Researchers observed reduced weight at 3, 6, 12, and 15 months but no significant difference by 24 months.
A systematic review of 174 studies found that 228 Canadian clinical practices were used inappropriately, with underuse being more common than overuse. Inappropriate care can lead to poor health outcomes and inefficient use of healthcare resources.
A new study identifies COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities across four provinces, with concentrations of cases linked to social determinants of health such as income, housing and visible minority status. The study calls for city-specific public health supports tailored to communities at disproportionate risk of COVID-19.
A large study analyzed administrative health data from Ontario and found a low risk of major anomalies with tramadol and morphine, minor anomalies with codeine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone exposure. The study highlights the need to consider both the benefits and harms of opioid treatment during pregnancy.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults with disabilities have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, with longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. The study highlights the need for accommodations and support for patients with disabilities during the pandemic.
A study found frequent rates of respiratory infections in children under 3 years of age in isolated First Nations communities, related to poor housing conditions. High levels of mould and endotoxin were also detected, with 85% of houses lacking controlled ventilation.
A randomized controlled trial found that remdesivir reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study involved 1282 patients and showed that those treated with remdesivir were able to come off oxygen and ventilators sooner than those receiving standard care.
A new study found high rates of trauma for mothers and babies from forceps and vacuum deliveries, with over 25% of forceps deliveries resulting in severe perineal tears. Researchers call for a reassessment of the safety of these birthing practices.
A study published in CMAJ found that people using cannabis during pregnancy and lactation do so to manage symptoms such as nausea and mental health problems. The motivations for use change when they become pregnant, with some stopping due to fear or stigma, while others continue to use it for symptom management.
A study published in CMAJ found that hospital health care workers in Quebec had high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest rates were reported in hospitals with outbreaks, particularly those from older facilities.
A new guideline outlines 13 recommendations to address health inequities exacerbated by COVID-19, including addressing racism and poverty. Implementing these policy changes can help reduce the burden of COVID-19 on marginalized communities.
Researchers analyzed data from 2016 to 2020 and found no significant difference in new cancer diagnoses among Canadian children during the pandemic. The study suggests that cancer diagnosis rates were not delayed, unlike previous reports suggesting a decline.
A study in Ontario, Canada found that in-person requests with physician involvement and trained donation coordinators significantly increase organ donation consent rates. Factors such as age, religion, and neighbourhood income also impact consent decisions.
A large Ontario study confirms SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern like Delta increase the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Vaccination blunts severity, reducing risk in partially and fully vaccinated individuals by about 80-90%.
Non-melanoma basal and squamous cell skin cancers saw a 30% rise in Ontario over 15 years, mostly among people under age 35. The annual mortality rates increased by almost 5-fold, with males experiencing higher rates than females.
A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.
Researchers found that frequent cannabis users were 2 times more likely to have had a heart attack compared to non-users. The study also found an association between recent cannabis use and myocardial infarction across different forms of consumption.
Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.
A large study of 384,130 adults found that regular exercise lowers the risk of death from natural causes, regardless of air pollution exposure. Habitual exercise and low pollution levels were associated with lower mortality rates, while inactivity and high pollution were linked to higher risks.
A new study reveals COVID-19 worsens financial, food, and housing insecurity in ethnocultural communities, while also highlighting the resilience of families and communities.
A team of Black female clinicians and researchers propose an Afrocentric health-promotion approach to combat vaccine hesitancy among Black Canadians. The LEAPS framework encourages providers to respect patients' values, views, and concerns when offering vaccine recommendations.
A large study of over 2.4 million births in Ontario found no increases in preterm births or stillbirths during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from an 18-year period, including trends before and during the pandemic, to provide reassurance for pregnant women.
A recent warning from the Canadian Medical Association Journal cautions that relaxed COVID-19 measures could lead to a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases among young children. RSV can cause serious illness and death, affecting approximately 2.7 million children worldwide each year.
A proposed Canadian Immunization Services model could provide a coordinated approach to vaccination across the country, addressing fragmentation in data sharing, vaccine procurement, and supply chain management. The independent not-for-profit corporation would be funded by provinces, territories, and potentially the federal government.
A new online calculator, RESPECT, uses big data to predict death within 6 months in older adults, prioritizing quality of remaining life over curative care. The tool was developed based on data from over 491,000 community-dwelling older adults and aims to support families and healthcare professionals in planning end-of-life care.
A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an adult who recovered from COVID-19 is reported, highlighting the importance of considering this rare but possible complication. Prompt treatment helped recover the patient. The authors suggest encouraging reporting of cases to facilitate research and improve outcomes.
A new study published in CMAJ found that Indigenous mothers are 23% more likely to travel 200 km or more to give birth compared to non-Indigenous women. The disparity is attributed to a lack of birthing facilities and providers near rural Indigenous communities, reflecting colonial policies prioritizing non-Indigenous settlements.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that NSAIDs like ibuprofen provide better pain control with fewer adverse effects than codeine after outpatient surgery. Patients taking NSAIDs reported lower pain scores and fewer side effects compared to those taking codeine.
A commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that Canada's public health guidance should be updated to address airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include a need for improved ventilation in schools and healthcare settings, as well as revised personal protective equipment recommendations.
Mental health visits for new mothers skyrocketed 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased rates observed in the first 3 months after giving birth. The study suggests that virtual care may have removed barriers to postpartum mental health support, enabling more people to seek care.
Emergency department visits for common conditions like appendicitis and miscarriage dropped significantly during the first wave of COVID-19, but there was no increase in adverse patient outcomes. Researchers found that management strategies remained unchanged, suggesting that patients who required emergency care continued to seek help ...