Researchers developed a prediction model to identify people at high risk of postpartum complications, focusing on social and structural determinants of health. The study found that Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to experience postpartum hospitalizations due to racial inequities in maternal mortality.
The study found that New York City's policy effectively reduced tobacco-related disparities, particularly in districts with lower income and greater proportions of non-Hispanic Black residents. By 2022, the city achieved more balanced levels of tobacco retail exposure across its communities.
A comprehensive study found that an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may damage mental health for some single adults without dependent children. The Paycheck Plus Experiment, conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, revealed mixed results between two cities, Atlanta and New York.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a significant association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and crash risk among older adult drivers. Older adults with ADHD were more than twice as likely to report traffic tickets and vehicular crashes compared to their counterparts without ADHD.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that women living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of obesity-related cancers, particularly postmenopausal breast cancer. Neighborhood walkability is associated with increased physical activity and reduced car-dependency.
Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that working in a medium or high occupational physical activity job increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers assessed 7005 participants and found those with physically demanding work had a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
A new study found that infants less than one year old experienced the highest absolute and relative mortality during the Dutch Hunger Winter Famine. Diseases of the digestive system showed a tenfold mortality increase, with most deaths from enteritis, diarrhea, and intestinal ulcers.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals substantial racial and ethnic inequities in developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. The findings show a fourfold increased risk among Black individuals, with 18.5% incidence rate, compared to 5% in White individuals.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health detected significant levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users, suggesting that marijuana is a source of lead and cadmium exposure. Measurements reported by participants showed higher lead levels in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users compare...
A study by Columbia University found major inequities in NYC's lead service line locations, with Hispanic/Latino communities and high-risk children most affected. The researchers recommend prioritizing lead service line replacement efforts for these communities to address water lead exposure disparities.
A study finds that Americans nearing retirement age in the lower half of the economic distribution will face worsening expected health and economic status. The 'forgotten middle' group, with modest resources, requires stronger supports to avoid a wave of disability in late life.
A landmark study reveals that excess deaths after hurricanes are more recent and prevalent in socially vulnerable counties. The research highlights the need for better access to resources, transportation, and warnings to minimize cyclone-related mortality.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health provides evidence-based job descriptions and short, attention-grabbing job postings for recruitment. The findings suggest that clear job postings with specific requirements can generate targeted applicants and help attract a diverse candidate pool.
Research highlights energy insecurity as a determinant of poor health, with disproportionately affected groups including low-income households and mobile home occupants. Energy insecurity encompasses physical, economic, and coping dimensions, reflecting financial hardship, housing quality issues, and adaptive strategies.
A global study of over 5,000 participants from 27 countries found that economic inequality is driven more by scarcity than cognitive biases. The research confirms that choice patterns among low-income individuals do not uniquely explain protracted poverty.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that the Final Arsenic Rule successfully reduced water arsenic exposure for many US communities, particularly those with high initial exposure levels and marginalized populations. The rule, implemented in 2006, reduced the maximum contaminant level to 10 μg/L.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a rise in binge drinking among people aged 31 and over in US states with recreational cannabis laws. Binge drinking declined among younger age groups, including those aged 12-20 and 21-30.
Research highlights chronic exposure to contaminant metals as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing individuals can help implement public health initiatives.
A new study at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health found that neighborhoods with high densities of unhealthy retail food establishments were associated with a higher risk of delivering babies born large-for-gestational age, while those with healthy food options reduced this risk. The study analyzed data from over 106,000 births in...
A digital credential system would simplify welfare application processes for the homeless, handicapped, and mentally ill. This approach aims to reduce barriers to assistance, ensuring marginalized communities receive needed help.
Researchers found that rural counties bear a greater burden of firearm deaths, with higher rates of gun suicides and lower rates of gun homicides compared to urban counties. The divide in total intentional firearm deaths between urban and rural counties is increasing over time.
A large-scale study has linked accelerated biological aging to an increased risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. Adults with more advanced biological age were found to be more likely to develop depression and anxiety over time compared to peers who were biologically younger.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds that water arsenic levels are associated with higher urinary arsenic among the U.S. population, especially in public water supplies in the West and South regions. The researchers found that private well users and those in public water systems have higher urinary a...
A nationwide survey in the Central African Republic found a severe health emergency with a 5.6% mortality rate, four times higher than UN estimates, and widespread malnutrition, food insecurity, and violence, with 82.3% of households reporting adults ate ≤1 meals per day
A new study has identified disrupted levels of molecular compounds in maternal blood and cord blood linked to later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The findings shed light on the biological processes that give rise to ASD and could open the door to early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories produced fraudulent reports on PCB products, claiming they were not carcinogenic. The researchers also found that test conditions were compromised, leading to the indictment and conviction of employees involved.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to human health, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Researchers identified four research priorities to improve predictive models for antimicrobial-resistant organisms, including better communication and data collection.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on adolescent mental health and substance use, with increased depressive symptoms and negative effects observed up to two years into the pandemic. Parental social support and adequate sleep duration were associated with better mental health outcomes.
A new study proposes a set of 23 indicators to measure long-term outcomes in sexual health, aligned with the World Health Organization definition. These indicators focus on increasing knowledge, behaviors, and services, while decreasing adverse health outcomes.
Researchers studied genetic differences between two Chornobyl dog populations living near the nuclear power plant and 16.5 km away. They found significant genetic distinctions, with 391 outlier regions indicating potential genetic repair mechanisms. The study may provide insights into human adaptability to environmental disasters.
A new study published in International Journal of Drug Policy found that widespread naloxone access is not associated with an increase in adolescent lifetime heroin or injection drug use. The research suggests that naloxone expansion may actually lead to decreases in heroin and IDU rates among adolescents.
A new study found that New York City's Open Streets program, which allocated more public spaces for physical activity and recreation, was associated with higher daily street and sidewalk noise complaints. The researchers also found that census tracts with more affluent populations had more Open Streets segments.
A novel ensemble learning model has achieved an accuracy of 96 percent in predicting mild cognitive impairment and dementia in older drivers. The two most influential driving variables are the right to left turn ratio and the number of hard braking events.
A large study found that air pollution accelerates bone loss from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, particularly on the lumbar spine. Nitrogen oxides were identified as a major contributor to this damage.
A randomized controlled trial found that calorie restriction slowed the pace of biological aging in healthy adults by 2-3%, measured using the DunedinPACE algorithm, which translates to a 10-15% reduction in mortality risk. The intervention had no effects on other epigenetic clocks.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have identified differences in gut microbiomes between people with ME/CFS and healthy controls. Gut bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, which are normally health-promoting, were reduced in ME/CFS participants. The study found a deficient mic...
A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.
Awareness of breast density increases perceived risk and uncertainties about screening choices in Spanish-speaking women. However, these effects are short-term and do not persist over time, suggesting that educational outreach may help clarify implications for personal risk and screening decisions.
A recent study found that most US children use makeup and body products containing carcinogens and toxic chemicals like lead, asbestos, and PFAS. The survey of over 200 parents revealed that 79% of children under 12 use these products, with many reporting unintentional ingestion or prolonged exposure.
A new report highlights the need for sustained investment in the public health workforce, which lost 40,000 positions in the 2009 recession. Strategies include ensuring diversity among students and supporting trainees within all sectors to address workforce shortages and challenges.
A new study reveals racialized beauty norms perpetuate the use of chemical hair straighteners and skin lighteners, associated with poor health outcomes. The study found a decline in chemical straightener use among Black women, but steady use among Asian women.
People surveyed during the pandemic reported using fewer personal care products, more household cleaners, and eating less fast food. However, these changes may worsen health outcomes due to increased exposure to environmental chemicals linked to poor health.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a link between recreational cannabis legalization and increased asthma prevalence among teens, especially minority racial and ethnic groups. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a key risk factor for asthma in children.
Researchers found that letters successfully encouraged clinicians to check patients' prescribing records, leading to increased PMP search rates and persistent effects. The findings suggest a cost-effective evidence-based strategy for promoting safer prescribing practices through simple letter interventions.
A new study finds higher arsenic and uranium concentrations in public drinking water linked to communities with higher proportions of Hispanic/Latino and American Indian residents. The findings highlight inequalities in public water contaminant exposures affecting regions with more residents from communities of color.
A new study found an increase in adults using both substances simultaneously, leading to more negative consequences such as risk behaviors and heavy substance use. The findings suggest that changes in cannabis legislation may lead people to use both substances, particularly among adults aged 21-50.
The Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity aims to design societies that benefit both older and younger individuals. Investing in the health, well-being, and purpose of older adults can yield great rewards for all ages, fostering productive lives, social capital, and a sense of fulfillment.
A new study found that drug overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum women reached a record high in 2020, with 1,249 deaths due to overdose. The number of pregnancy-associated overdose deaths increased by more than 80% over the past four years, largely driven by fentanyl-involved deaths.