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.
Research highlights bullying as a significant concern for adolescent LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly females. Findings show rising trends in bullying and suicidal behavior across demographic subgroups of US adolescents.
Research highlights the need for high-quality studies on tropical cyclones in low- and middle-income countries to understand long-term consequences. The public health impact extends beyond injuries and cardiovascular diseases, affecting neuropsychiatric conditions and infectious diseases.
New York State opioid prescriptions declined during the COVID-19 lockdown, with only a small transient increase in early refills. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescriptions remained steady, thanks to policies ensuring their availability.
A new study found that eligible older adults who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have slower memory decline than those who do not participate. Researchers measured memory function every two years over 20 years and found that SNAP users had about two fewer years of cognitive aging over a 10-year period.
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
A study using contract tracing data in New York City found the city's program was efficient, producing data that informs neighborhood-level interventions like vaccination and reactive restriction. The researchers also identified large heterogeneity in reported close contacts and secondary infections across neighborhoods.
Research finds that school discipline and policing predict higher levels of substance use, developmental risk, binge drinking, smoking, and violence among students. The study also highlights the need for resources and services to address root causes of disciplinary and health problems.
A review of COVID-19 and other adult vaccination efforts found that cash transfers and lottery programs had limited outcomes in increasing vaccination rates, with some studies showing a slight over 2% increase in coverage. Non-cash incentives also showed no significant impact on vaccination uptake.
A new study using the American Heart Association framework provides evidence that sleep is integral to preserving heart health. Sleep metrics add independent predictive value for CVD events over and above the original 7 CVH metrics.
A study finds that menthol cigarettes are used by nearly two out of five adult smokers, with Black smokers using them at an alarming rate. The CDC is considering banning menthol-flavored cigarettes due to concerns over their impact on public health, particularly among young people and marginalized groups.
A clinical trial of email alerts from pharmacists to doctors and other practitioners found no reduction in risky opioid prescribing, highlighting the need for rigorous testing of policies aimed at making opioid prescribing safer. The study tested behavioral science techniques to encourage safer prescribing practices.
A school-based educational program successfully lowered mental health stigma among Black and Latinx adolescents, particularly eliminating disparities among girls. The intervention was more effective than contact alone, but showed variation in outcomes among boys of color.
A recent study published in BMC Biology found that normal variation in dietary patterns affects the aging process. The researchers identified key patterns of specific nutrients associated with minimal biological aging, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to nutrition and aging. The findings suggest that balanced nutrient intak...
A 28-year study tracked over 500,000 US adolescents and found that low social engagement and participation in structured activities are key predictors of substance abuse avoidance. Conversely, highly social and engaged groups with less supervision were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
The study found that nearly 9% of Americans aged 12 or older experienced a past-year major depressive episode. Depression was particularly common among adolescents (16.9%) and young adults (17%), with increased prevalence among various demographic groups, yet low help-seeking rates remained consistently low.
A cap-and-invest strategy to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions could provide substantial health benefits to children in New York City. The study found that prioritizing public transit investments resulted in the most effective strategy, offering 45% more benefits than vehicle electrification.
A new study found that low-income pregnant women living in polluted neighborhoods had a 60% increased risk of testing positive for COVID-19. The study, led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, examined the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and COVID-19 test results.
A new study estimates that over 5.5 million U.S. adults used hallucinogens in the past year, with a significant increase in LSD use between 2002 and 2019. The study found that PCP use decreased during this period, while Ecstasy use also declined since 2015.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that new COVID-19 variants like Omicron erode immunity and increase transmissibility. The researchers suggest a universal vaccine is urgently needed to prevent future waves.
A new study by Columbia University and MIT researchers found that expanding Medicaid coverage to adults can also help enroll children, a phenomenon known as the 'woodwork effect'. The study examined Oregon's 2008 Medicaid lottery and found that for every nine adults who gained coverage, one additional child also enrolled.
The New York State Operation COVID-19 mobilized over 7,000 service members across 200 sites, administering vaccines, testing kits, and meals, while providing critical services during the pandemic. The mobilization helped prevent tens of thousands of deaths and saved lives through rapid vaccine rollout and testing support.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that adults who use cannabis daily perceive pack a day cigarette use as less harmful than non-cannabis users. The study suggests that diminished risk perception may contribute to the observed increase in cannabis use among adults.
A study by Columbia University and Drexel University found that the transition to cleaner fuels and engines in New York City's bus fleet led to declines in air pollution concentrations, including nitrogen oxides and black carbon. The findings suggest that similar changes can be realized in other cities to mitigate air pollution.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that sustained low wages during working years are associated with significantly faster memory decline in older age. Low-wage earners experienced approximately one excess year of cognitive aging per a 10-year period compared to those who never earned low wages.
A study found that cannabis use and daily use are more common in US states with recreational cannabis laws compared to those without. Cigarette smokers in these states have even higher rates of cannabis use.
A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.
A global study involving 60 countries found that individuals across income groups prefer immediate gains, but those in stable economies with lower inequality are less likely to do so. The study also reveals inconsistent decision-making between immediate and future financial options.
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
A new BIPOC mentoring program at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health aims to improve academic and professional development, sense of belonging, and career advancement. The program's unique features include faculty mentorship, community building, and anti-racism initiatives.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis vaping is the most popular method of cannabis delivery among all adolescents, with frequent use rising faster than occasional use. The study also highlights disparities in vaping use among different demographic groups and its link to nicotine use.
A new study finds that having three or more children is negatively correlated with late-life cognition, with the effect strongest in Northern Europe. The researchers suggest that this may be due to financial stress and reduced social interaction, leading to potential cognitive deterioration.
A new study reveals that Asia and Africa have a similar aging burden to the West, with a Health-Adjusted Dependency Ratio (HADR) that indicates the impact of ill-health on dependency ratios. The HADR metric suggests that demographic age is not the only factor determining dependency, and that health levels play a significant role.
Resilience and emotional well-being were higher among immigrant youth who lived with family members or had no family members, whereas those without family support expressed lower resilience and more stress. The study highlights the impact of household composition on the mental health of adolescent migrants.
Traffic-related air pollution contributes to high rates of asthma prevalence in Mott Haven and Port Morris, with significant increases in congestion in mixed-use areas and at night. The study's findings highlight the need for measures to mitigate environmental health impacts of traffic congestion.
Research finds that historically redlined neighborhoods are burdened by excess oil and gas wells, leading to increased air and water pollution, noise, and stress. The study reveals a link between these exposure disparities and persistent social inequities in community environmental health.
Researchers found that metal concentrations were particularly elevated in CWSs serving semi-urban, Hispanic communities, highlighting environmental justice concerns. Arsenic, barium, chromium, selenium, and uranium concentrations were also disproportionately elevated.
Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.
A new study reveals that American Indian communities are less likely to benefit from recent downward trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in the US. Average PM2.5 concentrations were higher in AI-populated counties compared to non-AI populated counties by 2018, contrary to previous declines.
A study found that only 28% of individuals needing opioid use disorder treatment received medication, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The findings highlight critical gaps in treatment engagement and access to effective medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that income loss during COVID-19 significantly increases menstrual product insecurity, with lower-income and less educated individuals most vulnerable. The pandemic's impact on menstruation management challenges underscores the need for health and social policy legi...