A new global study replicates earlier research in the US, finding that people's perceptions of their opponents are often exaggerated and misinformed. The study suggests that informing individuals about the true feelings of those on the opposite side can mitigate polarization.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of science and need in guiding COVID-19 vaccine allocation and prioritization. The authors argue that legal status should have no place in decisions about vaccine access and that poorer countries may not be able to widely vaccinate their populations until 2023.
A study analyzing over 73 million hospitalizations found that site of delivery is a key factor contributing to racial disparities in maternal mortality. Black women are more likely to die from severe maternal morbidity at birth or immediately after childbirth compared to White and Hispanic women.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a high global prevalence of both depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Asia presenting lower levels. Public transportation closures increased anxiety globally, especially in Europe.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.
A new study found that tropical cyclone exposure is associated with a significant rise in hospitalizations among older adults, with a 14% average increase in respiratory diseases and a 4% rise in infectious diseases. Hospitalizations from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) surged 45% following exposure.
A review proposes eight hallmarks of environmental exposures that contribute to disease, including oxidative stress, genomic alterations, and endocrine disruption. Research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms by which pollutants affect human biology.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, pandemic-related anxiety and irregular routines were major drivers of increased nicotine and tobacco use. The study highlights the need for better support for quit attempts and harm reduction policies to address this uptick in tobacco use.
The article highlights the need for home battery storage to protect medically vulnerable households during power outages, which can be life-threatening. The researchers argue that clean, reliable emergency backup power is crucial for communities affected by climate change.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between jail incarceration and death rates from various causes in the US. The research estimated that every 1,000 population increase in local jail incarceration rate was associated with significant increases in mortality rates from infectio...
A new DNA biomarker method can screen pregnant women for prenatal environmental contaminants, predicting childhood developmental disorders and chronic illness. The approach has the potential to prevent health problems through early identification of high-risk children.
Scientists have developed a highly sensitive antibody test that can detect all known human coronaviruses, including new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The test uses 29 immune signatures specific to SARS-CoV-2 and has been validated with a high specificity and sensitivity rate.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that perceived racism, sexual orientation discrimination, and HIV-status discrimination are associated with increased risk for criminal justice involvement. The research highlights the compounding effect of intersecting forms of social inequality on health outcomes.
A study found that Medicaid expansion in 2014 NY increased maternal health, particularly for low-income and minority women. The policy intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity.
Neighborhoods historically redlined by racist mortgage practices in the 1930s are more likely to have limited green spaces. This is associated with elevated air pollution, higher rates of poverty, and worse health outcomes for residents. The study highlights the persistent effects of redlining policies on urban neighborhoods.
A study found that 78% of public health graduates were employed, including 5% in fellowships and internships. Graduates with advanced degrees had better employment outcomes. The study highlights the need for schools to prepare graduates with competencies demanded by the workforce.
Physical frailty is defined as a state of depleted reserves resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors. A complex systems approach suggests that interventions like physical activity can remedy frailty by addressing dysregulation across multiple interconnected physiological and biological systems.
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School developed an early warning system that optimizes surveillance site selection and forecasts the geographic spread of influenza. The method can be applied to other respiratory outbreaks and diseases, providing cost-effective support for public health officials.
A recent study investigated attitudes towards long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies among women with a history of injection, including medical purposes and substance use. The research found that LAIs may improve adherence by reducing treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking.
Noncognitive skills, distinct from cognitive abilities, significantly impact educational attainment and life outcomes. The study identified 157 genetic locations related to these skills, which contribute equally to the heritability of educational attainment as cognitive ability.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School researchers simulates the potential future health and economic benefits from sustained air quality improvements. They estimate cumulative benefits of clean air during a five-year period would amount to thousands of avoided cases of illness and death, as well as associated economic benef...
A national vaccine strategy is crucial to defeating COVID-19, according to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The school recommends setting realistic expectations on vaccine effectiveness and promoting universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between adverse childhood experiences and juvenile justice system contact. The researchers analyzed data from eleven studies and found that higher ACE scores were associated with increased risk of connection to the juvenile justice system.
A new study found significant inequalities in public drinking water arsenic exposure across US regions and sociodemographic subgroups. Despite a decline in national arsenic levels, Hispanic communities and those relying on groundwater continued to exceed maximum contaminant levels, raising environmental justice concerns.
The Lancet Global Countdown on Health and Climate Change highlights the devastating impact of climate change on human health, with key trends worsening unless urgent action is taken. Experts from institutions worldwide, including Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, contribute to the report's findings.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds a 7% increase in preterm birth rates among women from MENA countries impacted by the 2017 travel ban. Anti-immigrant and Islamophobic policies are associated with detrimental shifts in health outcomes for pregnant women and infants.
A global study found that older people in wealthy countries consume more alcohol than those in middle-income countries, with average weekly consumption ranging from 0.59 to 6.85 units. The price of alcohol did not influence heavy drinking levels, which were highest in the Czech Republic and lowest in Israel.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that strong state gun laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicides within the state and across state lines. Weaker laws in one state contribute to higher homicide rates in neighboring states, particularly when guns can flow undetected into areas with already weak laws.
The COVID-19 virus may become endemic if immunity wanes within a year, allowing for yearly outbreaks. Reinfections are common, even within a year of prior infection, and the risk of severe clinical outcomes changes with subsequent infection.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is not a substitute for non-medical opioids among adults with opioid use disorder. The research examined 13,271 days of observation and found that opioid use remained prevalent on days when cannabis was used.
A new study suggests that banning menthol cigarettes could avert over 630,000 deaths and benefit communities of color. The research highlights the disproportionate preference for menthol among young smokers, Black smokers, lesbian and gay smokers, bisexual smokers, and those with mental health problems.
Researchers identified Paenibacillus species as the causative agent of post-infectious hydrocephalus (PIH), which affects millions of children worldwide. The discovery has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality by shifting treatment from surgery to antibiotics and vaccines.
A study highlights the dual burden of menstruation and homelessness among homeless New Yorkers, who face stigma and lack of access to basic necessities. The research emphasizes the need for improved bathroom quality, supply, and accessibility, as well as easier access to bathing and laundering services.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals, particularly bisexual women and gay men, use stimulants at higher rates than heterosexuals. This is linked to minority stress and structural stigma, with potential consequences including substance use disorder and overdose.
A new study explores women's hesitancy to use long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP and their interest in its benefits. Women reported preferring LAI PrEP due to perceived effectiveness, convenience, and confidentiality.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health estimates that over 1.15 billion school breakfasts and lunches were not served due to COVID-19-related school closures. Despite efforts by states and school districts to provide alternative meals, shortfalls remained, particularly in major cities.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Medicaid expansion reduces the percentage of low-income women going uninsured or changing insurance plans during pregnancy and postpartum. The findings suggest that expanding Medicaid can improve access to care and reduce adverse events for pregnant women.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that daily social media use is not a strong or consistent risk factor for depressive symptoms among adolescents. The study analyzed survey data from over 74,000 students and found no association between social media use and increased depressive symptoms.
A survey of 95 Central American migrants found that 74% experienced food insecurity, with factors including days in transit and travel companion illness. The researchers offer potential remedies for strengthening migrants' access to food, including information on procuring nutrition and prioritizing inexpensive food.
A study published in Health Affairs found that one in four US younger women reported cost-related nonadherence to prescription medicines compared to one in seven younger men. The largest disparities were observed among US women versus men in other high-income countries, with significant health implications.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that RGGI successfully reduced PM2.5 emissions and improved children's health between 2009-2014, avoiding 537 asthma cases, 112 preterm births, 98 ASD cases, and 56 low birthweight cases. The initiative also generated economic savings of $191-$350 million.
The study found higher medical and non-medical prescription stimulant use among heterosexuals and certain LGB subpopulations in states without MCLs. States with MCLs had lower odds of medical stimulant use, while bisexual men reported higher non-medical prescription stimulant use.
A nationwide analysis found Southwestern US correctional facilities' drinking water contains average arsenic concentrations twice as high as other community systems. This puts inmates at risk for chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults due to social distancing, school closures, and limited access to contraception and abortion care. Despite reduced opportunities for sex, many youth face significant challenges in accessing necessary healthcare services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and financial instability for low-income households, with many struggling to access affordable groceries and navigate online shopping systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbated by co-existing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and poverty, particularly in communities of poverty. Precision public health strategies are needed to address the interaction between COVID-19 mortality and NCDs.
A global survey of health professions schools reveals that 63% offer climate change education, with most commonly integrated into core courses. However, many schools face institutional challenges and limited resources in developing curricula.
A recent study found that delayed vaccinations and increased contact among young children, likely through 'measles parties', fueled the 2019 measles outbreak in NYC. Vaccination campaigns averted a huge spike in cases, but experts warn of potential future outbreaks as vaccination rates plummet.
The Lancet review calls for guidelines and research agenda to ensure equitable and ethical use of AI in low- and middle-income countries. The recommendations focus on human-centered design, data protection, and regulatory standards.
A new study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opening of a FreshDirect warehouse in Mott Haven, Bronx, increased truck and vehicle flow, leading to small increases in air and noise pollution. The researchers estimated increases of 0.06 dBA (noise) and 0.003 µg/m3 (black carbon air pollution).