A study of eight cities globally demonstrates that using a simple surgical checklist during major operations can significantly lower the incidence of deaths and complications. The rate of major complications fell from 11% to 7%, while inpatient deaths following major operations decreased by over 40%.
A long-term study found that children with lower IQs were more likely to develop psychiatric disorders as adults, including schizophrenia, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Lower childhood IQ was also associated with persistent mental disorders and an increased risk of having two or more diagnoses.
Seven in ten registered voters say major changes are needed in the U.S. health care system, according to a Kaiser/Harvard survey of registered voters in September. The public's perceptions of the state of American health care and the role of health care as an election issue are also explored.
A national survey found that patients generally satisfied with their care but identified areas for improvement in pain management and discharge instructions. Hospitals with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and more satisfied patients tend to provide better quality care.
The study estimates that more than 330,000 lives were lost to HIV/AIDS in South Africa between 2000 and 2005 due to the delay in implementing antiretroviral treatment. The researchers also found that an estimated 35,000 babies were born with HIV during this period due to the lack of a mother-to-child transmission prophylaxis program.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study projects that China will experience an estimated 65 million COPD deaths and 18 million lung cancer deaths between 2003 and 2033 if current smoking and biomass fuel use levels continue, highlighting the need for large-scale interventions to reduce disease burden
Researchers identified a new class of hormones called lipokines, which help regulate metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity in mice. The discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health have discovered a common genetic influence on vitamin B12 levels in the blood, suggesting a new way to approach the biological connections between an important biochemical variable and deficiency-related diseases. The study found that a gene variant associated with higher B12 levels may pr...
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health suggest a broader approach to treating potentially suicidal individuals, addressing not only mental illness but also access to lethal means. This population-based approach recognizes that the physical environment can have a profound effect on the likelihood of completed suicide.
The study suggests that universal vaccine coverage in young adolescent girls, initial catch-up efforts for women under 21, and revised screening policies can significantly reduce cervical cancer rates. Vaccination is predicted to be economically attractive if achieved in 12-year-old girls with long-lasting protection.
A new study reveals married Indian women who experience physical and sexual abuse are approximately four times more likely to become infected with HIV than those not abused. The study highlights the importance of addressing intimate partner violence in preventing HIV transmission among women in India.
A recent survey conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of those affected by Hurricane Katrina report they are very prepared if a major hurricane were to strike their communities in the next six months. Key concerns include having enough fresh water and medical care, with 42% and 41% of respon...
Researchers found a deliberate strategy by tobacco companies to recruit and addict young smokers with milder menthol products. The study analyzed internal documents, lab tests, and survey data, revealing that menthol brands with lower levels appealed to younger smokers.
A landmark study found that college environments with easy access to alcohol, weak control policies, and lax enforcement contribute to binge drinking. Colleges with restrictive policies and substance-free housing options have lower binge drinking levels.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a molecule called XBP1 that regulates fat and cholesterol production in the liver. Turning off XBP1 dramatically reduced blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride fats, with no apparent adverse effects on the liver.
A new national study found that most Americans believe US-produced food is safe, but have concerns about imported food and the government inspection system. Many also worry about getting ill from food they eat, with certain groups, such as Hispanics and African-Americans, more likely to be concerned.
A recent study found that while US cigarette smoking has declined, non-cigarette tobacco product sales have increased, offsetting the decline. The main reason for this shift is price, with lower federal and state taxes on non-cigarette products making them more affordable.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown molecular signaling pathway in body fat cells that normally acts to suppress harmful inflammation, but is overridden by obesity. The protective function can be boosted with drugs targeting PPAR-d, potentially treating insulin resistance and diabetes.
A recent Harvard study found that individuals with an active social life may experience a slower rate of memory decline compared to those with lower levels of social integration. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 US adults aged 50 and older, suggests that strong social networks can help preserve memory function.
Researchers argue that male circumcision and reducing multiple sexual partners are more effective HIV prevention strategies than condom promotion, HIV testing, and other approaches. Studies have shown significant reductions in HIV risk with these interventions, particularly in west Africa and Uganda.
A large-scale study found that domestic violence is associated with chronic malnutrition among mothers and children in India. Women who experienced multiple incidents of domestic violence were more likely to be anemic and underweight, highlighting the need for addressing domestic violence as a key factor in combating malnutrition.
A long-term study found that 4% of male and 19% of female US population experienced stagnating or declining health conditions between the 1980s and 2001. The main causes were related to smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Researchers found that genetic effects on obesity vary by age and may be missed in replication studies if not accounted for. The study identified a specific gene variant associated with childhood obesity, but its influence diminishes after age 45.
A recent study found that US disparities in health status have reversed since the 1960s, contrary to previous findings. The research demonstrates that improvements in overall population health led to declines in social inequities in health between 1966 and 1980.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found an association between domestic violence and adult smoking among Indian women. The study suggests that domestic violence may act as a 'stress reliever' in households where it occurs, leading to increased tobacco use.
Researchers sequence genomes of multi-drug resistant and drug-sensitive TB isolates, revealing few genetic differences that contribute to drug resistance. The findings shed light on the genetic factors driving TB drug resistance and lay the groundwork for a rapid diagnostic test.
Researchers analyzed long-term cost trends of HAART drugs in Brazil, finding that while costs increased due to rising treatment needs, the country saved $1 billion through price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The study highlights the need for increased resources to achieve universal access to AIDS treatment.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors experienced significantly lower rates of infertility due to ovulatory disorders. The key factors included dietary choices and physical activity, with higher scores associated with a lower risk of infertility.
Researchers found that prioritizing the poor in nutrition and sanitation improvements leads to greater health gains, with potential reductions of 31% in sub-Saharan Africa and 1.47 million fewer child deaths annually
A study by David E. Bloom and David Canning found that most countries are clustered in high or low mortality groupings with little continuum of change between them. The authors suggest a 'big push' theory to help countries near the threshold break into the low-mortality cluster.
A deficiency of the T-bet protein in dendritic cells has been linked to ulcerative colitis in mice, which can be passed from mother to offspring and between adult animals. This study provides a novel model for the disease, with potential implications for testing new therapies and preventive measures.
A study found that mothers who gained weight between their first and second pregnancies were more likely to have a baby boy. The researchers analyzed data from over 220,000 women and discovered a significant association between increased maternal weight gain and an increased male-to-female sex ratio in the second pregnancy.
A Harvard study found that socioeconomic status influences antiretroviral treatment effectiveness, even among those adhering to treatment schedules. Lower education levels were associated with faster regimen failure, while higher adherence self-efficacy reduced this risk.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that India's high income inequality leads to a double-disease burden, with poor individuals facing undernutrition and affluent individuals experiencing overnutrition. The risk of both conditions increases with widening income gaps between the rich and the poor.
A study found that a school-based obesity prevention program reduced disordered weight-control behaviors in middle-school girls by two-thirds, compared to those receiving regular health education. The 5-2-1-Go! program emphasized eating a balanced diet and reducing screen time.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study documents high rates of HIV infection among young Nepalese girls trafficked to India, with 60.6% infected among those trafficked prior to age 15. The study highlights the dire health consequences of sex trafficking and the need for improved prevention measures.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that hospitals in the top quartile of performance had nearly 1% lower mortality among patients with AMI, 0.4% among those with CHF, and 0.8% among those with pneumonia. This suggests that using quality measures to choose a hospital can increase survival odds.
Cancer researcher Dimitrios Trichopoulos received a medal of honor from the World Health Organization's cancer agency for his work linking passive smoking to lung cancer. He has also explored the Mediterranean diet's role in reducing cancer and heart disease risk.
A large-scale study found that high levels of urate in the blood are strongly associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Urate, a normal component of blood, may have beneficial effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Professor Xihong Lin at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has been awarded a MERIT Award for developing statistical methods to analyze correlated and high-dimensional data in cancer research. The award will support his work on longitudinal and familial data, as well as genomic and proteomic data in epidemiological studies.
A new experimental drug blocks a protein linked to metabolic diseases, preventing and treating type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis in genetically predisposed mice. The compound's effectiveness suggests it may be protective against other metabolic disorders, including asthma.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds a strong association between domestic violence and asthma, with women who experienced domestic violence having a 37% increased risk of asthma. Household exposure to domestic violence also raises the risk of reported asthma in children and adult men.
Over a dozen countries have adopted national indoor smoke-free policies, including Ireland and New Zealand, making progress in protecting people from second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has helped galvanize global commitment to clean-air policies and tobacco control initiatives.
A new study by Harvard researchers suggests that eradicating polio is a more cost-effective option than maintaining control of the disease. The analysis found that eradication would ultimately result in lower cumulative costs and cases compared to control, despite initial high costs.
A Harvard study found that households with guns have significantly higher rates of suicide, especially among children and women. Removing firearms from the home or securely locking them up can help reduce suicide risk.
A study found that daily multivitamin supplements given to HIV-negative pregnant women in Tanzania significantly reduced the risks of low birth weight and a small-for-gestational age birth size. The results suggest that enhancing micronutrient status during pregnancy has significant benefits on maternal immunity and hemoglobin levels.
A new Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that women with the highest trans fat levels in their blood had three times the risk of coronary heart disease as those with the lowest levels. The study, which measured trans fatty acid levels in blood samples, provides strong evidence for the health risks of trans fat.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that fire suppression and other emergency firefighting duties significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease deaths among firefighters. The study revealed a 10-100 times higher risk of dying from CHD while putting out fires compared to non-emergency duties.
A new analysis suggests that allowing greater access to safety data would enable researchers to independently evaluate risks, resulting in more timely risk detection. The review recommends changes to the FDA's policy, including a heavier burden of proof and comprehensive public disclosure.
A large prospective study suggests that midday napping reduced coronary mortality by about one third among men and women. Researchers found that people who regularly took siestas had a 37% lower coronary mortality than those not taking siestas.