A study found that medical marijuana legalization was associated with reduced opioid use and fewer pain-related hospitalizations among adults receiving cancer treatment. The results suggest potential benefits for patient safety and quality of life, but further investigation is needed to understand the nature of these associations.
A recent survey of adults found that several medical phrases are frequently misinterpreted, leading to incorrect treatment and care. The study highlights the need for clear communication between healthcare providers and patients to avoid misunderstandings.
A nationwide data set of 59,000 full-time undergraduate students revealed that fully online courses were associated with increased levels of psychological distress. Students in mixed online-in-person classes showed lower distress levels compared to those attending solely online classes.
A California study of 99,000 pregnancies found that prenatal cannabis use was more common in areas with greater retail availability of cannabis. The study suggests a larger absolute increase in prenatal cannabis use among those living closer to storefront retailers during the pandemic.
A study of 1.1 million firearm fatalities in the US from 1990 to 2021 found increasing disparities in rates between men and women, as well as by racial and ethnic group. These findings highlight the need for public health approaches to address underlying demographic trends and geographic differences in reducing firearm violence.
A study of 2 million births found maternal unintentional injury during pregnancy increases risk of cerebral palsy. Children exposed to maternal injuries that resulted in hospitalization or preterm delivery are at higher risk.
A randomized clinical trial of 8,800 school-age children with high vitamin D deficiency showed no impact on growth or pubertal development after 3 years of weekly oral vitamin D administration. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with stunting and obesity in children.
Black and Hispanic men are underrepresented in prostate cancer clinical trials compared to their incidence rate. The representation of Black patients has remained consistently low over the past two decades.
A new study published in JAMA Surgery compares robotic liver resection with open liver resection for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Robotic liver resection is found to be a safe treatment option for patients with compromised liver function, achieving comparable oncologic efficacy to traditional open surgery.
A recent study found that benzodiazepine treatment for sleep disorders is associated with an increased risk of drug overdose among young people aged 10-29, particularly those with recent opioid prescriptions. This highlights the importance of considering alternative pharmacologic treatments to minimize safety risks.
A study of 1.5 million children found no association between prenatal benzodiazepine exposure and increased risks of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The results challenge current assumptions about maternal benzodiazepine use and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A recent study of 5,034 youth ages 5 to 19 who died by suicide from 2015 to 2016 found a significant association between county-level mental health professional shortages and increased suicide rates. The findings suggest that addressing workforce shortages may be crucial for preventing youth suicides.
The study found that COVID-19 vaccination in New York City reduced severe outcomes and avoided substantial economic losses. Every dollar invested yielded estimated savings of $10.19 in health costs.
Outreach messages via electronic health record patient portals increased well child care visit scheduling and COVID-19 vaccine receipt in a randomized clinical trial of 945 patients. This tool may help restore delayed well child care in populations affected by the pandemic.
A study of 4.2 million adults in the US found that recreational cannabis laws may be associated with higher alcohol use rates, especially among younger adults and men. The findings suggest an unintended consequence of recreational cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption.
A study found that NFL fan attendance was associated with increased COVID-19 incidence in the host county and surrounding areas. The findings suggest that large events require extra precautions when vaccines, testing, and countermeasures are not readily available.
A study of 3,110 US counties found that residential segregation is associated with increased cancer mortality. The findings highlight opportunities for targeted cancer prevention and control efforts at the county level.
A study of 315 women found moderate physical activity to be associated with a 60% lower risk of death. Physical activity levels may play a crucial role in extending survival and improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
Population-based cancer screening rates declined during the pandemic, only to recover rapidly in initial stages; however, long-term follow-up reveals ongoing gaps in preventive care. The study suggests that prolonged disruptions in screening can have lasting effects on public health.
Parental COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower risk of hospitalization in children under 5, supporting widespread vaccination recommendations for young children. The study's results reinforce the importance of parental immunization during high-risk periods.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that self-reported loneliness is associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days post-surgery among Medicare patients. The research suggests that loneliness may be a significant social determinant affecting postoperative outcomes, particularly for non-elective care.
A large Nordic study found that children born to mothers with preeclampsia have higher risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke. The association holds even after accounting for other birth complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in asymptomatic adults and those with unrecognized symptoms. OSA is linked to various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.
A cross-sectional study found that at least one post-COVID-19 symptom occurred in 59.7% of hospitalized patients and 67.5% of non-hospitalized patients two years after infection. The study suggests that small differences in symptoms at the onset of COVID-19 existed between hospitalization status.
A new study found racial and ethnic disparities in brain aging among middle-age and older adults. In late life, Latinx and white adults experienced more pronounced brain aging, while Black adults showed accelerated brain aging in midlife.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
A study of over 111,000 veterans found that prescription of anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapies was underused, particularly among those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and minority groups. Veterans with limited outpatient access to these treatments were also less likely to receive them.
This cross-sectional study investigated emergency department clinicians' concerns about medical errors resulting in either patient harm or malpractice litigation. The findings highlight the emotional toll of these errors on clinicians, including feelings of guilt, anxiety, and burnout.
A recent study of 4.8 million children with otitis media found that socially disadvantaged kids were less likely to receive treatment, increasing their risk of complications and hearing loss. The findings highlight the need for equitable access to ear infection treatment for all children.
Research found racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment duration grew between 2006 and 2020. Longer treatment durations were associated with superior clinical outcomes for patients with opioid use disorders.
A remote hypertension, lipid program across a diverse health care network found that it may help optimize guideline-directed therapy at scale. The study results indicate a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk among patients with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A pooled analysis of firearm-related deaths from 2000 to 2019 found that permit requirements and prohibition of violent misdemeanor possession had decreased total firearm-related deaths and homicide rates. Synergic legislative action to implement firearm laws in proximate states may help prevent firearm-related deaths.
Researchers found a strong association between outpatient electrolyte abnormalities and subsequent eating disorder diagnoses, suggesting these abnormalities may serve as a screening tool. The median time from the earliest abnormality to diagnosis exceeded one year.
A survey study of 151,000 students found that e-cigarette users were more likely to initiate tobacco use within minutes of waking. This increase in intensity and addiction is a concern, emphasizing the need for clinicians to address youth nicotine addiction during clinical encounters.
Screen time increased by 52% during the pandemic, with significant increases for individuals ages 12-18 and handheld devices/personal computers.
A significant increase in COVID-19 pandemic-related demand for adolescent eating disorder (ED) care was observed, outstripping available resources. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced ED prevention strategies and improved workforce and program capacity to address this growing concern.
A study found that longer drive times are associated with reduced receipt of guideline-recommended health screenings and treatments across various care components. This suggests the importance of addressing travel burdens in healthcare to improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
Research highlights the significant role emergency departments play in end-of-life care, with nearly one-third of decedents visiting the ED just before death. The study's findings emphasize the need for emergency medicine practitioners to identify patients in need of end-of-life care and provide necessary resources.
A recent study found worsening disparities in cancer drug trial participant diversity from 2000 to 2018, highlighting systemic biases and unequal access to new treatments. The findings underscore the need for increased diversity in phase 1 clinical trials to ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments.
A study analyzing health records of veterans with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID symptoms reveals the challenges of diagnosing and managing this condition. The analysis highlights complexities in clinical diagnosis and patient care.
Researchers analyzed Colorado's all-payer claims database to identify high-cost generic medications with lower-cost therapeutic alternatives of same clinical value, resulting in a 15.6 times price difference. Substituting these high-cost generics with their alternatives could reduce total spending by up to 88%.
Researchers evaluated Trace, New York City's COVID-19 contact tracing program, over its first 17 months. The study found that the program was effective in identifying cases and preventing further transmission.
The analysis found that travel time to abortion facilities in the US rose after Dobbs v Jackson's decision, with closure of 6-week bans increasing delays. The pre-Dobbs period saw more accessible facilities, resulting in shorter estimated travel times.
The 2021 Texas law banning abortion in early pregnancy led to a significant decrease in facility-based abortions within Texas and an increase in out-of-state abortions among residents. Over the 6-month period following SB 8 implementation, the percentage of out-of-state abortions at 12 weeks or more gestation rose substantially
A cross-sectional study found that excessive alcohol use was responsible for an estimated 1 in 8 total deaths among US adults ages 20-64. Increasing evidence-based alcohol policies, such as higher taxes and regulation of outlet density, could significantly reduce premature deaths.
A Danish study found that systemically administered hormone therapy increases depression risk, especially immediately after initiation. Locally administered therapy is associated with a lower risk of depression for women over 54 years old.
A 6-month randomized clinical trial found that a low-carbohydrate diet intervention resulted in larger reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to usual diet among adults with elevated untreated HbA1c. The study suggests that this dietary approach may be useful for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.
An automated texting program supported primary care patients after hospital discharge, resulting in significant reductions in acute care resource use. The patient-centered approach may serve as a model for improving post-discharge care.
A study of 43,000 veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 found that Black patients were less likely to receive systemic steroids, remdesivir, and immunomodulatory drugs. This racial disparity in care was attributed to within- and between-hospital differences.
A study of 31,000 medical school graduates found significant disparities in publication rates among women, Black, and Hispanic students compared to men and white students. These inequities suggest that issues with the physician-scientist workforce began early in training, affecting career success.