Recent trends in US prescription drug launch prices show a significant increase from 2008 to 2021, with average annual growth rates reaching 9.5%. The study highlights the need for policymakers and regulators to address this issue and ensure affordable medication for patients.
Researchers evaluated US hospital adherence to federal price transparency rule, finding that while overall compliance was high, significant variations existed between hospitals and markets. The study highlights the need for further analysis of these disparities to improve healthcare pricing transparency.
A recent study of nearly 114,000 patients found that the risk of a COVID-19 breakthrough infection was low overall, but higher in people with HIV. The study highlights the need for continued vaccination efforts and monitoring among this vulnerable population.
A survey of 866 clinicians revealed that their beliefs about telehealth quality and ease of use significantly impacted the proportion of care delivered remotely. Clinicians with more favorable views on telehealth were more likely to adopt it for various types of care.
A survey study examined sociodemographic factors influencing the association between neurodevelopmental disorders and bullying. The study found that certain factors, such as socioeconomic status and parental education, may modify this association.
A systematic review of U.S.-based pediatric guidelines reveals frequent misuses of race that can exacerbate health disparities. The study highlights the need for more equitable and evidence-based approaches to patient care.
From 2004 to 2020, there was a notable increase in actions taken against physician licenses due to substance use and psychological or physical impairment. The study found that these issues were affecting the medical community, emphasizing the need for improved support systems and policies.
A recent study of 7,600 adults found that higher levels of light- and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity were associated with a reduced risk of stroke. Conversely, greater sedentary time was linked to an increased risk of stroke.
A national survey study found that colorectal cancer screening increased via stool testing while colonoscopy decreased during the pandemic. Breast and cervical cancer screenings also saw modest declines.
Total US cigarette retail sales declined significantly, with a -12.8% decrease in annual sales from 2015 to 2021. Cigarette prices also decreased, with a average annual price drop of $0.75 per pack.
A recent study examined rates of experiencing and perpetrating sexual violence among nearly 4,200 youth aged 14-16. The research found significant differences in rates of violence based on gender identity. Younger and more marginalized individuals were disproportionately affected by both victimization and perpetration of sexual violence.
A study of over 12 million emergency department visits reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in imaging rates among children. Non-Hispanic white patients consistently received more diagnostic imaging than their black counterparts, highlighting systemic inequities in healthcare.
A systematic review of 155 head and neck cancer clinical trials from 2010 to 2020 revealed that only 57% of studies reported race or ethnicity. Black and Asian or Pacific Islander patients were disproportionately underrepresented in these trials, highlighting a significant issue in the field.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased disparities in buprenorphine and naltrexone prescriptions for opioid use disorder among racial and ethnic minority groups. The study found that these groups experienced worsened disparities compared to white patients.
The study reveals disparities in receiving smoking cessation assistance based on regional differences, with some areas having significantly lower access. The research highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare for smokers.
A Norwegian study found that vaccinated mothers had a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their infants within the first four months of life. The study analyzed all live births between September 2021 and February 2022 and showed a significant reduction in infections among vaccinated infants.
The US physician workforce is underrepresented by Black and Hispanic doctors, with a significant deficit estimated. To address this, medical school matriculation rates would need to increase substantially for these groups to reach equal representation in the workforce.
A significant overestimation of arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was found in Asian, Black and Hispanic patients compared to non-Hispanic white patients. This discrepancy led to unrecognized and delayed recognition of COVID-19 treatment eligibility among these groups.
A study of nearly 4.5 million children found a potential association between prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers analyzed data from 623,000 Asian individuals to find that being unmarried is associated with a higher risk of death. The study found the highest risk among men and younger people under 65 years old.
A survey of 18,500 medical students revealed a strong association between reported mistreatment and discrimination in the first two years of medical school and subsequent medical school attrition. The study highlights the need for increased support and protection for students facing mistreatment and discrimination in medical education.
This study analyzed global data from the Global Burden of Disease study to track changes in neonatal preterm birth incidence and mortality. The results showed significant declines in preterm birth rates and mortality globally, regionally, and nationally between 1990 and 2019.
Household catastrophic health care expenditures associated with chronic disease increased significantly from 2008 to 2018. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease led to substantial increases in healthcare costs, resulting in financial hardship for many households.
A large US hospital study found that hospitals providing more registered nurse hours of care can decrease mortality rates in Medicare patients with sepsis. The analysis of over 702,000 patients suggests a strong association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes.
A study of 2.6 million Chicago residents found that zip codes with low vaccination rates had higher COVID-19 mortality rates during the Alpha and Delta waves. This inequitable coverage exacerbated existing racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 deaths.
Despite the US leading in cancer care spending, it doesn't show substantial lower cancer mortality rates compared to other high-income countries. Cancer care spending across 22 high-income countries reveals a lack of correlation with cancer-related mortality rates.
A study of 195 children revealed severe airway injuries from button battery ingestion, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention. The research underscores the critical importance of educating parents and caregivers on safe handling practices.
A Korean study of 430 adults found that thicker macular retinal nerve fiber layers were associated with faster cognitive decline. The researchers suggest this finding could inform predictive biomarkers for evaluating cognitive function in older adults.
This study conducted within an existing community-based COVID-19 testing program successfully integrated rapid diabetes screening, reaching low-income Latinx individuals who were mostly undiagnosed with prediabetes and diabetes. The results highlight the importance of addressing health disparities in underserved populations.
The USPSTF states that primary open-angle glaucoma affects an estimated 2.7 million people in the US, with Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals being disproportionately affected. The organization concludes that screening for this condition is insufficient due to current evidence.
A cohort study of healthcare workers and community participants found that fully vaccinated individuals had significantly less secondary transmission and shorter viable virus duration than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 shedding and transmission.
The USPSTF concludes that there is not enough evidence to support regular screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults over 65 who do not have known vision problems. The number of affected adults is estimated at 2.9 million in 2015.
A large-scale analysis of daytime surgeries performed by surgeons who operated the previous night found no correlation with increased risk of in-hospital mortality or major complications. The study, involving nearly 500,000 operations, suggests that surgeons can perform safely and effectively even after a night shift.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics examines the association between patient race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic disadvantage with missed telemedicine visits for pediatric patients during COVID-19. The findings suggest that these factors disproportionately contribute to higher no-show rates among disadvantaged populations.
Researchers assessed COVID-19 prevention measures in NYC public schools against the Delta variant, finding secondary attack rates and transmission patterns among students, teachers, and staff. Vaccination status played a significant role in preventing delta variant transmission.
Researchers analyzed nearly 3.5 million patients and found no disparity in elective surgery case volume reductions among racial groups, with Black, Asian, and other non-white individuals showing similar decreases as white counterparts. The study challenges existing assumptions about the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities.
A study of 9,635 patients with alcohol use disorder found that medical therapy significantly lowers the risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease. The results suggest a potential benefit of treatment in preventing long-term liver damage.
A study of 401 patient safety reports discovered that physician gender, race, and ethnicity can impact event reporting. The study examined bias in event reporting based on these factors, including faculty rank, to better understand potential disparities in patient care.
Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.
A study found substantial decreases in cancer death rates among Black individuals in the US from 1999 to 2019. These declines were most pronounced for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal and stomach cancer.
A study of 50 people found that higher body weights were inversely correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels six months after receiving two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The findings suggest that weight may impact immune response to the vaccine.
A recent study found that extreme heat was associated with higher all-cause mortality in the contiguous United States. The findings suggest a greater increase in mortality among older adults, men, and non-Hispanic Black individuals during this period.
A study of 6,500 physicians found that mistreatment and discriminatory behaviors by patients, families, and visitors are common, especially among female and minority physicians. The findings suggest an association between these experiences and higher rates of burnout.
A study of 28,000 trauma patients found significant sex-based disparities in timeliness of care, with females facing longer delays and higher likelihoods of long-term care. The results suggest that female trauma patients are at a disadvantage in receiving timely trauma care compared to their male counterparts.
Researchers evaluated various vaccination, testing, and surveillance measures to control Omicron variant spread on a university campus. The study found that routine surveillance and vaccination efforts were effective in reducing case numbers and hospitalizations.
A qualitative study among female physicians reveals that their knowledge of fertility and family planning affects their career choices. The study also identifies factors contributing to delayed childbearing among these medical professionals.
A recent study found that COVID-19 mortality rates in the United States were significantly higher among younger adults and minority groups compared to older adults and white populations. The research also revealed disparities in mortality rates by sex, with women experiencing lower mortality rates than men.
This study analyzed supportive evidence for FDA approvals of 49 novel drugs in 2020. The study's findings provide insight into the key design characteristics of pivotal trials supporting these drug approvals.
The USPSTF and ADA now recommend screening adults as young as 35 for diabetes. A new study estimates the proportion of asymptomatic adults who are eligible for screening based on these guidelines, particularly among those with prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes.
A recent cohort study found that previous cardiovascular conditions, including heart surgery and heart failure, were associated with increased COVID-19 severity in US pediatric patients. The study highlights the importance of pre-existing medical conditions in determining COVID-19 outcomes in children.