A new study found that only 38.4% of adults with clinician-identified depression met the 12-month criteria for depression. Many participants used prescription psychiatric medication despite not meeting the criteria, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment targeting in community settings.
A new report highlights regulating alcohol outlet density as an effective strategy to reduce excessive drinking and related harms. By limiting outlets per population or using land-use powers, localities can address excessive drinking and create healthier communities.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to tobacco smoke can damage adolescent kidneys, with effects beginning in childhood. The research used a nationally representative sample of US adolescents and found associations between tobacco use and lower kidney function.
Researchers found that despite voluntary temperature setting standards, hot water temperatures remained dangerously high in 41% of homes, posing a scald hazard to young children and the elderly. The study suggests equipping faucets with anti-scald devices as a potential solution.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health confirms that news stories about mass shootings involving a shooter with mental illness contribute to negative perceptions of mental illness. Reading such articles raised readers' support for both gun restrictions for persons with serious mental illness and policies to ban ...
Despite declining marketing efforts, pharmaceutical promotion remains prevalent, with free samples and physician detailing accounting for over 70% of expenditures. The study found no significant change in the proportion of marketing to primary care physicians or specialists, highlighting ongoing conflicts of interest.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute have developed a new method to compare proteins of An. albimanus and An. gambiae midguts, shedding light on the complex molecular workings of An. albimanus, a significant but understudied spreader of human malaria.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.
A recent study suggests that eliminating malaria transmission completely can lead to reduced economic costs and improved public health outcomes in affected countries. Malaria elimination is found to be stable over time, with most eliminated countries experiencing low malaria transmission rates.
A recent study found that bariatric surgery does not lower overall healthcare costs in the long term. Instead, it results in higher inpatient costs and lower prescription and office-visit costs. The research analyzed data from over 29,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2008.
The study reveals that a small number of alcohol brands dominate underage youth consumption, with Bud Light leading the pack. The top 25 brands accounted for nearly half of youth alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for industry action to reduce the appeal of their products to young drinkers.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that physicians who believe overconsumption of food contributes to obesity are more likely to advise patients to modify nutritional habits. The study analyzed data from 500 US primary care physicians and found a significant correlation between physician beliefs and counse...
A new study finds that state and local health departments often lack involvement in addressing health concerns related to industrial food animal production sites. Community members surveyed reported taking on the role of monitoring and educating themselves due to limited health department engagement.
A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher risk of death and end-stage renal disease for both women and men. The study analyzed data from over 2 million participants worldwide, including a diverse population of women making up 54% of the cohort.
Scientists have discovered that superoxide dismutase (SOD1) regulates cell energy and metabolism, preventing uncontrolled cell growth associated with cancer. This enzyme also protects cells from free radical damage.
A majority of Americans (89%) support requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, while 83% back prohibiting high-risk individuals from owning guns. Gun owners and non-gun-owners show little difference in support for most policies aimed at reducing gun violence.
A study led by Michelle Hindin identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. The top-ranking research questions suggest that definitions of problems and interventions need improvement, with a shift towards scaling up existing interventions and developing new ones.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients receiving Guided Care rated their care quality higher than those in regular primary care, with 66% more likely to access telephone advice as excellent or very good.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School will provide relief agencies and governments with technical assistance on using oral cholera vaccine. The DOVE program aims to detect outbreaks in remote areas and contain the disease, improving global efforts to combat cholera.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that primary care physicians feel unprepared to address obesity due to inadequate medical education. Despite this, they support additional training and practice-based changes to improve their skills. Key findings include the importance of nutritionists and dietitian...
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School has received significant funding to expand its family planning initiatives, aiming to increase resources and political commitment for quality programs. The Advance Family Planning initiative will focus on nine countries, improving access to and use of family planning services, information, and supplies.
New research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy confirms that time restrictions on alcohol advertising actually increase teen exposure. Alcohol companies move their ads to late-night programming when most teens are watching, increasing ad exposure for high-risk youth.
The overprescription of opioids is contributing to increased fatal drug overdoses and diversion to the illegal market. Researchers recommend a shift towards alternative pain management approaches.
Middle-aged adults are experiencing a significant increase in suicide rates, particularly through hanging/suffocation. Suicide by firearm remains the leading cause of injury death, but hanging/suffocation has increased dramatically, especially among middle-aged men and women.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that homes with more housing quality code violations were less likely to have a working smoke alarm and safe hot water temperatures. The study, which surveyed low-income families in Baltimore, highlights the importance of improving home safety measures to reduce burn injuries among children.
A new study published in JAMA found that chronic kidney disease and its complications are associated with a higher risk of death regardless of age. Both low kidney function and high albuminuria were independently linked to mortality and end-stage renal disease, according to the findings.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report highlights policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence by reforming current gun laws. The key findings include easy access to large-capacity magazines facilitating higher casualties in mass shootings and prohibiting high-risk groups from owning guns.
Mosquitoes use alternative splicing to combine immunoglobulin domains into pathogen-binding proteins, increasing diversity and specificity. This mechanism could lead to new ways to prevent spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria.
A randomized control trial found that School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) programs reduced children's aggressive behaviors, office discipline referrals, and improved emotional regulation. SWPBIS aimed to alter student behavior through universal expectations implemented across the school.
A new study found that living near livestock may increase the risk of acquiring MRSA, with regional density of livestock being an important risk factor for nasal carriage. The study suggests that community members in animal-dense regions who are otherwise unaffiliated with livestock farming are at higher risk.
Joan Claybrook received the 2012 Community Hero award from Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy for her role in lobbying for passage of nation's first auto safety laws. Her work as NHTSA administrator led to establishment of air bag and fuel-economy standards, significantly improving public health.
William Foege, a renowned epidemiologist and physician, received the Dean's Medal from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for his pioneering work in eradicating smallpox and controlling river blindness. The award recognizes Foege's tireless efforts to save millions of lives worldwide.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Communication Programs has received a five-year, $108 million grant from the US Agency for International Development. The project aims to build the capacity of local organizations in developing countries to design and implement effective health communication projects.
A new report from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth reveals that African-American youth are being over-exposed to alcohol advertising, with certain brands and channels dominating their exposure. The report's findings highlight the need for immediate action to protect the health and well-being of young African Americans.
Two new studies found that chronic kidney disease is a strong indicator of death and end-stage renal disease in patients without hypertension or diabetes. Chronic kidney disease affects 10-16% of adults globally and is associated with increased mortality risk regardless of the presence of diabetes.
In Niger, child mortality rates dropped significantly between 1998 and 2009, with deaths per 1,000 live births decreasing from 226 to 128. The country's universal healthcare system and scale-up of insecticide-treated bed nets, vitamin A supplementation, and community-based treatment also contributed to the decline.
Between 2000-2008, the proportion of HIV-infected patients in the US receiving effective treatment increased from 54% to 83%, leading to reduced infectiousness and healthier immune systems. This trend was observed across all age groups, regardless of treatment adherence.
A nationwide survey of food policy councils reveals that many are focusing on procurement and access, but face barriers such as lack of time and funding. The study, funded by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, highlights key findings on the role of food policy councils in improving local food systems.
Researchers analyzed data from US Army vehicle crashes to identify risk factors for injuries involving Humvees. Combat involvement and operating as a gunner posed the greatest risk for injury.
A new study finds that magazine ads with high youth readership are more likely to violate industry guidelines. The researchers analyzed over 1,200 ads and found nearly one in five contained sexual connotations or objectification.
A recent study reveals a gap between Americans' opinions on obesity and the Institute of Medicine's report recommendations. While most believe personal decisions contribute to obesity, only 18% attribute environmental factors, highlighting the need for a research-driven communication strategy.
Research suggests that fragmented sleep patterns are associated with a higher risk of being placed in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Studies have also linked insufficient sleep to chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Researchers have developed genetically modified bacteria that can prevent mosquitoes from transmitting malaria by killing the parasite. The modified bacteria were found to be 98% effective in reducing the malaria parasite burden in mosquitoes, with an 84% decrease in mosquito prevalence.
A new study estimates that contraceptive use prevents more than 272,000 maternal deaths from childbirth each year. The researchers found that satisfying the global unmet need for contraception could reduce maternal deaths by an additional 30%. Effective contraception also averts nearly 230 million unintended births annually.
Sixty percent of gun offenders were not legally prohibited from possessing firearms when they committed the crime. The study suggests that stricter restrictions on firearm possession in low-standard states could have prevented many gun crimes.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that community racial and ethnic composition affects obesity rates, with Hispanic communities associated with a 21% higher obesity rate and non-Hispanic whites with a 23% higher rate. In contrast, communities with high concentrations of non-Hispanic Asians saw lower obesi...
According to researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and National Institutes of Health, preventable childhood deaths can be nearly eliminated in 10 years. To achieve this goal, a new common vision is proposed with concrete and measurable benchmarks for curbing childhood preventable deaths.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified the function of a series of proteins within the mosquito that transduce a signal to trigger an immune response against the malaria parasite. The study found that manipulating these proteins through genetic engineering can create a malaria-resistant mosquito.
A new study suggests that HIV superinfection rates are equivalent to primary HIV infections among a general heterosexual population. Researchers used ultra-deep sequencing to detect even the lowest levels of circulating HIV strains and found 7 cases of superinfection out of 149 tested individuals.
A new study recommends 10 characteristics for effective implementation of global road safety, including adequate funding and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. The Road Safety in 10 Countries project aims to reduce road traffic injuries in 10 low- and middle-income countries by evaluating and implementing road safety solutions.