A new study found that companion presence in physician visits hinders communication for older adults with poor mental health, leading to shorter visits and less patient-centered care. The research suggests a need for greater attention to primary care infrastructure to support delivery of mental health care.
A new study found that World No Tobacco Day significantly increases interest in quitting smoking, with cessation news coverage and Internet search queries peaking on the anniversary day. The research also suggests that low- and middle-income countries can benefit from increased awareness and inspiration to quit tobacco.
Researchers found that reducing TB infections in geographic hotspots can significantly reduce citywide transmission rates by up to 29% over 50 years. Controlling these hotspots may have a similar impact on long-term, community-wide TB incidence as achieving the same targets in the remaining population.
The study found that local variation in neighborhood immunity significantly alters the risk of dengue infection, even in highly mobile and dense urban populations. Infection with dengue provides lifelong immunity to the infecting serotype, but susceptibility returns, increasing the risk for severe disease.
A recent report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy found a significant increase in older adult fall deaths following the introduction of ICD-10 update in 1999. The study revealed that improved reporting quality, rather than actual increases in fatal falls, was the main contributor to the rise in mortality rate.
A new study found that pneumonia and preterm birth complications are leading causes of childhood death, accounting for 64% of deaths globally. Despite a decline in total deaths between 2000 and 2010, the reduction is not sufficient to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds by 2015.
A new study published in JAMA found that the CKD-EPI equation for calculating GFR is a more accurate predictor of kidney disease risk compared to the MDRD Study equation. The study suggests that switching to the CKD-EPI equation could lead to better assessment of patient future risk and improved treatment of kidney disease.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that one in three households in Baltimore misreports its smoke alarm coverage, with the majority of errors due to over-reporting. The researchers suggest that relying on self-reports is not an accurate way to measure home protection against residential fires.
Researchers found that adding lime juice to water treated with solar disinfection removed detectable levels of E. coli significantly faster than solar disinfection alone. The treatment time was comparable to boiling and other household methods, making it a potential effective solution for improving water quality in low-income regions.
A new study finds employee assistance programs neglecting critical aspect of intimate partner violence by not addressing perpetration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates annual costs of lost productivity due to victimization at over $700 million.
A joint study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Arizona State University found fluoroquinolone antibiotics in 8 of 12 feather meal samples, despite a 2005 FDA ban. The study suggests continued use of banned antibiotics in poultry production, contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that dengue virus infection of mosquito salivary glands triggered genes involved in immune response, feeding behavior, and odor sensing. This may facilitate the spread of dengue fever to humans by making mosquitoes more efficient at finding and feeding on hosts.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that female sex workers are nearly 14 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to the general population. The analysis of 102 previous studies representing almost 100,000 female sex workers in 50 countries revealed a significant disparity in HIV prevalence a...
The article discusses the importance of risk-adjustment strategies in navigating equitable health-care reform. States establishing health insurance exchanges must allocate funds based on enrollee medical needs to prevent selection bias, which could lead to plan failures or large windfalls.
A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that chlorhexidine umbilical cord cleaning can save lives, with a 20% reduction in mortality rates. The simple, safe, and inexpensive intervention has the potential to avert an estimated half a million neonatal deaths per year.
Researchers found a proactive test-and-treat strategy significantly reduced malaria prevalence, with a sixfold decrease in 2008-2009. The strategy also provided indirect protection to household members and could be targeted to hot spots for further reductions.
Researchers found a significant association between chronically elevated glucose levels and minute levels of troponin T, a blood marker for heart damage. The high-sensitivity test detected low levels of cTnT in 66% of the study population, suggesting potential pathways for diabetes-related heart disease.
A systematic review of literature found a significant disparity in motor vehicle-related deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The study identified multiple risk factors, including rural living, alcohol use, and pedestrian involvement in crashes, but lacking effective interventions to improve pedestrian safety.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that physicians' body mass index (BMI) influences obesity diagnosis and care. Physicians with normal BMI were more likely to engage obese patients in weight loss discussions and diagnose obesity if they perceived the patient's BMI met or exceeded their own.
A new study found that lansoprazole, an acid reflux drug, does not improve asthma symptoms or lung function in children. The medication may actually increase the risk of upper respiratory infections and other adverse events in young patients.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that family companions who regularly attend physician office visits with older adults can significantly impact health care quality. The study discovered that three-quarters of consistently accompanied older adults were accompanied by the same companion over time, sugg...
A new study reveals that many strategies to increase physical activity in kids lack injury prevention measures, highlighting the need for integrated approaches. Behavioral, environmental, and policy approaches can make exercise activities safer for kids, as demonstrated by successful interventions such as traffic-calming measures and e...
A new study by the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy found a significant decline in pediatric drowning hospitalizations, with rates decreasing 51% from 1993 to 2008. The study suggests that public efforts to reduce drowning risk, such as pool fencing and swim lessons, may have contributed to this decrease.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that the number of guns sold by Badger Guns & Ammo and diverted to criminals tripled after the adoption of Tiahrt amendments. The study also found that reductions in gun sales linked to crime declined by 66% before the amendments took effect.
A new study found that providing clear caloric information about sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce their consumption among adolescents. Researchers discovered that physically presenting calories as physical activity equivalents was most effective in decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage purchases among black adolescents.
A new study found that individuals with mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse opioids. Non-medical prescription opioid use was associated with an increased risk of developing any mood disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and all anxiety disorders. Early identification and treatment of mood and anxiety di...
A study found contrasting patterns of malaria drug resistance in human blood and mosquito midgut samples, with pyrimethamine-resistant parasites dominating human blood and cycloguanil-resistant mutants prevalent in mosquitoes.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that cooperative interactions between reviewers and authors increase reviewing accuracy, with a 13% rise in accuracy under open review models. Reviewers and authors who participated in these interactions had an 11% higher accuracy rate.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that US FDA testing of imported seafood is inadequate, with only 2% of imports tested, compared to 15-50% in EU, Japan, and Canada. This lack of inspection may lead to adverse health consequences due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that Delaware's fire service program is a model for comprehensive fire prevention. The researchers highlight the importance of community involvement, partnerships with schools and local businesses, and policy advocacy efforts to advance fire safety initiatives.
Researchers chart gene expression in human brain from fetal development to aging, revealing coordinated changes that shape brain structure and function. The study found reversible gene expression changes after birth and during Alzheimer's disease, with distinct patterns of change at different life stages.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health developed a method to better estimate vaccine coverage, combining administrative data with survey data. The results show that estimates of routine immunization activities are substantially lower than previously thought in some countries, such as Madagascar and Sierra Leone.
A new study found that alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US were lower among Canadian drivers than drivers with US or Mexican licenses. The prevalence of alcohol involvement was 27% for US and Mexican drivers, while 11% for Canadian drivers.
Researchers discovered that corticosteroids are ineffective for COPD patients due to reduced HDAC2 activity, which is caused by S-nitrosylation from cigarette smoke. Sulforaphane treatment restored HDAC2 activity and improved corticosteroid sensitivity in COPD patients.
Researchers found that racially integrated neighborhoods with similar socioeconomic and environmental conditions showed reduced health disparities among black and white Americans. The study suggests that addressing neighborhood resources and underlying health conditions can help close racial gaps in health outcomes.
Self-reported mental health disabilities among US non-elderly adults rose by 2.7% from 1997-99 to 2007-09, equating to nearly 2 million disabled adults. The increase was mainly among those with significant psychological distress and unmet mental health care needs.
A recent study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that married women's autonomy and decision-making power are linked to their sexual activity. Women who have more control over household decisions tend to have sex less often, with a significant increase in time since their last intercourse.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that helicopters servicing the Gulf of Mexico experience an average of 5 deaths per year due to mechanical failures and bad weather. Pilot error was a major contributor to 83 crashes, highlighting concerns about safety in oil and gas operations.
Researchers found that mothers of young children experience 'nagging' from their kids due to commercial TV characters and advertisements. Mothers cited strategies like limiting exposure, explaining choices, and setting rules to deal with nagging, which can impact childhood obesity rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have decoded the workings of Pyrazinamide (PZA), a critical TB drug. PZA inhibits trans-translation, a process essential for cell survival under stress conditions, making it effective against non-growing bacteria called persisters.
Researchers found that commercial blood serum antibody tests are not accurate or cost-effective for diagnosing active TB, leading to more false-positive diagnoses and secondary infections. The World Health Organization has recommended against using these tests in the diagnosis of active TB.
A Johns Hopkins study found nearly four out of five antidepressant prescriptions are written by non-psychiatrist providers for individuals with no psychiatric diagnoses. The share of such providers increased from 30% in 1996 to 55.4% in 2007.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that community members link adolescent girls' increased HIV vulnerability to weak structural support systems. The study's findings highlight the need for policies and interventions to strengthen cultural, economic, educational, and legal structures to protect girls.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that news sources shape perceptions of childhood obesity solutions. Television news focuses on individual behavior change, while newspapers emphasize system-level changes like food industry practices and school policies.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found a positive association between key developmental assets (self-esteem, autonomy, and empathy) and measures of sexual pleasure among young adults. The findings suggest that these assets may enable individuals to experience higher levels of sexual pleasure, particularly in men.
Researchers found Wolbachia bacteria can significantly reduce Plasmodium falciparum levels in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The bacteria also killed mosquitoes after feeding on blood, potentially providing a strategy to control malaria.
Researchers found that the rate of hand contamination among graduating students is 100 times lower than health workers caring for patients with MRSA, likely due to a lower prevalence of MRSA in graduates. Handshakes may remove pathogens acquired earlier, providing reassurance to individuals who shake hands regularly.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a bacterium that kills the malaria parasite when present in mosquitoes. The Enterobacter bacterium produces reactive oxygen species, detrimental to Plasmodium development in the mosquito gut.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed climate change scenarios to predict excess deaths per year attributable to heat waves. The study found that the city of Chicago could experience between 166 and 2,217 excess deaths per year due to heat waves, with mitigation efforts expected to reduce this impact.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health developed a non-steroid based strategy to improve lung's innate immune defense against bacterial infection in COPD patients. Sulforaphane, an ingredient present in broccoli, was used to enhance the Nrf2 pathway in the lungs.