Articles tagged with Risk Reduction
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an AI-based method to predict atrial fibrillation risk based on electrocardiogram data. The method was highly predictive, especially in subsets of individuals with prior heart failure or stroke, and could serve as a pre-screening tool for patients at risk.
Researchers found that low-to-moderate caffeine intake was associated with a reduced risk of developing gestational diabetes. Drinking up to 100mg of caffeine per day during the second trimester showed a 47% reduction in diabetes risk.
A 13-year study tracked 21,000 young drivers and found that those who took part in a resilience program were 24% less likely to have any crashes and 42% less likely to crash at night. The program addressed common youth risks like alcohol and drugs, promoting a culture of safety.
A new study finds that genetic testing for cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias simultaneously can detect conditions more accurately than single-condition tests. This leads to better diagnosis and treatment options, such as targeted therapies and monitoring devices.
The use of dexamethasone has been confirmed as an effective treatment for COVID-19, reducing ICU admissions and deaths by 56%. However, the treatment can increase blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, highlighting the need for monitoring and potential co-treatments.
Researchers found that adding one of three Suicide Cognitions Scale items to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 improved accuracy in identifying those at highest risk of suicidal behavior within a month. This augmentation can lead to reduced unnecessary treatment and misallocated resources, benefiting both patients and physicians.
A new study found that healthcare providers hold less favorable judgments about patients who inject drugs, leading to potential lack of access to preventive HIV medication. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness and standardizing access to PrEP for all people, regardless of their risk factors.
Patients with diabetes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have lower target lesion failure rates with amphilimus-eluting stents compared to zotarolimus-eluting stents. At one year, amphilimus-eluting stents met the criteria for noninferiority and superiority over zotarolimus-eluting stents.
A survey of opioid treatment program leaders reveals reluctance to allow take-home methadone despite federal guidelines easing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs still require patients to come in for in-person administration, citing stigma and concerns over overdose risk.
Low-risk gamblers in Massachusetts reported the majority of gambling harms, confirming the 'prevention paradox' phenomenon. The study suggests targeting public health efforts towards primary prevention to reduce community harm.
A study of 5.9 million radiological examinations found no significant difference in major and minor discrepancy rates for acute community setting exams between concordant and discordant with radiologists' fellowship training. However, advanced examination discrepancies were higher when concordant with radiologists' fellowship training.
COVID passes may help prevent lockdowns, but experts warn of risks including segregation, surveillance, and economic barriers. Some researchers advocate for mandatory covid passes as a 'mechanism to target restrictions' and reduce cases, while others argue they introduce profound risks and can exacerbate existing inequalities.
Exposure to fire smoke from landscape fires during pregnancy is linked to low birth weights, a public health problem in LMICs. Newborns from families with lower average birthweights are most susceptible to the risks of pollution.
A Rutgers study found that young adults who do not use tobacco products report higher intentions of using Puff Bar e-cigarettes with a 'tobacco-free nicotine' claim. The study suggests that this type of claim may reduce perception of health risks and prompt the use of Puff Bar over other brands.
Researchers at Boston University have developed a new online risk prediction model for breast cancer in Black women, suitable for use in primary care settings. The model is well-calibrated and discriminatory accurate, with the highest accuracy for women under age 40.
A study has created a massive database of academic papers documenting global adaptation actions to climate change. The research found that people are taking action, but these efforts tend to be fragmented and may not be enough to deal with the expected effects of climate change.
Boston University researchers found that even low levels of physical therapy before or after total knee replacement surgery lower the odds of chronic opioid use. Participation in six or more sessions of physical therapy post-surgery and initiation within 30 days of surgery were linked to reduced chance of chronic opioid use.
A study of 75 FIFO shift workers found significant sleep loss and reduced alertness, with up to 60% at risk of developing sleep disorders. The research highlights the need for companies to reassess roster designs to ensure adequate rest and provide education on good sleep health practices.
Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.
A randomised controlled trial found that increasing daily milk, yoghurt, and cheese intake reduced the risk of all fractures by 33%, hip fractures by 46%, and falls by 11% among older adults in residential care. This approach has widespread implications for fracture prevention as a public health measure.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found lactoferrin to have promising efficacy in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19. Lactoferrin may also play a beneficial role in managing symptoms and recovery for patients suffering from RTIs.
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
Research by Karolinska Institutet suggests that longer breastfeeding and later introduction to gluten may reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study analyzed 5,935 articles and found a significant protective effect against the disease.
A large population study found that statin treatment was associated with a slightly lower risk of dying from COVID-19. The results suggest a moderate prophylactic effect on mortality, supporting the continued use of statins for conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood lipids.
A large population-based cohort study found that combined oral contraceptives reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in women with PCOS by 26%. Women with PCOS have twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, highlighting the need for treatments to reduce this risk.
Researchers found that considering recidivism-free time can contribute to improved risk prediction and accurately predict recidivism among parolees. Annual assessments of parolee risk are more accurate than single pre-release risk scores, the study suggests.
Researchers found that selecting the embryo with the lowest predicted risk score reduces disease risk more effectively than eliminating high-scoring embryos. However, polygenic embryo screening offers no guarantees about a baby's health and has limited effectiveness depending on factors like ancestry and age.
Researchers found that high water content in magma can reduce the risk of an explosive eruption. The study suggests combining different metrics to predict gas bubbles and crystallization, potentially leading to better forecasts for dangerous explosions.
A national review of nocardia infection in kidney transplant patients found that those with compromised immune responses are more vulnerable to the opportunistic agent. Nocardiosis can lead to pneumonia and brain abscess, and screening is crucial, especially in combination with pneumonia symptoms.
A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.
A study found that bystander intervention can reduce the risk of drowning child deaths or severe disabilities by 80%. Children submerged under water for less than 5 minutes and rescued by a bystander were more likely to recover. Early rescue can lead to good outcomes in victims of drowning.
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Kansas State University argue that integrating National Violent Death Reporting System data into Maternal Mortality Review Committees can improve the efficacy of MMRCs and address racial disparities in maternal mortality. The study found increased risk for pregnancy-associated homicide and suicide during pregnancy and po...
Researchers found that mRNA COVID vaccines reduced symptomatic illness risk by 89% and 96% for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine recipients respectively. The vaccines' effectiveness was lower in immunocompromised individuals.
A large Ontario study confirms SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern like Delta increase the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Vaccination blunts severity, reducing risk in partially and fully vaccinated individuals by about 80-90%.
Researchers from MIT have developed a way to use carbon dioxide monitors to estimate indoor COVID-19 risk in near real-time. The model takes into account various factors such as ventilation, mask usage, and activity levels to provide an indoor reproductive number that represents the virus's transmission rate.
A study of over 29,000 American women found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Women who breastfed for longer periods had lower rates of postpartum depression, with those breastfeeding for 6-12 months showing the greatest reduction.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that daily aerobic exercise within 10 days of getting injured reduced the risk of prolonged recovery by 48%. This approach is non-pharmacological, safe and effective, with benefits experienced by both genders equally.
A study by Intermountain Healthcare found that notifying pharmacies of discontinued prescriptions can prevent almost 200 safety events over two months. By using a CancelRX functionality in their electronic medical record system, the team was able to avoid these events and ensure patients only receive correct medications.
Researchers found that adopting the DASH diet, losing weight and improving aerobic fitness can lower blood pressure significantly. The study suggests lifestyle modifications can help people with resistant hypertension successfully lose weight and increase their physical activity.
Researchers propose reinstating waiting time for recipients experiencing early post-transplant allograft failure within an expanded timeframe to boost transplant numbers. This policy change could potentially reduce the perceived patient-level risk of transplanting marginal organs and improve organ utilization.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet outlines a baseline bundle of care interventions that could save millions of lives globally. The Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) concept describes life-saving practices with low complexity and cost, benefiting critically ill patients.
A new study finds that left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy increases the risk of coronary artery disease in younger survivors, with a significant increase in risk seen at 10.5% for those who received left-sided radiation therapy compared to 5.8% for right-sided.
Increasing physical activity and improving fitness are superior to weight loss in reducing mortality risk and treating obesity-related health conditions. Employing a weight-neutral approach also reduces the risks associated with yo-yo dieting.
A common blood test could identify patients with schizophrenia at high risk for cardiovascular disease, enabling early intervention. Elevated white blood cell counts are suspected to be a signal, and a large-scale analysis of over 20,000 patients will examine its associations.
Researchers analyzed two years of health data to identify trends and patterns in overdose deaths during the pandemic. Men, jobless individuals, and those with mental health diagnoses experienced the largest increases in overdose death rates, with synthetic opioids and personal residence being significant factors.
Researchers from the University of Oxford have identified vaccinated groups at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation or death. The study used national linked datasets to analyze over 6.9 million vaccinated adults, finding elevated risks to specific age, sex, and ethnic group groups.
Researchers at EMPA created a flame retardant cotton textile that retains the natural properties of cotton fibers while providing fireproof and antimicrobial functionalities. The fabric does not contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and can absorb water, maintaining a favorable microclimate on the skin.
A large-scale trial will assess the effects of cocoa supplements and multivitamins on aging, including inflammatory factors and genetic changes. Researchers aim to determine if cocoa consumption can reduce age-related health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
An international study found Canadians have the highest relative risk of respiratory mortality resulting from wildfire pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfires increased risks of all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, with about 0.4 percent of total mortality attributable to wildfire smoke.
A study published in Stroke Journal Report found that eating 4-5 peanuts per day lowers the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease among Japanese men and women. Peanuts are rich in heart-healthy nutrients that help reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A UMass Amherst researcher found that walking 7,000 steps per day significantly reduces middle-aged mortality risk, but further increases do not provide additional benefits. The study analyzed data from over 2,100 participants and suggests that even small increments in physical activity can have substantial health implications.
A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that individuals experiencing fear, social pressure, and perceived scarcity are more likely to engage in panic buying. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social components of panic buying to mitigate its detrimental impact on societies.
A recent study found that 26-45% of people with atrial fibrillation fail to adhere to their prescribed direct-acting oral anticoagulants due to cost and bleeding concerns. Researchers interviewed 42 adults who had stopped or reduced dosing, citing these reasons as major barriers to adherence.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that telemedicine appointments combined with in-person visits significantly reduced the risk of further illness for children with medically complex cases. The study assessed 422 patients and found that those who received both telemedicine and c...
A community-based fall-prevention program helped reduce in-home falls among older adults by nearly 40%, resulting in cost savings of $1,613 per person. The program provided personalized plans to address fall risks and made simple home modifications such as grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces.
A two-year randomized controlled trial found that eating about ½ cup of walnuts daily modestly lowered LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced small LDL particles in healthy, older adults. The study suggests that walnuts can improve cardiovascular health by improving the quality of LDL particles.
Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.
A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.