Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has made a recommendation to screen for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant women at 24 weeks or later. The organization concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening before this time frame.
A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.
A comprehensive review of keto diets found potential health risks, including increased heart disease risk, cancer risk, and adverse effects on pregnant women and kidney patients. For most people, the possible long-term benefits of a keto diet are outweighed by its potential drawbacks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely led to an increase in falls among older adults due to decreased physical activity, worsened physical conditioning, and heightened fear of falling. This is a pressing concern as falls can result in significant injuries, particularly among this age group.
The American Academy of Family Physicians is investigating an 'educational' session promoting dairy products linked to increased risk of prostate cancer and other diseases disproportionately affecting African Americans. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine filed a complaint, citing standards set by the Accreditation Counci...
A new study found that lower-wealth volunteers experience even greater health gains from volunteering compared to higher-wealth volunteers. Volunteering enhances self-reported health and reduces depressive symptoms regardless of wealth status.
Major points of progress in women's health since the 1970s include reproductive health advances, improvements in overall well-being throughout life, reduced mortality rates for cardiovascular and cancer diseases in women. Clinical research has improved understanding of conditions disproportionately affecting women, such as autoimmune d...
A new study reveals that up to 24 percent of esophagectomy patients can develop Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The six-month mortality rate for patients with VTE was found to be 17.6 percent, compared to 2.1 percent for those without.
A new set of guidelines developed by AATS and ESTS recommends a 30-day course of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis post-discharge for patients undergoing surgical resection for lung or esophagus cancer. The guideline panel endorsed by American Society of Hematology and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis found th...
A study published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice finds that the number of preventive medicine physicians is not likely to match population needs in the US. The specialty is aging, with nearly half of physicians over 60 years old, and new trainees are scarce.
A CDC compilation of scientific research found telephone call centers, or quitlines, to be a successful intervention for smoking termination. The study highlights the importance of call centers as an essential population-level tool in tobacco control, particularly among high-risk populations.
A large-scale study found that early detection and treatment of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) through echocardiographic screening and antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced RHD prevalence by two-thirds in schools. This approach is an effective strategy to control RHD in endemic regions.
COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism due to endothelial injury, activated platelets, cytokine storms, and suppressed fibrinolytic systems. Early prophylaxis, antiviral therapy, and supportive treatment can mitigate this complication.
A study by Octapharma at ASH found that high-dose Octagam 10% IVIg significantly improved hypoxia and reduced hospital length of stay in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. A larger multicenter study is underway to determine if the therapy can slow or stop respiratory deterioration.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that the symptomatic case fatality ratio (sCFR) and infection fatality ratio (IFR) are better measures for monitoring COVID-19 epidemics than the commonly used case fatality ratio (CFR). The researchers applied a computational model to Hubei province, China, and six European regions, find...
Children with severe hemophilia A who receive early prophylaxis are less likely to have joint damage in young adulthood than those who begin treatment later. However, prophylaxis does not fully prevent joint damage.
Research found substituting prolonged sedentary time with sleep was associated with lower stress and improved mood. Light physical activity, such as walking around the home office, also provided benefits for up to a year, including improved mood and lower BMI.
Experts in Ayurveda and yoga propose using these traditional practices to boost immune function and prevent COVID-19 infection. The authors discuss various methods, including local prophylaxis with herbal drinks and steam inhalation, as well as systemic approaches focusing on diet, sleep, and mental relaxation.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that three-quarters of teen vapers report using nicotine, marijuana, or multiple substances. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 teens and revealed significant associations between cigarette smoking intensity and vaping behavior.
A new study from Northwestern University shows that a free online training tool can significantly boost scientists' knowledge of team science and increase their self-confidence. The COALESCE tool has been validated by research to help scientists collaborate smoothly, reducing disputes over data access and authorship.
A new study found that giving all women a single dose of preventative antibiotics after childbirth involving forceps or vacuum extraction could prevent almost half of maternal infections. The trial, involving 3,420 women, suggests that this simple intervention could reduce antibiotic use by 17% and save the NHS £52.60 per woman.
A new study identifies medical conditions that increase the risk of self-directed violence among teens and young adults visiting emergency departments. These conditions include epilepsy, seizures, multiple pain visits, syncope, vomiting, and dental complaints, highlighting the importance of EDs in suicide prevention.
Researchers found that antibiotic prophylaxis regimens are less effective at preventing surgical site infections following colorectal surgery. The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis has remained unchanged for other procedures like appendectomy and cesarean section.
A study found a concerning decrease in antibiotic prescribing for high-risk dental patients, despite an increase in infective endocarditis cases. The research supports the American Heart Association's recommendation to continue prophylaxis for those at high-risk of IE.
A high level of fitness in midlife is associated with a lower risk of depression after age 65 and a lower risk of cardiovascular death, including after a diagnosis of depression. Longitudinal studies can inform health care professionals about the importance of considering fitness as part of overall preventive care.
A new study by USC researchers found that high school, middle school, and elementary school students in the US are using JUUL vaporizers to get hooked on nicotine. The discreet devices are being used undetected on school grounds, with over 1 in 25 tweets mentioning their use.
A new study examines the potential health impacts of Republican and Democratic tax proposals on the US population's health. The research suggests that only policies raising top federal income tax rates and redistributing tax revenue to lower-income households can significantly reduce mortality rates, with estimated reductions ranging f...
A large-scale study found that patients who receive antibiotics before certain types of low-risk operations have the same risk for developing antibiotic-resistant infections as those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found no association between prophylactic antibiotic use and postoperative antibiotic res...
A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control expert opinion supports the use of neuraminidase inhibitors in treating and preventing influenza. The most vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, are particularly eligible for treatment and prophylaxis.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London secured £8.6m in grants to develop and implement salt reduction programs in China, aiming to prevent thousands of deaths from stroke and heart disease. A new Global Health Research Group will focus on improving mental health interventions in low-income countries.
Activity monitors have moderate validity compared to other measures of daily energy expenditure and physical activity, leaving out important information such as intensity of effort. Current accelerometers perform well at moderate walking speeds but struggle under other conditions.
The use of computerized clinical decision support systems improves prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism among surgical patients, reducing the risk of developing a blood clot by up to 50 percent. Computerized systems also increase the rate of appropriate treatment ordering.
A new NIH-funded study found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity levels directly correlate with their preschoolers' activity levels. The research suggests interventions could focus on helping parents model an active lifestyle for their children to combat obesity. Low-income and ethnic minority families are dispr...
A new study found that starting blood-thinning medications within 72 hours of hospital arrival significantly reduces the likelihood of life-threatening blood clots in patients with traumatic brain injury. The study also showed no increase in risk of bleeding complications or death.
A new USC study suggests that some teens who never would have smoked cigarettes are now vaping, potentially reversing progress in tobacco control. The study found that tobacco use among teens in Southern California is on the rise, with nicotine experimentation becoming a major concern.
A recent study published in mHealth and uHealth found that text messaging interventions significantly increased the chances of smokers abstaining from smoking. The intervention provided health education, reminders, and support through short messages, yielding promising results.
A new study found that interventions targeting fraternity and sorority members are unsuccessful in reducing alcohol consumption and related problems. However, interventions addressing alcohol expectancies showed promise in reducing heavy drinking on specific occasions.
Research suggests that men who prioritize traditional masculine values, such as toughness and self-reliance, are less likely to be honest with their doctors about symptoms. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer health outcomes compared to women or men with less traditional views of masculinity.
A new study found that prolonged daily sitting is responsible for 3.8% of all-cause mortality deaths, with reducing sitting time estimated to increase life expectancy by 0.2 years. The study analyzed data from 54 countries and found that sitting had a higher impact on mortality rates in certain regions.
A Finnish study found that family-based lifestyle counselling increased children's physical activity levels, improved diet quality, and reduced sedentary behaviour. The intervention also led to a higher intake of essential nutrients.
A new Pacific-Rim Trade Agreement may limit access to medicines for patients with diabetes. Research suggests that Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) blockers can have similar effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes as other treatments.
A randomized trial in Kenya found that discontinuing cotrimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis increased the risk of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, as well as non-trauma mortality events. The study supports the continued use of CTX prophylaxis regardless of CD4 cell count or HIV/AIDS clinical stage in settings with high malaria prevalence.
Experts discuss real-world use of PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, highlighting a substantial reduction in transmission among patients on a daily combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine. Non-pharmacologic alternatives to reduce risk are also explored.
A UTMB study found that older diabetic patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners had lower rates of preventable hospitalization than those with physician care in nonmetropolitan areas. Nurse practitioner care was shown to be comparable to that of physicians in terms of quality and clinical outcomes.
A new study found that consumers are increasingly buying packaged foods from mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, and convenience stores, leading to a decline in nutritional quality. The study revealed that households purchase more calories, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat compared to grocery stores.
The new ESC guidelines recommend a multimodality imaging approach for diagnosing infective endocarditis, incorporating techniques such as PET-CT. A multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and infectious disease specialists, is crucial for effective management.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals over 65 who have access to natural environments report better sleep quality. The research suggests that exposure to green spaces and natural amenities can improve sleep patterns, particularly for men.
A study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that even after educating healthcare providers about VTE prophylaxis, significant numbers of patients did not receive the recommended treatment. The study suggests that electronic patient records and innovative software programs can improve compliance rates.
New retrieval methods significantly increase filter removal success, addressing complications and long dwell times. These advancements now make retrievable IVC filters a routine procedure for pulmonary embolism prevention.
New American Gastroenterological Association guidelines provide guidance on managing HBV reactivation in patients undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The guidelines recommend screening for HBV in patients at moderate or high risk, and consider prophylaxis with anti-hepatitis B therapeutics.
A new study found that only 39 out of 93 possible behavior change techniques were used in top-ranked fitness apps, with social support and feedback being the most common. The study suggests that users should consider their individual needs when selecting an app to increase physical activity.
A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.
The new peer-reviewed open access journal will publish original manuscripts on disease prevention, health promotion, and public health policymaking. It aims to broaden understanding by including a wider selection of geographic and population-specific studies.
A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.
Researchers found that an individual with unhealthy habits, such as smoking and physical inactivity, has a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk than one who maintains a healthy lifestyle. The study's findings have significant implications for health policy and prevention strategies for non-communicable diseases.
Researchers link BMI at age 25 to increased risk of class III obesity after age 35. Current weight is a better indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than duration of obesity.
A new study shows that children with vesicoureteral reflux who receive antimicrobial prophylaxis have a substantially reduced risk of UTI recurrences compared to those receiving a placebo. The study found that prophylaxis was most effective in children with fever and bladder/bowel dysfunction at baseline.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the antifungal medication fluconazole did not significantly reduce the risk of death or invasive candidiasis in extremely low birth-weight infants. The study included 361 infants from 32 NICUs and randomly assigned them to receive either fluconazole or placebo for six weeks.
A study found that heat waves in Montreal increased the risk of early-term delivery by 17-27%, with nearly 20,000 births occurring after a day when temperatures reached 32°C or higher. This may lead to increased morbidity in newborns, particularly those born at 37-38 weeks.