Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A new study found that myocardial infarction survivors living in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods had lower levels of leisure-time physical activity compared to those from wealthier areas. The association was strongest in the first 5 years after MI and remained significant after adjusting for individual factors.
Researchers found that Latino smokers who have a significant other are more successful in quitting smoking, with approximately 46% of participants reporting success. The study also suggests that having a partner can buffer the negative effect of depression on smoking cessation.
A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 43% of Americans report rarely getting a good night's sleep on weeknights due to pervasive technology use before bedtime. The study highlights the impact of screens and interactive technologies on sleep habits, particularly in younger generations.
A randomized controlled trial found that a triple-drug regimen during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces HIV transmission to infants. The study's findings support the use of long-term treatment for women with low CD4 cell counts and ARV prophylaxis for all breastfeeding mothers.
A controlled trial suggests that a combination of band ligation and nadolol may not be the most effective prophylaxis for first variceal bleeding. Beta blockers are generally considered the treatment of choice for prophylaxis of first variceal bleeding.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that antithromboembolic prophylaxis is not necessary for cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection, as the risk of venous thromboembolism is low. However, the presence of esophageal varices may contraindicate prophylaxis due to increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage.
Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis halves mortality in severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected adults, with benefits lasting at least 72 weeks. It also reduces malaria incidence, with no significant effect on opportunistic infections.
The Positive Prevention Toolkit aims to enable HIV/AIDS caregivers to provide prevention messages when interacting with HIV-positive patients. The toolkit consists of seven sections, including training skills, curricula, and practical resources.
A study found that intensive health behavior counseling is effective, but cost can be a significant barrier. When free services were offered, more patients participated, while charges led to a decrease in referrals. Policymakers are advised to eliminate cost as a barrier to support clinical-community partnerships.
Despite increased availability of prescription antiplatelet medications, the overall use of blood-thinning agents among stroke survivors has plateaued. Aspirin remains the predominant agent used for secondary stroke prevention, with no improvements in antithrombotic agent usage over a 7-year period.
The new European Society of Cardiology guidelines update the treatment approach for infective endocarditis, emphasizing a multidisciplinary care team and earlier surgery. The guidelines also reduce antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk dental procedures and highlight the importance of echocardiography in diagnosis and management.
The American College of Preventive Medicine has launched a web page featuring an extensive literature review on lifestyle medicine, summarizing scientific evidence supporting lifestyle interventions. The review aims to inform physicians about the principles of lifestyle medicine and provide guidelines for effective behavior change inte...
A phase 3 trial found that anti-T cell globulin (ATG) reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplant patients. This results in improved survival rates and reduced complications without compromising overall survival or increasing relapse rates.
Studies found that glove perforation increased surgical site infection rates by 10%, with no association when antibiotics were used. Implementing measures like double gloving and glove replacement can decrease perforation risk.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found a more-than-sevenfold increase in computer-related injuries from 1994 to 2006. The majority of injuries occurred at home and were caused by tripping or falling over equipment, hitting against or catching on computers, or computer equipment falling on patients.
A new study found that Frequent Mental Distress (FMD) prevalence varies significantly across the US, with high rates in Appalachian and Mississippi Valley regions and low rates in the upper Midwest. FMD prevalence increased by at least 1 percentage point in 27 states over two periods.
A study found that a rate of at least 100 steps per minute achieves moderate intensity activity, supporting a simple pedometer-based recommendation of 3000 steps in 30 minutes. The research suggests using a single and simple pedometer-based guideline for effective health communication.
The USPSTF updated its guidelines to recommend aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attack and stroke in specific age and gender groups. The task force emphasizes the importance of discussing the benefits and risks of daily aspirin use with patients, particularly those between 45-79 years old.
A study found that teenagers who preferred popular songs with degrading sexual references were more likely to engage in intercourse or pre-coital activities. High exposure to such lyrics was independently associated with higher levels of sexual behavior among young adolescents.
A combination of prophylactic antibiotics, barrier isolation, and air quality control measures significantly reduces mortality risk in immunocompromised cancer patients. The intervention shows a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality at 30 days post-treatment, with improved survival only seen when antibiotic and anti-fungal prophylaxis a...
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been reduced by 25-40% since 2000, resulting in a 25-30% decrease in its clinical burden. Treatment costs attributed to passive smoking have also decreased by approximately $1.8 billion to $6.0 billion annually.
A new study by researchers from The Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine suggests that increased physical activity after bariatric surgery can lead to better postoperative outcomes, including greater weight loss and improved health-related quality of life. More than two-thirds of participants who became acti...
A community-based diabetes prevention program using the YMCA as a vehicle for education and lifestyle intervention has shown promising results. Participants achieved significant weight loss and improvements in cholesterol levels, suggesting the potential for widespread dissemination of evidence-based strategies.
Maternal death rates in the US remain constant, but a study suggests reducing cesarean-related deaths by implementing thromboprophylaxis can lower mortality. The risk of death attributable to cesarean delivery is approximately 2/100,000 procedures, which can be significantly reduced with universal thromboembolism prophylaxis.
A new study found that smoking is associated with a higher risk of stroke in spouses, particularly among never-smokers. Quitting smoking eliminates this risk, suggesting the health benefits of cessation extend beyond individual smokers to their partners.
Golf cart-related injuries have increased by over 130% between 1990 and 2006, with falls being the most common cause. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and safety measures to prevent these types of injuries, particularly among children.
The ASGE has updated its infection control guidelines to emphasize the importance of rigorous endoscope reprocessing and adherence to general infection control principles. These guidelines aim to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of microorganisms during GI endoscopy procedures.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has updated its guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, citing a lack of data supporting the use of prophylactic antibiotics solely to prevent infective endocarditis. Clinically significant infections after endoscopic procedures are extremely rare.
Community mobilization is a key approach to prevent and reduce youth violence, according to experts. Studies from diverse communities show that collaborative partnerships, cultural appropriateness, and community ownership are essential factors in successful community mobilization.
Over half of hospital patients are at risk of venous thromboembolism and require prophylactic treatment, with surgical patients more likely to receive it. Global usage of VTE prophylaxis varies significantly across countries, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines.
A study suggests government dietary guidelines, introduced in the late 1970s, may have had a negative impact on health due to limited scientific data. The researchers argue that without proper studies, such guidelines may be harmful and recommend more cautious direction.
The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) advises that clinicians provide information on potential benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening to men, especially those with family history or African-American background. Patient-clinician discussion is crucial for informed decision-making about screening.
Researchers found a significant decline in commercial cigarette purchases among adolescents, while social sources increased. This decrease was linked to reduced smoking rates, suggesting that limiting access to cigarettes may be an effective strategy for curbing youth smoking.
Several phase II and III trials investigate anti-retroviral drug combinations for pre-exposure prophylaxis among at-risk populations. The implementation of such a program requires careful planning and substantial resources to ensure access, minimize risk behavior, and prevent drug-resistant strains.
A new study reports 68 incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotel guests, resulting in 27 deaths and 66 pathological conditions. Effective CO prevention measures could reduce lifetime risk for frequent travelers.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health reveals a disturbingly high prevalence of self-reported drinking and driving among Spanish doctors and nurses. These health professionals are found to be more likely to engage in drink driving, with men being twice as likely to drive while intoxicated compared to women.
Despite concerns about obesity and diet-related maladies, US restaurant chains prioritize profit-driven decisions over healthier options. The study found that only a few executives expressed interest in offering low-fat foods and fresh produce on their menus.
Two recent studies published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Americans are not meeting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Despite recommendations since 1990, only 28% of adults meet the guidelines for fruit consumption, while less than 11% meet both fruit and vegetable guidelines.
Researchers highlight the challenges of promoting physical activity in a sedentary society, citing political and systemic barriers. The authors emphasize the need for a public health infrastructure to support physical activity promotion, given its substantial protection against obesity and chronic disease.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that a single dose of antibiotics prior to surgery is as effective as a 24-hour dosing regimen in preventing surgical site infections. The new protocol resulted in significant cost savings, with a 63% decline in antibiotic costs and a monthly saving of $1,980.
Researchers suggest lamivudine as a PREP candidate due to its relative safety and ease of use. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy in preventing new HIV infections.
Researchers used a systematic review process to identify 10 key indicators of activity-friendly communities, including land use policies and clean environments. These findings represent an important first step in assessing and improving community support for routine physical activity.
A study found that many patients have difficulty interpreting and applying serving sizes on food labels, particularly those with poor literacy and numeracy skills. This can make it hard for patients to follow a good diet, highlighting the need for healthcare providers and the FDA to improve communication and label design.
The study found that children under age 5 are twice as likely to live in severe poverty, with severe poverty affecting African Americans and Hispanics disproportionately. The increasing trend has significant implications for healthcare services and long-term child outcomes.
A recent study found that 4.5% of surveyed adults reported being stalked, with women, younger adults, and single individuals being the most vulnerable. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in stalking rates, with African-Americans having lower odds of being targeted.
A new study found significant racial disparities in seatbelt use among black and white motorists, with blacks less likely to wear seatbelts in states with secondary seatbelt laws. The study suggests that upgrading these laws to primary laws could eliminate the disparity and reduce motor vehicle crash-related injuries and deaths.
A study of over 3,400 women reveals that intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent and chronic, lasting more than 5 years in some cases. IPV was found to have significant health effects on women, including depression, physical symptoms, and social isolation.
A study found that a case-based online continuing medical education (CME) program effective in improving physicians' domestic violence management skills. The program showed clear improvement in eight of the 10 measures of physician partner violence preparedness twelve months after completion.
A review of history and lessons from tobacco litigation inform the evaluation of potential litigation strategies against the food industry. The authors argue that public health lawsuits can encourage food companies to improve nutritional content and change marketing practices, ultimately addressing obesity issues.
A new study finds that a drug combination against AIDS-related infections also prevents malaria in children. The combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), was found to be highly effective in preventing malaria, reducing the incidence by 99.5%, and also reduced gastrointestinal illnesses.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center will study the diet and activity levels of Eastman Kodak employees to develop evidence-based tools to promote healthy work environments. The goal is to reduce obesity and improve overall well-being among Kodak's workforce.
A study of 34,133 patients found that only 55.7% received antimicrobials within an hour before incision, while 9.6% started treatment more than four hours post-incision. The results highlight opportunities to improve the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections.
Falls are a leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the US, with 7% of households reporting a fall requiring medical attention. Homeowners can take steps to prevent falls by installing protective devices such as grab bars, handrails, and safety gates.
A study found that households with parents visiting children's homes are more likely to store firearms unlocked and have poor medication storage practices. Homes with older adults and child visitors tend to have more firearms and less safe storage, but the difference is not statistically significant.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that average annual and cumulative Medicare charges are significantly higher for obese individuals, with severe obesity resulting in costs of up to $175,000. The study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to address obesity and reduce healthcare costs among older adults.
A positive family history of stroke increases young women's risk of both blocked and ruptured vessel strokes. High blood pressure and smoking are also strong predictors of rupture-risk, while diabetes and lack of exercise contribute to blockage-risk.
A study found that young women with favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors have lower age-specific risks for cardiovascular disease and death. Among those at low risk, CHD and CVD cease to occur at epidemic rates.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most US malaria deaths are preventable, with human error and inadequate medical care contributing to nearly two-thirds of cases. The CDC has expanded resources available to provide critical information on prevention and treatment of malaria.
A government study estimated that nearly half a million medical device injuries occur each year, with falls while using wheelchairs and walkers being the most common recorded injury type. The study suggests that the actual number of injuries may be higher due to underreporting by healthcare providers.
A new study suggests that aggressive antismoking campaigns and higher prices could save thousands of lives by reducing smoking prevalence. By raising cigarette prices and disseminating multimedia antismoking campaigns, smoking rates among adolescents could be reduced by up to 26%, leading to significant life-saving benefits.