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Dementia rates in China are rising disproportionately

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are rising rapidly in China due to population growth and high-risk factors like high blood sugar, smoking, and obesity. The study projects continued rise unless effective interventions are implemented.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2025

Heart disease deaths worldwide linked to chemical widely used in plastics

A new analysis of population surveys estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contributed to 356,238 global heart disease deaths in 2018, accounting for 13% of all global mortality. The study also found higher death risks in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025

ALS survival may be cut short by living in disadvantaged communities

A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2025

Global “sisterhood” seeks to understand what makes a healthy vaginal microbiome

A global 'sisterhood' of citizen scientists sheds light on the complex vaginal microbiome, highlighting associations between microbial composition and clinical conditions like preterm birth and urinary tract infections. The study emphasizes the importance of considering whole complexity and continuity in vaginal microbiota composition ...

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 6, 2025

Study finds most Americans oppose detaining sick undocumented immigrants but support post-treatment detention

A study by Texas A&M University found that most people in the US are not in favor of detaining sick undocumented immigrants who reach interior border checkpoints. However, they do support detention after medical treatment is complete. The survey also found broad public support for expanding existing policies to allow undocumented indiv...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHealth Economics Policy and Law·DateFeb 3, 2025

People from some racial and ethnic groups may face barriers to obtaining obesity medications

A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

Sweetened beverage taxes decrease consumption in lower-income households by nearly 50%, UW study finds

A new study from the University of Washington found that lower-income households decreased their purchases of sweetened beverages by nearly 50%, while higher-income households reduced purchases by 18%. The tax was implemented in four U.S. cities and resulted in a significant decline in consumption among lower-income households.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalHealth Economics·DateOct 21, 2024

Research initiative successfully combats covid-19 vaccine disparities

A groundbreaking initiative in Prince George's County, Maryland, has successfully combated COVID-19 vaccine disparities by leveraging community health workers to promote health literacy and vaccine equity. The Health Literacy Enhancement and Advancement Program (Health LEAP) reached over 14,800 residents, particularly Black and Hispani...

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateOct 15, 2024

Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer may be less likely to receive immunotherapy than white patients

A recent study found that Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) received immunotherapy at significantly lower rates than white patients. However, when they did receive immunotherapy, their overall survival rate was similar to that of white patients. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors may be the main barrie...

Understanding food insecurity and its effects on gestational diabetes risk among American Indian and Alaska Native females can lead to better outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations may increase care engagement and quality among pregnant and postpartum patients

A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024