Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Researchers found a connection between high inequality in subsistence societies and increased blood pressure, as well as respiratory diseases like pneumonia. However, chronic conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease were less prevalent in these communities.
A new article analyzes seven books that discuss health inequalities in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting regional disparities in healthcare access. The author calls for a universal approach to health care based on equity and inclusion to address these inequalities.
A recent study found that successful weight losers sit significantly less during the week and weekends compared to those who are weight stable. Weight loss maintainers expended more calories per week in physical activity, suggesting that moving more may be key to long-term weight maintenance.
Researchers identified multiple ways to achieve the same health benefits from exercise, as long as it includes plenty of light physical activity. The study found that replacing sedentary time with just two minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise is more efficient than replacing it with light physical activity.
The American Society of Human Genetics reports that human genetics and genomics contributed $265 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, with a five-fold increase since 2010. The field is expected to drive significant further growth given new areas of application.
Ozlem Uzuner and her team will analyze the economic impact of potentially malignant incidental findings in radiology reports. They aim to optimize health outcomes by identifying correct follow-up recommendations, studying tumor information, and creating an incidentaloma database.
UCLA Health has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to scale healthcare innovations for COVID-19 response and recovery. The grant will support the Los Angeles Response to COVID (LA-R2C) Accelerator, aiming to address health equity through novel health technologies.
The new report presents a roadmap to achieving equity, inclusion, and belonging among cardiovascular professionals, calling for continual assessment of professional culture and climate. It also proposes continuous trainings to address individual, structural, and systemic racism and sexism.
A study found that social factors like household income, language, and insurance did not impact families' acceptance of telehealth for their children's cardiac care during the pandemic. The study suggests telehealth is a feasible option for families, with higher acceptance rates among patients with certain diagnoses or Hispanic ethnicity.
A simulation study found a 10% carbon tax on glyphosate use would incur $98 million annual net economic loss but provide $6 million in human health benefits per year. The findings suggest caution in regulating glyphosate due to its environmental and economic concerns.
Data from two large studies published by The BMJ found that socioeconomic status is the dominant factor in health disparities between US and UK adults. While healthy lifestyles reduce disease burden, they only explain a small proportion of excess risks. Other measures tackling social determinants of health are warranted.
Researchers found clusters of COVID-19 cases and deaths in low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods across Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. The study highlights the impact of social determinants of health on COVID-19 outcomes.
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion's dental coverage improved oral health in 57% of enrollees, with Black respondents and those uninsured for a year or more experiencing the greatest improvements. The program also helped participants find work or improve their job search by 76%.
As consumers become richer, they spend more on services like health and education, while spending less on agriculture and manufactured goods. The study reveals that income and preferences play a larger role than productivity in shaping the sectoral composition of the economy.
A study by Jordi Gumà and Jeroen Spijker finds that partner characteristics, especially education level, significantly affect the health of Spanish women aged 65+, whereas men's health is less sensitive to their partner's status. Traditional gender roles in Spain also play a role in this phenomenon.
The BrainHealth Project trial unveiled a novel online platform delivering science-backed approach to measuring, improving, and tracking brain fitness. Participants showed significant improvements in their BrainHealth Index scores, with positive changes observed across various domains of brain health.
Research finds variable compensation plans can induce performance pressure leading to stress, burnout, and sickness among salespeople. Companies can mitigate this by screening for stress-vulnerability and providing resources such as job-related support and social connections.
The study found that eating disorders in the US resulted in a total economic cost of $64.7 billion and a substantial reduction in wellbeing worth $326.5 billion. The authors aim to scale up effective prevention, early detection, and treatment interventions for eating disorders.
A new health equity curriculum at Wake Forest School of Medicine improved students' knowledge and confidence in addressing social determinants of health. The program, implemented in 2018, included simulations, online modules, and community-based partnerships.
A recent survey from Michigan State University found racial and political differences in COVID-19 responses, with Black individuals more likely to adhere to public health standards. The study suggests that conservative White individuals are more likely to have noncompliance attitudes towards local and state COVID orders.
Rapidly rising levels of sight loss are largely due to untreated ocular conditions, affecting hundreds of millions globally. A new study highlights the need for standard terminology and robust definitions to measure non-visually impairing eye diseases.
Researchers found that installing window screening and insecticide-laced screens under eaves can significantly reduce clinical malaria incidence among children. The intervention, called In2Care EaveTube, was effective in areas with highly resistant mosquitoes, with a 38% overall reduction in malaria incidence.
A systematic review of randomized controlled studies found that digital self-monitoring using digital health tools was associated with significant weight loss. Digital tools, including apps, wearables, and websites, were used to track behaviors such as diet and physical activity.
The Lancet Commission reveals devastating impacts on US health under Trump presidency, citing 461,000 unnecessary deaths annually and 40% COVID-19 deaths averted if US had G7 death rates. Sweeping reforms are needed to redress policy failures and address long-standing racism.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to staggering income losses and food insecurity across nine countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The research found that households reported financial losses, reduced meals, and closed schools may lead to delayed development and health consequences for children.
A new model by UT Austin researchers suggests that regular, rotating COVID-19 testing can minimize costs and loss of life. The optimal testing schedule varies depending on the region's transmission rate, but generally recommends weekly testing for high-transmission areas.
A new RAND Corporation study found that people who struggle to pay rent or are forced to move due to financial issues sleep significantly less than their peers. The study of 1,046 participants in California's welfare program revealed a 22-minute and 32-minute reduction in sleep duration for those facing housing insecurity.
A new study found that mobile apps with artificial intelligence improve the health status of migrants by 5.3%, while also increasing social integration by 2.7%. The study, conducted at Anglia Ruskin University, surveyed new migrants and refugees in Greece over a 10-month period.
A study from Lehigh University finds that light pollution may increase the likelihood of preterm birth, with a possible increase of up to 12.9%. The researchers suggest that circadian rhythm disruption could be a biological mechanism underlying this link.
A study from University of Illinois agricultural economists found that Illinois residents value efforts to reduce watershed pollution and are willing to pay for environmental improvements. Respondents were surveyed on their willingness to pay for various water quality improvements, with a 50% reduction in algal blooms estimated to be w...
A new study by RAND Corporation found that the density of licensed and unlicensed marijuana retailers is associated with increased marijuana use among young adults. Young adults living near areas with high concentrations of licensed outlets were more likely to use marijuana, while those living near unlicensed outlets reported greater h...
A study adapted a tool to measure racial inequities in COVID-19 testing, revealing disparities in access and health outcomes across racial groups. The analysis found significant disparities in vaccination rates, test uptake, and healthcare utilization among different racial and ethnic groups.
The study uses a dynamic model to predict COVID-19 spread, incorporating infected but asymptomatic individuals and different sub-compartments. The optimal quarantine policy minimizes disease transmission and economic damage, with the sweet spot found between total lockdown and normal movement.
A recent study found that almost 25% of US respondents experienced economic hardships early in the COVID-19 pandemic, with Hispanic respondents being disproportionately affected. The survey also revealed significant financial struggles among young adults and those without a college education.
A nationwide study found that people in Scotland's poorest areas were more likely to be affected by severe Covid-19 and die from the disease. The study highlights the need for extra support to critical care units in poorer areas and tackling health inequalities.
The Lancet Global Countdown on Health and Climate Change highlights the devastating impact of climate change on human health, with key trends worsening unless urgent action is taken. Experts from institutions worldwide, including Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, contribute to the report's findings.
The new global surveillance system can dynamically track the virus's direction, speed and acceleration, enabling leaders to identify outbreaks earlier. It analyzes metrics such as speed, acceleration and jerk to predict potential explosive growth and inform policy responses.
Researchers found that counties with above median income show significant compliance increase after receiving stimulus funds, while economically disadvantaged communities remain non-compliant. The study suggests targeted economic relief may limit COVID-19 spread among vulnerable populations.
A new study from Lehigh University's College of Business found that conservatives are more sensitive to threats with high agency, proposing free will as the primary driver of outcomes in life. To get greater buy-in on safety measures, policymakers should discuss the virus in terms that give it more agency.
Researchers found a 17% increase in the likelihood of having a baby with fetal macrosomia among women in relatively strenuous jobs. The study highlights potential inadequacies in workplace accommodation laws and urges lawmakers to consider the impact on maternal and fetal health.
A three-nation research project will examine the relationship between social factors and epigenetics, with a focus on how adversity and trauma affect gene expression and health. The study will use data from large longitudinal studies in the US, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland to investigate the impact of life circumstances on...
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that food insecurity is independently associated with an increase in cardiovascular death rates among US adults aged 20-64. The study analyzed county-level data from 2011 to 2017 and found that counties with higher levels of food insecurity had significantly higher cardiovascular mo...
The Obesity Society recognizes Roxane Gay for her powerful writing on obesity challenges, Ted Kyle for his influential newsletter ConscienHealth, and Rudolph Leibel for his groundbreaking discoveries on leptin and body weight regulation. These awardees have significantly contributed to understanding obesity.
A study by NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell estimates the macroeconomic consequences of firearm-related fatalities in OECD countries, finding cumulative losses of $239.0 billion from 2018 to 2030. The US experiences the highest relative losses, with a total of $152.5 billion attributed to firearm fatalities.
The ACA's Medicaid expansion improved preconception health indicators for low-income women, including increased health counseling and daily folic acid intake. While no changes were found in chronic condition prevalence or health behaviors, the expansion may help address risk factors for maternal and child health.
Recent research highlights the significant effects of COVID-19 on people with obesity, including immune system impact and outcomes in critically ill patients. Top abstracts from ObesityWeek Interactive showcase the influence of pandemic lockdowns on lifestyle behaviors and eating habits.
A study led by UC Riverside found that 55% of respondents with advanced MS experienced some form of mistreatment, including emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, battering, and sexual assault. The researchers identified risk factors such as primary caregiving responsibilities and lower levels of social support.
The BrainHealth Project aims to redefine brain health as a critical asset, improving emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. By investing in employees' brain health, organizations can tap into their limitless potential, catalyze innovative thinking, and strengthen productivity.
Despite majority view that government is to blame for COVID-19 spread, survey data shows no clear link between public health issues and voting intentions. Researchers found 'null' results in terms of public opinion influencing electoral politics, suggesting politicians may not be punished or rewarded for pandemic management.
The study shows that a switching strategy between two losing strategies can lead to a winning outcome, alleviating suffering and preserving health and well-being. Three different switching rules are proposed, offering novel solutions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and future epidemics.
A NYU health economist expects a Biden administration to restore the US Affordable Care Act's original functionality and implement a more effective pandemic response. A Public Health Job Corps could be established to conduct contact tracing and improve global preparedness against future pandemics.
Children with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions experience greater school absenteeism, poorer exam attainment, and increased unemployment. The study highlights the need for interventions to address the unique challenges faced by these children, who often fall through the cracks due to a lack of recognition of their complex needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing health and economic disparities in communities of color, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. A proposed program of restorative justice aims to address these disparities through investments in education and housing, reforms in lending practices, and criminal justice reforms.
The study aggregates mortality, morbidity, mental health conditions, and economic losses to estimate the total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The estimated cost is $16 trillion, with an optimistic assumption that the pandemic will be substantially contained by fall 2021.
A new USC study found that individuals' behavior in response to the pandemic closely correlates with their trusted mass media outlets. Those who trusted left-leaning CNN reported more positive behaviors like wearing masks, while those who trusted right-leaning Fox News exhibited riskier behaviors.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 has a devastating impact on households with lower incomes, leading to large job losses and business closures. The economic disparities between rich and poor worsen as a result of the pandemic.
Researchers at WHOI will contribute to improving the nation's collective response to harmful algal blooms (HABs) through $2.5 million in funding over the coming year. The projects aim to enhance monitoring and determine socioeconomic impacts of blooms nationwide, with a focus on protecting human health, ecosystems, and local economies.
The Obesity Society has announced four honorees for its annual symposium, which will present the latest insights into preventing and treating obesity. The honorees represent a range of topics, including the effects of obesogenic medication on weight change outcomes.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that American adults have increased their alcohol consumption significantly during the pandemic, with women experiencing a 41% rise in heavy drinking episodes. The overall frequency of alcohol consumption also rose among all adults aged 30 and above.
Research found increasing gaps in premature death rates between lower-income and higher-income individuals in Canada. Socioeconomic inequalities have worsened over the past 25 years, with lower-income groups experiencing significantly higher risks of premature death.