Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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...
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.
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.
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.
A recent report found that people with type 1 diabetes had almost a 3-fold risk of death from COVID-19, while those with type 2 diabetes had an almost 2 times higher risk. High blood glucose levels are associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
A new study found that middle-aged Americans without a college degree report higher levels of pain than older Americans. The research team analyzed data from over 2.5 million adults and found that each generation of less-educated Americans experiences more pain throughout their lives.
A study by Daphne Liu and Adrian Raftery found that contraceptive prevalence has a significantly greater impact on fertility decline than unmet need. Education also affects fertility, particularly through girls' early educational attainment, which can discourage families from having more children.
A new model prioritizes countries based on premature deaths caused by COVID-19, focusing on mitigating three types of harms: death and permanent organ damage, indirect health consequences, and economic destruction. The Fair Priority Model aims to reduce premature deaths and other irreversible health consequences from COVID-19.
A recent study by researchers from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research found that older adults living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are two times more likely to experience delirium after surgery. Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute decline in cognition, which can present as inattention, disorien...
Researchers warn that the introduction of 'cigarillos' to the UK market is exploiting loopholes in public health measures, targeting cigarette smokers with low-cost products. The authors advocate for urgent adjustments to the tax system to raise pack prices and reduce the incentives behind these products.
Dr. Famida Jiwa, President and CEO of Osteoporosis Canada, received the IOF CNS Medal for her outstanding work in expanding osteoporosis awareness and outreach globally. She has led significant programs to improve patient care and education in Canada.
Dr. Daniel Pinto has been recognized with the prestigious award for his research on cost-effectiveness and patient preferences in arthritis management strategies. He is a specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy and a member of several IOF committees.
A small Italian town's transformation into a major hub for medical device production is attributed to one man's entrepreneurial spirit and vision. The study, led by Professor Simone Ferriani, highlights the 'anchor entrepreneurship' framework as a catalyst for rapid development in small communities.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that generic public health messages are more effective than tailored advice in shifting dietary habits. Participants who received generic information selected food baskets with less total fat and spent 34% less on unhealthy items compared to those who received no information.
A new study finds the ACA nearly fully offsets reduction in employer-sponsored insurance for people who left or lost their job after its implementation. The law is critical in alleviating coverage losses related to the Covid-associated recession, but its future remains uncertain.
Researchers at Mississippi State University recommend using an integrated approach that combines seed-applied nematicides with in-furrow nematicides to manage reniform nematodes in cotton. This approach can improve cotton yields while reducing production costs, making it a economically viable option for farmers.
A new study finds that Front-of-Pack labelling on food products leads to a reduction in the quantity of labelled store-branded food purchased and an overall improvement in nutritional composition of consumers' shopping baskets. The study, published in the Journal of Health Economics, shows significant improvements in poorer households.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to investigate how older adults process information and make decisions about their care. The study found that eye-tracking can inform the design of assessments and improve the inclusivity of older people with cognitive impairment.
The Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community, supported by a $7 million grant, aims to develop strategies and solutions that remove barriers and accelerate prosperity for low-income families. Boston Medical Center's StreetCred program will incorporate financial coaching as part of its care model.
A new study identifies weak concrete and heavy trucks as the top reasons for sewer line failure. The researchers used statistical analysis to show that these factors are most likely to trigger a problem among common causes of sewer pipe failure.
A team of researchers argues that investing $30 billion annually could pay for itself quickly by preventing the emergence of new viral pathogens. The proposed strategy focuses on monitoring and regulating the wildlife trade and reducing tropical deforestation, which are linked to two-thirds of emerging diseases in the past 50 years.
Researchers analyzed patient preferences for waiting time, post-graft life expectancy, infection risk, and neoplastic risk. Including patient preferences in the algorithm improves patient satisfaction and expected graft survival rates.
A new international research project aims to evaluate the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states. The study, led by CAMH and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, will investigate the effectiveness of policy interventions implemented between 2016 and 2018.
The world population is projected to peak at 9.7 billion in 2064 and decline to 8.8 billion by 2100 due to low fertility rates. Liberal immigration policies are necessary to maintain population size and economic growth, with the US workforce forecasted to be sustained through large net immigration.