Articles tagged with Medical Economics
New research reveals that opioid-related deaths may be 28% higher than reported due to incomplete death records. The study found that almost 72% of unclassified drug overdoses involved prescription opioids, heroin, or fentanyl.
The US healthcare system is facing significant mistrust issues, with experts calling for action to improve patient trust and care. Experts recommend five actions: exploring patients' mistrust, developing individual and institutional efforts to mend and prevent mistrust, being culturally humble, making empathy part of relationships, and...
A multi-site study found that intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) combined with liraglutide 3.0 mg produced clinically-meaningful weight loss in patients with obesity, resulting in improvements in quality of life and cardiometabolic risk factors. The treatment approach appears to have complementary mechanisms of action.
Analysis estimates health consequences of indoor tanning bans, including reduced skin cancer risk and economic benefits. The study found that implementing such regulations could save billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually.
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists suggests that aerosol pollution can delay climate change effects, benefiting tropical countries but harming high-latitude developed nations. The cooling effect outweighs its limited economic benefits, with public health concerns taking precedence.
A new study from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University found that pregnant urban African American and immigrant Afro-Caribbean women can improve access to prenatal health information through the use of mhealth apps like Text4baby. The study showed a 14% increase in intent to use the app and a 28% increase in intent to speak with pr...
A recent study found that diabetes prevalence is higher among First Nations people and women, particularly those of reproductive age. The gap has narrowed over time, but the risk factors persist. Understanding these determinants is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
Researchers have re-engineered a plant-derived compound to reduce morphine-seeking behaviors in mice, preventing relapse to opioid addiction. The new molecule inhibits a protein receptor involved in heroin dependence and prevents stress-induced relapse.
New research shows that US states with medical marijuana laws have seen a decline in workers' compensation claims due to improved symptom management. The modest reductions suggest expanded access to medical marijuana may also boost work capacity and reduce reliance on social insurance programs.
The Helsinki Declaration emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to protect human health and the environment. Key findings include the importance of social justice, long-term goals, and scientific knowledge in addressing planetary health threats.
A cross-national study found that higher income inequality is associated with more social problems, but economic prosperity has a mitigating effect. The research analyzed data from 40 high-income countries and suggests that social bonds are weaker in countries with greater income gaps.
A RAND Corporation study estimates that 3,300 people in the Los Angeles County jail mental health population are suitable candidates for diversion into community-based clinical services. The study found that 61% of inmates were appropriate candidates for diversion, with men making up 85% of the jail's mental health population.
Women who worked consistently during their prime midlife years had better physical health than non-working women later in life, according to a new study published in Demography. The research also found that working women were less depressed and lived longer, with a lower risk of death by 2012.
A new study published in the Cambridge Journal of Economics finds that countries taking the 'low road' to growth, like the US, experience adverse effects on wellbeing and future prosperity. In contrast, Scandinavian countries that take the 'high road' by investing in social reproduction see positive effects on human welfare.
Patient portals provide access to health information and communication with clinicians, but many hospitals fail to offer clear guidance on using them. The study found that over half of secure messaging portals lacked detailed instructions on appropriate message content, leading to confusion among patients.
Researchers found that women in Ethiopia often delay seeking care due to social taboos surrounding genital and breast diseases, while men may be deterred by economic dependence on their partners. The study suggests integrating NTD treatment into primary healthcare can address these gender-related challenges.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that federal disability benefits encourage more family caregiving, with recipients increasing in-kind assistance from adult children and enabling them to reallocate time to care for their parents. The study also shows a significant increase in the likelihood of children receiving payment for their help.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that counties with worse economies had higher cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly among middle-aged adults. The research suggests that economic disparities contribute directly to health disparities and highlights the need for interventions such as policies like a health insurance expansion.
No-till with cover crop systems have produced higher net returns than conventional till in Texas cotton systems. The practice also improves soil health, water storage, and long-term yield potential.
A new study by Yale researchers found that physicians rate EHR systems poorly, with an average score of 45, leading to increased frustration and burnout. The study suggests that the steep learning curve and lack of intuitive design contribute to this outcome, affecting specialties such as dermatology and general surgery.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that recreational cannabis legalization led to a 26% increase in past-month marijuana use and a 37% rise in cannabis use disorder among adults aged 26 and older. The researchers also observed a small increase in cannabis use disorder among adolescents.
Experts emphasize the need for societal shift in understanding longevity, with a focus on health-related behaviors across all ages. The Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity initiative aims to gather evidence and produce a 10-year action plan adaptable to local contexts.
Scientists at CSH Vienna create model to determine regional health care system's resilience in real-time, focusing on physicians' networks and patient flows. The model helps identify critical points where the system can absorb or compensate for lost doctors without collapse.
A new study examined data from over 15,000 participants and found that playing video games as an adolescent is not linked to acts of violence in young adulthood. The research suggests that competing factors, such as gender differences, may contribute to the observed relationship between gaming and fighting.
Researchers found that people with ACA health insurance are more likely to find themselves in 'artificial provider deserts,' areas with limited coverage, and must travel further to access care. The study highlights the need for consumers to carefully consider their insurance options to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
A study by Binghamton University researchers found that early retirement can lead to accelerated cognitive decline among the elderly. The Chinese New Rural Pension Scheme was linked to decreased cognitive performance, particularly in females, and reduced social engagement and mental activities.
A new US study reveals that most Americans' free time is spent on screen activities, not exercise. Despite perceived lack of leisure time, physical activity rates remain low, with only 53% meeting aerobic guidelines.
A new paper published in JAMA recommends a continuum of care approach, including lifestyle modification therapy, medications, and bariatric surgery, to treat adolescents with obesity. The study suggests that filling the treatment gap between lifestyle modification and surgery is crucial.
A new tool kit provides real-world guidelines for counseling weight loss in primary care settings, offering a 21-session treatment manual modeled on the schedule of visits recommended by CMS. This approach has shown favorable weight losses of 5.4% at 6 months and 6.1% at 1 year.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 17,000 individuals and found that people with specific chromosomal changes tended to live in more deprived areas. The study suggests that these genetic changes may have cumulative effects on socioeconomic status even in the absence of a medical diagnosis.
The Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the number of people with diabetes without health insurance. Among those with undiagnosed diabetes, coverage increased from approximately one in four to just eight percent. This shift has substantial implications for the health and economic outcomes of these individuals.
A survey of over 4,200 Russian-speaking self-employed individuals found that freelancers often work long hours, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends. While some reported feeling satisfied with their work-life balance, others struggled to maintain it due to the demands of non-standard schedules. The study also found that c...
Two Rutgers studies found that maintaining filial piety promotes aging immigrants' health and well-being, while reducing caregivers' stress. Positive associations were observed between participants' feeling of closeness with their children and self-reported health status and quality of life.
Air pollution from fine particulate matter is associated with premature mortality, with the US economy suffering $20 billion in damages annually. Policymakers should consider regulations that target the agriculture and transportation sectors to mitigate this issue.
A new web-based platform was developed to facilitate in-person survey data collection with minority research participants. The platform allows researchers to administer surveys in the participant's preferred language and dialect, promoting stronger interpersonal connections and improved participation rates.
Researchers find taxing sugar content in beverages yields greater health benefits, including reducing obesity rates and Type 2 diabetes cases. The tax could also generate significant economic gains, primarily through savings in healthcare costs.
UCLA Health has been awarded a federal grant to create a regional hub for medical technology and digital health innovation. The Biodesign Hub will focus on developing healthcare technology, leveraging Silicon Beach's startup activity, and advancing patient care.
Researchers found that nearly 50% of study participants reported tooth symptoms and 25.5% experienced dry mouth. Those who reported tooth symptoms showed declines in cognition and episodic memory, while more perceived stress was associated with higher odds of dry mouth.
A RAND Corporation study highlights the need for innovative approaches to address the fentanyl crisis, which has worsened dramatically with tens of thousands of deaths annually. The study suggests that supply disruption, creative supply-side strategies, and increased access to novel treatments are crucial in reversing the tide.
Rutgers University studies reveal higher rates of cognitive impairment among older Chinese American women, linked to depression, chronic conditions, and lower education levels. The research emphasizes the need for policy interventions to address linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers.
A study published in the European Journal of Health Economics found that young adults in Sweden reduce their primary care visits by 7% when they turn 20 and start paying SEK 100 for each visit. Women from low-income groups are most affected, with a 14% decrease in visits.
A new Rutgers study reveals that Chinese Americans are disproportionately affected by elder abuse, with a history of child abuse increasing the risk of intimate partner violence and psychological abuse. The research highlights the need for culturally customized care to interrupt the cycle of violence affecting older minorities.
A new Rutgers study found that unmet family expectations in care, respect, and greet domains increase mortality risks among older Chinese American adults. Researchers assessed the discrepancy between expected and received filial piety across six domains.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has been awarded a $750,000 grant to establish a rural residency program in Maryland's Eastern shore communities. The program aims to develop a sustainable pipeline for primary care physicians in rural areas, addressing the growing shortage of providers in the region.
Research published in BMJ Open found that countries with strong women's rights had better health outcomes, including lower disease rates and higher life expectancy. The study suggests that promoting women's economic and social rights can have a significant impact on positive health outcomes, even in resource-poor countries.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing highlights the challenges faced by nurses in caring for hospitalized patients with social risk factors. The research suggests that prioritization of medical needs and lack of organizational supports can deter nurses from addressing social concerns, leading to unmet needs...
A unique analysis of US county-level data finds strong associations between incarceration, economic hardship, and drug-mortality. County-level incarceration rates are linked with a more than 50% increase in drug-mortality compared to counties with lowest incarceration rates.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that thousands of Arkansas adults lost insurance coverage after implementing Medicaid work requirements, with most not gaining new coverage and becoming uninsured due to confusion and red tape. The policy did not achieve its goal of getting people into new jobs or private insurance.
Self-reported cigarette smoking rates increased by 3.8 percentage points among under-represented minority students after affirmative action bans were enacted. This study found a link between college affirmative action bans and adverse effects on health risk behaviors in minority populations.
A new RAND Corporation study found that young adults who live near medical marijuana dispensaries use marijuana more frequently and have more-positive views about the drug. The associations were strongest among those living near dispensaries with storefront signs, suggesting regulating such advertising could curb excessive use.
Researchers found that Hib-vaccinated children had higher HAZ scores, English and math test scores, and schooling attainment compared to unvaccinated children. The study suggests that Hib vaccination prior to age six is associated with improved long-term health, cognition, and schooling outcomes among Indian children.
A survey of 37 nations shows that policy responses need to be tailored to the nation in which they are delivered, as regional factors greatly influence relationships among energy affordability, life satisfaction, health, and economic inequality.
A new study predicts that more than 6 billion people will be at risk of contracting the dengue virus by 2080. The greatest shifts in dengue risk are projected to occur on the African continent, particularly in the Sahel and southern Africa.
A smaller city's municipally funded team provided intensive services to chronically homeless individuals, resulting in most residents entering housing and reducing public services usage. However, the program faced challenges in graduating clients to other support programs.
Expanding Medicaid eligibility was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly among adults aged 45-64. Counties in expansion states saw a significant reduction in cardiovascular deaths compared to non-expansion states.
A new Health Economics study found that U.S. children's mental health worsened as the economy weakened, with special education services for emotional problems rising. The effects were seen across sexes and ages, suggesting policy responses to poor economic conditions may have larger benefits than anticipated.
The number of people dying with serious health-related suffering is set to increase globally, with a 87% rise expected by 2060. Palliative care need will be most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, with the fastest growth among older adults.
A new study published in The Social Science Journal found that negative economic reporting contributes to people's emotions and increases suicide rates. The study used data from the USA and explored consumer sentiment during times of economic uncertainty.
A new study finds that immediate, dramatic cuts in carbon emissions can be economically sound if human health benefits are factored in. The research estimates that the health benefits alone could reach trillions of dollars annually, depending on air quality policies adopted by nations.
A randomized controlled trial involving 288 people with obesity found that a mobile phone-based intervention had no significant effect on participants' weight over a 12-month period. The study suggests that the intervention may not be cost-effective in its current form.