Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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.
Families with young children who experienced a reduction or cutoff in SNAP benefits showed increased food insecurity and reported poor health. Those whose benefits were reduced experienced more negative outcomes, including housing instability and compromised child and caregiver health.
Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed models to assess pollution exposures at the neighborhood level, but propose advancing to individual-level assessments using data from environmental sensors, mobile, and wearable devices. This could provide evidence-based arguments for change, particularly impacting indivi...
A new RAND Corporation study found that co-use of cannabis and tobacco or nicotine products is associated with poorer mental and physical health, as well as greater problematic behaviors among young adults. More than a third of surveyed young adults reported using both substances together.
A new study reveals a wide variation in global malaria spending across 106 countries, with development assistance plateauing since 2010. The World Health Organization's annual funding target of $6.6 billion is still not met, and more resources are needed to bridge the $2.3 billion gap.
A new genetic test, known as the Obesity Genome-wide Polygenic Score (GPS), has been developed to predict an individual's risk of developing severe obesity. The test uses a genetic score based on over 2 million variations in a person's genetic code and shows high predictive power.
Regular ultrasounds at 36 weeks' gestation can identify undiagnosed breech presentations, reducing the risk of complications for both mothers and babies. By performing these scans, hospitals could potentially save thousands of pounds annually while improving patient outcomes.
Measles and diphtheria have re-emerged in Venezuela with a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, with over 7,500 measles cases reported and 100 deaths attributed to the disease. Diphtheria cases also surged, with 96% of reported cases originating from Venezuela, exposing 3 million vulnerable children to the disease.
Population health departments within US medical centers are rapidly evolving to address clinical and social determinants of health. The study highlights five primary opportunities for US medical schools to advance population health, including promoting a holistic view of health, engaging community residents and leaders, supporting heal...
Researchers from Virginia Tech are undertaking an economic and environmental impact assessment for BOHEMIA, a four-year project using ivermectin MDA campaigns in Tanzania and Mozambique. The study aims to evaluate the potential indirect economic benefits of improved human and livestock productivity.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that graphic health warning labels on cigarette packages can deter some adults from purchasing tobacco products, particularly those with lower nicotine dependence. However, the strategy is unlikely to influence those smokers who are most addicted to nicotine.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has recognized Greg Lyubomirsky and Radmila Matijevic for their contributions to IOF and dedication to advancing education and awareness of osteoporosis. The award is presented annually to individuals representing IOF member societies, highlighting their exceptional commitment to the field.
Dr. Sabico recognized for outstanding scientific merit in vitamin D research, guiding local guidelines for osteoporosis prevention. He is a future thought-leader in musculoskeletal health, advancing awareness in the Middle East region.
Dr Varta Babalyan, President of the Armenian Osteoporosis Association, has been recognized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) for her dedication to osteoporosis prevention and awareness. She was awarded the IOF CNS Medal in 2019 for her work on expanding IOF's messages and outreach in Armenia.
Professor John A. Kanis has been recognized with the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his pioneering work in musculoskeletal research and policy implementation. The award acknowledges his development of FRAX models to calculate absolute fracture risk, which has revolutionized clinical practice.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose revisions to visa categories and licensing laws to host foreign medical graduates for short-term clinical training experiences in the US. This would improve educational impact and equity in global health partnerships.
Researchers analyzed socioeconomic status over time and found those who improved their economic situation had lower mortality risk than those who didn't. The study suggests that cultural and economic improvements can counterbalance initial negative socio-economic circumstances.
A global study found that democratic governance is linked with declines in cardiovascular disease mortality and road deaths, as well as increases in government health spending. Life expectancy improved faster in countries that transitioned to democracy between 1970 and 2015 compared to those that did not.
The study found that percentage-based evidence and human interest stories increased engagement, while discussing overall problem magnitude didn't. Researchers used a nonprofit's health care access campaign to test the effectiveness of different messaging approaches.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that nocturia, a health condition causing frequent nighttime bathroom visits, can lead to economic losses of $44.4 billion annually in the US. People suffering from nocturia report lower life satisfaction and work engagement, resulting in lost productivity and GDP.
A study from a Japanese university consortium shows that university programs to promote rural healthcare increase the number of physicians practicing in rural areas. The programs led to an average 24% increase in graduates working in non-metropolitan areas compared to those without these programs.