Articles tagged with Medical Economics
The US ranks 27th worldwide in investment in education and healthcare, a decline from 6th in 1990. China sees an increase in ranking to 44th, while nations with greater human capital improvements tend to experience faster growth in GDP.
A study by Northwestern University researchers explored the attitudes and beliefs of Chinese immigrant women regarding their children's and spouse's involvement in their health and healthcare. The findings suggest opportunities for culturally tailored interventions to improve these women's health outcomes.
The study found that Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws reduce binge drinking and risky behaviors such as drunk driving, sexual activities, violence, and interpersonal problems. The analysis suggests a need to reevaluate the MLDA to determine its optimal age.
A new analysis reveals that poor-quality care is responsible for an estimated 5 million deaths per year, surpassing deaths due to insufficient access to care. Global efforts to improve health systems will be futile if quality does not improve.
A new study predicts that the number of adults aged 85 and older requiring full-time care will nearly double to 446,000 in England over the next 20 years. Meanwhile, the overall numbers of people needing 24-hour care are expected to rise by more than a third to over 1 million by 2035.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that household food insecurity is strongly associated with increased mortality rates in adults. The study analyzed data from Ontario, Canada and found that more severe levels of food insecurity were linked to a higher risk of mortality.
A recent study published in the journal Addiction found that individuals who experience hangovers continue to exhibit impaired cognitive function, including poorer attention and memory, the day after a heavy drinking session. This highlights the need for workplaces to reconsider their guidelines on alcohol intoxication at work.
A new analysis by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that achieving universal healthcare (UHC) will require significant transformations in how health services are delivered, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in quality medical services, adopting innovative...
Recent FDA research identified effective health messaging strategies for rural, non-Hispanic White males aged 12-17 years who are at risk of initiating or experimenting with smokeless tobacco. The findings suggest that authenticity and straightforward facts about the health consequences of SLT use resonate well with this audience.
The university's School of Medicine has received a $936,000 grant to develop strategies for more equitable food systems in Cleveland. The project aims to sequence and integrate efforts like supermarket expansion, social marketing campaigns, and emergency food assistance programs to achieve maximum community benefit.
A USC study found that when clinicians are given information about a patient's fatal overdose, they prescribe fewer powerful painkillers. Clinicians who received a letter from the county medical examiner were 9.7% less likely to prescribe opioids in the following three months.
Experts recommend states guide doctors in certifying patients who cannot work due to illness, and connect Medicaid enrollees with job training and support services. States should also consider fluctuating work patterns when implementing reporting requirements.
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that Grenadian female adolescents adhering to a traditional diet rich in healthy foods have lower rates of obesity than those consuming a more westernized diet. The researchers identified a generational effect, where the prevalence of obesity increases with future generations.
A study in Honduras found that combining conditional payments with investment in schools and clinics leads to better educational and labor market outcomes. The research suggests that this approach can have a transformative impact on individuals' lives.
A study by Penn State researchers found that poor mental health days can lead to a 1.84% drop in per capita real income growth rate, resulting in $53 billion less total income each year. Investing in mental health resources may help mitigate these effects, particularly in rural counties with limited access to services.
Research by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health found that flushing water lines may not be effective in reducing lead levels, potentially increasing exposure to children. The study suggests that certified water filters and more proactive interventions may be needed to protect children from lead in drinking water.
A cluster-randomized trial in Western Kenya found that coupling free diagnostic tests with discounts on artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) boosted testing rates and improved the rational use of ACTs. The intervention increased malaria diagnostic testing by 50.5% and reduced misuse of antimalarial drugs.
The BMJ's new collection aims to improve global health by integrating research into health systems and increasing its value. Despite progress since the introduction of a regional policy in 2009, challenges persist, including weak public health functions and varying levels of research capacity.
A Vanderbilt University study reveals that legalizing same-sex marriage has improved healthcare access for gay men, with increased likelihood of having health insurance and a usual source of care. However, no significant improvements were seen in mental health or negative health behaviors.
The NHS treats over 2 million wounds annually at a cost of £5.3 billion. Professor Peter Vowden highlights the need for improved systems of care to reduce this burden.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy found that concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use increases the risk of opioid-related overdose by five-fold compared to opioid-only use. The risk decreases after 180 days of concurrent use, but is still elevated compared to opioid-only use.
The University of Louisville launches the Envirome Institute with a $5 million gift, supporting research on the holistic approach to studying how the human-environment interrelationship impacts people's lives. The institute aims to introduce a new approach to health research incorporating community engagement and citizen science.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that Medicaid work requirements and health savings accounts can lead to confusing beneficiaries, dissuade some from enrolling, and create cost-related barriers to care. The study also revealed significant differences in health insurance coverage rates between states with ...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the average 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease varies widely among India's states, ranging from 13.2% to 19.5%. The researchers identified substantial variation in CVD risk both among states and across socio-demographic groups.
Researchers found that exposure to moderate to extreme temperatures may have played a role in over half a million workplace injuries in Spain, resulting in annual economic losses of €360 million.
The European Union's action plan aims to address antimicrobial resistance through strong national controls, further research, and global collaboration. The EU plan also prioritizes interoperability in healthcare, including e-prescriptions and personal health records.
The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs reports that the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030 will not be met at current rates. The commission proposes six recommendations to address this issue, including increased political leadership, prioritization, and improved financing.
A nationwide study of over 300,000 adults found strong associations between community attributes and well-being, including racial diversity, preventive health care, and public transportation. The researchers identified 12 key factors that contribute to a sense of well-being.
Researchers found that cutting social programme funding could increase avoidable childhood hospitalisations and deaths by up to 20,000 and 124,000 respectively. The poorest municipalities would be disproportionately affected, with potential child mortality rates 8.6% lower in 2030 if current funding is maintained.
A Brazilian study suggests that austerity measures have led to an increase in childhood mortality rates, with the potential to reduce this trend by maintaining social protection programs. The research found that the maintenance of Bolsa Familia and Estrategia Saude da Familia could lead to a reduction in child mortality by 8.6% in 2030.
Research by Imperial College London found that participating in Eurovision Song Contest may lead to a four percent increase in life satisfaction for every ten places improvement in final score. Conversely, doing poorly in the competition was associated with a greater increase in life satisfaction compared to not taking part at all.
A US study tracked antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii infections among children from 1999 to 2012, finding an overall increase in resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems, but a decline after 2008 due to improved infection control measures.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC is launching a landmark $1.5 billion National Institutes of Health-led program to develop precision medicine. The program aims to create a demographically, geographically and medically diverse participant community, especially those underrepresented in biomedical research.
A new state-by-state analysis reveals US government investment in global health research and development generates considerable economic benefits, creating jobs and injecting millions of dollars into local economies. The study also highlights the dangers of ignoring neglected diseases in an increasingly interconnected world.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has been named the winner of the annual Olof Johnell Science Award, recognizing his internationally recognized contributions to the field of osteoporosis. He leads an internationally competitive programme of research into musculoskeletal disorders, most notably osteoporosis.
A new study reveals that swapping cars for shared bicycles avoids up to 73 deaths and saves $226 million annually. The use of mechanical bicycles offers the most health benefits, with Paris and Barcelona experiencing notable reductions in fatalities and pollution exposure.
Australia is joining the Lancet Countdown, a global health and climate change initiative. The country will track its progress on 40 indicators across five categories, including adaptation planning, mitigation actions, and public engagement.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that an app-based self-care program using acupressure reduced menstrual pain in young women by up to 58% after six months. The app, Luna, was used by participants who received either standard care or a self-acupressure intervention.
A new study by NYU researchers found that craving can overshadow healthy choices and make people willing to pay more for unhealthy food items. The study revealed that craving boosts the economic value of tempting, high-calorie foods relative to healthier options.
A new study reveals that US drug-related mortality rates are not randomly distributed across the country, but rather are influenced by economic and social factors. The research found significant geographic differences in overdose rates, with some regions bearing heavier burdens than others.
A novel enzyme with GNA1 function has been identified as a key player in the survival and infectivity of Apicomplexan parasites. The discovery paves the way for the development of targeted therapies against malaria and other parasitic diseases.
A recent study links Beijing's persistent haze events to large-scale climatic warming and changes in the East Asian winter monsoon system. The research found a significant positive trend of haze events in Beijing from 1980 to 2016, correlating with weakened regional atmospheric circulation.
The UK's low priority on children and young people's health threatens the country's economic growth and prosperity. Investing in child health can bring impressive returns, but current neglect may lead to reduced workforce participation and productivity.
The Tobacco Atlas reveals the tobacco industry's deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations in Africa and other emerging markets. The report highlights the need for governments to implement proven tobacco control policies to reduce the human and economic toll of the tobacco epidemic.
Infants who look like their father at birth tend to spend more time with their dads, leading to improved health outcomes. This is because fathers perceive the resemblance as proof of paternity, motivating them to engage in positive parenting practices.
A new study reveals the 2008 Great Recession led to a significant increase in obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems, especially among women and those with lower education. The researchers found a decrease in smoking and drinking, but an increase in the use of medicines and mental health issues.
Researchers found that children from disadvantaged households are at greater risk of low muscle strength and poor health status as adults. Chronic stress in childhood may alter the body's ability to maintain good health over time.
A new study estimates that vaccines can prevent up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment in 41 low- and middle-income countries by 2030. The poorest populations are expected to benefit the most from vaccine programs, with a significant impact on health and economic outcomes.
Increased investments in vaccines administered to low- and middle-income countries could avert up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment. The poorest households would likely receive the most benefit from increased access to vaccines due to their higher risk and limited healthcare use.
A new study calculates pandemic-related deaths of 700,000 and annual economic losses of $500 billion, according to a theoretical model applied to rare pandemic scenarios. The estimated costs fall within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's estimates of global warming costs.
A new report suggests that improving health and economic activity among those aged over 50 is key to addressing the UK's pension crisis. The Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI) recommends creating an 'active aging' environment, which would raise lifetime earnings and saving levels.
A study by University of Colorado researchers found that changes to the nursing home quality ratings system led consumers to choose better providers. The simplified five-star system used on Nursing Home Compare motivated consumers to select higher-rated nursing homes, while low-rated facilities with limited options struggled.
A recent study reveals substantial inequalities in cesarean births persisting across countries, with higher rates among the richest fifths indicating overuse. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted policies to ensure equitable access to caesarean sections and improve maternal and newborn health.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion in the US led to improved access to surgery and higher quality surgical care, with significant improvements seen within less than two years. The study analyzed data from nearly 300,000 patients and compared 27 states with expanded Medicaid coverage to 15 without expansion.
A new study found that one in three low-income renters face housing instability, linked to poor health outcomes and material hardships. Housing instability was associated with increased odds of adverse health outcomes, including poor caregiver health and food insecurity.
A European study found that increasing cycling networks in cities can lead to significant health and economic benefits. The study estimates that if all assessed cities achieved a 24.7% bicycle mode share, over 10,000 premature deaths could be avoided annually.
Booster seats reduce minor injuries specifically among children aged 8 to 12, while car seats and seat belts appear equally effective at saving lives. However, booster seats may not be the best option for younger children due to concerns over premature graduation to adult seat belts.
A recent study found that opioid prescribing for disabled adults is higher outside of large central metro counties, even after accounting for local economic factors. County-level factors such as household income, unemployment rate, and income inequality also play a significant role in determining opioid prescribing rates.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cell salvage did not significantly reduce the need for donor blood transfusions during caesarean sections. However, it showed promise in reducing transfusions in emergency caesareans. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
A Pennsylvania study found that infants born to mothers near active fracking sites are 25% more likely to have low birthweight, a risk factor for infant mortality and other health issues. Exposure to fracking pollutants may contribute to this increased risk.