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FDA research informs smokeless tobacco prevention messaging for at-risk youth

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.

Cash transfers :New research finds combining demand and supply-side incentives improves longer-term

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.

Poor mental health days may cost the economy billions of dollars

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalReview of Regional Studies·DateJul 30, 2018

Study finds flushing water lines protects inconsistently and may increase lead exposure

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.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 23, 2018

Medicaid work requirements and health savings accounts may impact people's coverage

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 ...

Researchers map cardiovascular disease risk across India

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 19, 2018

The Lancet: A warning and an opportunity: The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on non-communicable diseases

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 2018

Acupressure for menstrual pain

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.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 4, 2018

Changes to nursing home quality ratings system caused consumers to choose better providers

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateJan 24, 2018