Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A review of recent economic research found that newborn health has improved nationally in recent years, with a decrease in low birth weight among disadvantaged mothers over the last 20 years. This improvement is attributed to increased public policies and programming aimed at improving prenatal and postnatal care.
Researchers at the University of Miami found that a one-point increase in high school GPA raises annual earnings by around 12% for men and 14% for women. The study also shows that African-Americans with high GPAs are more likely to graduate from college than their white counterparts.
A recent study found a significant correlation between US foreclosure crisis and rising suicide rates, especially among middle-aged adults. Foreclosures were found to affect not only individuals but also entire communities, exacerbating feelings of loss, shame, or regret.
Researchers analyzed data on nearly 3,000 hospitals from 2006 to 2011, finding that financially weak and safety-net hospitals struggled to recover from the recession. Despite rebounding by 2011, these institutions continue to face significant financial gaps with non-safety-net hospitals.
New prescription drugs are delayed in Canada due to pharmaceutical company submissions to Health Canada. The mean delay was 540 days for approved drugs submitted to the US and EU first.
A statistical modeling study projects almost all European countries will experience rising obesity rates by 2030, with the highest prevalence in females in Ireland. The study highlights the need for urgent policies to reverse this trend and prevent premature mortality and economic strain on healthcare systems.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health reform in 2006 resulted in a 2.9% decrease in mortality rates compared to similar populations in states without expanded health coverage. The study estimates that the law has prevented approximately 320 deaths per year.
Researchers have discovered two new US turtle species, the Suwannee and Apalachicola alligator snapping turtles, which are found in the southeastern United States. These ancient reptiles were previously thought to be a single species, but genetic analysis reveals deep evolutionary divisions between them.
The Lancet Oncology publishes a major new Commission examining the challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. The report highlights disparities in access to cancer care, poor quality of data collection, and barriers to improving cancer care related to social, economic, and environmental factors.
A new study by Dartmouth investigators finds Medicare's current risk-adjustment methodology is flawed and ineffective in adjusting for population differences. The researchers suggest using wealth and health indices as an alternative to explain regional mortality rates, outperforming the current diagnosis-based method.
A study found that primary care providers were capable of accepting new patients prior to the start of the Affordable Care Act coverage expansions, with median wait times under one week. However, Medicaid patients faced significant barriers, with only 58% of practices offering an appointment.
Research warns of a potential catastrophic epidemic in the Americas due to chikungunya's high transmission rates. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more people together, increasing the risk of disease spread.
Jean-Marc Kaufman receives prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on osteoporosis and ageing in men. He has advanced our understanding of sex steroids' regulation and action in health and disease.
The Ocean Health Index assesses ocean health across 10 categories, with Brazil scoring lowest in Natural Products and Food Provision. The index provides a framework for strategic management of ocean resources, with opportunities for improvement identified in various states.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has made significant contributions to the study of bone and mineral diseases, including pioneering clinical studies on peak bone mass and vitamin D insufficiency. His work has provided valuable insights into the risk factors for osteoporosis and hip fracture in late adulthood.
A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth was associated with small or no declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Improvements in public services such as vaccinations and clean water may also lag behind growth in incomes.
A survey by USC researchers found that those who could benefit most from the Affordable Care Act, including low-income earners, are also the most uninformed about health care policies. The study showed that 42% of Americans couldn't describe a deductible and 62% didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO plans.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that the opening of a casino is associated with a lower rate of overweight children in the surrounding community. The study analyzed data from 117 school districts in California and found that every 1 casino slot per capita gained was linked to an increase in average per capita annual income,...
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has a profound impact on vulnerable Americans living with HIV/AIDS, significantly reducing the transmission of the disease and improving treatment outcomes. Early treatment initiation is crucial in preventing new cases and mortality, with estimated cost savings of $80 billion from 1996 to 2009.
Research finds that living in a socioeconomically deprived region increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, regardless of individual social status. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 people and found significant correlations between regional deprivation and type 2 diabetes and obesity rates.
Basic biological research on unusual animal adaptations has led to significant economic and social benefits, including the development of DNA replication techniques and gecko-inspired adhesives. The authors argue that studying 'odd' science ideas can drive innovation and improve education and health.
Druckman and co-authors theorize that politicization generates anxiety, leading to a status quo bias among citizens. This results in obstacles for new scientific innovations entering the marketplace. The findings will be presented at an AAAS symposium titled 'Using Social Science to Change Decisions and Improve Health Outcomes'.
A large-scale study found that falling stock prices are associated with a significant increase in hospitalisations for mental disorders. The researchers analyzed data from Taiwan over 4,000 days and discovered that daily changes in the stock market index coincided with increased hospitalisations. The effects were more pronounced on men...
Research finds Thatcher's policies led to unnecessary unemployment, welfare cuts, and damaging housing policies resulting in excess deaths. The study also highlights the rise in income inequality and regional disparities in health standards during the Thatcher era.
A study by Canadian researchers found a significant association between food shortages and rising TB cases in Zimbabwe, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests that adequate food availability is crucial in controlling TB incidence, especially in areas with high HIV prevalence.
A new database created by UNC Charlotte researchers identifies 306 'health legacy foundations' in 43 states, with critical information on location, asset values, and grant awards. The database helps bridge the gap in documenting philanthropic assets, which are expected to increase due to healthcare reform.
A recent study from Columbia University School of Nursing found that hospitals with a high number of contract nurses had significantly higher levels of patient dissatisfaction and lower quality ratings. The study suggests that equal pay for equal work is essential for better patient outcomes, as low job satisfaction among contract nurs...
A systematic review found that patient decision support interventions have inconsistent results in reducing healthcare spending, with some studies predicting savings ranging from $8 to $3,068 per patient. The impact on treatment utilization rates was mixed and the quality of economic analyses varied.
A new study found that US consumers changed their eating habits significantly between 2003 and 2011, leading to a decline in calorie consumption. The changes persisted independent of economic conditions, suggesting that public health efforts and increased awareness about healthy eating played a crucial role.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that WWII had long-lasting consequences on health, education, and marriage among European survivors. Living in a war-torn country increased the likelihood of physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that white roofs are the most cost-effective option over a 50-year time span, with savings of $2 per square foot compared to black roofs. Green roofs, while more expensive upfront, offer environmental and amenity benefits that may mitigate their financial burden.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can use gestures to coordinate actions in pursuit of a specific goal, such as finding hidden food. The study highlights the primates' ability to remember and communicate about their environment through directional gestures.
Researchers analyzed Google search data during the Great Recession, finding that Americans searched more frequently for information on health ailments. The study revealed a significant increase in searches for symptoms like stomach ulcers, headaches, and back pain, with some queries 200 million times higher than expected.
A new study reveals that the high mortality rates in the US Central Southern states are most likely due to smoking. The study found that smoking behaviors account for a significant burden of smoking, with southern states maintaining high levels of smoking despite declining prevalence nationwide.
Palliative care is misunderstood as a synonym for end-of-life care, causing patients to miss out on symptom relief. Early palliative care can improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with serious illnesses.
The lab, a joint initiative between EcoHealth Alliance and Sabah Wildlife Department, will analyze wildlife health and genetic research, as well as assist in combating the spread of diseases. The facility is part of the USAID-PREDICT Project, aiming to strengthen public health work and protect the region's economic health.
A recent study published in PLoS ONE analyzes how financial connections affect economic crises and suggests modifying links between entities to increase robustness. The research highlights the importance of addressing relationships between banks, rather than just focusing on individual entity capital requirements.
A study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that those who attempted suicide before age 24 had higher rates of metabolic syndrome, depression, and unemployment later in life. These individuals were also more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric problems and reported feeling lonely and dissatisfied with life.
The study highlights that many people remain sexually active well into later life and positive sexual experiences are related to overall health and wellbeing. It also shows changes in sexual behaviour over the last century, including earlier onset of sex, increased older people's activity, and a closing gap between men and women.
Economic downturns in mid-life may lead to lower cognitive ability and memory problems later on, with men experiencing more severe effects. Analyzing data from 12,000 Europeans, researchers found that those who faced economic recessions during their 40s had poorer cognitive performance at age 50.
Research finds severe economic loss during recession increases drunkenness and alcohol problems in men and middle-aged Americans. Men and those aged 30-49 show most adverse effects of economic loss on drinking patterns.
A new Princeton study reveals that military children and their families face unique challenges despite being resilient. The report sheds light on the economic, social, and emotional impacts of military life on these families, highlighting the need for adaptive programs and community support.
A new study predicts that the Affordable Care Act will increase emergency department reimbursements by 17% for uninsured patients on Medicaid and 39% for those switching to private insurance. This could help reverse a decades-long trend of uncompensated care in ERs.
Researchers at George Washington University found that outpatient emergency department encounters could reimburse more for patients gaining Medicaid or private insurance through the Affordable Care Act. On average, uninsured patients who will be eligible for Medicaid would receive 17% higher reimbursement per visit, while those becomin...
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million people's personality traits and demographics to identify three distinct geographic areas with unique characteristics, including friendly and conventional regions versus relaxed and creative states.
The joint initiative aims to generate practical measures to improve health systems in LMICs through multidisciplinary research. The scheme will facilitate successful adoption of effective interventions into routine practice, benefiting the most vulnerable populations.
A long-term analysis of economic cycles found that death rates increased for middle-aged and elderly people when the economy was growing. The study suggests that factors like job stress and road traffic accidents may not fully explain these trends, but social support changes could play a role.
A study by researchers at the University of York found that combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care improved depression symptoms in patients after three months. The study showed significant reductions in average depression scores for both acupuncture and counselling interventions, but not between the two groups.
A new study found that neighborhoods with more banks and fewer fast food outlets have lower obesity rates among high school students. The research suggests that the retail environment plays a complex role in shaping health outcomes.
A recent study found that California adults with Medicaid coverage had the largest increase in emergency department visits from 2005 to 2010. This rise may be attributed to decreased access to primary care, which was reflected in higher rates of ambulatory care sensitive conditions among Medicaid patients.
The SDSU-Imperial Valley School of Nursing program is expanding its efforts to recruit and retain minority nurses. With a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program will provide scholarships and stipends to 70 nursing students over three years.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that Americans can look forward to over two extra years of healthy life compared to the past. The study analyzed data from multiple government-sponsored health surveys and found improvements in overall health, with reduced symptoms of disease and increased vitality.
A pay-for-performance program in EHR-enabled small practices improved cardiovascular care processes and intermediate outcomes, with higher changes for patients with diabetes or hypertension. The study suggests that these practices can respond to incentives and improve quality in the context of robust clinical management tools.
A study suggests that rapid economic growth between 1950 and 1980 may have contributed to the high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the American South. The 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis proposes that children who grow up in poverty are unprepared biologically to manage the abundance of processed foods and sedentary lifestyle associate...
A new analysis found that people across all social standings accumulate harmful chemicals in their bodies. The study shows strong associations between 18 different chemicals and poverty ratings, with individuals from higher incomes having larger amounts of toxicants like mercury and benzophenone-3.
Research from King's College London reveals that people with mental health problems face higher unemployment rates and increased social exclusion during economic downturns. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the need for governments and employers to address stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health issues.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that standardized vascular health checks could improve health outcomes and reduce costs in Germany, the UK, France, Denmark, Italy, and Poland. The study used the Archimedes Model to simulate a clinical trial comparing seven health check strategies to current levels of care.
The NHS is facing a deepening financial crisis, with the BMA warning that efficiency savings may need to reach £24.25bn by 2016. The head of health policy at the BMA believes this would require drastic measures, including 'pay and staffing levels to be decimated', making the service unviable.
Researchers found that urban heat island effect combined with global warming could increase Sydney's temperatures by up to 3.7°C by 2050. Green spaces and bodies of water can help reduce the impact, with studies showing a marked effect on reducing the urban heat island effect.
International Economics is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research papers on various topics in international economics. The journal is dedicated to advancing our understanding of global economic relationships and the world economy.