Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Poverty in older age poses significant risks to the UK's health system. The authors highlight poor performing pensions, taxation changes, and social care funding as key factors contributing to this issue. They also express concerns about the potential for private for-profit providers to impact vulnerable individuals' care.
A study found that heavily indebted medical students choosing primary care face significant financial challenges. To mitigate these issues, they must consider alternative repayment strategies or lifestyle adjustments, such as living in a more affordable area or opting for an extended repayment plan.
A new study co-conducted by RIT researcher reveals a significant link between the death of a child and increased mother mortality, with mortality rates rising 133% within two years of a child's passing. The study analyzed over 69,000 mothers and provides insights for public health policy and early intervention strategies.
Research finds men's mental health deteriorated following 2008 recession, with job insecurity a major contributor. Analysis of Health Surveys for England from 1991 to 2010 shows rising prevalence of poor mental health among men during economic downturns.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's 2012 Community Health Leaders Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving health and healthcare in their communities. The recipients include Kay Branch, Fred Brason, Debbie Chatman Bryant, Beth Farmer, Amy Johnson, and Ifeanyi Anne Nwabukwu, who are addressing i...
A new mathematical model uses menstrual cycle data to predict conception chances and identify potential fertility issues. The analysis suggests that older couples are more likely to experience low fertility, making it essential for them to seek medical attention sooner.
A $20 billion funding boost has been made towards improving women's and children's health, with $10 billion already spent. The funding gap between initial pledges and actual spending remains significant, highlighting the need for better targeting of funds to areas of greatest need.
A new study reveals that secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately affects African Americans, especially black infants, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study found that communities of color experience the greatest losses due to secondhand smoke, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study by the Countdown to 2015 group found that official development aid for maternal, newborn, and child health activities decreased by 0.5% in 2010, despite an increase in the number of donors. This decrease is concerning as it may impact countries' ability to meet international targets for reducing maternal and child mortality.
A University of Illinois economist warns that cutting SNAP benefits would exacerbate food insecurity in the US. Restricting food choices through programs like New York City's sports drink ban also discourages participation and leads to more food insecurity.
A Tufts University researcher has developed a new statistical model that estimates air pollution exposure for previous time periods where direct data is lacking. The study shows that air quality improves when unemployment rises.
A Review published in The Lancet warns that health inequalities in Europe are worsening and calls for urgent action to reduce disparities. The review provides policy recommendations to improve health equality across European countries, regardless of their current status or income.
A new study by Cornell University finds that employed mothers spend three-and-half fewer hours per day on children's diet and exercise compared to stay-at-home mothers. Meanwhile, working fathers devote just 13 minutes daily to such activities.
A global study of 154,000 individuals from 17 countries found that healthy foods are consumed more often by the wealthy, while poorer people rely on carbohydrates. The study also revealed lower levels of obligatory physical activity among the poor and higher rates of smoking among richer populations.
Mexico has made significant progress towards universal health coverage since 2004, with over 50 million uninsured citizens enrolling in public medical insurance. Key healthcare challenges remain, including disparities in state funding and access to rural areas.
The US received a slightly above average score of 63 in the Ocean Health Index, which evaluates global oceans in critical aspects. Key findings include high biodiversity scores and strong coastal livelihoods, but poor food provision and pollution concerns.
A study of 89 million Americans found that 23 million experienced multiple gaps in coverage, while those with gaps suffered as well as those who remained insured. The researchers highlight the need for stable and affordable insurance to minimize uninsured gaps.
Researchers are developing a mathematical model designed to help explain how financial shocks spread across the global economy. The model, funded by the NSF, aims to provide early warnings of potential crises and inform policy makers' responses.
Researchers implemented a community-based model, where volunteers provided basic care to HIV patients, achieving equivalent viral load results as hospital-based programs. After two years, 93% of patients showed viral suppression.
A large national study found that marriage does not boost longevity for black Americans in the same way it does for white Americans. Black couples who live together without marrying have similar mortality rates as married black couples.
A new study found that people living near the coast tend to have better health than those living inland. The analysis showed that the link between living near the coast and good health was strongest in economically deprived communities.
The UK space sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, contributing £9.1 billion to the economy in 2010/11, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The sector's continued success reflects strategic investment in technological innovations and a highly skilled workforce.
The HILDA Survey report provides insights into Australia's coping mechanisms during the global financial crisis. The survey reveals key findings on household income, labor market outcomes, and life satisfaction.
A new study published in The Lancet found that developing countries have made progress in reducing child malnutrition but still struggle to meet the UN's Millennium Development Goal target. The research analyzed data from over 7 million children worldwide and estimated that only 61 of 141 countries have a 50% chance of meeting the goal.
A new study estimates that replacing car journeys with walking for short trips could save 108 men's and 79 women's lives annually in Catalonia. This would also bring economic benefits of over €200 million, with annual savings of more than €200 million.
The National Academy of Inventors congratulates 11 top universities for their 2011 patent success, including the University of South Florida. The list includes American universities and Chinese institutions, with the University of California System holding the most patents awarded.
Researchers propose 'automated hovering' approaches combining technology, behavioral economics, and new payment strategies to motivate patients to improve their health. These approaches aim to reduce costly hospital admissions by targeting specific patient populations and promoting adherence to medication regimens.
Sandeep Kishore has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on malaria parasites and his efforts to integrate basic sciences and public health perspectives in global health. He developed an open-source curriculum on neglected diseases, which has evolved into a longitudinal four-year program with full administrative support.
International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...
Ellen Jo Baron has been recognized with the 2012 ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award for her decades-long commitment to promoting clinical microbiology and ensuring excellence in laboratory practice worldwide. Baron's extensive service includes volunteering with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Clinical Laboratory Imp...
An international convention on global health R&D is recommended by the WHO expert group to secure a systemic solution. The proposed convention aims to create a formalized platform for R&D coordination, pooling financial investments and holding countries accountable for their actions.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that blood drive donations increased by 15 to 20 percent when incentives such as gift cards were offered. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 blood drives and a field experiment, suggesting that rewards can attract more donors.
Silicosis, a preventable lung disease caused by silica inhalation, remains a significant occupational health concern globally. Despite prevention efforts, cases continue to rise in developing countries, highlighting the need for improved workplace safety and regular medical assessments.
A new study from Southern Methodist University finds that the US government nutritional program WIC has no significant positive or negative impact on infant health. The study accounted for underreporting of WIC benefits and poor participation, which can skew analysis results.
A study by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research found that one-third of adults aged 45-63 are unmarried, with a more than 50% increase since 1980. Single baby boomers face economic and health vulnerabilities, including poverty, disability, and lack of health insurance.
Unmarried baby boomers are disproportionately affected by economic and social outcomes, including lower economic resources, poorer health, and a higher prevalence of disability. They also face significant barriers to accessing health insurance.
The Lancet report emphasizes the importance of transforming old attitudes towards aging and addressing non-communicable diseases in older adults. Effective interventions like hypertension management and promoting healthy lifestyles can improve health status with relatively cheap treatments.
The study's addition of genetic data provides a major new dimension for research, combining genetic background with data on older people's lives. Researchers will be able to describe behavioral and environmental risk factors for disease and disability.
A new U-M study finds that US employment downturns affect remittance payments to chronically ill patients in Central America, leading to reduced access to healthcare. Patients with lower education and multiple chronic health problems face significant financial strain.
Scientists found that Salmonella bacteria attach differently to ripe and unripe tomatoes, with filaments forming on ripe ones. This could affect how pathogens are maintained on surfaces, according to researchers at Imperial College London.
49 states and the District of Columbia have taken action supporting the Affordable Care Act's implementation, including passing legislation, issuing regulations, or reviewing insurer filings. States have adopted a range of pragmatic approaches to ensure residents receive consumer protections promised under the law.
A recent study estimates that up to two million lives could be saved globally with improvements in trauma care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers suggest that reductions in fatality rates among seriously injured individuals could save nearly two million lives annually.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between economic conditions and suicide rates in NYC. The monthly suicide rate was 29% higher at the economic low point in 1992 than at the peak in 2000, with white men under 45 being the most affected.
The authors argue that HAART roll-out's cost-effectiveness has been significantly understated, as economic analyses fail to account for its role in preventing HIV transmission. This oversight highlights the need for expanded 'Seek, Test, Treat and Retain' programs to control HIV and AIDS-related morbidity, mortality, and transmission.
The Fogarty Institute for Innovation has launched an Advanced Endovascular Training Fellowship, providing year-long clinical training for postgraduate physicians. Fellows will engage with start-up companies and assist in developing technologies to improve patient care.
A new study published in Pain found that individuals retiring early due to back problems have significantly lower wealth accumulation and lower annuity values compared to those who retired for other health conditions. By age 65, only 75-85% of those out of the labor force due to back problems will have accumulated some wealth.
A new study suggests that targeted mass vaccination with RTS,S in low transmission settings may be more efficient than national-level introduction via EPI programs. In high transmission areas, distributing the vaccine to three-month old infants is the most efficient strategy.
The University of Louisville Health Sciences Center's Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) have a significant economic impact on the western half of Kentucky, with a value of over $5.7 million. The AHECs provide donated services and training to healthcare professionals in underserved areas, improving the lives of those in need.
A Concordia University study found that adults in Canada, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Quebecers, on the other hand, tend to eat more of nature's produce, making them a model for healthy eating habits.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont measured global happiness using Twitter data over three years. The trend shows a gradual downward trend, with drops in happiness following major events and weekly patterns. The researchers propose a tool for real-time monitoring of collective emotions.
New research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation finds that global health funding has slowed due to cutbacks in the US and shortfalls at the Global Fund, raising concerns about meeting the Millennium Development Goal deadline. Despite this, strong commitments to global health have been made by many countries.
American Indians with African ancestry outperformed 'full bloods' in reproductive success due to genetic, cultural, and socio-economic factors. Their increased fertility helped mixed blood populations grow rapidly compared to full blood groups during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Increasing physician pay to attract more doctors may lead to a shortage of services. Non-wage compensation like bonuses and relocation support can reduce the number of hours worked by physicians.
A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.
A new study finds weak evidence supporting exercise referral schemes as a means of increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals. Despite the importance of physical activity, the study highlights the need for targeted and effective schemes to address the growing public health issue.
Community land ownership in Scotland has been found to stimulate businesses, affordable housing, and infrastructure projects, bringing new people and increasing employment. Local decision-making is crucial for building resilience, with communities able to overcome challenges through their own resources or external connections.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that poorer countries with lower healthcare spending have a higher incidence of stroke and death. The study linked lower gross domestic product to increased risk of stroke and post-stroke deaths, as well as younger-age-onset stroke.
The study identified key success factors for achieving good health at low cost, including leadership, capacity, continuity, and taking context into account. Key findings include improved maternal mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and universal healthcare coverage in several study countries.
The UK and Norway are among European countries taking a leading role in improving social determinants of health. The WHO European Region has set up a review to address the growing health divide, which shows vast differences in life expectancy within and between countries.
A review of studies published in The Lancet reveals that investing in mental health interventions can improve economic status. The research highlights the need for integrated mental health services as a key strategy for addressing poverty and promoting human development.