A comprehensive report examines the health status and political influence of Hispanics in America, finding rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young Hispanics. The report also projects increased Hispanic political influence, but warns that changes to voting rights laws could limit this growth.
A study found that households with higher incomes are more likely to seek specialist care than those with lower incomes, leading to a pro-rich bias in doctor utilization. Despite this, general practitioner care tends to be distributed fairly equally across income groups.
A study found that ethnic differences in beliefs about health and health management are associated with home remedy use among elderly adults. The researchers analyzed data from the ELDER study, which showed that black and Native American elders were more likely to use home remedies than white elders.
A UCSF study found that living in lower-income areas worsens health and quality of life due to poorer air quality. Neighborhoods with high traffic flow and industrial pollution also linked to reduced lung function, while larger backyards with allergenic plants may play a role.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of preparing health ministries for progressive liberalization of trade in health services. The WHO should continue to provide guidance on international standards and advice on trade rules from a public-health perspective.
A study of 2,160 people who had heart attacks found a high risk of stroke in the first month after the heart attacks. Hospital care at home was shown to be feasible and cost-effective, with patients receiving similar quality of care as those hospitalized.
A new national study found that 46% of working families have medical debt, which hinders access to housing and home ownership. The study also revealed that those with health insurance still face housing difficulties, with one-fifth reporting housing problems.
A new special journal issue examines the effects of cultural adversity on later life health, including the role of past economic hardships, education, race, and gender. The publication presents updated information on mortality rates among minority populations.
Researchers outline new approaches to help developing countries address neglected diseases by pooling resources through health innovation networks. The recommended approach emphasizes harmonized development in six sectors, including manufacturing, research and development, and intellectual property systems.
The American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) implemented a tiered-membership fee policy to lower fees for international members based on economic need. The organization offset costs by offering electronic access to publications, aiming to strengthen clinical pharmacologists' capacity worldwide.
A dramatic increase in research into neglected diseases such as malaria and leprosy could lead to the development of at least eight new drugs by 2010. The analysis found that Public-Private Partnerships have been a critical driver of this growth, bringing together the best skills of both public and private partners.
The National Safety Council has released new economic tools to measure the impact of health and safety initiatives in workplaces worldwide. These models, including Productivity Assessment Tool and ROHSEI, integrate risk assessments, cost-benefit ratios, and decision-making to motivate business leaders to improve safety performance.
A JAMA study investigates how social and political factors influence refugee mental health, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions. The research suggests that addressing these underlying factors can improve mental well-being among refugees.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that welfare reform led to increased rates of hypertension, obesity, and poor self-reported health among single mothers. The study's findings suggest that the impact of welfare reform on women's health was not fully considered in policy decisions.
Researchers found that Scots are more likely to have poorer economic situations, drink problems, and smoke more than English people. Despite controlling for these factors, the study revealed a 50% higher heart disease rate in Scotland compared to England.
PNNL's risk-based approach to cleanup standards reveals significant economic impacts overshadowing other effects, including recovery from radiological dispersion devices. The laboratory employs over 4,000 staff with a $650 million annual budget.
A new study assesses the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals in different countries, highlighting the importance of considering location-specific factors. The findings emphasize that economic evaluations are not transferable across borders, requiring repeated studies to determine cost-effectiveness.
A two-year study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that tailored dietary interventions can improve fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income young adults. The participants who received personalized phone calls and materials showed significant progress in eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
The American Heart Association publishes a blueprint to improve stroke care in the US, aiming for seamless transitions and integrated team-based care. The initiative aims to overcome geographical boundaries and increase access to high-quality stroke care for all citizens, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Dr. Russell, a Yale cardiovascular researcher, is awarded the Bayer Fellowship for his work on heart function and metabolism in disease states. His research focuses on glucose transporter expression, AMP-activated protein kinase, and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins to understand and treat heart failure.
A new UCLA study found that individuals with high socioeconomic status have higher cardiovascular risk factors than those with lower SES. The researchers also discovered that improving one's SES is associated with improved risk profiles.
The study identifies key factors that led to the success of seven developing countries' health biotech industries, including focusing on local health needs, private sector commercialization, widespread collaboration and long-term government support. Successful innovations, such as Cuba's vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae type b infect...
A new method, called the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM), allows researchers to better measure individuals' and society's quality of life. The technique records daily activities and feelings, providing a more accurate picture of well-being than current methods.
A study published in Science found that humans have competing economic value systems, with the emotional brain prioritizing short-term gratification and the logical brain promoting long-term rewards. This discovery has significant implications for predicting economic and behavioral health patterns.
The UK's productivity gap with the US, France, and Germany is substantial, driven by factors such as capital investment, skills, and innovation. Research suggests that improving competition, investing in physical and human capital, and enhancing management skills can help bridge the gap.
A recent study published in Demography found that fathers are less likely to cohabitate with infants who have health issues. The research suggests that low-income children in poor health face significant challenges in maintaining a stable family structure.
A new handbook provides mayors, governors, and public health officials with research-based strategies for safeguarding the public's trust during a response. The guidebook presents common language and purpose for handling emergencies, limiting death and suffering through preventive care.
Research by University of Alberta professors reveals a correlation between extensive family control and economic struggles in developing nations. The study highlights the importance of understanding oligarchic capitalism in these countries to provide effective assistance.
A Michigan Medicine study found that female and black legislators are more likely to sponsor child health bills, with proposals making up 37% of all child health bills. Child health bills were a small percentage of overall health bills, but states with higher legislative passage rates had more success in enacting these bills.
Researchers found a shift in burden of disease as economic growth expands, with poorer women more affected. Obesity risk increases for those in lower-middle income countries above $2,995 per capita income.
A family-based self-management intervention aimed at low income adolescents with Type 1 diabetes led to better health and functioning in the short term. The program helped kids eat better and exercise more, resulting in improved physical functioning.
The report highlights upstate New York's slow economic recovery from deindustrialization, with average wages rising only 2% from 1980 to 2000. The authors call for state policy efforts and federal support to diversify jobs and stimulate growth.
Four new studies expose disparities in children's eye care based on race, income, and insurance status. Minorities and uninsured children are significantly less likely to receive eye exams or corrective lenses than their peers.
Maternal deaths worldwide can be addressed by investing in effective technologies and ensuring their availability. The Lancet series highlights key causes, including haemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting its approach to prioritize reducing global health disparities and addressing emerging epidemics. The organization aims to strengthen health systems and deliver sustainable care to vulnerable populations by 2015. This shift in focus will depend on research priorities and funding to achieve...
A study suggests that women are more likely to turn to their GPs than the internet when seeking information about HRT. Despite increased access to health information online, many women lack 'information literacy' and struggle to navigate online resources.
The US is struggling with chronic poverty, slow economic growth, and insecure access to healthcare, ranking 27th globally. Africa is in dire straits, with many countries facing concentrated poverty, weak institutions, and repeated economic failure.
A study by Anoshua Chaudhuri found that a maternal and child health program in Bangladesh improved the health of grandmothers and great-grandmothers living with the targeted infants. The program increased women's Body Mass Index, indicating healthier adults, and freed up family resources for other household members.
Researchers will evaluate patients in West Virginia clinics to determine the impact of environmental, social, and economic factors on oral health. The study aims to identify risk factors contributing to high oral disease incidence in Appalachia.
The VISION 2020 initiative has the potential to reduce avoidable blindness by nearly two-thirds, saving $102 billion and 429 million blind person-years worldwide. Researchers estimate that economic productivity loss due to blindness could grow from $42 billion to $110 billion if prevention efforts fail.
A cross-sectional study of Tibetan adults found that low back pain is a significant problem, impairing health and productivity. Effective interventions, such as safer back positioning and flip-charts, can help reduce the burden of low back pain in rural societies.
Research finds racial neighborhood segregation and economic disparities contribute to increased rates of sickness and death among African Americans. Environmental stressors, such as pollution and limited access to healthcare, exacerbate chronic diseases like high blood pressure.
Researchers studied the health and economic implications of screening and treating new immigrants from developing nations for latent tuberculosis infection. They found that implementing this practice could avoid up to nine thousand future active tuberculosis cases and save $60 to $90 million per year in healthcare costs.
The report highlights agriculture's significant impact on urban daily life, from green industry to economic benefits and crime reduction. It proposes initiatives for collaboration between agricultural science, higher education, research, and government to remain relevant to society.
The HEED program aims to bridge disciplinary interests in global health, economics, and environment. It will support research on the complex linkages between these factors and inform healthcare strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
A study in southern India found that selling a kidney led to a decline in economic and health status for the seller, with only 14% experiencing no negative effects. The findings contradict arguments in favor of financial incentives, suggesting they may deter organ donations instead.
Experts will share insights on developing and marketing natural medicinal products for economic feasibility and public health. The summit aims to draft a consensus statement on the safety and effectiveness of these products, which have gained popularity with numerous claims but lack research support.
The NIH's Fogarty International Center has launched a global tobacco research effort to address prevention and intervention at home and globally. The program aims to reduce the burden of tobacco consumption in low- and middle-income nations through observational, interventional, and policy research.
Researchers present findings on how improved food access affects diets, ethnic inequalities in health, and the impact of capitalism on Eastern Europe. They also explore the relationship between economics and happiness, highlighting surprising statistics about marriage and divorce.
The study highlights how low-income families struggle with health problems that significantly impact their ability to transition from welfare to permanent work. The researchers found that caregivers often neglect their own health needs to care for family members, and there are gaps in coverage and access to services.
Research finds that two-thirds of adolescent girls in Zimbabwe are involved with older men due to economic need, increasing risk of HIV. The study suggests promoting economic self-sufficiency through education and vocational training can help reverse the epidemic.
Researchers argue that policies improving education and equalizing resources can have significant health benefits and cost savings. Experts also suggest a broader approach to addressing socioeconomic disparities in health by considering multiple determinants and promoting cross-cutting policy initiatives.
The survey found that women are strong, knowledgeable, and pragmatic in the face of terrorist threats, with concerns focused on economic vulnerability and health care. Women's mental health is also impacted by the fear of terrorism and bio-terrorist attacks, with many reporting anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and lack of energy.
A review article in The Lancet highlights the negative effects of shift work on health and productivity. Desynchronisation of circadian rhythms can lead to poor sleep, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for employers to create effective working environments.
The Center for the Advancement of Health is developing urban-life indicators to assess quality of life for minority populations. The project aims to identify key criteria and methods for ranking urban areas within specific quality-of-life domains.
Scientists have found that between 700,000 to 2.7 million people die annually from malaria, with African children being the hardest hit. The disease also has significant economic implications, as countries with severe transmission experience slower growth rates than those with fewer infections.
A leading economist argues that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is in 'political denial' about the need for rationing due to inefficient practices and a lack of evidence-based policies. The expert suggests targeting cost-effective activities to maximize health improvements using limited resources.
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor is evaluating the impact of managed care patient protection laws on patient attitudes, behaviors, and access to care. The study will assess six states reflecting a range of legal and market conditions through extensive interviews and quantitative research techniques.
The NIH and NIOSH are collaborating on a $33 million, five-year study to investigate how social and physical environmental factors impact the health of racial and ethnic minorities. The research aims to understand the underlying causes of disparities in health outcomes.
A study of over 90,000 US adolescents found that those who took public virginity pledges delayed having sex by an average of 18 months compared to non-pledgers. The pledge's effectiveness depends on the social environment and age group of the teens, with younger students in open schools experiencing a significant delay.