Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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.
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.
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 new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that children attending Smart Start child care centers were more likely to have regular health care compared to those who did not attend such centers. The study showed a significant reduction in emergency room visits and associated cost savings.
The Fogarty International Center has awarded $9 million to U.S. universities to support international training and research in population-related sciences, focusing on reproductive processes, contraceptive development, and demographic studies. This funding will help address global population growth trends and health disparities in deve...
Researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 men and women in their 50s and 60s and found that obesity was associated with significantly lower net worth for middle-aged women. The economic cost of obesity on women's wealth is substantial, ranging from $135,670 in 1998 for moderately to severely obese women compared to non-obese peers.
A six-month group exercise program with supervised aerobic exercise and relaxation training reduced depression in obese women by half. The study found no significant weight loss, highlighting the need for long-term behavioral changes.
Researchers will follow 1,000 HIV patients over three years to track health, attitudes, and treatment patterns, with a focus on rural areas where barriers hinder efforts to reduce HIV spread and mortality. The study aims to explore the role of coping mechanisms, stress, and social support in HIV transmission and disease progression.
UCSF researchers found that working Latinos and African Americans are playing catch up to their white counterparts in terms of job benefits. Despite California's growing high-tech sector, many minority groups face poverty, poor health status, and limited access to pension plans and healthcare.
A UCSF study reports that despite a strong labor market, job loss, short tenures, and poverty-level incomes are common among some Californians with physical or mental health problems. Workers in poor health often face poorer working conditions and lower earnings, while those who lose jobs may develop symptoms of depression.
Experts discuss policies related to aging well-being, citing key indicators of well-being report. The report highlights the growing older population's special needs, requiring initiatives based on sound data.
The March of Dimes criticizes a newborn screening report that favors cost savings over infant health. The organization recommends universal access to core screening tests and prioritizing the early detection of rare diseases to improve child health outcomes.
The California Family PACT program has significantly reduced the number of unintended pregnancies among low-income women in California. The program saved over $512 million in public expenditures by providing comprehensive family planning services to more than 1.5 million clients, including education, counseling, and clinical services.
A UCSF study found that insured minorities, particularly Hispanics and Asian Americans, face cultural barriers and limited insurance plan choices, leading to difficulty accessing healthcare. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
The study found that low-income African-American women are unaware of the high risk of cardiovascular disease among black women and do not consider it a health priority. They understand the link between diet and heart disease but lack knowledge about obesity, diabetes, and smoking's impact on cardiovascular disease.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that smokers who receive a diabetes diagnosis are more likely to quit smoking, but some still continue despite the increased health risks. The study analyzed data from over 1,600 middle-aged adults and confirmed past findings that certain demographics, such as African American or ...
Susan Okie, a medical reporter at The Washington Post, has won the 2000 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Public Communications Award. Her two-part series on tuberculosis highlights the challenges of controlling this deadly disease and emphasizes the need for new medicines and vaccines to eradicate it.
A study published in JAMA found that nurse home visits to pregnant women and their families significantly improved health outcomes for years to come. The program reduced time on welfare, increased stability in family structure, and promoted economic self-sufficiency among mothers.
A distinguished panel of bioethicists published papers on physician-assisted suicide in Annals of Internal Medicine, discussing guidelines, safeguards, and expert opinions on the clinical, moral, and ethical issues involved. The findings highlight the need for thoughtful direction and common ground among diverse views.
The conference features expert speakers discussing attitudinal healing, the importance of spirituality in maintaining good health, and navigating the confusing signals of menopause. Women can learn how to incorporate spiritual practices into their daily lives and make informed choices about their health.
Researchers at Ohio State University found a strong correlation between high credit card debt and physical impairment. People experiencing stress over debt reported worse health outcomes than those with lower debt levels. The study suggests that high credit card debt can have a detrimental impact on overall well-being.
A new study from the University of California, San Francisco found that certain types of managed care plans do not offer greater access to preventive medical services compared to non-managed care plans. Traditional group/staff managed care plans still provide more preventive services than non-managed care in most cases.
The nation won't meet its 15% smoking prevalence goal for 2000, with over 25% of US adults currently smoking. Effective strategies like cognitive behavioral therapies have been developed, but more work is needed to reach low-income and minority populations.
A study found that antidepressant use increased with age, particularly among women, suggesting improvements in detection and treatment of mental health disorders. Women were 70% more likely to use antidepressants than men, regardless of age.
Research reveals a correlation between male unemployment and lower birthweights in Norway and Sweden. The study suggests that the indirect effects of unemployment on stressed partners and community stress can lead to increased risk of preterm delivery, low infant birthweight, and subsequent infant illness.
A new five-year research study will investigate the economic consequences of cancer survival on patients' work and health insurance. The study will follow a large sample of cancer survivors over time, comparing their experiences with those without cancer.
A two-year study of 309 hypertensive urban African American men found that personalized care improved blood pressure control rates by an average of 39%. The team intervention showed a slightly higher improvement rate compared to the standard education and referral group.
A nationwide study suggests that American adults generally experience fewer economic difficulties as they get older. The study found that 16% of adults under 40 reported frequent bill payments issues, compared to 6% of those 60 and over. Economic hardships peak in the 30s, then decline with age.
World leaders discuss economic, ethical and human rights issues underlying healthcare resource allocation for HIV/AIDS. The meeting highlights the need for better balance of resources between prevention and treatment, as well as access to essential drugs and treatments.
A recent survey by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients (70%) and physicians (83%) want to communicate via e-mail, but only 14% and 27% are currently using it. The study aims to facilitate electronic communication between patients and their doctors.
Leaders from around the world will present and debate on various issues including trade reform, intellectual property rights and access to care and health services. The conference aims to explore practical solutions to bridge the gap between those who have access to healthcare and those who do not.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has launched a Center for the Study of Mind-Body Interaction to investigate how emotions affect physical health. The center will focus on five projects, including examining resilience in older women and the impact of meditation on brain activity.
A study found that adolescents emulate their parents' overall health-risk lifestyle and adopt specific behaviors. Parents' health-risk behaviors are linked to their children's adoption of similar habits.
A study found that patients with chronic nonmalignant back pain who received higher levels of economic and social rewards experienced increased disability, depression, and anxiety. Those with fewer rewards reported lower levels of these conditions.
A UCSF report identifies three contributing factors to the problems facing allied and auxiliary workforce: market survival, flexible team members, and educators' skills preparation. The report recommends partnerships among health delivery organizations, workers, and educators to forge new approaches.
The University of California, San Francisco's HIV/AIDS website, HIV InSite, was recognized as one of the most comprehensive AIDS-related information resources in the world. The site, established two years ago, has garnered over 14 million hits from an international audience and is noted for its unbiased coverage of HIV/AIDS topics.
African Americans are less likely to visit the dentist for routine visits due to lack of money and dental insurance. The study found that 13% of African Americans had never visited a dentist, compared to 1% of whites.
A lifetime of poor health can start with conditions in the womb, according to Cornell University researcher Peter W. Nathanielsz. He argues that adults may suffer diseases due to incompletely formed organs during vulnerable periods of development. The book emphasizes the importance of prenatal care and nutrition for future generations.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that domestic violence preceded at least two-thirds of the cases, with black women and young women being disproportionately affected. The research also showed that alcohol regularly contributed to the deaths, and guns were involved in 54% of the homicides.
A Cornell University study found that grab bars, good diet, and moderate drinking can significantly enhance elderly bathing functionality. The benefits of using assistive devices outweigh the costs by preventing falls, injuries, and long-term care, according to assistant professor Nandinee Kutty.