Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Institute of Medicine has elected 55 new members, bringing the total active membership to 574. The newly elected members include experts in various fields such as medicine, public health, and social sciences, who will contribute to ongoing studies on health policy issues.
The Pan American Health Organization reports that the health of people in the Americas is improving thanks to progress in fighting infectious diseases, increasing access to clean drinking water, and declining infant mortality rates. However, governments must prioritize health care equity as they reform their systems.
Dr. Brundtland highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as education and poverty reduction, to build healthy populations in healthy communities. She stresses the need for multi-sectoral action and collaboration with other agencies to tackle pressing public health needs.
Infant mortality rates have declined significantly in Latin America and the Caribbean, with infant deaths falling from 59 per 1,000 in the early 1980s to 35 per 1,000. Life expectancy has also increased, rising from 68.7 years to 71.1 years.
The report shows a decline in infant mortality, high blood lead levels, and child poverty. More children are being read to, participating in early childhood education, and improving their math scores. However, substance abuse, cigarette smoking, and youth violence remain concerns.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that areas with high income inequality and low average incomes have significantly higher mortality rates, comparable to the combined loss of life from various diseases. The findings highlight the importance of considering equitable income distribution in public health assessments.
A Cornell University study reveals that 6.4 million homes have modifications to accommodate elderly residents' physical limitations. The most common types of modifications include bathroom grab bars and wheelchair ramps, with 60% of homes with someone over 90 modified for mobility.
New research reveals that women living in low-income areas with single-parent households are more likely to die from heart disease, possibly due to increased social and physical stress. The study also found that African American women face higher mortality rates due to neighborhood environments that exacerbate health disparities.
The symposium will discuss the benefits and risks of light to moderate alcohol consumption and the role of dairy foods in reducing colon cancer risk. Iron fortification of foods is also being debated as a way to address iron deficiency anemia.
The Bright Beginnings program has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to expand its support services for vulnerable inner-city women and their babies. The program, which pairs trained volunteers with pregnant women, aims to promote good health care and parenting practices.
Millions of street children worldwide face numerous health risks due to lack of basic nutrition, sanitation, and water supplies. UNICEF official Ximena de la Barra identifies successful programs that involve child-to-child outreach, community engagement, and planning to address these issues.
A Duke University study found that state efforts to increase health insurance coverage among near-elderly individuals were largely ineffective due to high out-of-pocket premiums and limited affordability. The researchers argue that a single-payer system like those in other developed countries may be more effective in reducing the unins...
A study projects a four-fold increase in hip fractures among Canadians aged 65 and older by 2041, highlighting the need for intervention to prevent this trend. The analysis attributes the rise to an aging population and emphasizes the importance of measures like exercise, diet, and hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers at Emory University's Center for Clinical Evaluation Sciences are developing a model to help health professionals appreciate population-based research and its value in answering questions about patient care. The center is designing an intensive one-week workshop for clinicians, set to launch in Spring 1998.
New research from Cornell University suggests that African women working outside the home may face
Studies show that nurse home visit programs have enduring positive effects on mothers' and children's lives years later. The programs resulted in fewer cases of child abuse, less childhood injury, and lower welfare use among participating women.
Nurse home visits have long-lasting positive effects on low-income women's lives and their children's well-being. The studies found that home-visited women had lower rates of child abuse and neglect, fewer pregnancies, and reduced healthcare needs.
Researchers at Duke University found a significant decrease in disability rates among older people in the US between 1982 and 1994, with a relative decline of 14.5%. The number of functional problems also decreased, particularly among those aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older.
A comprehensive analysis of California hospital records reveals a historic transformation in the role of hospitals. Hospital inpatient care has declined significantly, with outpatient surgeries more than doubling during the same period.