Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A new study from Tulane University found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates increased vaccine rates among health care workers by 3-4%, with improvements seen in states that required vaccinations without opt-outs. The policy was particularly effective among health care workers between the ages of 25-49 years.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health finds that slow growth in health sector spending is projected in Sub-Saharan Africa until 2050. The decline is driven by tepid growth in government spending and reductions in development assistance for health.
A new study by Richard Boylan found that geographic disparities in US homicide rates have decreased since the 1970s, contradicting expectations. Economic and social inequalities between regions have grown, but violent crime rates have fallen, with possible explanations including improved policing and incarceration rates.
A new study published in the Stroke journal found that people with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 85,000 people, found that younger adults were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
A study by Texas A&M University found that Americans want their state governments to reduce Medicaid's administrative burden, allowing more people to enroll. The survey, which assessed burden tolerance during the pandemic, showed broad support for burden reduction, with bipartisan agreement on the need for easier enrollment processes.
Researchers at Arizona State University have introduced a new sterilization technique using X-ray irradiation to reduce Aspergillus flavus viability in contaminated corn. The method stops the fungus from transmitting spores and producing aflatoxins, crucial for developing additional remediation techniques.
A new study published in BMC Primary Care demonstrates the effectiveness of screening and intervention for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. The quality improvement study increased screenings for unhealthy alcohol use from 0% to 83% using a validated tool and agile implementation process.
A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.
A new study using COVID-19 lockdown data in Australia found that physical isolation made little difference to reported feelings of loneliness. Instead, the quality of social interactions and supportive networks were key factors in alleviating loneliness. Young people and extroverts showed increased loneliness during lockdowns.
A new study quantifies air pollution for NYC subway commuters, revealing disparities in exposure across racial and income groups. The research found that people from lower-income working communities have higher exposures and Black and Hispanic workers experience on average 35% and 23% higher PM2.5 exposure, respectively.
This innovative system combines remote health monitoring and drug delivery using 3D-printed hollow microneedles, advancing personalized medicine. The integrated theranostic microneedle array measures key health indicators like pH, glucose, and lactate levels, while enabling rapid, pumpless, and point-of-care drug administration.
The number of semaglutide prescriptions filled reached 2.6 million in 2023, with Wegovy accounting for most fills since its approval in June 2021. Most Wegovy fills were among commercially insured populations, despite the disproportionate burden of obesity in Medicaid and Medicare Part D.
A recent study found that telemedicine can negatively impact rural healthcare providers, leading to loss of patients and financial strain. Rural hospitals face lower net income and profit margins due to reimbursement risks and increased competition from urban hospitals.
A cross-sectional study found that strict COVID-19 measures were associated with reduced pandemic mortality rates, likely due to behavioral changes. However, not all restrictions were equally effective, with some imposing substantial costs without significant benefits.
A new study found significant disparities in stroke services across the US, with hospitals in disadvantaged communities up to 42% less likely to obtain stroke center certification. Hospitals serving affluent communities are more likely to become certified, which improves patient outcomes and access to critical treatment.
A recent study found that medical and educational debt collectively exceeds $150 billion among US health care workers. Educational debts disproportionately burden Black workers, while medical debts are more prevalent among women, home health personnel, and those with recent hospitalizations.
This Special Issue explores the intersections of science, health, and policy related to air pollution monitoring, health impacts, and built environment changes. Advances in satellite technology and modeling can help bridge data gaps, but economic disparities persist.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly widened existing economic and health disparities, slowing progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Low-income countries can expect an average progress loss of 16.5% across all health indicators.
A new study analyzed over a million patients' experiences with Medicare-funded end-of-life care. It found that Medicare Advantage Plans may offer less aggressive healthcare utilization near the end of life, including fewer hospitalizations and invasive medical treatments.
A new study found that children who move multiple times between ages 10 and 15 are 41% more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those who don't move. This effect is stronger than growing up in an income-deprived neighborhood, suggesting a settled home environment may protect against future mental health issues.
A survey-based study found that 97% of Japanese respondents are willing to pay for a nationwide wastewater surveillance system, with a median value of $8.83 per household per year. The estimated annual tax would be more than enough to cover system maintenance costs, making the system economically justified.
A new report highlights a troubling trend: while global adolescent fertility rates have significantly declined, sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an increase in teen births. The region's share of global adolescent births surged from 12% in 1950 to 47% in 2020 and is projected to reach a majority by 2035.
A new study from the University of Birmingham and Keele University found that people with Long COVID symptoms lasting over 28 weeks are three times more likely to leave employment. The research highlights the significant impact of Long COVID on individuals' employment outcomes, particularly for those who leave work.
A new study found that delaying diabetes diagnosis for at least four years through diet and exercise significantly lowers the risk of dying and experiencing cardiovascular events. Individuals who maintained prediabetic status for longer periods had better long-term health outcomes, with a reduced risk of death and complications.
A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine offers key findings on reducing health inequities and improving healthcare outcomes for marginalized communities. The report highlights complex interactions driving inequality and recommends community-based approaches to address these disparities.
A cross-sectional study found that LGBTQ+ individuals' health insurance coverage and access to care improve with Medicare eligibility, especially among sexual minorities and states with high disparities. However, the association is not consistently greater than for heterosexual and cisgender individuals.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in low birth weights among Indian infants. The research analyzed data from over 200,000 babies and showed that the prevalence of low birth weight rose by 3% during the pandemic.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers found that emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of menstrual cups can increase their adoption. Tailored information efforts highlighting long-term financial benefits can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable options.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that increased social media usage 18 months into the pandemic had a negative effect on college students' mental health. Students who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
A new study suggests taxing certain antibiotics could help manage the threat of antibiotic resistance in humans. By making narrow-spectrum drugs cheaper and broad-spectrum ones more expensive, GPs may be incentivized to prescribe narrower options.
A new study finds that single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule can increase progressivity of household payments. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments for higher-income households, while spending growth targets reduced payments slightly across all income groups.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.
A clinical trial evaluated the economic impact of adding a dedicated team to existing emergency department care for older patients. The study found that this approach can significantly improve patient quality of life and save up to €2.4 billion nationally.
Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...
A new study, led by University of Notre Dame researcher Santosh Kumar, evaluates the relationship between anemia and school attendance in India's adolescents. Contrary to previous research, the study found no significant link between anemia and attendance after accounting for household factors.
The IOF position paper emphasizes the need for population-specific vitamin D approaches, considering factors like diet, skin pigmentation, and supplement use. The authors also highlight the importance of standardized measures of 25(OH)D in future studies.
Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.
A new study has found that older adults with sleep apnea are more likely to use health services in the future, including hospitalization. The study analyzed data from nearly 20,000 participants and found a 21% higher odds of hospitalization among those with sleep apnea.
Researchers create standard yardstick to measure value in accountable care organizations (ACOs), finding average improvement potential of 24%. The proposed approach can also be applied to individual hospitals and other health care providers, pinningpointing areas for improvement.
A study found a 50% increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortion care in Washington state since the Dobbs decision. The researchers documented an average one-week delay in care, affecting the health of pregnant individuals.
A Griffith University study reveals that informal carers of loved ones with arthritis incur a significant economic burden, losing around $1,000 per week in earnings. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to $576.9 million, highlighting the need for improved support systems and policies to alleviate this financial strain.
A Europe-wide study found that individuals living with overweight or obesity have a higher probability of being absent from work due to health issues, as well as taking longer sick days. This has significant implications for economies and productivity across the continent.
The American Journal of Health Economics has released a special issue on health equity, examining the intersections of race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability with healthcare access and outcomes. Key findings include a positive correlation between gender-affirming care and mental health among low-income tran...
Researchers found a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and DNA methylation in brain tissue, which may be linked to immune response. The study identified one CpG site (cg26514961, PLXNC1 gene) significantly associated with neighborhood deprivation after controlling for covariates.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a framework to address the complex challenges of brain health, environment, and sustainability. The 'brain economy' concept aims to create a stronger future by reversing brain capital loss, which affects cognitive abilities and socioemotional stability.
Neighborhoods of high need offer opportunities to improve health through social care integration, which requires infrastructure development and financial investment. Building and maintaining this infrastructure will cost $1-3 million per year for 5-10 years, according to a case study by Eskenazi Health.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
A Brazilian study shows that primary health care, social pensions, and conditional cash transfers have prevented over 1.4 million deaths since 2004. Expanding these programs could avert up to 1.3 million more deaths by 2030.
Researchers observed a significant increase in permanent contraception procedures for young adults following the Dobbs decision, with females being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the gendered dynamics of permanent contraceptive use and its implications for women and people with reproductive capacity.
A new study from China found that higher GDP per capita and lower income inequality are associated with increased subjective well-being. However, when income inequality becomes too high, the link between economy and mental health disappears. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach to economic planning.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that nurses are leaving healthcare employment primarily due to poor working conditions. The study surveyed over 7,800 registered nurses in New York and Illinois between 2018 and 2021, revealing insufficient staffing, burnout, and poor work-life balance as top reasons...
Research highlights a significant association between unfavorable social determinants of health and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Asian American adults. The study found varying relationships among different subgroups, emphasizing the importance of considering individual differences.
A new study found that children with chronic medical conditions who also have a diagnosed sleep disorder are nearly two times more likely to have increased health care utilization. The most common sleep disorder diagnosis was sleep-disordered breathing, which was present in 1,796 children.
A national multicenter study found that 31% of individuals with complicated mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury had marginal or inadequate health literacy. Health literacy can impact the use of healthcare education and recommendations, emphasizing the need for clinicians to attend to patients' needs.
Researchers have developed new recommendations for optimizing TB screening programs in low-incidence countries. Screening high-risk groups, such as migrants and vulnerable populations, is a cost-effective approach that detects the disease early and prevents transmission.
A study of 1,156 individuals aged 50+ found that those with more musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier than pain-free participants. Chronic pain was also linked to a higher risk of ceasing work sooner, even after controlling for other factors.