Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A recent study found that Oregon middle school students received office discipline referrals for substance use offenses 30% more often after recreational marijuana legalization. Schools with nearby marijuana outlets showed the most significant increase in ODRs.
A comprehensive study found that an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may damage mental health for some single adults without dependent children. The Paycheck Plus Experiment, conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, revealed mixed results between two cities, Atlanta and New York.
A recent study has found that rural US counties have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts, with declines in health measures accelerating over time. The researchers developed a publicly available dashboard to visualize health disparities and identify areas for policy interventions.
A community-led research program aims to study the impact of improved transportation on health outcomes for people with chronic medical conditions and women with high-risk pregnancies. The project provides individuals with a mobility wallet, allowing them to access medical services without relying on traditional transportation options.
People with fewer financial resources have lower life expectancies due to factors like healthcare costs and economic inequality. Longer-term financial planning is associated with a lower risk of death, even after accounting for other factors.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
The American Heart Association is providing funding to social impact entrepreneurs in Houston to address health inequities in under-resourced communities. The funds will support sustainable, entrepreneurial solutions that improve access to quality healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities.
A study of 80 online marijuana dispensaries found that most lacked adequate age verification features and accepted nontraceable payment methods. This enabled youth to hide their transactions, with almost 1 in 5 dispensaries requiring no formal age verification at any stage.
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging found that low- and middle-income countries reported persistent declines in cardiothoracic imaging procedure volumes after the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, high-income countries, including the US, recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2021.
Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that improvements in socioeconomic status are not equally beneficial for all racial or ethnic groups. Higher socioeconomic status is linked to better heart health, but this link is greatest among white adults compared to people in other groups.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers reveals a significant difference in vaccination rates among people with varying cognitive abilities. Among those with the highest cognitive ability, 80% were vaccinated within 50 days, while it took 180 days for those with the lowest cognitive ability to reach the same rate.
Researchers at CARe argue that taxing pharmaceutical companies is not a feasible solution due to potential economic consequences. Instead, they propose a hybrid framework combining the 'polluter pays' principle with a 'capacity principle,' focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame.
A new health system program successfully allocated a life-saving medication to disadvantaged neighborhoods, increasing equitable receipt rates. However, disparities persisted, particularly for Black patients, who received significantly lower rates of the medication compared to white patients.
A new study by USC and Columbia University reveals that lower-middle class Americans nearing retirement age face poorer health, worse economic outcomes, and lower homeownership rates. The 'forgotten middle' group lacks adequate resources to cover healthcare and housing costs.
A new study finds SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly associated with development of high blood pressure in hospitalized adults. Persistent high blood pressure was more common in people with COVID-19 than influenza, highlighting potential long-term cardiovascular risk.
A study of 34,000 adolescents in Northern California found that those from disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to experience depressive symptoms and suicidality. The findings highlight the impact of structural racism on adolescent mental health.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences has been awarded a National Institutes of Health training program grant worth $750,000. This funding will continue to support master's students pursuing degrees in environmental and occupational health in the Industrial Hygiene Program.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that many expensive cancer drugs have unclear patient benefits, with only one drug showing both increased life expectancy and improved quality of life. The researchers emphasize the need for further discussions on drug approvals to ensure effective use of limited healthcare resources.
A new study found that intensive lifestyle intervention, including weekly counseling on diet and exercise, is associated with increased employment among people with type 2 diabetes. Study participants without a college degree had even larger employment gains from lifestyle changes recommended by specialists.
A community-based health program implemented in Madagascar increased vaccination rates in the country's most remote villages. The study found that households with a Catholic or Protestant affiliation were more reluctant to vaccinate their children, highlighting the need to address these barriers in future programs.
Researchers developed an innovative optical tool, the Schistoscope, to capture microscopy images of urine samples for efficient detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A two-stage diagnostic framework using deep learning accurately identified and counted eggs in field settings with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision.
Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
A new method revealed a 43% increase in physician turnover rate between 2010 and 2018, from 5.3% to 7.6%, with rural practices and burnout linked as contributing factors. The study also found that female doctors and those in larger practices were more prone to turnover.
A new study found that black residents living in highly segregated neighborhoods have significantly shortened life expectancies compared to those in less segregated areas. The study analyzed 63,694 census tracts and found that life expectancy was four years shorter on average in highly segregated areas.
LSU Health New Orleans' School of Nursing has been awarded $2.6 million by the Health Resources and Services Administration to increase nurse practitioners and midwives trained for underrepresented populations, particularly in rural areas. The funding will also enhance curriculum and provide tuition support.
A new study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that US military veterans living in historically discriminatory 'redlined' areas had a higher risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. The study used data from 80,000 veterans with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, revealing a 14% increased likelihood...
Articles consider access to opioid use disorder treatment and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on emergency department visits. Prescription drug monitoring programs also show promise in reducing opioid use. Researchers find mixed results regarding policies to increase treatment rates and temporary disability benefits.
The number of GPs and hospital doctors retiring early has increased by an average of 9.3% year on year since 2008, according to official figures. This trend coincides with the introduction of pension taxation rules that penalize doctors for working extra hours.
A study published in Management Science found that the UK's Covid vaccine mandate caused a 3-4% reduction in staffing in elderly care homes, equivalent to 14,000 to 19,000 employees. The policy led to an increase in reliance on agency workers and persisted even after the mandate was lifted.
This study found widening socioeconomic inequality among Japanese adolescents in achieving recommended physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis also revealed narrowing inequality in breakfast intake, but no differences observed for screen time, sleep duration, or bowel movement frequency.
Research from Cornell University estimates that wildfire smoke can cause between 4,000 and 9,000 premature deaths and cost between $36 to $82 billion per year in the United States. Metropolitan regions near fire sources are likely to experience a large health burden and economic loss.
A study of 142 nations found a strong link between access to formal financial services and lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Access to bank accounts, credit cards, or loans from a financial institution is a key predictor of lower mortality risk, even stronger than comorbidities.
A new study examines the historical marketing of 'Indian remedies' in the 19th century, revealing a trend of cultural appropriation that continues in modern New Age spirituality. The author argues that individualistic approaches to Indigenous healing practices can be harmful and undermine community control over narratives.
A new study found that federal and state lockdowns and health mandates implemented during the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues in people living in four US geographic regions. The research showed a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly in Southern states with Republican governments.
A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...
Researchers found that boosting vaccine use can reduce lockdown intensity and duration, but the relationship varies based on factors like disease severity and vaccination speed. The study suggests a nuanced approach to balancing lockdowns and vaccinations in future pandemics.
A new study from the University of Kansas emphasizes the importance of including unpaid care work in economic statistics, highlighting women's significant contributions to the economy. The study aims to provide a more complete understanding of labor activity and inform equitable public policy.
A new study by University of Wyoming researchers found that regular diagnostic testing and self-isolation can deliver higher net benefits than physical distancing strategies in combating infectious diseases. The study took into account the concept of superspreading, which made the testing-isolation approach even more effective.
A new study reveals significant economic burden of racial and ethnic health inequities in the US, with minority populations facing $421-$451 billion in healthcare costs annually. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
The statement highlights enormous inequities in stroke care, leading to significant gaps in functional outcomes for historically disenfranchised groups. Upstream interventions, such as policy changes and place-based initiatives, are crucial to address these disparities.
Dr Germain Honvo, a young investigator, receives the prestigious award for his international contributions to osteoarthritis research and publications on guideline development. He is recognized as a future thought leader in the musculoskeletal field.
Eight low-cost interventions can prevent an estimated 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million babies born preterm or small for gestational age each year. Implementing these interventions in 81 low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of millions of babies and improve long-term health outcomes.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $1.4 million Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) grant to LSU Health New Orleans. The program aims to enhance the diversity of the biomedical sciences research workforce by preparing individuals from underrepresented backgrounds for PhD degree programs.
Researchers found that bad medical news can make patients more likely to choose brand name drugs over generics, resulting in increased healthcare expenditures. The study suggests that simply reminding patients of the equivalency of generic drugs via text message could improve their decision-making.
A modelling study suggests that specifying menu calorie counts is likely to reduce obesity-related cancers and healthcare costs in the US. The policy could prevent 28,000 new cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths, as well as save $1.48 billion in medical costs.
A new international study has revealed significant potential for digital technology to improve asthma control for patients. The study found that combining information from a digital device in a digital platform led to improved medication adherence and reduced healthcare costs.
Researchers found that underutilized asset building programs could be a solution to help low income families build wealth. The study showed that incorporating these programs into healthcare may make them more accessible to families in need.
A recent $800,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development will train 300 MU students as part-time nurse assistants at MU Health Care. This three-year initiative will create a paid opportunity for nearly 100 MU students each year to earn work experience and reduce the need for student loans.
A study found racial and ethnic differences in insurance coverage after job loss during COVID-19. Newly unemployed Black and Hispanic adults saw no increase in Medicaid coverage, unlike their white peers.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that taxes on sugary drinks lower the risk of gestational diabetes, unhealthy weight gain, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The study analyzed over 5 million pregnant women and found a significant reduction in these health risks.
A recent study found that social determinants of health influenced care in 35% of surveyed encounters, with the most common sources being patient conversations and prior knowledge. Integrating this data into EHRs can support personalized care planning.
A statewide incentive program in Pennsylvania is associated with a 50% improvement in initiating medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid-enrolled patients. The study found that the program increased prescription fills for buprenorphine and substance use disorder treatment within a week of emergency departme...
A recent study of 95,000 U.S. physicians found that female physicians work significantly fewer hours than their male counterparts, resulting in a substantial earnings penalty. This disparity is attributed to societal and institutional barriers that discourage women from working long hours.
A comprehensive US state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 impact reveals wide variations in health, education, and economic performance across the country. States with higher poverty, lower educational attainment, and lower healthcare access experienced disproportionately higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 deaths.