Articles tagged with Public Health
A large cohort study found no association between community water fluoridation and adverse birth outcomes, providing reassurance about its safety during pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of rigorous causal designs in evaluating public health interventions.
A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found significantly higher blood alcohol levels and intoxication rates among LGB women who died by suicide compared to heterosexual women. The study highlights alcohol use as a potentially modifiable target for suicide prevention efforts among this population.
A team of McGill researchers has found a range of unexpected chemical contaminants in human milk samples from Canada and South Africa. The chemicals include pesticides, antimicrobials, and additives used in plastics and personal-care products. Despite these findings, breast milk remains ideal for infants due to its nutrient content and...
A new study found that recreational cannabis legalization in the US is driving increases in cannabis use among adults with historically lower consumption rates. Adults aged 60 years and older, female, white, or college-educated were most responsive to legalization, with significant increases in use.
A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 1,269 elderly patients with advanced cancer to find that over 70% were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which declined closer to death. PIM discontinuation was more common among female patients, those with polypharmacy, and palliative care unit admissions.
The study reveals cerebrovascular disease as the third leading cause of death among adults in China, with a higher risk among men and those residing in northern regions. Dementia and Parkinson's disease also show high prevalence rates, while unique demographic patterns are observed for other neurological disorders.
Scientists found that mosquitoes in the Atlantic Forest prefer feeding on humans due to convenience as biodiversity dwindles. This preference increases the risk of pathogen transmission and highlights the need for targeted surveillance and prevention actions.
Developed by Mass General Brigham researchers, the autonomous AI system achieves high accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment using routine clinical documentation. The system includes five specialized agents that critique each other and refine their reasoning, just like clinicians would in a case conference.
A new study in NC found that many residential substance-use service providers require patients to engage in unpaid labor, restricting access to evidence-based treatment. Providers with labor requirements are less likely to offer recommended treatment and more likely to operate without a state license.
A new study from Columbia University finds that recreational physical activity is associated with lower breast density and stress biomarker changes in adolescent girls. The research suggests a potential link between physical activity during adolescence and reduced breast cancer risk later in life.
A new study reveals the devastating impacts of flue-cured Virginia tobacco production on the environment and farmers' lives in Zimbabwe. The research highlights the destruction of 60,000 hectares of Miombo woodland each year and an economic context that prevents farmers from diversifying into less damaging crops.
A new weight management process called PATHWEIGH has been developed by CU Anschutz faculty to help patients with weight management. The program mitigates population weight gain by 0.58 kg over 18 months and increases the likelihood of a patient receiving weight-related care by 23%.
Nolo drinks have potential to improve public health, especially for heavier drinkers and those in lower socioeconomic groups. However, experts warn of risks such as marketing tactics and encroachment on alcohol-free spaces, calling for a precautionary approach to balance benefits and harms.
A team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that even with effective treatments for TB and HIV, the immune system remains seriously out-of-whack following treatment. The study suggests that host-directed therapies specifically targeting the immune system could potentially restore lung immune system functionality.
A Curtin University-led study found that playing video games for more than 10 hours a week can lead to a decline in diet quality, obesity, and poor sleep quality. The study suggests that low and moderate gaming is generally fine, but excessive gaming may crowd out healthy habits.
Researchers developed a tool to predict when deadly salmonella outbreaks are likely to happen in wild songbird populations, allowing people to protect their feathered friends. The system is based on climate patterns, tree cone production, and avian migrations.
Korea University's Institute for Environmental Health trained faculty members from Karakalpakstan Medical Institute to improve environmental health in the region. The training aimed to enhance water quality and waste disposal management, fostering collaboration and joint research.
A new study by the University of Stirling has found that introducing parkwalkers to parkrun events has led to a surge in walker participation. The initiative has increased the proportion of new female participants and reversed a decline in the average age of new attendees.
A new study reveals a significant association between police-related stress and physical markers of cardiovascular health risk in Black women. Women who expressed concern for their children's potential interactions with police had thicker carotid artery walls, indicating increased cardiovascular risk.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Review journal reveals that workplace factors like long hours, work-related stress, and shift work do not solely drive high-risk drinking. Personal and social factors have an even greater impact on alcohol consumption among workers. The research analyzed over two decades of data from the Household ...
Veteran male athletes over 50 are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms during training if they have scarring in their hearts. Exercise itself is not the cause, but can act as a trigger for dangerous heart rhythms in those with underlying heart issues.
A novel deep learning model, LA-TextCNN-BiLSTM, has been developed to improve the accuracy of automatic disease classification using ICD-11 for Chinese Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). The model achieved an 83.86% accuracy rate and demonstrated robust performance in multi-label classification.
A Curtin University-led research found that households in 26 countries burn plastic as an everyday energy source, posing serious health risks. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve sanitation, access to modern cooking energy, and culturally relevant options.
Researchers develop new framework to evaluate monetary value of QALY, adjusting for age and lifetime quality of life. Analysis yields key findings on cost-effectiveness of healthcare policies, highlighting benefits of promoting good health throughout life.
Research finds that temperature spikes are associated with increases in interpersonal and self-inflicted violence, particularly among low-income communities. Warmer temperatures increase outbursts of temper and negative reactions to others, contributing to a rise in arguments, confrontations, and assaults.
Clinicians can effectively counsel patients about firearm injury by discussing risk and safety, building trust, and tailoring interventions. The 3As Framework provides a structured approach to identify patients at risk of harm.
A study found that insufficient dietary lycopene is associated with a higher risk of severe periodontitis among U.S. adults ages 65-79. Adequate lycopene intake was linked to reduced likelihood of severe gum disease, with notable racial and sex disparities observed.
A new study from the University of Chicago finds that every 1% increase in eviction rate is associated with 2.66 more shootings in Chicago neighborhoods. Eviction rates disrupt collective efficacy, a neighborhood's shared belief in working together to prevent gun violence.
The scale-up of HIV treatment and prevention programs has led to a dramatic decline in orphanhood rates in Rakai, Uganda. Between 2003–04 and 2020–22, orphanhood prevalence dropped from 21.5% to just 6.3%, while new cases attributed to maternal or parental HIV status declined significantly.
A Cochrane review found that exercise can reduce depressive symptoms similarly to psychological therapy, with moderate-certainty evidence from ten trials. Long-term effects are unclear due to few studies following participants after treatment.
This cohort study found that exposure to Migrant Protection Protocols was associated with higher rates of trauma during migration among asylum seekers. The Migrant Protection Protocols may have potential downstream implications for U.S. public health and security, including adverse health outcomes for asylum seekers.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
A study applies a multi-criteria decision analysis framework to evaluate three orphan medicinal products, laronidase, emicizumab, and dimethyl fumarate, with highly consistent quantitative scores. The framework offers a transparent and multi-faceted approach to evaluating high-impact drugs for rare diseases within reimbursement systems.
Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.
A retrospective insurance claims analysis found a high prevalence of polypharmacy among children under 15 in Côte d'Ivoire, with regional disparities evident. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce polypharmacy risks and costs across all regions.
A forecasting study found that the Inflation Reduction Act will save approximately $400 million on Louisiana Medicare diabetes drug costs over five years. Patients are expected to switch from non-negotiated to negotiated drugs due to lower costs, resulting in significant savings.
Researchers detected Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) in five patients in Bangladesh with symptoms consistent with Nipah virus infection. The study highlights the importance of broad-spectrum surveillance programs to identify and mitigate public health risks from emerging bat-borne viruses.
The 2024 report shows improved care quality and accessibility across China, with a rise in early gastrointestinal cancer detection and improved colonoscopy quality indicators. Despite progress, regional disparities persist and costly treatments for IBD remain a challenge.
A community awareness campaign in Nigeria increased awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors, leading to earlier detection of the disease. The program also identified precancerous polyps and detected colorectal cancer at curable stages.
Free-living amoebae are becoming a major public health threat due to their ability to survive harsh conditions and act as 'Trojan horses' for other harmful microbes. Climate warming is expected to worsen the problem, with recent outbreaks linked to recreational water use raising global concern.
A study analyzing smartphone-based sleep data from over 80,000 Japanese workers found associations between short and long sleep duration, sleep latency, and social jetlag with presenteeism scores. These factors can predict labor productivity loss, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions to improve sleep health.
Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy quadruples the risk of child health problems, especially when combined with high humidity. The added weight and hormonal changes in pregnant women make them more susceptible to heat stress.
Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.
The number of US pertussis cases has surged sixfold since the pandemic began, with over 26,600 reported in 2024. Many Americans are unaware of whooping cough symptoms or that a vaccine exists to prevent it. Despite widespread agreement on the causes and risks of the disease, vaccination rates remain low.
A new study found that a sizable minority of people with migraine with aura still receive estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone therapy, despite treatment contraindications. The study highlights the need for updated research on stroke risks associated with these medications among people with this type of migraine.
A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...
A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.
A new study finds that environmental regulations in the US reduce medical costs and financial losses by up to five times more than the costs associated with implementing these rules. The EPA's operating budget is tiny compared to federal spending, yet it helps protect the environment and save lives.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
A new wireless fetal heart rate monitoring device improved perinatal mortality by 60% and detected abnormal fetal heart rates 8-10 times more frequently than standard techniques. The technology also reduced the risk of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, but its effectiveness was limited by late introduction in pregnancy.
Research found that early childhood exposure to childcare tax credits affects children's physical and mental health outcomes differently based on their mothers' educational level. Children of more-educated mothers experienced worse health outcomes, while those of less-educated mothers showed improvements.
Researchers developed a genetic method to produce dark males and pale females, making it easier to sort sex in mosquito control. The approach uses CRISPR gene editing to create an engineered sex-linked trait that enables fast and accurate sex separation without complex equipment.
A new study found that brief, light-intensity exercise significantly improves inhibitory control and mood in children, with potential to enhance learning efficiency. The research, conducted at Waseda University, also revealed that even short periods of physical activity can have a lasting impact on cognitive function.
A new policy brief outlines key policy actions to reduce energy insecurity, a growing threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. The report recommends strengthening energy assistance, redesigning utility rates, and creating a more resilient energy system.
A new AI framework uses a pre-trained viral protein language model to predict the adaptation risk of unknown viruses. The framework, called GIVAL, achieves high accuracy and robustness even with incomplete data, providing critical support for early warning and proactive prevention and control of viral infectious diseases.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that strong and supportive relationships can improve heart health for individuals with cardiovascular disease. The review highlights the need to include intimate partners in cardiac rehabilitation programs to support long-term heart health and quality of life.
The book chronicles challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers practical guidance on building trust, prioritizing needs of most at risk and reliable communication. Experts share lessons learned from K-12 schools and public health partnerships to navigate future crises.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $30 million gift from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation to support public health initiatives. The gift will address health challenges in South Texas, including obesity and limited access to healthcare.
A randomized clinical trial found digital cognitive behavioral therapy to be significantly beneficial for adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment provided sustained benefits and has the potential for public health impact due to its accessibility.