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Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

National Comprehensive Cancer Network updates annual conference with new in-person venue, hybrid format, expert-led sessions, highlighted research perspectives, and small-group conversations

The NCCN Annual Conference will debut a new hybrid format featuring in-person events at a new venue, allowing for hallway conversations and networking opportunities. The conference will also showcase more than 100 abstract poster presentations on various oncology-related categories.

Review finds fledgling chronic back pain therapy needs more rigorous study

A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2023

School-based wellness initiative shown to reduce average student BMI

A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of School Health·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Any regular physical activity at any age linked to better brain function in later life

A long-term study found that regular leisure time physical activity at any age is associated with better brain function in later life. Maintaining an exercise routine throughout adulthood was particularly beneficial for preserving mental acuity and memory. The study, which included over 1,400 participants, showed that being physically ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Satisfying mid-life relationships linked to lower multiple chronic disease risk in older age

Research published in General Psychiatry found that satisfying mid-life relationships are linked to a lower risk of accumulating multiple long-term conditions in older age. The study, which included 13,714 Australian women, suggests that stronger social connections and higher relationship satisfaction are associated with a lower risk o...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Black girls benefit most when STEM teachers train up

A study by Rice University found that students in classes taught by STEM teachers who received professional development training were more likely to pursue STEM majors in college. Black female students showed the greatest increase, with nearly double the percentage of non-AMP! teachers.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of STEM Outreach·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

A culturally adapted online experience improves type 2 diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives

A culturally adapted online experience improved type 2 diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The program prioritized traditional food practices and mindful eating activities, leading to increased engagement and positive experiences among participants.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 8, 2023

Least wealthy people more likely to have mental health disorder later in life

A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Mapping Mexico’s dengue fever hotspots

A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEcological Informatics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Academic medical centers are linked to better health outcomes at neighboring hospitals, researchers find

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients treated at non-teaching hospitals had lower mortality and more healthy days at home when care was provided in markets with academic medical centers. The presence of AMCs was associated with a spillover effect, improving outcomes for neighboring community hospitals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 1, 2023

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior updates Nutrition Educator Competencies for Promoting Healthy Individuals, Communities, and Food Systems

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has updated its nutrition educator competencies to ensure professionals can facilitate lasting change in health. The new competencies cover content and processes for delivering effective nutrition education, including the role of physical activity and technology.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Premature birth linked to poorer school grades in adolescence

A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Reading project which pairs old and young boosts wellbeing among children and the elderly, analysis shows

A reading project that pairs school-age children with older adults has been found to boost wellbeing among both groups. The Silver Stories programme built relationships between generations and helped children develop social skills and confidence, while also fighting loneliness for listeners.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCambridge Journal of Education·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2023

Multidisciplinary, cross-border collaboration and stable levels of funding extend knowledge of the oceans

Researchers analyzed 300 oceanographic projects funded by FAPESP, revealing a shift from USP to other institutions. FAPESP's support for long-term projects and collaborative research has significantly increased knowledge of Brazilian oceans. Deep-sea research remains a gap to be filled, requiring further collaboration and funding.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiota Neotropica·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 4, 2023

NTU Singapore doctors find mental health chatbots are effective in helping treat symptoms in people with depression

A study by NTU Singapore found that mental health chatbots engage users in empathetic conversations and offer support and guidance through psychotherapeutic exercises. The chatbots displayed a 'coach-like' personality, but were not able to deliver personalised advice.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Experts: active learning methods are best for addressing sustainability issues

Researchers from various universities conducted a systematic literature review on active learning methods, finding that challenge-based learning is the most suitable in sustainability education. This approach encourages students to analyze challenges from multiple perspectives and develop skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalSustainability·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

The AVID college prep program leads to lower substance use, better health behaviors among high school students, UCLA-led research suggests

The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2022

Children and young people need lessons in building strong relationships to counteract negative role models and “Disneyfied” portrayals of love, experts say

A new study suggests that schools should incorporate relationship education to promote good health and wellbeing. Experts argue that children need to learn how to build and sustain strong partnerships, managing expectations and conflict, to prevent public health problems such as alcohol misuse and poor mental health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Most dual smokers and vapers likely to carry on smoking

Research suggests that most dual smokers and vapers will continue smoking or vaping over time. The study found that vaping didn't contribute to substantial smoking cessation at the population level, emphasizing the need to help dual users ditch both products.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

Is classroom inclusion or segregation best for children with special needs?

A recent systematic review found that inclusion neither increases nor decreases learning and psychosocial adjustment in children with multiple disabilities. Individual assessments are crucial to determine each child's specific needs. The study highlights the importance of personalized approaches to support children with special needs.

SourceWiley·JournalCampbell Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2022

Nearly 1,000 overdoses reversed using naloxone distributed through vending machine

A self-service vending machine filled with harm reduction supplies such as naloxone helped prevent overdoses and contributed to a decrease in Hamilton County's overdose deaths in 2021. Nearly 900 people used the machine since its installation, with nearly 16% of users reporting they had never used harm reduction services before.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

How can sex education training videos be more inclusive?

A new video training platform, SkillFlix for Educators, aims to improve educators' skills in facilitating inclusive sexuality education. The platform uses professional actors and film crew to simulate a classroom environment, incorporating LGBTQIA2S+ experts and actors into the production process.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022