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Drinking alone foreshadows future alcohol problems

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that drinking alone during adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of alcohol use disorder later in life, especially for women. Solitary drinking is a unique and robust risk factor for future alcohol problems, according to lead author Kasey Creswell.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 11, 2022

Binge drinking raises risk of developing alcohol problems, even for moderate drinkers

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that moderate drinkers who binge drink are at a higher risk of developing multiple alcohol problems. Researchers analyzed survey responses from over 1,200 adults and found that most cases of binge drinking occurred among individuals who were average moderate drinkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 transmission, shedding according to vaccination status

A cohort study of healthcare workers and community participants found that fully vaccinated individuals had significantly less secondary transmission and shorter viable virus duration than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 shedding and transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2022

One in 3 people who drowned in Canada had a chronic health condition

A recent study in CMAJ found that nearly half of Canadian drownings were caused by pre-existing medical conditions, with seizure disorders posing a significant risk. Young women aged 20-34 with seizure disorders were particularly vulnerable, facing a risk 23 times higher than the general population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022

UK study in a million adults suggests under 45s and women more likely to gain weight and jump a BMI category during lockdown

A UK study of over a million adults found that young adults (under 45) and women were more likely to gain weight and move up at least one BMI category during lockdown. The study suggests that this could lead to an increased risk of obesity-related health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Student debt can impair your cardiovascular health into middle age

Adults with student loan debt face a higher risk of cardiovascular illness and may experience undermined health benefits from post-secondary education. Researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and found that those who took on new debt or consistently had debt had higher CVD risk scores.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Online program improves well-being of stroke survivors

A new online program has been shown to improve health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors. The study found that participants who received access to the program had higher scores on health-related quality of life and reported fewer problems with personal care and daily activities.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal study assesses mortality risk in multimorbid patients

A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

COVID-19 household transmission is high, with children being a significant source of spread: study

A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

Only 1 in 4 people needing treatment received medication for Opioid Use Disorder in past year

A study found that only 28% of individuals needing opioid use disorder treatment received medication, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The findings highlight critical gaps in treatment engagement and access to effective medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.

Only 1 in 4 people needing treatment received medication for opioid use disorder in past year

Medication for opioid use disorder was lowest among adolescents and adults ages 50 or older, with only 13% of adults in this age group receiving treatment. The study highlights substantial gaps in access to medication treatment, particularly among people of color and those with at least some college education.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

For youth with a heart defect, shift to adult-focused care is key to health, quality of life

Most people born with heart defects now survive past childhood, requiring seamless transition to adult-oriented healthcare. The American Heart Association updates guidelines for managing congenital heart disease in adolescents and young adults, highlighting the importance of involving individuals and families in research.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 17, 2022