Articles tagged with Age Groups
A study of Medicare patients in 2022 revealed disparities in COVID-19 therapy access based on patient age, race and ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, and nursing home residence. Higher-risk individuals received COVID-19 therapy less often than those with lower risk factors.
Gaps in vision screening pathways disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups, leading to poor outcomes and inadequate care. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to address these disparities.
A study of 238,000 participants aged 45 and older found that self-reported walking limitations were associated with an increased risk of fracture. Clinicians may use patient self-assessment of walking ability as a tool to identify high-risk candidates for further assessment.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children under 5 due to insufficient evidence. School-aged children with delays are at risk of learning disabilities like reading and writing difficulties.
A recent study of 2,261 infants found no significant adverse effects on neurodevelopment after in utero exposure to COVID-19 vaccination. The research suggests that maternal COVID-19 vaccination is safe for infant development up to 18 months.
Despite declining overall US cancer mortality rates, substantial racial disparities persisted for many common cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Structural racism, medical mistrust, and health care access inequities contribute to these disparities.
A study of over 2 million individuals found a strong association between sibling death in childhood and early adulthood with an increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular diseases. The findings highlight the need for extra support to bereaved siblings to reduce this risk later in life.
A large study found that sleep disturbances in preschool-aged children are strongly associated with both resolved and new cases of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Routine screening and treatment of sleep issues may help improve psychosocial well-being in this population.
Using metformin plus insulin to treat preexisting type 2 or gestational diabetes diagnosed early in pregnancy did not show a reduction in composite neonatal adverse outcomes. The study suggests that the effect of reducing large-for-gestational-age infant risk after adding metformin to insulin warrants further investigation.
A multicenter observational cohort study found that cannabis exposure was associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age birth, medically indicated preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The risk was particularly pronounced among those who continued to use cannabis beyond the first trimester.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.
A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.
A study of 3 million US adults found anxiety and depression were significantly higher among younger adults, possibly due to economic conditions and social upheaval. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health care and economic policies for younger adults during the pandemic.
A study of 438,000 U.S. adults found that smoking cessation can significantly reduce cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory mortality rates. Within a decade of quitting, former smokers' risk of cardiovascular death was approximately one-third that of continuing smokers.
A study of 278,000 individuals in Sweden found that longer cumulative duration of ADHD medication use was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and arterial disease. Clinicians should regularly monitor cardiovascular signs and symptoms during long-term treatment.
A recent study of 7,000 older US residents found that food insecurity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, as well as poorer memory function and accelerated memory decline. The researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity may have benefits for brain health.
Research of 155,000 births finds birth at 39 weeks' gestation is linked to better educational outcomes compared to earlier or later births. No significant differences in numeracy and literacy skills were found between children born at 39 versus 40-42 weeks
Pandemic-exposed preschool children demonstrated improved problem-solving skills, fine motor abilities, and vocabulary at 2-5 years old compared to non-exposed peers. They also showed enhanced cognitive performance in visual memory and overall cognitive abilities.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
A study of 139,000 Canadian children found a substantial decrease in severe respiratory disease hospitalizations and ICU admissions during the first two years of the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. This suggests that public health interventions may be warranted for future evaluations of respiratory illness.
A nationally representative survey reveals a shift in tobacco use among young adults, with historically low cigarette use and higher e-cigarette use. Exclusive e-cigarette users are unlikely to transition to combustible tobacco.
A study of over 12,000 people in the US compares Baby Boomer and Millennial financial outcomes. Millennials with typical middle-class life trajectories accumulated substantially more wealth than their Baby Boomer counterparts, while those with low-skilled service jobs or living with parents struggled financially.
A study of 213 participants found that reducing dietary sodium significantly lowered blood pressure, with consistent results across subgroups. The decline in blood pressure was also not associated with excess adverse events.
An mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination before vs. during pregnancy and omicron infection among infants study found that maternal vaccination during the antenatal period was associated with a lower risk of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants up to six months of age.
Earlier onset of atrial fibrillation is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Monitoring cognitive function among patients with atrial fibrillation, especially those younger than 65 years at diagnosis, is crucial.
The USPSTF states that routine screening for oral health conditions, such as dental caries, is not recommended for children and adolescents aged 5-17. Untreated oral health issues can lead to serious infections affecting growth, development, and quality of life.
E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.
A survey of 1,005 parents found that internet use by adolescents has both positive and negative effects, including concerns about addiction and cyberbullying. The study revealed that twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction.
A study of 9,479 participants identified racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer survival, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes for at-risk subgroups. The findings suggest that focused care approaches can address these disparities and promote more equitable treatment.
A study of 2,361 mother-child pairs found that prenatal lead exposure is associated with an increased risk of cognitive developmental delay (CDD) in children, particularly those with a high genetic risk. This suggests that integrating genetic factors into assessments of CDD risk may improve children's cognitive ability.
A study of 142,000 live births found that maternal mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was associated with reduced risks of severe neonatal morbidity, neonatal death, and intensive care unit admission. No increase in hospital admissions or readmissions up to age six months was observed.
A primary mRNA vaccine series offers significant protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Singaporean children aged 1-4. The study found a low incidence of hospitalization and severe illness, but highlights the potential benefits of vaccination in preventing infection and sequelae.
A new study reveals a reversal in the trend of early-onset lung cancer, now affecting younger women and middle-aged adults. The increased incidence in women is attributed to rising rates among those born in the 1960s, without higher smoking prevalence.
Middle-aged Chinese surgery patients experience subjective cognitive impairment within 12 months after surgery, with identified risk factors. Preoperative psychological interventions and optimized perioperative management may help prevent postoperative cognitive impairment.
The estimated ADHD prevalence among children and adolescents in the US was 10.08% to 10.47% from 2017 to 2022, similar to previous estimates. No significant annual change in prevalence was found during this period.
A substantial burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations was found in Canadian pediatric hospitals, especially among infants under six months. The study suggests that preventive strategies for these young infants could lead to decreased RSV disease burden in children.
The study found that Paxlovid treatment was associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 hospitalization or death in clinically extremely vulnerable individuals. Severely immunocompromised patients showed the greatest benefit from this treatment.
A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...
The study found that premorbid income and education levels correlated with disability and symptom severity in multiple sclerosis, regardless of treatment. Socioeconomic status may reflect both structural and individual determinants of health in MS.
Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.
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 study of 68,000 patients with COVID-19 found that using Paxlovid or Lagevrio significantly reduced mortality and hospitalization rates in those at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, regardless of age, race, or virus strain. These medications can be used to treat non-hospitalized patients at high risk of severe disease.
A large study of 57,980 children found that increased TV/DVD screen time from age 1 year is linked to negative effects on later development. Researchers recommend family media management and social support for parents to mitigate these consequences.
A study of 805,000 patients found that receiving physical therapy after dizziness was associated with a significant reduction in fall risk over the next 12 months. The findings suggest that timely physical therapy referral for dizziness may be beneficial for these patients.
A large study found that more time spent in sedentary behaviors was significantly associated with a higher incidence of all-cause dementia among older adults. The study, which included 49,000 adults aged 60 or older, suggests a potential causal link between sedentary behavior and dementia risk.
A meta-analysis of 34,000 older adults found that antihypertensive treatment decreased dementia risk compared to untreated hypertension. Individuals with treated hypertension had no increased risk of dementia.
The study found that tenofovir alafenamide fumarate use is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension and statin initiation, particularly among those over 40. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and lipids for TAF users is recommended.
A study found that China suffered an estimated 1.87 million excess deaths among individuals 30 years and older during the first two months after ending its zero COVID policy. The lifted policy led to a significant increase in mortality rates, highlighting the need for continued public health measures.
A new study projects nearly 1 billion people will be living with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, by 2050. Currently, 15% of individuals aged 30 and older experience osteoarthritis, with obesity being a major risk factor.
A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.
A study found low primary care vision testing rates for children and adolescents, with lower rates among those without private insurance. Despite yearly testing recommendations, less than half of those with private insurance received testing.
Researchers found significant increases in body mass index among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects most pronounced in low-income youth. The study highlights how preexisting social inequalities were exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to greater weight gain among vulnerable populations.
A study of 538,000 deaths in Florida and Ohio between March 2020 and December 2021 found significant excess mortality among Republican voters compared to Democratic voters. The disparity suggests differences in vaccination attitudes and uptake may have influenced pandemic severity and trajectory.
A study finds that additional recommended cervical cancer screenings before birth are associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. The findings suggest that cervical cancer screening guidelines should consider the downstream implications for preterm delivery risk when weighing population-level costs against benefits.
A randomized clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops did not slow myopia progression or axial elongation in US school-age children. The results suggest that atropine, 0.01%, eye drops are not effective for controlling myopia in this population.
The study found a steady increase in diagnosed learning disability prevalence among US children and adolescents over two decades, with 8.83% of children ages 6-17 affected between 1997 and 2021. This chronic condition affects about 9 in 100 overall, highlighting its significant impact on the US population.
The study found an association between COVID-19 pandemic exposure and delayed childhood development in children aged 5. Variations in development widened during the pandemic, regardless of age, emphasizing the importance of identifying and supporting affected children.
A new study suggests that wastewater monitoring can be an effective way to track the spread of infectious diseases. The research found that testing for COVID-19 in wastewater was an objective way to measure where the disease was spreading, with most samples processed in under four days.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between food insecurity and accelerated memory decline in middle to older-age individuals. The researchers suggest that exposure to food insecurity in older age may have long-term negative effects on cognitive function.
Among US females ages 12-21, iron deficiency affected nearly 40%, while iron deficiency anemia occurred in approximately 6%. Menstruation was a significant risk factor for both conditions, with over one-quarter of premenarchal girls experiencing iron deficiency.