Articles tagged with Mortality Rates
A study published in PLOS ONE found that raised blood pressure has been the leading risk factor for death in Australia for three decades, contributing to at least 44% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing blood pressure control efforts in public health agendas.
Housing instability, as measured by eviction filings, was associated with a significantly increased risk of death over the first 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eviction prevention efforts may have reduced excess mortality for renters during this period.
A new study published in Radiology found that annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and continuing until 79 results in the highest mortality reduction. The study analyzed Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) estimates and showed that annual screening reduces breast cancer deaths by 41.7%.
A study co-led by Prof. Kelly Metcalfe finds risk-reducing mastectomies significantly reduce breast cancer risk and death probability in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variant. The procedure reduces the risk of breast cancer by 80% and decreases mortality to less than 1%.
The EQFL measurement calculates earthquake-related fatalities as a ratio to the country's population size, revealing Ecuador, Lebanon, Haiti, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Portugal have experienced the greatest impact. Smaller countries suffer more from earthquake fatalities due to their larger proportion of their population.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, a fatal fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs and brain. It provides practical guidance for medical staff to recognize and manage invasive fungal infections, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that Black women in the US are murdered at rates 6 times higher than white women, with gun deaths also disproportionately affecting them. The findings highlight the urgent need to address structural racism and inequities in homicide trends.
A recent analysis found that Black women in the USA have significantly higher homicide rates compared to their White peers, with disparities increasing from 1999 to 2020. Gun deaths among Black and White women also increased, with Black women being more likely to be killed by firearms.
Frailty levels dropped in the 2000s but increased steeply in the 2010s due to austerity measures, leading to a significant decline in health among the UK's oldest adults. The study warns that any new austerity measures should be carefully considered given their potential impact on long-term health.
A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.
Officer-involved killings of unarmed Black individuals worsened sleep duration among Black respondents, while no adverse effects were found for white respondents. The study highlights the role of structural racism in shaping racial disparities in sleep health.
Researchers created mathematical models to examine aspects of human behavior affecting pandemic trends. They found that risk perception and adherence to preventive measures are crucial in understanding why similar policies resulted in different outcomes.
White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have created a low-cost imaging device suitable for endoscopic screening programs, offering excellent contrast between healthy and malignant tissue. The new system uses ultraminiature spatial frequency domain imaging technology to detect cancerous lesions with high specificity and sensitivity.
Researchers identified 180,940 people who had suffered a recent stroke and matched them to control groups to evaluate dementia risk after stroke. The study found that the rate of post-stroke dementia was higher than the rate of recurrent stroke over the same time period.
The Butantan-DV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue development in 79.6% of vaccinated individuals, regardless of age group or prior exposure history. The vaccine also demonstrated safety for all participants, with mild to moderate side effects reported.
Cancer kills more Black people than White individuals in the Barretos region, whereas in São Paulo city, it is the opposite, according to a study published in Cancer Causes & Control. The disparity is most pronounced for breast and cervical cancer among Black women.
A study of over 1.6 million ED visits found that nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients were hospitalized, despite evidence suggesting safety in outpatient management. Researchers suggest further investigation into ED triage decisions to improve appropriate use of outpatient care.
A study of 57,000 US adults found that lower levels of food security are associated with a higher risk of premature mortality and shorter life expectancy. The findings highlight the potential importance of improving food security in promoting population health and reducing health disparities.
Experts predict a significant increase in bowel cancer death rates among young adults in the EU and UK, driven by rising obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. Death rates are predicted to rise by 26% in men and nearly 39% in women in the UK, with similar increases seen in Italy and other European countries.
Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.
Researchers found that the life expectancy of AIAN individuals is seven years less than that of White populations, with rapid increases in suicide mortality rates between 1999 and 2020. The study suggests historical trauma and ongoing inequality contribute to high suicide rates among AIAN people.
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that patients with functional seizures have a death rate almost 2.5 times higher than expected, comparable to epilepsy and serious mental health conditions. The study highlights the need for improved access to holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological disorders.
New research confirms a concerning trend erasing a decade of progress in reducing mortalities from heart disease and stroke. The US cardiovascular disease death rate rose by 9.3% from 2020 to 2022, with over 228,000 more CVD deaths than expected if pre-2020 trends continued.
A recent survey found that 51% of Americans are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. This lack of knowledge can be deadly, with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease.
The NEST360 alliance is launching Phase 2 with a focus on five sub-Saharan countries to reduce newborn deaths by 75% through improved medical care and systems-change approach. The initiative aims to limit newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030, aligning with the U.N.'s SDG 3.2 goal.
A new study found that heatwaves in Brazil are disproportionately affecting female, elderly, Black, Brown, and low-education individuals, resulting in a staggering 48,075 deaths between 2000 and 2018. The research highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce mortality rates during future heatwaves.
Researchers found that one in five adults reported difficulty walking a kilometre, and those with more limitations had significantly higher fracture risks. The study suggests asking about walking ability could help identify individuals needing further screening and prescribe interventions to prevent fractures.
Regular NHS Health Checks are associated with reduced risks of dying and developing long-term diseases like dementia and liver cirrhosis. The study analyzed data from 97,204 UK Biobank participants and found that attendees had lower diagnosis rates for these conditions, including a 19% lower rate of dementia diagnosis.
A study of 398,000 UK Biobank participants found that improving social isolation and loneliness in people with obesity can decrease their risk of obesity-related excess mortality. The findings support the importance of addressing social isolation as a potential factor in reducing obesity-related mortality.
A novel score, the Phoenix Sepsis Score, predicts mortality in children with suspected or confirmed infection. The new criteria outperform existing organ dysfunction scores and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference criteria
A new study by David Atance and colleagues found that global mortality patterns are converging, with increased life expectancies and narrowing gender disparities. The researchers analyzed data from 194 countries and predicted continued convergence towards a unique pattern of mortality and longevity by 2030.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that children born with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects have better survival rates since 1990. However, their mortality rate is still 85% higher than others with a congenital heart defect but without Down syndrome.
A new study conducted by Qianwei Liu and colleagues found that parents of children with cancer are more likely to attempt suicide during the first years after diagnosis. The risk is higher for parents whose child was diagnosed under 18 or had an aggressive form of cancer.
Researchers have shown that combining poverty with chronic inflammation worsens health outcomes, increasing heart disease and cancer mortality rates. The study analyzed data from nearly 95 million adults and found a synergistic effect of poverty and inflammation on mortality.
Researchers found wearing masks led to a 2.76 case reduction per 100,000 people, while shelter-in-place measures prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths. The study aimed to dispel misinformation about nonpharmaceutical interventions.
A UK study found that between a third and a half of the population had not received the recommended number of COVID vaccinations by summer 2022. The research suggests that this under-vaccination led to over 7,000 hospitalisations and deaths that might have been avoided with better vaccine coverage.
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 nearly 15,000 adults with non–small cell lung cancer found that Medicaid expansion decreased postoperative mortality within 30 and 90 days after hospital discharge. This suggests that expanded Medicaid coverage may improve cancer outcomes and access to care for this population.
Researchers found that populations in Central Asian countries have significantly higher healthy and happy life expectancies compared to Russians, despite lower socioeconomic development. This challenges the understanding of health and raises questions about contributing factors to healthier lives in these communities.
Research found a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths related to substance use, particularly among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for comprehensive public health efforts to address substance use and its impact on heart health.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that soy isoflavones reduced breast cancer recurrence by 26% and improved survival rates in post-menopausal women. Enterolactone, a compound metabolized from lignans, was also associated with a 28% reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality.
A new study reveals that people with sickle cell disease are nearly two times less likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to those without the disease. Vaccination rates were particularly low in children and teens with sickle cell disease, who face a higher risk of hospitalization and death if infected.
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.
Diagnostic errors in hospitalized adults who died or were transferred to the intensive care unit were common, with problems in test choice and clinician assessment identified as high-priority areas for improvement. The study analyzed 2,428 patient records at 29 hospitals and found that these errors led to significant patient harm.
A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.
A survey of low-income adults showed a significant decrease in food insecurity, from 20.6% in 2019 to 15.5% in 2021. The findings highlight the importance of financial relief and nutritional benefits for vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
New research reveals that Black women are more likely to develop endometrial cancers called serous carcinoma and carcinosarcoma, which are more aggressive than those found in white women. The study also showed that Black patients have a higher risk of having copy number-high or TP53 abnormal tumors, which have worse outcomes.
A new Doctor Who episode aired during the festive period is associated with lower death rates in the subsequent year across the UK. The study highlights the positive effect doctors can have when working during the holiday season, suggesting that watching a doctor care for people may encourage health-seeking behavior.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials found daily tooth brushing may reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by up to 50% in high-risk patients. This study suggests that widespread toothbrushing policies could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Only 4.1% of hospital encounters for opioid overdoses led to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) initiation within a week of discharge from hospital, highlighting missed opportunities to prevent future mortality and morbidity related to opioid use disorder. Studies show that prompt OAT initiation in the emergency department is crucial to redu...
A study published in Environment International found that air conditioning reduced heat-related mortality in Spain by up to 31.5%, while heating systems contributed to a decrease of 50.8% in extreme cold-related fatalities. However, the effect may be attenuated by an ageing population.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness decreases after six months, highlighting the importance of continued booster shots. Researchers analyzed over 10 million cases and discovered a significant reduction in mortality rates among vaccinated adults.
A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.
A new study finds that most US parents intend to vaccinate their infants and young children against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 40% planning to vaccinate against COVID-19. The study also highlights the growing concern of vaccine hesitancy and its potential impact on public health.
A 7-year analysis of a US national injury database found that female victims of gun violence are less likely to die than male victims, despite having similar injury severity. They also experience better outcomes with fewer complications after hospital admission.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that people admitted to the hospital for acute hypertension are increasingly likely to need urgent kidney dialysis or die in the hospital. The study's lead author notes that patients with certain traits, such as being younger, male, or overweight, are high-risk groups.
Studies published in Nature Medicine show that implementing updated WHO screening guidelines could reduce cervical cancer death rates by over 63% in low-to-middle-income countries. Women with HIV have a sixfold risk of developing cervical cancer, and primary HPV testing can save up to 38 women's lives for every 71 screened.
Research compares US, Australian, and UK gun violence rates to mental illness rates, finding higher US rates without comparable differences in mental illness prevalence. Gun ownership and access to firearms are suggested as plausible but unproven explanations for the disparity.