Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A new study finds that the US has the highest rates of drug overdose mortality among high-income countries, with a rate 3.5 times higher on average. The country's overdose death rate has increased rapidly over the past decade, outpacing other nations.
A USC study found that the US has the highest drug overdose death rates among high-income countries, with mortality rates tripling over the past two decades. The study suggests that the epidemic is contributing to the widening gap in life expectancy between the US and other high-income countries.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the 2008 recession was associated with a greater decline in mortality rates in Europe. The researchers analyzed data from 15 European countries and found that periods of economic recession were linked to lower levels of pollution, fewer accidents, and sedentary lifestyles.
A study published by The BMJ found that global suicide deaths increased by 6.7% between 1990 and 2016, but the age-adjusted mortality rate decreased by almost a third worldwide over the same period. Men had higher mortality rates than women, with higher rates linked to social and economic deprivation.
A study examining EMS response times to motor vehicle crashes found longer response times associated with higher mortality rates, particularly in rural areas. Prolonged response times accounted for nearly 10% of fatalities in rural/wilderness areas and 14% in urban/suburban areas.
A new study published in EuroIntervention found that minimally invasive Mitraclip implantation has a consistently low complication rate, even as the number of procedures increased. The study included over 13,575 patients and showed that mortality rates remained stable during the five-year period.
A Monash University study found that recreational cannabis sales led to an average of one additional traffic fatality per million residents in US states where it was legalized. The increase was short-lived, lasting about a year after legalization. The study also reported spillover effects on neighboring jurisdictions.
Researchers found no significant increase in opioid-involved fatal crashes in Maryland from 2006 to 2017. A new approach defined by limiting analysis to those who died at the scene with opioids in their systems versus those who died later revealed this steady trend.
Between 1999 and 2016, nearly 9,000 children and adolescents died from opioid poisonings, with prescription opioids responsible for 73% of the deaths. The majority of deaths were among non-Hispanic white males, but the proportion of deaths among black children increased over time.
A new study finds that the decline in mortality among the very old may be due to errors in data collection and analysis, rather than biological factors. The researchers suggest that even small errors can significantly impact mortality rates, particularly at the end of life.
The UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health debunks common misconceptions about migration's impact on public health and economies. It highlights the significant economic benefits of migration, including increased GDP per person in advanced economies.
A commentary published in The Lancet Public Health highlights the need for governments to commit to reducing traffic deaths and invest in road safety. According to Dr. Adnan Hyder, more than a million people die from traffic crashes worldwide each year, with no decline in death toll since 2009.
A study published in Social Science & Medicine found that states with moderate to strong bans on handheld device use have lower motorcycle fatality rates. The researchers argue that strengthening texting/handheld bans is essential for improving safety and saving lives among motorcyclists.
A recent study published in The BMJ reveals that the UK has higher death rates from respiratory illnesses, such as COPD and pneumonia, compared to other developed countries. Death rates for men have decreased over the past 30 years, but those for women have remained relatively static.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that adults with Down syndrome are more likely to die from dementia, highlighting the importance of studying disease progression and potential treatments for this population. The study, which included 211 adults, found that 70% of those who died had dementia.
Melanoma death rates are increasing globally in men, while stabilizing or decreasing in some countries for women. The study analyzed data from 33 countries and found that melanoma is a significant health issue, with men being more likely to die from the disease.
New research finds that Halloween is linked to higher rates of pedestrian traffic fatalities, particularly among young children. The study, which analyzed data from 1975-2016, revealed an average of four additional pedestrian deaths per year during Halloween, with the greatest risk among children aged 4-8.
A study analyzing US death rates over 37 years reveals that young men are more likely to die in the summer, while older people remain more likely to die in winter, regardless of regional climate. The seasonal patterns were independent of geography, with similar trends observed across diverse climates.
A recent study analyzed the impact of mass shootings on blood supply and demand for blood products. The research found that a call for immediate blood donation was unnecessary and resulted in wasted blood resources. The study suggests that cities develop protocols for mass casualty events, such as issuing calls for donations by ZIP code.
The article highlights the impact of mass shootings on blood donation rates and transfusion needs. A report by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that mass shootings can lead to a significant increase in blood component transfusions, with some hospitals requiring up to 2.7 units per admission.
The study reveals a significant shift from mortality to morbidity, with conditions like low back and neck pain and anxiety disorders causing disability. The authors highlight the need for health services to adapt to managing long-term conditions and address social determinants of ill health.
A new study mapped the incidence of motor vehicle collisions resulting in children's deaths across the US, revealing wide variations in mortality rates between states and counties. The researchers identified proximity to trauma centers and emergency response times as key factors influencing child mortality.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that racial differences in colorectal cancer incidence are not due to biological factors. The study suggests that screening should begin at age 50 regardless of race, with consideration for individual risk factors and preferences. Improved access to screening is crucial to reducing disparitie...
Children with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher mortality rate compared to peers without the condition, particularly if diagnosed before age 18. Careful monitoring is crucial for individuals diagnosed in childhood, especially those with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Researchers at UNH found a high infestation of winter ticks on 179 radio-marked moose calves, causing emaciation and severe metabolic imbalance leading to 125 calf deaths over three years. Most adult moose survived but were severely compromised.
Cancer death disparities exist among US counties due to socioeconomic and behavioral traits, such as food insecurity, smoking, physical inactivity, and inadequate healthcare. Researchers identified these factors using a novel method, which may help public health experts target specific areas for reduction.
Mortality rates for infants and children in the US have declined significantly since 1999, according to a study analyzing death certificate data. The study found decreases in deaths from sudden infant death syndrome and unintentional injuries among young people, but increases in suffocation and strangulation deaths in infants.
A new study suggests that Medicaid expansions may have been protective against the rise in drug overdose deaths, with nearly 20% lower mortality rates in expansion states compared to non-expansion states.
A new study analyzing nearly 600,000 unintentional drug overdoses reveals a smooth exponential growth curve nationwide. Regional hotspots have been identified, except for select areas in the north central US.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found death rates from drug overdoses have been growing exponentially for at least 15 years, suggesting a long-term process driving the epidemic. The study suggests that prevention efforts must address deeper factors beyond specific drugs to be successful.
A new study has mapped areas across Africa with high concentrations of child deaths from diarrhea, revealing uneven progress over 15 years. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions in local communities to mitigate the problem, as national strategies may be less effective due to regional inequalities.
Cardiff University researchers calculate a novel system for scoring an area's safety, successfully predicting road casualties. The system uses factors like crossings, street type, and speed limits, with Liverpool deemed the most unsafe and Bath the safest.
Researchers found that while severe reactions can occur, the risks are low compared to common cancer treatments. The study identified a peak timing for fatal toxicities within 15-40 days after treatment initiation, depending on the type of immune checkpoint inhibitor.
A global observational study found that consuming three servings of dairy per day is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study's findings support the potential benefits of dairy consumption for mortality and cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in low-income countries.
A study by UCLA researchers found that California's minority population contributes to the state's relatively low death rate, despite high poverty and lack of insurance rates. The state's death rate from all causes was 619.1 per 100,000 population in 2016, lower than the national average.
A study found a significant correlation between Republican gains in counties and increased death rates from alcohol, drugs, and suicide. Life expectancy was also linked to voting patterns, suggesting that health disparities may have influenced the election outcome.
A study found that modest reductions in age-adjusted, county-level death rates could have swung key US states to Secretary Clinton. Counties with higher Republican votes had higher age-adjusted death rates and increased deaths of despair.
Researchers found a strong seasonal pattern in online search activity for cardiovascular disease, with higher volumes during winter months. US states with higher CVD mortality also showed increased search interest compared to regions with lower CVD mortality rates.
A new analysis suggests that improving communication strategies can improve treatment protocols for at-risk casualties in chemical exposure incidents. The study recommends introducing an immediate 'disrobe and dry' decontamination stage, which enables first responders to reassure victims and start providing instructions.
A study published in The Lancet found that life expectancy in Russia increased by over 7 years between 1994 and 2016, while child mortality rates decreased nearly 60%. However, the nation still faces significant health challenges due to excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
Researchers found that implementing a standard tetanus protocol in an ICU in Tanzania did not significantly reduce mortality rates, but shifted causes of deaths to airway compromise and sepsis. The study emphasizes the need for increased vaccination coverage to eliminate this preventable disease.
A new study reveals that active shooter training increases emergency department staff's ability to respond effectively in the event of an attack. 92% of participating nurses reported feeling better prepared after training.
Two studies reveal widespread declines in US life expectancy, with younger age groups affected by opioid-related deaths, and midlife mortality increasing across all racial groups. Systemic causes, including social deprivation and austerity policies, are suspected to contribute to these trends.
Overall stroke death rates have declined in Europe, but some countries are experiencing a recent plateau or increase in mortality. The study found significant decreases in death rates from cerebrovascular disease in most European countries over the past 37 years, with age-standardised mortality rates being higher in men than women.
Adolescents with conduct and substance use problems are five times more likely to die prematurely than their peers. Conduct disorder is a powerful predictor of early mortality, beyond substance use problems.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep boosts 'fitness' and future family line reproductive success, suggesting it plays a significant role in evolutionary adaptation. The research used mathematical modeling to compare the fitness of sleeping and non-sleeping strategies under various conditions.
A new study estimates that Hurricane Maria caused over 1,139 deaths in Puerto Rico through December 2017, exceeding the official death toll of 64. The analysis used vital statistics records to account for indirect deaths due to infectious disease outbreaks and lack of services.
Almost half of India's districts are not on track to meet the target for newborns and under-five mortality rates by 2030. Despite progress in reducing deaths among children under five and newborns, India still faces significant challenges, including socioeconomic and geographic disparities.
The global age-standardized lung cancer mortality rate among women is expected to rise by 43% from 2015 to 2030, while breast cancer mortality rates are projected to decrease by 9%. Lung cancer mortality rates will be highest in Europe and Oceania, with lower rates in America and Asia.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that methadone treatment is associated with lower mortality rates among convicted offenders with opioid dependence. The research analyzed population-level data and found significant reductions in deaths from both external and non-external causes.
Unsheltered homeless adults in Boston experience significantly higher mortality rates due to noncommunicable diseases and substance use. The study found that avoiding shelters increases the risk of death among this subpopulation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study by researchers from the University of South Carolina shows that US counties with a history of lynching events have higher contemporary mortality rates for both white and black populations. The study found significant associations between past lynchings and increased mortality rates, especially among African American females.
A study analyzing NY state cancer death data from 2008-2014 found high mortality rates among U.S.-born blacks and Puerto Ricans, while South American Hispanics had relatively low rates. The researchers also identified significant disparities in liver cancer mortality between these groups.
A study of over 90,000 patients found women's heart failure mortality is higher and hospitalization rates have increased in women compared to men. The research highlights sex differences in heart failure outcomes, care delivery, and access in Ontario.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that heavy drinking causes uncontrolled iron absorption, leading to health issues like heart attacks and liver disease. Iron loading was significantly higher in drinkers than non-drinkers, predicting increased mortality rates.
A study by UCSF researchers found that hospitals adopting electronic health records (EHRs) initially experienced higher mortality rates, but these improved over time as they learned to work with the technology and adopted new capabilities. The benefits of EHR adoption were most pronounced in smaller and non-teaching hospitals.
A study by the University of Portsmouth found that potentially 180 deaths in British waters from 2007-2016 were avoidable if victims wore lifejackets. Anglers aged 41-50 are at highest risk, with leisure angling having the second-highest fatality rate.
A new study estimates mortality rates for nearly 4,000 Italians over 105 years old, finding a plateau in death rates after age 105. The research suggests that human longevity is increasing over time, with slight declines in mortality rates across groups born within the same year.
A new study by MIT economists challenges the idea that most Medicare spending goes to patients who are unlikely to survive. The research found that less than 5% of Medicare spending is allocated to the top percentile of high-risk patients, with a predicted one-year mortality rate of just 46%.
A study of nearly 4,000 extremely old Italians found that mortality rates plateau after 105 years old, with people between 105-109 having a 50/50 chance of dying within the year and an expected further life span of 1.5 years. The findings challenge previous research on a final cut-off point for human lifespan.