Articles tagged with Population
Research suggests that mentally active employees are less likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia-related issues. The study analyzed various interventions aimed at boosting mental performance, revealing promising results for those looking to reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.
The study reveals that smartphone-based cognitive assessments can provide reliable and valid results for diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These findings suggest a scalable solution for remote evaluations, which may enhance early detection.
A cohort study of 64,000 Americans found that nearly 80% consumed excessive sodium, associated with 10-30% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality. Public health programs targeting reduced sodium intake may be beneficial for this underserved population.
A study of partners and adult children of stroke survivors found higher risks of mental health conditions and self-harm or suicide. The findings highlight the potential consequences of stroke on family members, particularly partners.
This study of 536 adults with chronic conditions found disparities in patient portal use, with sociodemographic groups and health literacy levels showing varying trends. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in portal use, while a brief validated health literacy measure may help identify patients who need further support.
The study reveals a significant prevalence of refractive error in African American adults, affecting their quality of life and work productivity. Providing universal vision care coverage can reduce this burden by over two-thirds, improving lives and increasing economic opportunities.
Weight loss treatments such as nutrition counseling and bariatric surgery increased the patient-level probability of achieving significant weight loss. Current treatment utilization rates are insufficient to impact the population level, highlighting a need for improved access.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies with 341,000 participants found that physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, although the association was weak. The findings suggest that even a weak link between physical activity and cognitive decline is still important from a population health perspective.
A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.
Adult cancer survivors are at higher risk for substance use disorders (SUD), especially those with certain types of cancer; the study suggests integrated care could benefit these patients. The research highlights the need to address comorbid SUD in cancer populations with high SUD prevalence, prioritizing high-risk cancers.
A study in the JAMA Network Open found that Hispanic and American Indian individuals with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer were undercaptured in the National Cancer Database, but representation improved over time. Further investigation is needed to understand where these populations seek cancer care.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
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.
A study of 4,819 women with benign breast disease found an increased risk of breast cancer compared to the general population. The study's findings suggest that pathologic classifications could improve breast cancer risk stratification.
This study reveals racial and ethnic differences in hospice use, with Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals having lower odds of receiving hospice care. Hispanic individuals had the highest odds of a short hospice stay, highlighting potential barriers to access and acceptance among low-income populations.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
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.
The study found co-administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine with the seasonal influenza vaccine to be effective in preventing COVID-19 and flu-related outcomes. This may improve vaccination uptake for both vaccines.
Maintenance immunosuppressive drugs linked to increased COVID-19 hospitalization risk in solid organ transplant patients. Clinicians treating transplant recipients should consider these findings for epidemic-related decisions.
A study of 185 women found that high neighborhood deprivation was associated with changes in DNA methylation and gene expression in Black women with breast cancer. This suggests a potential link between environmental factors and biological susceptibility to chronic diseases.
A study found that Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida auris were common among patients receiving mechanical ventilation, particularly in long-term care facilities. These pathogens pose a significant risk to this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and prevention efforts.
A study of 4,070 insured adults with diabetes found persistent disparities in poor glycemic control, even after adjusting for social, healthcare, and behavioral factors. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the barriers contributing to these disparities.
A post hoc analysis of 10,678 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found no significant difference in heart attack, stroke, or death risk between enteric-coated and uncoated aspirin. Enteric-coated aspirin may offer reduced bleeding risk, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a persistent increase in psychotropic medication dispensation among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the need for integrated pediatric diabetes care and mental health services to detect psychological needs early on.
A significant burden of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic risk factors has been identified among 220,000 American Indian and Alaska Native patients with Medicare insurance. The study emphasizes the critical need for future efforts to prioritize cardiovascular health in this population.
A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.
A study of 24,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients found that pulse oximetry led to delayed treatment and higher readmission rates, with racial disparities observed among black patients. The study highlights the importance of accurate oxygen saturation monitoring in preventing these outcomes.
A new DNA study reveals that the intermingling of hunter-gatherer groups in Europe was strongly linked to geography, with certain groups remaining isolated for thousands of years. The research adds detail to the puzzle of European Stone Age history.
Consistent disparities among marginalized populations are more likely to experience unexplained queue jumps and hallway placement. Standardizing triage processes can help mitigate conscious and unconscious biases in emergency departments.
A recent study found that travel-related barriers significantly impact access to healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities. The research emphasizes the need to remove these barriers to achieve health equity.
A study of 22,000 adults found that small amounts of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity were associated with a lower incident cancer risk. This finding suggests that daily vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity may be a promising intervention for cancer prevention in populations unable or unmotivated to exercise.
Smoke-free legislation associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease and respiratory system disease. Accelerating the implementation of smoke-free laws is crucial for protecting populations against smoking-related harm.
The study highlights the increasing global burden of childhood diabetes, with rising deaths and disability-adjusted life-years. Improved understanding of diabetes epidemiology in children is crucial for prevention and control efforts.
Medical evacuation by train in a war zone is possible and can transport more severely ill or injured individuals due to intensive care capacity on board. The target population should not be limited to trauma patients only.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
A peer support group intervention has been shown to be feasible and acceptable among undocumented Latinx immigrants with kidney failure. The study found that the intervention built camaraderie and provided emotional support, which is particularly important for socially marginalized uninsured populations.
A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.
A study of 6.6 million individuals found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. The findings may inform policies regarding cannabis use control.
A Danish nationwide cohort study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those over 70, had a significantly higher risk of developing new-onset mental disorders compared to the general population. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed increased mental disorder risk similar to non-COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The study found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses among female youth, especially adolescents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was most pronounced for eating disorders, with vulnerable populations showing marked increases.
A large case-control surveillance study of over 100,000 pregnancies found COVID-19 booster vaccination not associated with spontaneous abortion. The results support the safety of COVID-19 booster vaccination recommendations for pregnant populations.
A decision analytical model found that increased uptake of bivalent booster vaccination among eligible age groups decreased pediatric hospitalizations and school absenteeism. The benefits of booster campaigns for children may be substantial, suggesting a focus on younger populations is crucial.
A study of 2,165 Dutch adolescents suggests no difference in global brain volume between those reporting gender diversity and those not. However, a correlation was found with specific brain features in the inferior temporal gyrus among males assigned at birth.
A study of over 45,000 individuals found COVID-19-like symptoms without SARS-CoV-2 infection led to higher rates of depression and anxiety eight months post-symptom onset. Researchers also discovered that negative SARS-CoV-2 serologic test results did not mitigate this risk.
The USPSTF recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in populations at increased risk, including those born in or former residents of high-prevalence countries and congregate settings. Estimated prevalence is about 5.0% in the US, with up to 13 million persons affected.
A large study of over 600,000 individuals found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of incident diabetes. The researchers estimate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to a 3% to 5% excess burden of diabetes at a population level.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to steeper declines in fertility rates in some US states than others, with factors like income inequality, racial composition, and political leaning playing a significant role. States with stronger social distancing responses and liberal politics experienced larger fertility rate declines.
Adolescents with positive parent-adolescent relationships exhibit favorable outcomes in young adulthood, including better physical and mental health. Investing in improving these relationships may have substantial benefits for the young adult population's overall health.
Patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias exhibit significantly higher readmission rates and overall episode costs compared to their non-dementia counterparts. Judicious preoperative assessment and care planning are strongly advised for this vulnerable patient population, particularly in the post-discharge period.
A University of Houston study found rural Americans are more anxious and depressed, with reduced openness and neuroticism compared to urban residents. Access to mental health services is believed to be a contributing factor.
A study of 135,000 adults found that high cardiovascular health was associated with significantly increased life expectancy free of four major chronic diseases. The disease-free life expectancy was similar between low and other socioeconomic groups among participants with high cardiovascular health.
A new statistical analysis tool has uncovered the distribution and intermixing of Jomon hunter-gatherers and East Asian immigrant farmers in Japan. The study found that regions with higher Jomon ancestry are more prone to obesity, while those with higher East Asian ancestry are more susceptible to exacerbated asthma.
A new model called 'The Trust Circle' was developed to increase recruitment of AI/AN populations into clinical trials. The model takes into account the trust between trial participants, researchers, and community leaders, with physicians and ministers playing a key role in promoting trust.
A recent study of over 42,000 patients found low adherence to COVID-19 booster dose recommendations among immunocompromised individuals. This vulnerable population faces increased risk of severe COVID-19, underscoring the importance of tailored efforts to ensure they remain up-to-date with booster doses.
Researchers identified geographic, racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics as key contributors to the elevated suicide risk among cancer patients. Timely symptom management and targeted psychosocial interventions are crucial for preventing suicide in individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Outreach messages via electronic health record patient portals increased well child care visit scheduling and COVID-19 vaccine receipt in a randomized clinical trial of 945 patients. This tool may help restore delayed well child care in populations affected by the pandemic.
Researchers found that Swedes with higher incomes have more children, particularly men who accumulate higher incomes over time. For women, the pattern changes significantly over time, with those born in the 1940s and 1950s having lower incomes and more children.
A study of over 111,000 veterans found that prescription of anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapies was underused, particularly among those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and minority groups. Veterans with limited outpatient access to these treatments were also less likely to receive them.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers found that more conservative state policies were associated with higher mortality rates among US workers. The study suggests that liberalizing policies on gun safety, labor, and tobacco taxes could lower mortality rates.
A population-based analysis of 1,193 major surgeries found that 13.4% of patients died within a year, with frail and dementia-affected individuals facing significantly higher mortality rates