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Rising monkey and pig populations pose human disease risk

Researchers warn that exploding wild pig and macaque populations in Southeast Asia pose significant zoonotic disease risks to humans. The study, led by the University of Queensland, found that these animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, highlighting the need for urgent management solutions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

Declines in racial disparities in COVID mortality in 2021 were largely driven by increases in white mortality and changing pandemic geography

A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2023

Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

A new study found that remote outreach involving interactive education and follow-up support via telephone increased breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among rural women. The combination of a remotely delivered interactive DVD and patient navigation services resulted in a six-fold increase in screenings.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

Income inequality may not be reliable predictor when it comes to population health outcomes, new URI study shows

A new URI study reveals that the association between life expectancy and income inequality is not as clear-cut as previously thought. In high-income areas, life expectancy was higher in regions with higher income inequality, suggesting that income inequality may not be a reliable predictor of population health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalJournal of Health Population and Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

An embarrassment of riches

Researchers found that Indigenous populations with limited food availability have slower brain aging, while industrialized populations experience faster cognitive decline. Beyond a certain point, excessive energy gain from food intake is associated with smaller brain volumes and faster aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2023

Pregnancy-related deaths spiked for second consecutive year during COVID-19

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals a 104% increase in pregnancy-related deaths among American Indian/Alaska Native people, with rates nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. The Delta and Omicron variants contributed to the worsening burden of mortality, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

To promote exercise, planners must look beyond cities

Researchers from Cornell University recommend that planners in suburban and rural communities focus on promoting recreational programs, expanding transportation options, and creating safer environments to help an aging population get more exercise. The study found that demographic factors, such as minority populations and lower incomes...

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2023

WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate

A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2023

Heart failure risk higher in rural areas

A large observational study found that heart failure risk is 19% higher for adults living in rural areas of the US compared to urban areas, with a significant disparity in Black men. The study highlights race- and sex-based inequities in heart failure risk, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to prevent heart failure.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

Association of rurality with risk of heart failure

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that rurality is associated with a higher risk of heart failure among predominantly low-income individuals in the southeastern United States. The inequity highlights the need for targeted primary prevention efforts for rural populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

Inequities, research gaps in ophthalmology

A review of 75 publications found significant knowledge gaps on health inequities affecting the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups, including American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of investigating barriers to clinical studies and medical trainee recruitment in under-resourced areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2022

Power to the people must include the people

A group of international scientists transformed a top-down process into one that provides electricity to remote Amazonian communities. The "Inclusive engineering" approach engages with local values and preferences, ensuring the system is maintained by the community.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2022

Study identifies mental health disparities in rural schools

A recent study by Washington State University found that rural public schools are less likely to provide mental health services compared to urban schools, with only 38.3% offering treatment. Rural schools also reported lower funding and lack of access to qualified professionals as barriers to providing these services.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

NIH launches $8 million prize competition to reduce maternal deaths in regions that lack maternity care

The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.

New study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA

A new study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA, with significant disparities seen in male and younger patients. The study found that reductions in mortality rates in urban areas were mainly limited to female and older patients, while outcomes worsened for male and younger indiv...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 10, 2022

Growth of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners helped offset drop in psychiatrists treating Medicare patients

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 3 mental health prescriber visits to Medicare patients were provided by PMHNPs, a significant rise from 2011-2019. The growth of PMHNPs helped offset the decline of psychiatrists treating Medicare patients, resulting in a 12% decrease in mental health specialist visits instead of a 30% drop.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2022

Anti-Asian hate tweets during COVID-19

A University of Utah-led study found a surge in anti-Asian hate language on Twitter between January and March 2020, with clusters of hateful tweets spreading across the US. The researchers identified 15 geographic regions where anti-Asian hate was statistically higher than expected.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

People in rural communities face cultural, structural and individual barriers to health care

A systematic review of qualitative studies found that rural patients experience significant challenges in accessing health care services for chronic conditions. Cultural, structural, and individual factors influence these experiences, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions to improve access to care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Researchers find patterns of handgun carrying among youth in rural areas, building foundation for injury prevention

A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2022