Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A cross-sectional study in 3 US states found that directory laws did not reduce flavored e-cigarette sales, instead diverting resources away from evidence-based tobacco control strategies. The findings suggest that these laws may not be effective in reducing e-cigarette use.
A recent study found that over half of US adults lack basic statistical understanding, despite a willingness to use statistics in decision-making if they knew more. The study suggests that a basic introduction to statistics can help people understand their own thinking better and become more informed consumers of science.
This randomized clinical trial found spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets reduced myopia progression and axial elongation in children over 24 months. The study supports the use of these lenses as a safe and effective myopia control intervention.
A comparative study of 11,681 US cancer clinical trials reveals that industry-sponsored trials focus on single-agent drug therapies, while federally sponsored trials evaluate nontreatment interventions and rare cancer therapies. The study highlights the differences in trial design and objectives between industry and federal funding.
This study of 186,823 US adults reveals an increasing prevalence of moderate-to-severe cannabis use disorder among males and females between 2021 and 2024, while moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder prevalence remained stable. The findings highlight significant age and sex disparities in cannabis and alcohol use disorders.
A cross-sectional study in US traffic fatalities found a significant association between major music album releases and increased traffic fatalities, potentially attributed to distracted driving. The study suggests that online music streaming through smartphones may contribute to this risk.
A cohort study found that state eviction moratoria are associated with higher numbers of foster care entries across 60 US jurisdictions. The study suggests that these policies may have unintended consequences on vulnerable populations.
This retrospective study examines patterns and trends of focal therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer in US cancer centers. Focal therapy procedures remained uncommon, occurring mostly in low-, high-, or very-high-risk disease settings.
A cross-sectional study found that exposure to Agent Orange and open-air burn pits were independently associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes among US veterans. The study highlights the need for continued support and resources for veterans affected by these toxic exposures.
Waiting times for cancer surgery have increased in the US, particularly at high-volume academic centers and among patients referred for definitive care. The study identifies factors that contribute to these delays, emphasizing the need for urgent system-level interventions to improve timely access to surgical care for cancer patients.
A recent study found that individual demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and marital status are stronger predictors of being childfree than state context. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults and found varying levels of childfree populations across states, with California having the highest percentage at 22%.
Researchers develop two virtual culturally grounded interventions to address substance use among urban American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults. The studies show reduced substance use, including cannabis and alcohol consumption, as well as social connections with tribal communities.
A qualitative study reveals multilayered health care barriers faced by Afghan refugee women in the US, including displacement-related trauma and sociocultural norms. Culturally sensitive public health interventions are needed to improve healthcare access for these women.
A cross-sectional study examines state-level type 1 diabetes burden and pediatric endocrinology resource distribution in the US. The study found that type 1 diabetes incidence has increased over time, while pediatric endocrinology resources are not evenly distributed across states.
A cross-sectional study found that US physicians with a rural background and training experience in rural settings are more likely to practice in rural locations. The study assessed the interdependence of these factors on rural practice among US physicians.
A cohort study evaluates histotripsy's short-term outcomes for liver tumors, highlighting its potential as a treatment option. The study also examines national practice patterns and adult patient results.
A cohort study analyzing factors associated with abandoned buprenorphine prescriptions found that US adults are increasingly dropping their medication for opioid use disorder. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examines the decline of prescribed buprenorphine from 2020 to 2024.
A cohort study identified risk factors for bacterial infection after firearm injury and found an association between bacterial infection and increased mortality among US adults. The study assesses the impact of firearm injuries on health outcomes in this population.
US nursing homes have seen a significant increase in closures between 1985 and 2025, with changes in ownership and capacity reconfiguration being more common than permanent facility closure. The study highlights the need for policy and oversight considerations that take into account ownership transitions and capacity changes.
A decision analytical model and microsimulation study found that expanding alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary care could reduce premature mortality from major alcohol-related causes of death in US adults. By 2030, this expanded approach is projected to decrease annual alcohol-related potential years of life lost by −5...
A survey study found that US women who own guns perceive themselves as safer than those who do not, with 41% believing owning a gun would increase their safety. The study suggests a need for targeted gun violence reduction interventions considering different perceptions of safety related to gun exposure.
This cohort study examines trends in US Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation receipt and benefit amounts between 2010 and 2024. Sociodemographic characteristics and disability type are associated with changes in these benefits.
A cross-sectional study examines trends in US FDA-approved cancer medicines for adult solid tumors between 2006 and 2025. The analysis reveals significant increases in approvals, particularly for original indication approvals.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
A cohort study of California educators found associations between trihalomethanes in drinking water and increased uterine cancer risk, including with endometrioid tumors. Further investigation is warranted to understand the role of drinking water contaminants as modifiable risk factors for this common gynecologic cancer.
This study found that young, non-Hispanic white women who are physically active and drink heavily are more likely to engage in intentional outdoor tanning. Intentional tanning is associated with increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce this behavior.
A nationally representative analysis found substantial gaps in LDL-C control, with increasing disparities across primary prevention categories and underuse of lipid-lowering therapy. The study provides a contemporary population-level benchmark for the updated guideline framework.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline substantially expands the U.S. population recommended for primary prevention statin therapy, targeting lower-risk individuals. The updated recommendations aim to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and improve public health outcomes.
A cross-sectional study reveals substantial commercial price variation for common cardiovascular services, influenced by payer contracting strategies and market dynamics. The findings underscore the need for greater transparency and regulatory oversight to promote efficient healthcare spending.
Research highlights the significant impact of modifiable risk factors on ischemic heart disease mortality in the US. High body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose levels have increased attributable risk over the study period, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors to reduce mortality.
A recent study found that frequent formulary rejections of single-source branded drugs in the US lead to delayed or absent treatment, highlighting trade-offs between cost and access to medicines. The study highlights the need for more affordable medication options, particularly for patients with chronic conditions.
Adolescents in the US are unaware of the dangers of fentanyl misuse, emphasizing the importance of public education programs and clinical communication. The study reveals a significant portion of younger adolescents are not aware of the risks associated with fentanyl use.
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
A cohort study found that demographic, clinical, and healthcare factors influence the uptake of metabolic bariatric surgery among US adults with obesity. The study suggests improving access to this life-changing procedure through targeted policies and interventions could have a significant impact.
In this serial survey study, wearable device use increased among U.S. adults, but daily use and clinician-directed data sharing remained limited. The findings suggest a need for approaches to help realize the potential of wearable devices as health care tools.
A 20-year study in the UK, Australia, and US reveals a significant increase in menopause-related search patterns focused on commercial products and services. This shift indicates a growing need for non-clinical guidance and support beyond traditional clinical encounters.
A cohort study found that introducing immunity in US nursing homes was associated with lower overall staffing and staff-to-resident time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states adopted immunity from tort liability for harms to nursing home residents.
A nationally representative survey of US adolescents and young adults found that a fifth used AI chatbots for mental health advice. Proactive discussion with parents and clinicians about chatbot use is necessary to promote safety and linkages to evidence-based care.
A recent immigration ban could reduce the US physician and nurse workforce, exacerbating health care workforce shortages in already underserved communities. The study found nearly 24,000 physicians and 56,000 nurses from banned countries contributed to the US healthcare workforce in 2023.
A new study projects that climate change will significantly increase the risk of heat-related cardiovascular disease in the US by 2050. The Pacific Northwest and Southern/Midwestern states are expected to experience the highest and steepest increases, respectively. Targeted interventions for vulnerable communities are crucial to mitiga...
A nationally representative study found a nearly 4-fold increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence among US children and adolescents between 10 to 17 years old. The substantial rise is concerning due to the disease's lifetime risk of severe complications and premature deaths.
A nationwide study found no significant association between telemedicine adoption and changes in US ambulatory visits or total medical spending. The expansion of telemedicine has eased concerns about increased utilization and spending, as the growth did not lead to large increases in these areas.
The study found substantial state-level variation in HPV vaccine uptake, with Northeastern states exhibiting higher rates and Southern states showing lower rates. Several sociodemographic factors were not significant predictors of vaccination rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake.
The US experienced substantially higher death rates than other high-income countries between 1999 and 2022, despite having comparable access to medical technology. These excess deaths could be avoided by adopting successful health and social policies from other high-income countries.
Hospital-based shootings in the US have increased over 25 years, with large hospitals and urban areas being high-risk settings. The study emphasizes the need for hospital-specific prevention strategies, including weapons screening technology, to address rising firearm violence.
A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.
A cohort study found that poor housing affordability was associated with higher risks of frailty, disability, dementia, and mortality, while poor housing quality was linked to increased risks of frailty, disability, and mortality. Housing insecurity is identified as a clinically relevant social determinant of health among older persons.
Targeted birth-dose vaccine recommendation may increase neonatal HBV infections unless maternal screening improves or infant vaccination coverage increases. Universal screening and vaccination remain essential safeguards against these infections.
A cross-sectional study of patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer found racial and ethnic disparities in disease presentation. De novo metastatic breast cancer disproportionately contributes to breast cancer mortality in the U.S., emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to improve care delivery and outcomes.
The study found significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after the US launched its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Larger reductions were observed in states with the highest adoption of the 988 Lifeline services.
A retrospective cross-sectional study found significant associations between unsecured firearm storage and heightened suicide risk in US Army service members. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm also linked to elevated suicide risk, suggesting that any type of weapon carrying behavior may indicate increased vulnerability.
A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.
A new study found that cancer types with high lethality receive lower federal research funding, prioritizing these cancers could help direct resources to diseases with greatest potential to reduce suffering. Additionally, certain cancers have a disproportionate impact on underserved populations and quality-of-life burden.
A study estimates annual mortality rates among US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees between 2004 and 2026. The analysis reveals notable shifts in age and cause of death patterns over the two-decade period, providing valuable insights into the health risks faced by this population.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University challenges the narrative that rising temperatures will drive Americans away, finding that heat alone isn't driving large-scale out-migration. Instead, population shifts are shaped more by economic opportunity, housing affordability and local quality of life than climate conditions.
A notable minority of US youth and young adults, particularly those facing structural disadvantages and mental health distress, engage in intentional online searches for gun-related harm. Public health strategies combining digital interventions with structural reforms offer promise to reduce gun-related harm among vulnerable populations.
Long-term opioid therapy prescription rates declined in the US from 2015 to 2023, despite a growing population of older adults receiving these treatments. Approximately 4-5 million patients were prescribed long-term opioids in 2023, with Medicare covering a larger proportion, raising concerns about safety.
Advanced or metastatic cancers often go without tumor genomic testing, with those from low-income backgrounds facing longer wait times. JAMA Network Open highlights the need for targeted healthcare policies to bridge these gaps.
A new study reveals that walking is the most popular leisure-time physical activity among US adults, but urban residents are more likely to meet exercise guidelines. Rural residents tend to prefer activities like gardening and hunting, with lower rates of inactivity and guideline adherence.
The NIH grant will support the creation of a comprehensive long-term dataset on Hispanic and Latino brain aging, examining the factors that matter most for healthy cognitive aging. The study aims to understand how Alzheimer's disease, vascular injury, and other brain changes develop over time in Latino adults.