Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A recent study found that inflation has become a major source of stress in the US, particularly among women and those with lower socioeconomic status. The analysis of census data revealed a significant link between rising inflation and increased stress levels.
The number of US cancer survivors with self-reported functional limitations has more than doubled since 2000, according to the study. Cancer survivors without functional limitations have seen relatively little growth over the same period.
A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
A new study found that being overweight or obese during early and middle adulthood increases the risk of gastrointestinal cancers in later life. The research also suggests that frequent aspirin use does not modify this increased risk.
Deaths from falls among adults aged 65 or older in the US rose between 1999 and 2020, affecting all population subgroups. The relative ranking of groups remained unchanged over time despite varying magnitudes of increase.
Monthly buprenorphine initiation rates in the US rose from January 2016 to October 2022, then plateaued prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests factors beyond the pandemic contributed to this trend.
A nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults found that stroke prevalence remained stable overall, but increased among men. The study's estimates underestimate the total burden due to institutional settings not included in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
The study reveals COVID-19 worsened existing inequities in food security and rental struggles based on race and ethnicity and maternal origins. Equity-focused policy changes are necessary to ensure all US children and families can afford basic needs for optimal health.
A study of 415,000 US female breast cancer deaths from 2011 to 2020 found that Black women should start screening earlier than previously recommended. Health policy makers and clinicians may consider an alternative approach with race- and ethnicity-adapted age recommendations for breast cancer screening.
The USPSTF finds the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with melanomas causing the most skin cancer deaths.
A study of 1,618 US counties found that greater representation of Black primary care physicians is associated with improved survival-related outcomes for Black individuals. The findings suggest investments to build a more representative PCP workforce nationally may improve population health and reduce disparities.
A simulation modeling study finds that involuntary displacement worsens overdose and hospitalizations, decreases treatment initiation, and contributes to deaths. The study projects substantial increases in morbidity and mortality over a 10-year period in cities with such displacements.
A national-level analysis found substantial adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection during the early pandemic period. The study highlights increased odds of severe respiratory complications among these patients at delivery.
A recent study found that veteran suicides did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but those with pre-existing loneliness and psychiatric issues were more susceptible to developing new suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Evidence-based prevention efforts targeting these factors can help mitigate suicide risk in this population.
The LSU Health New Orleans Louisiana Tumor Registry released the sixth report of statewide cancer incidence rates by census tract, finding that 81% of tracts met criteria for all cancers combined. Census tracts with statistically higher incidence rates were found in parishes including Orleans, Lafourche, and St. Bernard.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A national analysis of pediatric hospitalizations from 2009 to 2019 found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses, with attempted suicide being the leading cause. The study highlights the growing importance of addressing mental health concerns in children and adolescents.
A recent study of 95,000 U.S. physicians found that female physicians work significantly fewer hours than their male counterparts, resulting in a substantial earnings penalty. This disparity is attributed to societal and institutional barriers that discourage women from working long hours.
A study of 19,000 female participants found mailing HPV self-sampling kits to be an efficient way to increase screening rates among eligible women. This cost-effective approach supports the use of mailed HPV kits as an outreach strategy for U.S. healthcare systems.
A study of 31 million births in US states with and without 20-week abortion bans found a significant increase in Down syndrome diagnoses in the former. The study suggests that these bans may have influenced women's reproductive choices, leading to higher diagnosis rates.
A recent review article highlights the significant impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers, citing communication barriers, financial difficulties, and sociocultural issues. The study estimates 126,000 new cancer cases diagnosed yearly in Hispanics, placing a substantial burden on family members and friends.
A study found a consistent and widespread decline in activity following the onset of COVID-19 in the US, with vulnerable populations at higher risk. The researchers discovered that even after most COVID-19-related restrictions were relaxed, daily step counts persisted at a lower level.
A study of 318 mothers found significant associations between antenatal COVID-19-related stress and poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes. Infants also showed increased negative affectivity, highlighting the need for public health prioritization of pregnant individuals during pandemics.
The prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been found to increase significantly among U.S. adults over the past two decades, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The research highlights the need for effective strategies to improve metabolic health status and prevent obesity-related complications.
Child firearm assaults surged in major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with racial disparities worsening. Hispanic, Asian, and especially Black children bore a disproportionate share of the increased violence.
A survey of US parents found one-quarter reported misrepresenting COVID-19 prevention measures for their children. The most common reason was preserving parental autonomy. Additional reasons included wanting to resume normal life and balancing work responsibilities.
A new study found that LGBTQ+ school clubs, particularly those with strong advocacy efforts, can reduce disparities in depressive symptoms between LGBQ+ and heterosexual students. The study suggests that GSA-led advocacy activities can promote well-being among LGBTQ+ youth across the wider school population.
The study calls for easier access to naloxone, including over-the-counter distribution, to address the US opioid epidemic. With millions lacking access, health providers are urged to include naloxone in treatment programs and counsel patients' families on its use.
Health systems nationwide are committing to better heart failure patient care through the American Heart Association's IMPLEMENT-HF initiative, which aims to bridge gaps in care and improve outcomes. The program uses established data collection approaches to develop new standards for heart failure patient management.
A single prior paid claim increases future claim risk, regardless of specialty or state disclosure. Timely education and intervention have the potential to mitigate future claims.
A study examined the relationship between drug characteristics and manufacturer spending on direct-to-consumer advertising. The research found a higher proportion of promotional spending allocated to DTC ads among drugs with lower added benefit and higher total sales, suggesting potential implications for public health policies.
A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.
A study of 57,460 US cases found a sustained decrease in infant pertussis incidence following Tdap vaccine introduction. Maternal vaccination is associated with reduced disease burden among young infants.
Researchers have found a significantly higher maternal mortality rate among pregnant people with sickle cell disease compared to the general population. The study's findings emphasize the need for increased disease-specific interventions and health disparities reduction measures.
Suboptimal COVID-19 vaccination coverage was found in a study of 5.6 million US veterans, with younger and rural veterans showing lower rates of primary vaccination and booster shots needed for all veterans
Researchers found increased rates of pregnancy-associated deaths in the US from 2018 to 2020, with no significant decline. The pandemic contributed to these changes, with rates rising due to various causes including drugs, homicide, and suicide.
Among U.S. children and teenagers, COVID-19 was the 8th leading cause of death in a two-year period, highlighting its significant mortality burden. The study suggests that underreporting and incomplete accounting for COVID-19's role in deaths from other diseases may have underestimated its true impact.
The study analyzed all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates among pregnant and recently pregnant women in the US. It found significant racial and ethnic disparities in mortality rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health inequities.
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.
A recent study from West Virginia University found that states permitting nurse practitioners to exercise full practice authority (FPA) tend to have a more diverse and racially aligned NP workforce. In FPA states, Black NPs serve 2.8% more Black Medicare beneficiaries than in non-FPA states.
Among a U.S. national cohort of internal medicine residents, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 31 men reported experiencing sexual harassment. Despite understanding the reporting process, few residents formally reported incidents, resulting in low satisfaction rates with outcomes.
A study of 4,768 patients with cancer found that SARS-CoV-2 infection led to delayed or discontinued cancer treatment, exacerbating existing survival inequities. Racial and area-level social determinants were associated with these delays.
A significant risk of suicide is observed among cancer surgery patients, especially those who are male, white, and divorced. These demographic factors are associated with the highest risk, highlighting the need for suicide screening in high-risk patient groups
More than one-quarter of U.S. adults aged 71 and older had vision impairment in 2021, according to a nationally representative survey study. The prevalence of vision impairment was associated with factors such as older age, lower education and income, non-white race, and Hispanic ethnicity.
A survey study found that 3 in 10 adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis laws used cannabis to manage their pain, often substituting it for other pain medications. The study highlights the importance of researching the effectiveness and potential adverse consequences of cannabis for chronic pain management.
A study of 5.1 million commercially insured adults found a rapid increase in telehealth services for mental health conditions during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic led to higher service utilization rates for several mental health conditions compared to pre-pandemic levels.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.
The unemployment rate for people with disabilities has declined significantly, dropping below pre-pandemic levels. This decrease is attributed to gains in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rates for people with disabilities.
Firearm-related deaths among children and adolescents show racial and ethnic disparities, with Black youths bearing the highest burden. The study reveals a recent increase in mortality rates, potentially linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest.
The study found that representation of women in academic medicine increased with time, while underrepresented groups like Hispanic populations experienced modest gains with variability across institutions. Despite progress, significant disparities remain in medical school faculty demographics.
A new study reveals that second-generation Indian American adolescents face discrimination as early as preschool, influencing their development of identities. The research found that these adolescents experience hate crimes, discriminatory comments from peers, and difficulties balancing their Indian identity with their desire to be see...
A study of 38,000 child homicides from 1999 to 2020 found declining rates in some groups, but recent increases across several subpopulations. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted strategies to address firearm violence and racial disparities.
Rates of pediatric firearm injuries increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, persisting through 2021. Non-Hispanic Black children and those with public insurance were disproportionately affected, highlighting a pressing need for gun safety measures.
Researchers propose an alternative redistricting procedure that takes input from two major political parties and results in quantifiably fairer district maps. The bisection protocol, inspired by the
Research suggests that most dual smokers and vapers will continue smoking or vaping over time. The study found that vaping didn't contribute to substantial smoking cessation at the population level, emphasizing the need to help dual users ditch both products.
The study analyzed 23,000 symptomatic individuals in King County, Washington, from June 2020 to July 2022. It found shifts in reported symptoms between SARS-CoV-2 variants and persistent racial and sociodemographic disparities in rhinovirus infection.
Administration of vaccine boosters to nursing home residents significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospitalizations. The study suggests that booster vaccination may play a crucial role in preventing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations.
The study suggests a significant decrease in US melanoma mortality rates, thanks to the availability of effective therapies and new pharmacological treatments. These findings are encouraging and support the continued development of such therapies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 122 US-based COVID-19 clinical trials found female participants were underrepresented in treatment trials, while Asian and Black participants were underrepresented in prevention trials. Hispanic or Latino participants were overrepresented in treatment trials.