Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
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.
A study of 1.1 million firearm fatalities in the US from 1990 to 2021 found increasing disparities in rates between men and women, as well as by racial and ethnic group. These findings highlight the need for public health approaches to address underlying demographic trends and geographic differences in reducing firearm violence.
A study of 4.2 million adults in the US found that recreational cannabis laws may be associated with higher alcohol use rates, especially among younger adults and men. The findings suggest an unintended consequence of recreational cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption.
A study of 3,110 US counties found that residential segregation is associated with increased cancer mortality. The findings highlight opportunities for targeted cancer prevention and control efforts at the county level.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in asymptomatic adults and those with unrecognized symptoms. OSA is linked to various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.
A new metric estimates cumulative exposure to PFAS chemicals, enabling comparisons across studies and applications. The calculator takes into account patterns of exposure to multiple chemicals, providing a robust tool for biomonitoring and disease assessment.
A recent study shows that a third of American women now face excessive travel times to obtain an abortion, with residents in the South facing the biggest jump. The share of women traveling over an hour for care has doubled, exceeding the US government benchmark for reasonable access to primary care. Black and indigenous women are dispr...
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that new onset CKD rates are higher among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino populations compared to white persons with diabetes. The rate declined from 8% in 2015-2016 to 6.4% in 2019-2020.
Researchers analyzed 30 years of cardiovascular mortality data from the US and UK, finding that lead exposure contributes more to CVD death risks in the US. The study also revealed a steady decline in cardiovascular deaths associated with all environmental factors in both countries.
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.
Dr. Bibbins-Domingo's research focuses on racial disparities in cardiovascular disease prevention, incidence, and outcomes. She explores long-term effects of early and poorly treated high blood pressure and develops strategies to prevent and manage CVD.
A clinical trial of over 1,500 outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 found that treatment with ivermectin did not significantly improve time to sustained recovery compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes showed no reduction in hospitalization, death, or acute care visits.
Researchers compared pre- and post-pandemic surgical procedure volumes, finding significant changes in essential, urgent, and nonurgent procedures. Elective surgeries restrictions led to reduced overall surgery volume, with a notable decrease in nonurgent cases.
A mathematical model suggests that social interactions between sedentary and moderately active people can stimulate higher levels of overall physical activity in a population. The model found that interacting with moderately active individuals helped sedentary populations become more physically active over time.
Researchers found a significant association between neighborhood conditions, child resources, and life expectancy at birth. This study suggests that addressing community needs is crucial for improving life expectancy and reducing health inequities.
A randomized clinical trial found that targeted health-focused advertisements reduced vaping initiation among US adolescents. The study also showed a decrease in cigarette smoking behaviors among participants.
A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.
A comparative effectiveness study of 367 US military service members found that within-home storage options, such as locking devices, were more effective in promoting safe firearm storage practices. The study suggests that safe firearm storage messaging is a scalable intervention to prevent accidents and save lives.
A national survey of 1,733 US adults found nearly half reported misrepresenting or not adhering to COVID-19 public health measures, driven by a desire for normalcy and personal freedom. The study highlights the need for effective communication strategies to address these behaviors.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
A new study has identified 195 previously unknown nectar plants for the painted lady butterfly, providing a source of food in Southern California. The research suggests that droughts may impact the butterflies' ability to reproduce, but the discovery of these nectar plants offers hope for their survival.
A study found that residents in states with complex COVID-19 vaccine guidelines were less likely to correctly assess their vaccine eligibility. The findings suggest large public health implications for guideline simplicity.
A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
A recent study found that among US patients with cancer during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 16,561 deaths were attributed to cancer or COVID-19 complications. The majority of these deaths occurred in older adults and minority groups, highlighting a concerning disparity in healthcare outcomes.
The article highlights the need for comprehensive, real-time action data to address firearm injuries. It also explores the connection between violence and the carceral state, as well as the impact of state firearm laws on mortality and morbidity rates.
The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis in asymptomatic, nonpregnant individuals who have ever been sexually active. Syphilis cases increased from a record low in 2000 to 11.9 cases per 100,000 population in 2019.
A large US population study found that receiving a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 by approximately 60% compared to receiving only two doses. The association was strongest when measured within three months after booster vaccination.
A large study of former smokers found that those adhering to evidence-based recommendations for body weight, diet, physical activity, and alcohol intake had a significantly lower risk of death. The study included nearly 160,000 older U.S. adults and showed that better lifestyle habits can reduce mortality risk from various causes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened racial disparities in drug overdose death rates in the United States, with Hispanic and American Indian populations bearing the greatest burden. Researchers analyzed data from 2020 to 2021 and found that these groups experienced significantly higher overdose death rates compared to non-Hispanic whites.
Researchers found associations between financial hardship, food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation difficulties with increased mortality risk among adults with new cancer diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health for improving patient outcomes.
Adolescent children from marginalized backgrounds exhibit poorer subjective visual function and worse objective visual acuity testing outcomes. These racial and socioeconomic disparities are concerning indicators of potential long-term vision problems.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that racial and ethnic minority populations in the US faced unique challenges while seeking COVID-19 information online, including misinformation, harassment, and hostility. Younger and healthier individuals were more resistant to vaccination due to lower perceived risk and benefit.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that only seven out of 50 largest US cities have strong evacuation plans in place, highlighting a need for improvement in preparing for natural disasters. The study suggests that cities with experience in major hurricanes tend to develop stronger plans.
The USPSTF recommends prescribing statins for adults aged 40-75 with one or more CVD risk factors and estimated 10-year CVD risk of 10% or greater. For those aged 76 or older, the evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation. Statin use can significantly reduce CVD events and mortality in this population.
Past-year marijuana use reached its highest level since 1988, with past-month use also increasing. Hallucinogen use surged to an all-time high, while nicotine vaping prevalence nearly tripled among young adults in 2021.
Researchers found gout is more prevalent among Black adults in the US compared to White adults, with differences attributed to factors like poverty and body mass index. The study used nationally representative data from 2007-2016 and suggests that culturally sensitive efforts could help reduce disparities.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that opioid prescriptions declined for US patients with both cancer and non-cancer pain between 2012 and 2019. The proportion of people receiving any opioid prescription dropped from 49.7% to 30.5% for non-cancer pain and from 86.0% to 78.7% for cancer pain.
Annual PSA screening associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality among non-Hispanic Black men. The study suggests that annual screening may be particularly important for Black men, reducing their risk compared to less frequent screening.
A study of 2,031 U.S. adults found that half intended to get their child vaccinated, but only one-fifth planned to do so within three months. The findings highlight the need for increased efforts to boost parental confidence in COVID-19 vaccines for children under four years old.
Adult and pediatric mechanical ventilators increased substantially at US acute care hospitals between 2020 and 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found a substantial increase in adult and pediatric mechanical ventilators reported by acute care hospitals in the U.S.
Binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption increased significantly among pregnant women between 2011 and 2020. The average annual percentage change for these behaviors was greater among pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women.
Research found significant geographic disparities in opioid overdose death rates between US counties, with rural areas experiencing much higher rates. Between 1999 and 2020, rural overdose deaths increased by 4.5-fold, while urban rates rose by only 2.3 times.
A nationwide analysis found that 88.9% of the population lives within 5 miles of a community pharmacy, but only 48.1% live within 1 mile. The study highlights the importance of pharmacies in providing access to healthcare services, particularly for rural residents.
The study proposes a new statistical method to analyse population admixture, enabling more accurate determination of migration wave timing. The authors applied this method to Colombians and Mexicans, revealing two episodes of admixture in different time periods.
A study of 994,000 US adults found a slight decrease in current e-cigarette use between 2018 and 2020, mainly among young adults aged 18-20. Daily e-cigarette use increased, particularly among those aged 21-24, indicating greater nicotine dependence.
A new study from Dartmouth Cancer Center re-examines claims of high pediatric cancer rates in New Hampshire, revealing the Northeast region has a statistically significantly higher incidence of cancer compared to all other U.S. regions. Within the Northeastern states, no single state is an outlier, with significant variations in incide...
A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.
Researchers found that federal rental assistance programs are associated with lower HbA1c levels among middle-age and older adults. The study assessed nearly 40,000 participants across the US, revealing a significant correlation between program participation and improved blood sugar control.
Researchers assessed buprenorphine coverage and prior authorization requirements in US commercial formularies from 2017 to 2021. The study found that coverage and requirements changed over time, with more stringent regulations in place by 2021.
The study reveals uterus transplant outcomes are safe for the recipient, living donor, and child, making it a potential solution for women struggling with uterine-factor infertility. Uterus transplants may be a viable option for these individuals, offering a chance to conceive and carry a pregnancy.
A modeling study estimates COVID-19 vaccination prevented significant number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths among vaccinated US adults from December 2020 to September 2021. The study found 27 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, 1.6 million hospitalizations, and 235,000 deaths were averted through vaccination.
The study found that COVID-19 accounted for 1 in 8 deaths, with heart disease, cancer, accidents, and stroke being the other common causes. The data also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates due to the pandemic.
A study of 627 participants in the Southwest US found that the summer 2020 COVID-19 case surge was associated with a short-term decrease in pregnancy desires. The trend reversal was more pronounced among individuals earlier in their reproductive lives.
Regularly active adults showed lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates compared to physically inactive peers. Weekend warriors who performed recommended levels of weekly physical activity one to two times also had similar mortality rates as regularly active participants.
Researchers found a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys than girls, with 410 out of 12,554 children and adolescents reporting an ASD diagnosis. The overall prevalence was estimated at 3.14% for the US population between 2019 and 2020.
The study found that legislatures, rather than governors, played a crucial role in shaping data reporting practices. Standardized data collection protocols and comprehensive race and ethnicity data are essential for addressing health disparities and reducing information asymmetries.
Following the leaked SCOTUS draft ruling, internet searches for abortion medication increased by 350,000 during the first week of May. These searches were more prevalent in states with restrictive reproductive rights.
A MU researcher has earned a federal grant from the United States Fulbright Program to conduct community engagement research in South Africa. He aims to assist disengaged, vulnerable youth in rural areas through community development initiatives.