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 socioeconomic disparities in obesity among US adolescents have significantly increased over the past two decades. The findings suggest that adolescents from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to be obese, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
Cases of Kawasaki disease fell in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained low during masking and school closure. The findings suggest a respiratory portal of entry for the trigger agent(s), consistent with social behavior influencing exposure.
Life expectancy increased more for Black populations, but significant disparities remain between groups. API and Latino populations had the highest life expectancy, while AIAN populations faced alarming trends.
Life expectancy in the US increased by 2.3 years between 2000-2019, but gaps among racial and ethnic groups remain. The study found that Black populations have higher life expectancy in most counties, while American Indian and Alaska Native populations face lower life expectancy and significant gaps with other groups.
A U-shaped pattern of sleep duration across life stages was found, with age 40 being the lowest point and efficiency stabilizing from ages 30 to 60. Study participants wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days, providing an objective measure of sleep time.
Most U.S. states have laws addressing teen dating violence in secondary schools, but these laws vary in content and comprehensiveness. The study highlights the need for improved legislation to prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
Researchers analyzed data from 433,000 veterans to assess vaccine side effects over 38 weeks. The study found no significant differences in adverse event risk between the two vaccines.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that Native Americans have to travel up to 103 miles farther than non-Hispanic whites to reach the nearest radiation therapy facility. This significant burden can lead to delayed or foregone treatment, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes.
A study of nearly 2 million Medicaid enrollees in 2016 revealed racial disparities in healthcare spending and use. Black enrollees used fewer primary care services and recommended care for acute and chronic conditions, but had higher emergency department use compared to white enrollees.
Researchers estimated that hypothetical income support policies could avert approximately 1,200 to 2,800 potential deaths among working-age adults in the United States. The study used econometric modeling to analyze the impact of different policy scenarios on mortality rates.
A study of North American settlers in the St. Lawrence Valley found that female marriage ages increased while male marriage ages decreased due to a male-skewed sex ratio. The findings suggest that this demographic imbalance had significant effects on union formation and population dynamics.
A recent study of nearly 114,000 patients found that the risk of a COVID-19 breakthrough infection was low overall, but higher in people with HIV. The study highlights the need for continued vaccination efforts and monitoring among this vulnerable population.
Recent trends in US prescription drug launch prices show a significant increase from 2008 to 2021, with average annual growth rates reaching 9.5%. The study highlights the need for policymakers and regulators to address this issue and ensure affordable medication for patients.
Researchers evaluated US hospital adherence to federal price transparency rule, finding that while overall compliance was high, significant variations existed between hospitals and markets. The study highlights the need for further analysis of these disparities to improve healthcare pricing transparency.
A systematic review of U.S.-based pediatric guidelines reveals frequent misuses of race that can exacerbate health disparities. The study highlights the need for more equitable and evidence-based approaches to patient care.
Total US cigarette retail sales declined significantly, with a -12.8% decrease in annual sales from 2015 to 2021. Cigarette prices also decreased, with a average annual price drop of $0.75 per pack.
The study reveals disparities in receiving smoking cessation assistance based on regional differences, with some areas having significantly lower access. The research highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare for smokers.
Dr. Mona Fouad has been recognized for her leadership in health disparities research and commitment to equity in healthcare. Her work has led to the development of rigorous research and interventions to make healthcare more accessible to historically underserved populations.
The US physician workforce is underrepresented by Black and Hispanic doctors, with a significant deficit estimated. To address this, medical school matriculation rates would need to increase substantially for these groups to reach equal representation in the workforce.
A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.
Between 2017 and 2019, more than 1 million US youth aged 14 to 17 years became new daily tobacco users, with three-quarters of them vaping e-cigarettes daily. The majority of these young users were introduced to JUUL products, which had high nicotine concentrations and youth-appealing flavors.
Despite the US leading in cancer care spending, it doesn't show substantial lower cancer mortality rates compared to other high-income countries. Cancer care spending across 22 high-income countries reveals a lack of correlation with cancer-related mortality rates.
Household catastrophic health care expenditures associated with chronic disease increased significantly from 2008 to 2018. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease led to substantial increases in healthcare costs, resulting in financial hardship for many households.
A new study found that the delta variant surge in the US was partially due to overestimating population immunity, with only 67% of southern New Englanders actually immune. This underestimation led to inaccurate projections and an incorrect assumption about herd immunity.
A UC Riverside study focuses on farm-working communities in the region, highlighting misinformation, lack of trust, and insecurity as major factors. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities and increase vaccine acceptance among vulnerable populations.
The USPSTF states that primary open-angle glaucoma affects an estimated 2.7 million people in the US, with Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals being disproportionately affected. The organization concludes that screening for this condition is insufficient due to current evidence.
The USPSTF concludes that there is not enough evidence to support regular screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults over 65 who do not have known vision problems. The number of affected adults is estimated at 2.9 million in 2015.
Researchers analyzed nearly 3.5 million patients and found no disparity in elective surgery case volume reductions among racial groups, with Black, Asian, and other non-white individuals showing similar decreases as white counterparts. The study challenges existing assumptions about the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities.
A study found substantial decreases in cancer death rates among Black individuals in the US from 1999 to 2019. These declines were most pronounced for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal and stomach cancer.
A recent study found that extreme heat was associated with higher all-cause mortality in the contiguous United States. The findings suggest a greater increase in mortality among older adults, men, and non-Hispanic Black individuals during this period.
Researchers evaluated various vaccination, testing, and surveillance measures to control Omicron variant spread on a university campus. The study found that routine surveillance and vaccination efforts were effective in reducing case numbers and hospitalizations.
A recent study found that COVID-19 mortality rates in the United States were significantly higher among younger adults and minority groups compared to older adults and white populations. The research also revealed disparities in mortality rates by sex, with women experiencing lower mortality rates than men.
A recent cohort study found that previous cardiovascular conditions, including heart surgery and heart failure, were associated with increased COVID-19 severity in US pediatric patients. The study highlights the importance of pre-existing medical conditions in determining COVID-19 outcomes in children.
A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.
Researchers investigated patterns of reported suicidal thoughts, planning, and behavior among firearm owners compared to non-owners. The study found a significant association between gun ownership and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A large retrospective study found death rates for cardiovascular diseases among Asian Americans varied by ethnicity, with some subgroups at higher risk. The study emphasizes the importance of separating Asian subgroups for accurate health outcomes and treatment strategies.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in asymptomatic adults who do not recognize or report respiratory symptoms. This decision is based on a lack of evidence showing the benefit of screening in preventing future cardiovascular events.
Researchers assessed modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias in the US population, finding significant differences by sex, race, and ethnicity. The study highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to prevent cognitive decline.
A recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery reveals that thyroid cancer patients in the US experience substantial financial burdens. The researchers propose a novel framework to help guide future research and inform cancer care providers on cost considerations.
Researchers analyzed changes in gender-affirming surgery across US regions between 2008-2017, finding that policy shifts and insurance coverage significantly influenced surgical rates. The study suggests a positive correlation between increased insurance coverage and higher rates of gender-affirming surgery.
The study found a significant increase in US alcohol use disorder-related mortality rates across all age groups and sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers used vital statistics data from 2012 to 2019 to project mortality rates for 2020 and 2021, revealing a notable rise in mortality related to alcohol use disorders.
A survey study of over 7,000 smokers aged 16-19 in England found that the menthol cigarette ban was associated with a significant decrease in menthol usage. The ban had little effect on youth smoking habits in Canada and the United States.
Overdose death toll has more than quintupled among American Indian and Alaska Native communities between 1999 and 2019, with opioid-related deaths increasing steeply. The study highlights the need for comprehensive interventions addressing socioeconomic factors and racial discrimination to tackle substance use disorders.
Firearm injuries and associated healthcare costs are highest in the poorer South, but federal state programmes cover only a third of these expenses. The researchers argue that this is tantamount to an 'anti-poor policy'.
A workplace-based guaranteed financial incentive of $1,000 significantly increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake among employees at a US company. The study suggests that such incentives can be an effective strategy to improve vaccination rates.
A study of 7,000 medical interns found that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher depressive symptoms than their heterosexual peers during physician training. The gap widens over the course of training, highlighting a need for targeted support and resources.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm-related incidents and nonfatal injuries increased significantly in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis found a notable association between the pandemic and firearm violence, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.
A new study systematically reviews data on PFAS exposure and liver damage, linking three commonly detected PFAS to elevated levels of a liver enzyme, ALT. The research suggests a potential link between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing public health crisis affecting 25% of adults worldwide.
A study of 9.5 million California women found that acquiring a handgun by a cohabitant sharply increased the risk of suicide among women living in handgun-free homes. Women who lived in households without handgun owners had a significantly lower rate of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to those with cohabitants owning firearms.
A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital found a significant increase in adolescent suicide rates during the pandemic. The analysis of data from 2015 to 2020 revealed a sharp rise in suicides among youth aged 10-19, with 14 states experiencing particularly high numbers.
A study found that prior symptomatic COVID-19 infection provided a similar degree of protection against reinfection as mRNA vaccination, with natural immunity offering a longer window of protection.
A study of nearly 6.4 million adults found a significant association between the 2020 US presidential election and acute cardiovascular disease hospitalizations. The research suggests that the stress and anxiety caused by the election may have triggered increased hospitalizations for cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers investigated Omicron's impact on children's upper airway infections and found a significant increase. The study suggests that as Omicron became the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, cases of upper airway infection among children rose sharply.
US life expectancy dropped by 1.87 years from 2019 to 2020, while peer countries saw a 0.58-year decrease on average. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black populations experienced larger declines, with decreases of 3.70 and 3.22 years respectively.
A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.
A survey study found that full FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had little immediate impact on vaccination intentions among unvaccinated US adults. The results suggest a lack of urgency or fear driving vaccine hesitancy, instead pointing to concerns over vaccine efficacy and side effects.
A study of 415,000 US adults found that lower educational attainment and unhealthy lifestyles increased the risk of death from all causes. Lifestyle risk factors associated with higher mortality rates included smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity.
Researchers found higher rates of short and long sleep duration among Black individuals, with significant disparities affecting Black women and young adults. The study highlights health disparities associated with socioeconomic factors.
A cohort study found an increased risk of serous retinal detachment, retinal vascular occlusion, and ischemic optic neuropathy among men taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The study suggests a potential link between erectile dysfunction medication use and vision impairment.