Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A growing trend of antipsychotic medication prescription increases in older U.S. adults, with long-term care pharmacies being a primary source. Non-psychiatrist prescribers contribute to the trend, highlighting concerns over medication accessibility and oversight.
A cross-sectional study found that US population faces significant challenges with nervous system disorders, impacting 180.3 million people, mainly due to stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine conditions.
Current USPSTF guidelines exclude two-thirds of patients from age-based screening, disproportionately affecting women and never-smokers. Age-based screening has been shown to improve detection and demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness compared to existing programs.
The study found a positive shift in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among U.S. children between 2016 and 2023, with an increase in individuals reporting 0 ACEs and a decrease in severe ACEs. This trend suggests a reduction in severe ACEs among specific racial and ethnic groups and low-income families.
Lung cancer screening has the potential to prevent 3 times more deaths and gain 3 times more life-years than current levels. Increasing awareness and accessibility of lung cancer screening could lead to wider adoption.
A US cohort study from 2012-2021 found persistent disparities in cesarean births by race and ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black individuals facing increased risks. The study highlights the need for quality improvement efforts to address structural racism and reduce unnecessary cesarean births.
Approximately 1 in 30 clinical trials were disrupted due to grant funding terminations, disproportionately affecting infectious disease and prevention studies. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable financial support to ensure trial operations and participant safety.
Risk-adjusted mortality declined significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming prior improvement trends. Patient acuity, measured by case mix index, remained elevated, suggesting a new postpandemic baseline.
Over the past two decades, nearly half of US states have reported firearm mortality as the leading cause of death in children aged 1-19. Gun violence has become the primary cause of death for this age group, with Alaska being the first state to report this trend in 2004.
Premature mortality among adults aged 18-64 increased by over 27% between 2012 and 2022, with racial disparities widening substantially. Despite contributing to Medicare, Black individuals are less likely to live long enough to reach the qualifying age for coverage, resulting in unrealized benefits.
A large sample of first-time mothers in the US reported informal human milk sharing, with 1 in 27 participants feeding their infants shared milk. Pediatric practitioners should be aware of this trend and counsel families on risks and recommended risk-reduction strategies.
A new study found that public greenspaces are lacking in many American communities, with some groups facing significant barriers to access. The research highlights the need for more inclusive park planning and distribution to ensure equal benefits for all residents.
The study found that stillbirth rates are higher in low-income communities compared to more affluent areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health
A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...
Significant financial hardship affects US healthcare workers, with over 1 in 4 direct care/support workers experiencing food insecurity. The study highlights worsening trends in hardship, exceeding previous reports.
Black and Asian patients were underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to worse survival outcomes compared to white counterparts, despite similar progression-free survival rates. Equitable enrollment is crucial for access to cutting-edge treatments and long-term equity in cancer care.
The study found a 6.3% increase in participating physicians between 2013-2023, with those in nonmetropolitan counties and full-shortage Health Professional Shortage Area counties more likely to exit the program. This trend is expected to reduce access to care for already underserved communities.
The study reveals geographic clusters of high and low screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers in the US Northeast and Southwest. Future studies could examine county-level healthcare access to optimize cancer screening practices.
A cross-sectional study reveals that medical students with disabilities experience both general and race-based discrimination, as well as gender-based discrimination. The findings highlight the need to address these intersecting forms of discrimination in medical education.
A new study found that COVID-19 work absences have become a year-round phenomenon in the US labor market, similar to pre-pandemic influenza season conditions. Nationally representative data can help monitor public health crises and inform policy decisions.
The study found that eliminating race-conscious admissions led to a decline in medical school diversity, threatening progress toward healthcare equity. Medical schools must explore alternative admissions strategies to address structural barriers and maintain diversity.
A nationwide analysis found that emergency Medicaid accounted for less than 1% of overall Medicaid spending in states with large undocumented populations. States with larger undocumented populations spent more per capita, but still faced minimal cost savings from cuts to emergency Medicaid.
A recent study highlights the growing concern of inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions in the US, which have increased over the past decade. The study suggests that shifting utilization to dry powder and soft mist inhalers could be a key solution to reduce emissions.
This qualitative study of home-delivered nutrition services for older adults found meaningful benefits beyond their stated purpose, supporting funding for the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. The program achieved its intended outcomes and yielded positive results for participants.
A decision analytical model study estimates COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy will continue to yield meaningful benefits, especially in reducing infant hospitalizations. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to be safe for pregnant individuals.
Commercial health plans in the US impose different coverage requirements for FDA-approved cell and gene therapies, often aligning with pivotal trial criteria. These restrictions suggest a need for stronger evidence to support plan coverage.
A recent study suggests that the rise in early-onset cancer incidence in the US population may not be as significant as initially thought. Much of the increase is attributed to increased diagnostic scrutiny and over-diagnosis, rather than a genuine rise in clinically meaningful cancer cases.
A cohort study investigated olfactory dysfunction in US adults with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a significant association between prior infection and persistent olfactory dysfunction. High variability was observed among individuals, highlighting the need for individualized assessment and treatment strategies.
A study reveals that nearly 3 of 4 US children relied on publicly subsidized insurance or experienced uninsurance by age 18. State-level heterogeneity underscores the significance of Medicaid policies in addressing childhood un-insurance.
A binational study found nearly 6 in 10 US adults and 3 in 10 Japanese adults discontinued semaglutide within 12 months of treatment. Patients with established cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease had higher discontinuation rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
Ensemble projections suggest vaccinating high-risk groups reduces disease burden, while broader vaccine availability saves more lives. Averted COVID-19 burden due to vaccination is robust across immune escape scenarios.
A cross-sectional study found that prenatal depression diagnosis and moderate to severe depression symptoms differ by maternal nativity and racial/ethnic background. Non-U.S.-born mothers tend to have better neonatal outcomes, but this association may not hold true for prenatal mental health conditions.
A cohort study found an association between parental diseases of despair and youth suicidal events, suggesting a potential underlying factor in the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior. Improved access to care for parents with these conditions may help reduce the adolescent suicide rate.
Even modest reductions in PrEP coverage result in thousands of avoidable HIV infections. The study estimates billions of dollars in increases in net health care costs due to these reductions.
A new study finds that food insecurity is a significant risk factor for long COVID in US adults. Strengthening access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and raising awareness about the issue may help mitigate the health impact of long COVID.
A large sample of U.S. children born between 1959 and 1966 showed a consistent association between higher blood pressure at age 7 and greater risk of premature cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings are supported by similar associations found in siblings, reducing concerns about confounding factors.
A survey study found that food insecurity declined between 2019 and 2021 but exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 2023, with new food insecurity being a major contributor. This increase is concerning as households experiencing new food insecurity face elevated risk for adverse health outcomes.
The study found a decline in underrepresented in medicine student matriculation into US medical schools following the SCOTUS ruling. This decline was particularly pronounced in states without pre-existing state-level affirmative action bans.
A recent study found that large portions of obesity-related conditions in US adolescents and young adults are attributable to obesity. Treating and preventing obesity may reduce these conditions and associated costs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent future health issues.
A study found that disaster-induced displacement from home was associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms, especially among those who never returned home. This highlights the urgent need for mental health care for displaced populations, particularly socially vulnerable groups.
A new study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology researchers finds that Americans with less education are aging faster, with the gap growing over 30 years. The study measured biological aging, which looks at how well organs and systems work, and found that people with more education have slower biological aging.
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
Climate-related disasters pose significant disruptions to US drug manufacturing facilities, affecting nearly two-thirds of production sites. Researchers assessed the impact of disaster events on counties with US drug production facilities and found that nearly two-thirds were located in areas affected by at least one disaster declaration.
A cross-sectional study of U.S. individuals obtaining oral contraception found that many accessed the pill over-the-counter, improving access for those with limited options. This shift suggests OTC access can help reduce health disparities related to reproductive healthcare
A recent study reveals woefully low awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, and their association with cancer in the Midwestern and Southern US states. These states have seen a rise in HPV-associated cancers, making suboptimal HPV vaccination rates even more alarming.
The study found that commonly used mental health screening tools may not be reliable for everyone, particularly African American youth. Research highlights the need for improved assessments that are both psychometrically sound and culturally responsive to protect vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice system.
A recent study analyzed use of online asynchronous telemedicine abortion services from July 2023 to September 2024. The research found that these services increased access to abortion care, particularly in rural areas where traditional abortion providers are scarce.
A cross-sectional study found that white populations use more prescription drugs than Asian or Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations. After adjusting for age and disease prevalence, Black populations have lower prescription fill rates compared to the overall population average.
A modeling study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is more cost-effective for individuals aged 65 and above, with favorable results across different parameter input scenarios. The study's findings support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' decision to recommend vaccination with the 2023-2024 mRNA vaccines.
A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that delaying the disbursement of food assistance payments can reduce robbery incidents by 0.03 per 100,000 population. The researchers estimate a potential crime reduction benefit of $2.7 million annually in the United States.
Local-stage colorectal cancer incidence among US adults ages 45-49 increased by 50% between 2021 and 2022, with a steep rise in 2019-2022. Screening rates also increased during this period, driven by recommendations to start screening at age 45.
US adolescents spend nearly an hour per school day on smartphones, with most of this time dedicated to social media. The study highlights developmental differences in smartphone use, with younger teens using less than older adolescents.
The MISSION Act implementation led to significant decreases in travel times for eligible veterans seeking non-VA care. However, this shift was linked to a rise in major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days of procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting.
A recent study reveals that surgeons in the United States have a disproportionately high mortality rate compared to other highly educated professionals, including nonsurgeon physicians. The study suggests that factors such as work environment and lifestyle may contribute to this disparity.
A case series of children with influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy highlights the condition's severe impact on young, previously healthy children. The study emphasizes the need for prevention, early recognition, intensive treatment, and standardized management protocols to address this critical public health concern.
Among US adolescents, current medical use of prescription stimulants for ADHD increased from 2005 to 2023, while nonmedical use decreased. Lifetime nonmedical use was more prevalent than medical use in early cohorts but shifted to being less prevalent in recent cohorts.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
A cohort study reveals preterm individuals face increased mental health disorders and cardiometabolic issues compared to full-term peers. At age 35, these risks persist despite strong evidence linking preterm birth to long-term health consequences.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that US adolescents with cannabis use disorder have low treatment completion rates, ranging from 34.2% to 33.8%. The most common reasons for not completing treatment were dropping out, transferring facilities, and being terminated. Adolescents who began using cannabis at a younger age...
A faulty cybersecurity software update led to a widespread technology outage at US hospitals, resulting in disruptions to patient-facing network services. Internet measurement techniques may be useful for surveillance and study of critical digital health care infrastructure.