Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly disease in the US, caused by a mosquito bite. People at risk include those living near swamps or marshes and outdoor workers, such as farmers and campers.
Over 17 years, US children's health has worsened significantly across various domains including mortality rates, prevalence of chronic conditions, and rising obesity levels. The study highlights the urgent need to address the underlying causes driving this decline in the nation's health.
A national survey reveals nearly one-third of US adults would not or might not test for suspected COVID-19 due to lack of perceived value. This test hesitancy can delay oral antiviral initiation and potentially lead to missed opportunities to limit transmission.
A study analyzing data from over 5,000 students found that participants' attitudes toward politicians and Black people were more strongly related to their attitudes toward the men than the women of each group. The research suggests that 'man' is often seen as the default for attitudes towards these groups, but this varies by region and...
The USPSTF recommends screening for intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age. Screening for caregiver abuse is not recommended due to insufficient evidence. Abuse can result in significant injury and long-term health consequences.
Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.
A study identified distinct trajectories of addictive social media, mobile phone, and video game use in US youths, finding links to increased suicidal ideation and worse mental health outcomes. The research suggests that high or increasing addictive screen use may warrant further clinical evaluation and intervention design.
A recent study found that parental firearm storage methods, such as locking and unloading guns, may not be effective in preventing teens from accessing household firearms. Storing additional firearms securely does not necessarily negate the perceived risk of access if at least one gun remains unlocked.
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
Nearly 1 in 5 US firearm suicides occur outside the home, suggesting broader community-based interventions could enhance prevention strategies. The study's findings support extending existing home-based interventions to reduce firearm-related suicides nationwide.
A new study reveals that states with permissive firearm laws have significantly higher rates of pediatric mortality due to gun accidents. The research highlights the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies and determine which laws are most effective in reducing harm.
A cross-sectional study found significant differences in poor mental health among US workers by sociodemographic categories and industry/occupation groups. The findings suggest that work-related factors may contribute to mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 6 adults with hypertension and 3 in 10 with diabetes were unaware of their condition by 2021-2023. Young adults and women are disproportionately affected by a lack of awareness.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
US-market disposable e-cigarettes contain the artificial sweetener neotame, which is 35-65 times sweeter than aspartame. Neotame was ubiquitous in nicotine-free and nicotine-containing e-cigs.
A nationwide decline in MMR vaccination rates among US children was confirmed by a new dataset, with significant variations observed across states and counties. The study provides valuable insights into factors influencing low vaccination rates and can inform targeted strategies to reduce measles outbreaks.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
A study found that fewer than half of U.S. adults are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, highlighting a need for increased awareness and action. The findings emphasize the importance of reducing the alcohol-related cancer burden in the US.
A recent study suggests that 40% of US adults who currently smoke experience some level of functional difficulty, twice as high as those who have never smoked. The most common disabilities among smokers are mobility and cognitive issues.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that Asian Americans no longer report better health outcomes than white Americans among US adults aged 50 and over. The prevalence of disability declined across every other racial group, but remained stagnant among US-born Asians since 2005.
The study analyzed 14.7 million excess US deaths from 1980 to 2023, finding that rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Excess deaths during and after the pandemic were largely driven by pre-existing causes such as drug overdose, firearm injury, and cardiometabolic disease.
US survivors of adolescence and young adult cancer experience significantly worse mental health outcomes into middle age and older adulthood. Cancer clinicians should acknowledge this mental health burden and take steps to address it.
A study found that US physicians working with an incompletely staffed team experienced significantly greater odds of burnout, intention to reduce clinical work hours, and intention to leave their organization. This highlights the importance of adequate staffing for physician well-being.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
A decrease in first-generation students was found among U.S. medical student matriculants, with high risks of attrition due to intersectional factors. This study emphasizes the need for targeted recruitment and retention efforts to better reflect physician workforce diversity.
Nearly 19 million children in the US are living in households with a parent struggling with substance use disorder. Children exposed to parental substance abuse are more likely to experience adverse health problems compared to those without such exposure.
A national survey found that 11.0% of adults reported using illicit opioids within the past year, with even higher rates of fentanyl use, indicating a pressing need for improved data collection efforts to inform policy and intervention strategies.
The RSV protein subunit vaccine showed similar efficacy to clinical trials, with diminished immune response in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine was associated with a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, but not immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
A cohort study of US veterans found that depression is associated with a higher hazard of incident heart failure after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Depression remains consistent as a risk factor even in low-risk cohorts.
A meta-analysis reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in the reporting of race and ethnicity in clinical trials for pharmacotherapy of mental disorders. The study underscores the importance of equitable recruitment and reporting in clinical trials to ensure inclusive representation of diverse populations.
A study of three national cohorts reveals increased abortion use among LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the need for tailored support. The findings suggest that these groups are disproportionately impacted by narrowing abortion access in the US after the Dobbs decision.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in depressive symptoms among US adults, with younger individuals being disproportionately affected. Worsening mental health trends were observed across the population.
Anal cancer is increasing rapidly among older, white and Hispanic women due to HPV vaccination delays. The study found a significant increase in anal cancer rates for these groups, reaching 11.4 cases per 100,000 in 2021.
A new study found that about 5.4% of teens used nicotine pouches in 2024, up from 3.0% in 2023, and dual use with e-cigarettes increased. Researchers warn of potential health risks and call for tailored prevention strategies.
A cross-sectional study finds a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use and an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, leading to decreased exclusive e-cigarette use among US 10th and 12th graders. Prioritizing surveillance, regulation, and prevention strategies is crucial for addressing pediatric nicotine pouch use.
Despite slight increase in prescriptions between 2021 and 2024, only 3% of eligible patients received a prescription. Disparities were found based on race, ethnicity, social vulnerability, and urbanicity, with small but significant differences compared to overall underutilization.
The study tracks maternal, fetal, and infant mortality trends in the US from 2000 to 2023. Despite improvements in some years, overall rates of maternal and infant mortality increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study reveals wide disparities in mortality across US states, with some experiencing no improvements in life expectancy from 1900 to 2000 birth cohorts. This disparity can inform decision-making around resource allocation and public health interventions.
Cigarette smoking prevalence is expected to decrease in the US by 2035, primarily among young adults in historically high-prevalence states. This trend is likely to slow health consequences, particularly for older adults.
A modeling study predicts declining childhood vaccination rates will increase outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections, leading to their reemergence. Measles is likely to be the first disease to return to endemic levels, even under current vaccination levels.
The Annual Antisemitism Worldwide Report found that despite a decline in the antisemitic wave after the war, levels remained significantly higher than before. Countries such as Australia, Italy, and Canada reported record-high numbers of incidents, with notable increases in physical assaults in France.
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.
A large US youth sample shows increased rates of anxiety and depression from 2016 to 2022. In contrast, asthma and severe headaches or migraines decreased in this cohort.
Among US adults aged 20-59, obesity prevalence by BMI was nearly identical to the confirmed excess adiposity rate. Approximately 98% of obese individuals had excess adiposity, suggesting a strong correlation between the two measures.
A new analysis of job applicant data from a large employer found that Ban-the-Box policies had little impact on employment rates for individuals with criminal records. Despite initial hopes that these policies would improve job prospects, the study suggests that any benefits may be reversed during subsequent candidate assessment.
Recent study analysis found that young adult females in the US experience higher rates of past-month binge drinking compared to males. In contrast, older male groups continue to exhibit higher binge drinking rates.
The study found an increase in pancreatic adenocarcinoma among all age groups, while a notable rise was observed in colorectal adenocarcinoma among younger patients. This trend highlights the importance of early detection and evaluation for clinicians when evaluating patients with relevant symptoms.
Researchers identified three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The study found 15 rodent species as carriers, including six new hosts, and explored the impact of climate change on transmission.
A large US cohort study found SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with adverse postacute kidney outcomes in children and adolescents, especially those with chronic or acute kidney disease. Long-term monitoring is recommended for these patients.
A new study reveals that the US national vaccine strategy saved more money than it spent on testing, buying and delivering COVID-19 vaccines after just one year. The analysis found that the vaccines reduced serious illness and deaths, resulting in significant cost savings.
A recent study found that ischemic stroke mortality rates have increased in the US over the past two decades, particularly among racial minorities and rural residents. The majority of these deaths now occur at home, rather than in hospitals or medical facilities.
Pregnancy-related deaths in the US rose during 2018-2022, with significant disparities by state and ethnicity, underscoring the need for urgent public health action.
A national survey reveals significantly higher rates of five mental health conditions in incarcerated individuals and those with recent criminal-legal involvement compared to community members. The study emphasizes the critical need for informed care and treatment to address the high rates of incarceration and improve community support.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on primary care interventions to support breastfeeding, citing established associations between breastfeeding and child health benefits. As of 2021, 59.8% of infants at 6 months are breastfed, while 27.2% are exclusively breastfed.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
Invasive group A Streptococcus infections increased substantially in 10 US states between 2013 and 2022. Accelerated prevention efforts are needed, especially among high-risk groups, to combat the spread of this bacterial infection.
A systematic scoping review reveals substantial inequities in gender representation among US academic medical center leaders. Despite female-dominated specialties, women are largely excluded from leadership positions across various niches of academic medicine.
A study finds that deporting undocumented immigrants working in the US healthcare system could lead to a significant shortage of skilled personnel. The loss of these workers would be particularly challenging to replace, especially if legal immigration is restricted.
A study found that spending on GLP-1 RAs increased from 2018 to 2023, with the largest growth rate between 2022 and 2023. The total spending on these medications exceeded $71 billion.
Tariffs on Canadian pharmaceuticals could significantly impact the US drug supply and costs, with an estimated $750 million added to production costs. The study found that $3 billion in US pharmaceuticals rely on Canadian manufacturing, highlighting the potential fragility of supply chains.