Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A recent study found substantial rural-urban disparities in cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among US adults. Social risk factors are identified as the primary driver of these disparities, with efforts to address socioeconomic conditions in rural communities critical to reducing the gap.
Despite a rise in long distance running participation, cardiac arrests during US marathons and half-marathons have shown no significant increase, indicating improved emergency response measures are at play.
A pooled cross-sectional study found a positive correlation between state minimum wage hikes and improved food security rates among at-risk households. Policymakers can use these findings to set wages that reduce food insecurity burden on U.S. children and families.
Most older U.S. adults support Medicare covering weight management medications, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or greater. The survey also found that more than half of participants were interested in using these medications to manage their weight.
Recent studies published in Behavioral Medicine and Alcohol explore the link between pain and substance use among emerging adults. Individuals with moderate to severe pain are more likely to start using cannabis over a four-year period, often taking it up earlier, and are also at higher risk of mixing it with alcohol.
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a computational tool called LogiRx that can predict how drugs will affect biological processes in the body. The tool has demonstrated its potential by identifying a promising candidate to prevent heart failure, a leading cause of death worldwide.
A prospective cohort study found a significant association between food insecurity and incident cardiovascular disease in both Black and White US individuals. Food insecurity was also shown to be an important social deprivation measure for assessing CVD risk, highlighting its potential as a key factor in clinical assessment.
A survey study found that US adults have regular exposure to mass shootings, which disproportionately affects younger generations and males. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the broader impacts of gun violence on public health and community well-being.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.
Cervical cancer incidence increased in rural US counties, with higher rates among white women, likely due to lower screening coverage and diagnostic care utilization. Rural areas may experience heightened access barriers, contributing to lower HPV vaccine uptake.
A recent study found that COVID-19 pandemic increased SNAP benefits reduced racial and ethnic disparities in food insecurity. However, non-SNAP participants experienced no decline in food insecurity, highlighting persistent gaps in nutrition support for this vulnerable population.
A cohort study of 46,000 US residents found nearly two-thirds had suboptimal 5-year sleep duration trajectories, associated with increased risk of mortality. Maintaining healthy sleep duration is crucial for reducing mortality risk in this population.
A recent study found substantial variation in US homicide rates across counties, racial and ethnic groups, age, and sex, highlighting populations and places with high rates of violence. The findings emphasize the need for awareness and violence prevention efforts to address these disparities.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals a significant disparity in suicide rates among US female physicians compared to non-physician females. Comprehensive suicide prevention measures are needed to address this concern and protect vulnerable individuals in the medical profession.
A survey of 1,135 adults found that respondents believed 51.8% of overall health care spending goes to primary care, exceeding the actual share of 4.7%. This disparity highlights chronic underinvestment in primary care, resulting in workforce shortages and reduced access to high-quality care.
A recent study found that US physicians experienced lower mortality rates compared to the general population, but this benefit did not extend to female or racial and ethnic minority groups. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to address health inequities within the healthcare workforce.
US outpatient prescriptions for ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with usage being three times higher among adults aged 65 and older. The study's findings highlight the need for policy reforms to combat misinformation and mistrust in scientific institutions.
A new study finds that US hospital staffed beds have decreased by 16%, leading to a potential national bed shortage. The US could reach an 85% occupancy rate as early as 2032, with some states at higher risk than others.
The study found disparities in tobacco use across cumulative disabilities, with those having 3 or more disabilities experiencing worsening use trends. Targeted prevention and cessation efforts are needed to address these disparities.
A new study tracks US health care spending by health condition and county, revealing broad variation in spending patterns. The research highlights the need to identify outliers and assess healthcare gaps, particularly in regions with high inequalities in healthcare access.
A cross-sectional study found that variation in health care spending among US counties is primarily attributed to disparities in service utilization. The study's results may inform policymakers in assessing the allocation of health care resources.
A study found that US states adopting abortion bans experienced significant increases in infant mortality, especially for deaths caused by congenital conditions. These increased mortality rates were disproportionately high among already vulnerable populations, such as Black infants and residents of Southern states.
A new study suggests that US abortion bans are associated with increased fertility rates, particularly among subpopulations experiencing structural disadvantages. The findings also highlight the negative impact of these policies on maternal and child health outcomes.
Small increases were observed in childhood obesity rates and severe obesity among US adults between 2013 and 2023. The study found no significant changes in waist circumference or other obesity-related measures during this period.
Approximately 1 in 9 US residents used dietary supplements to boost their immunity before the pandemic. Label claims related to immune benefits were common on these supplements, especially among older adults and those in poorer health.
A recent study published in CANCER found that pain is associated with a greater likelihood of tobacco and cannabis use among cancer survivors. Pain also exacerbates treatment-related side effects and worsens health outcomes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care practices in the US experienced declining access to care, while average practice capabilities improved. Integrated practice ownership and accountable care organization participation were associated with better access and capability scores.
The study found that nearly all US states had higher drug-related mortality rates between 2020 and 2023 than their 2019 rates. This decline marks a reversal of the pandemic-induced increase in overdose deaths.
A recent study found that half of US adolescents spend at least 66 minutes per day on their smartphones during school hours, with the majority using messaging and social media apps.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that post-COVID condition (PCC) continues to affect US children with significant activity limitation. The research highlights the importance of examining PCC severity and its impact on school attendance, emphasizing the need for continued investigation into this ongoing issue.
A cohort study found that patients without type 2 diabetes had higher discontinuation rates and lower reinitiation rates of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. Inequities in access and adherence to effective treatments exacerbate disparities in obesity.
Mortality trends among US adults ages 25-44 have increased significantly between 2011 and 2023, with excess mortality remaining higher than expected post-pandemic. Drug poisoning was a major contributor to the largest portion of 2023 excess mortality.
A cross-sectional study found that TV football game food ads are often high in sodium, calories, and fat content. This can pose a risk to adults with pre-existing heart conditions, who may be vulnerable to dietary deviations due to frequent exposure to advertising.
A cross-sectional study found that underrepresented in medicine internal medicine residents remained underrepresented compared to their program's county populations. The findings highlight the need for racial and ethnic diversity policies to address the continuing disparity among graduate medical education physicians.
A recent study found that infant mortality from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) has increased significantly in the US, affecting Black infants disproportionately. The analysis suggests possible explanations for this trend, including COVID-19 and maternal opioid use.
A significant increase in firearm-related hospital admissions was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 34% rise reported between 2020 and 2021. This surge had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including children, Medicaid patients, and Black individuals.
A retrospective cohort study of 44,000 individuals found associations between baseline fasting glucose levels, age, sex, and body mass index with the development of diabetes. The study highlights individual variation in diabetes risk according to commonly measured clinical variables, suggesting potential for targeted interventions.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that medically recommended cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of cannabis use disorder and more frequent use among US adults. The study suggests that medically recommended cannabis may not be effective in reducing addiction risk compared to nonmedical use.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has developed a unified approach to health data exchange, utilizing electronic health records to enhance patient care and public health. This initiative aims to standardize the sharing of health data across different entities, enabling better decision-making and improved healthcare outcomes.
Researchers analyzed tropical storm-related precipitation to understand its impact on local water resources and provide insights into climate predictions. The study aims to help communities prepare for extreme storms and manage water resources before and after the storms.
A substantial proportion of US adults are aware and have experimented with synthetic menthol-mimicking cigarettes, posing a public health risk. These products could undermine the effectiveness of menthol cigarette bans in promoting smoking cessation.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for osteoporosis can help prevent fractures in older women. However, the effectiveness of screening for men is unclear due to insufficient evidence.
The study estimates that half a million new cases of dementia will be reported annually by 2060, with the risk of developing dementia after age 55 being 42% among Americans. The increasing number of cases is linked to aging, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and poor mental health.
A new study analyzing US data from over 27,500 participants reveals that retirees show more signs of depression than working individuals, with binge drinking exacerbating the issue. Moderate drinking appears to have fewer depressive symptoms compared to abstaining completely.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences has been awarded a $3.9 million grant to address the shortage of primary care physicians in underserved communities in Arizona. The program aims to create more primary care and rural health admissions tracks and expand clinical experiences, ultimately increasing primary care residency matches.
Patient care experience deteriorates after private equity acquisition of US hospitals, raising concerns about the impact on healthcare quality. The study's findings highlight the need for closer monitoring and regulation of hospital acquisitions to protect patients' rights.
A recent study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence among Black women in the US. Addressing historical traumas and providing clear safety information are crucial to building trust with this demographic.
The number of autistic individuals receiving federal housing support grew significantly between 2008 and 2016. Most lived in urban areas, with 65% residing in extremely low-income households.
The prevalence of substance use disorder surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but treatment receipt declined initially due to healthcare disruptions. Treatment rates began to recover in 2022, likely driven by reopened treatment programs and increased telehealth use.
A cohort study found a decrease in localized invasive breast cancer and regional invasive breast cancer since the 2009 guideline changes, but no decrease in advanced cancer stages. Further research is needed to understand these trends.
US youths experience disparities in firearm and motor vehicle crash fatality rates across different age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities. A multipronged approach is necessary to address these leading causes of death, focusing on individual, community, and policy levels for high-risk groups.
Between 2020 and 2023, buprenorphine dispensing to adolescents increased, while prescribing declined among young adults. These changes are attributed to improved outreach, telehealth prescriptions, and elimination of waiver requirements.
Early adoption of Tobacco 21 policies maximizes potential mortality reductions, but enforcement varies widely across states. The federal law's enforcement is crucial in states without state-level T21 policies.
A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.
A recent study found that post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) affects approximately 8.4% of US adults, with significant differences observed across various demographic groups. Currently, 3.6% of adults have PCC, and a notable 2.3% experience activity-limiting PCC.
A social work graduate has published her research on cognitive decline among refugees, finding that those who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for interventions that address these gaps in care and promote healthier aging.
Adult obesity trends in the US have declined for the first time in more than a decade, according to recent data. The South region experienced the largest decreases in body mass index and obesity prevalence, despite also facing high COVID-19 mortality rates among obese individuals.
Racially and ethnically minoritized US children experience disparities in mean levels and variability of sleep compared to white peers. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing multiple sleep dimensions across diverse racial and ethnic groups to achieve equitable pediatric sleep health.