Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A new study finds that not attaining a high school degree is associated with higher cancer mortality, while high allostatic load, a marker of chronic stress, also increases the risk. The researchers emphasize the need for educational attainment promotion and addressing social determinants of health to reduce cancer disparities.
The study analyzed the high burden of RSV-associated acute respiratory illness among young children in the U.S. and found nirsevimab to be effective against severe cases, highlighting the potential for substantial public health impact through increased prevention coverage.
A recent study found that US older adults aged 50-80 commonly experience loneliness and social isolation, with high rates reported across various sociodemographic groups. These findings highlight the significant impact of social isolation on physical and mental health in this age group.
Population-level improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels slowed, while adverse trends in glucose levels accelerated in more recent US birth cohorts. Public health initiatives targeting antecedent health behaviors are needed to improve cardiometabolic health across generations.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found that nearly half of young asylum seekers in the US exhibit worrisome symptoms of cardiovascular disease, including heart palpitations and chest pain. This unexpected prevalence highlights the need for clinicians to consider cardiovascular concerns when evaluating this younger population.
A study found that conflict-reducing practices in teaching evolution increased acceptance among college students. Emphasizing compatibility between evolution and religion was particularly effective for highly religious Christian students. The study suggests that instructors can play a key role in bridging the divide by adopting strateg...
Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant association between childhood lead exposure and mental health symptoms. The study estimated that 151 million excess mental disorders were attributable to lead exposure by 2015, with differences most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986.
Research reveals African Americans have lower death rates after age 85 and up to age 100 compared to white populations. The study's lead author attributes this to psychosocial and biological factors that enable select survivors to withstand socioeconomic disadvantages.
A significant drop in cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25 has been observed, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network. The findings indicate that widespread HPV vaccination is driving this decline, reducing the prevalence of HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer incidence.
A study estimates that approximately one-third of eligible US adults without diabetes were excluded from clinical trials supporting GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications. The FDA should consider updating labeling to advise caution on generalizing these medications' safety and effectiveness to excluded populations.
A cohort study found that a prenatal diet aligned with US Dietary Guidelines was linked to slower infant growth rates and lower obesity risk. The study suggests that improving prenatal nutrition may also benefit children's growth trajectory in the long term.
Life expectancy in the USA varies by more than 20 years depending on an individual's race and ethnicity and where they live. Researchers found that marginalized groups already had lower life expectancy, and the pandemic further increased the gap.
A study reveals that nearly 137 million US adults are eligible for semaglutide therapy, more than the number eligible for statins. Semaglutide's broad eligibility could lead to increased adoption and treatment options for US adults.
A cross-sectional study found substantial burden of RSV-related hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths in US adults. Increasing RSV vaccination among older adults has the potential to reduce these outcomes.
A global study of nearly 30,000 participants found that frailty accelerates dementia diagnosis by up to 9 years, with every additional health problem increasing the risk by 40%. Researchers emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and frailty screening for early disease prevention.
A cross-sectional study found that barriers to divorce were associated with higher pregnancy-associated homicide rates and better access to reproductive health care was linked to lower rates. The study highlights the importance of considering state legislation when addressing pregnancy-related violence.
The study reveals that many individuals and households incur significant financial burdens for abortion care, with those traveling from out of state facing the most extreme costs. To address this issue, expansion of insurance coverage to ensure equitable access to abortion care is needed, regardless of a person's state of residence.
A geospatial analysis found that areas with more tanning bed facilities experience higher rates of melanoma. The study identified six high-risk clusters and seven low-risk clusters, suggesting a significant association between access to tanning beds and increased melanoma incidence.
A nationwide coyote survey reveals that human hunting practices may increase, rather than reduce, local coyote numbers. Coyotes are found to be most abundant in grasslands and agricultural landscapes.
A study published in JAMA found that drug-related reports of supply chain issues were 40% less likely to result in meaningful drug shortages in Canada compared to the US. This highlights the importance of global cooperation to curb the effects of drug shortages and strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.
A US cohort study found that prenatal cannabis exposure was associated with differences in executive function and aggressive behavior in children at age 5. The study's results may inform clinical recommendations on cannabis use during pregnancy.
A cross-sectional study found increasing concentrations of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in urine specimens from 2013 to 2023, highlighting a shift in illicit substance use patterns. Heroin concentration decreased during this period, emphasizing the need for updated surveillance initiatives and treatment strategies.
A cross-sectional study of 14,000 insured adults found that individual-level social determinants of health are strongly linked to healthcare spending by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. This association can inform health insurers and policymakers to incorporate social determinants into decision-making practices.
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 1 diabetes has significantly increased between 2010 and 2023. This trend is driven by their benefits in weight management and cardiorenal protection, but caution is advised due to concerns about euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that climate change will significantly impact outdoor activities in the US, with Florida and other Southeastern states experiencing major drops in
A new study by Florida Atlantic University explores the experiences of harm in the metaverse among US youth, finding that 33% of teens own a VR device and 13% use it weekly. The study reveals significant percentages of youth reporting hate speech, bullying, harassment, and grooming behaviors.
The article highlights patchwork strategies for managing high prescription drug costs, but emphasizes the need for solutions that address root causes of high prices. Clinicians can use existing solutions to help patients access costly medications, but policy changes are necessary for sustainable affordable access.
Infant mortality rates in the US increased significantly following the Dobbs decision, with no post-Dobbs months showing lower-than-expected rates. The findings are consistent with previous reports of increased infant mortality in Texas following its abortion ban.
This article provides practical recommendations for improving ethical oversight of clinical trials in the US. Key findings include enhanced regulatory mechanisms and training programs to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that unpaid caregiving contributes billions of dollars' worth of labor annually, yet is often overlooked in societal value. The study suggests that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to provide care within their social networks but perceive themselve...
The study found an estimated 2.56% of US adults 40 years and older have glaucoma, highlighting the need for public health planning. Disproportionate impact on black individuals underscores the importance of targeted prevention efforts.
The FDA will continue to play a central role in regulating AI technologies that improve health outcomes. The agency emphasizes the need for rigorous oversight of these transformative tools, crucial for protecting patients and clinicians.
Most US hospital websites explicitly included SGM populations in nondiscrimination policies, but few provided SGM-friendly clinician directories. Pediatric hospitals posted more SGM-related information than adult hospitals, while states with discriminatory policies had fewer online resources.
The study found significant disparities in age-specific all-cause mortality across racial and ethnic groups, with the greatest relative increases seen in populations ages 25 to 64. These findings deviated from pre-pandemic patterns, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health inequities.
US women between 20-44 years old have experienced declining vitamin A, C, and iron intake over the last two decades. This trend may have significant implications for maternal and fetal health. The study aims to identify these nutrient gaps and inform recommendations to improve intake.
A study found that more than half of the top US physicians who reviewed research for major medical journals received industry payments, with most being for research purposes. The payments may have implications for conflicts of interest and research outcomes, highlighting a need for transparency in the medical publishing system.
A cross-sectional study reveals a significant risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic transgender and gender-nonconforming US college students. The study emphasizes the importance of providing targeted support to address this issue.
A cross-sectional study found that US adults with social risk factor domains were less likely to receive preventive services. The association was cumulative, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors to optimize healthcare outcomes.
The study found that progress in reducing excess mortality among Black individuals was stalled by an increase in mortality from external causes. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers still pose significant health risks to the US Black population.
A cross-sectional study found that menopausal hormone therapy use has decreased significantly over the past two decades among US postmenopausal women. Notably, women from racial and ethnic minority groups had lower rates of menopausal hormone therapy use compared to non-Hispanic white women.
A cross-sectional study found significant increases in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in SUID rates was linked to off-season resurgences of infectious pathogens, with RSV rates closely approximating this shift.
A new study by MIT researchers identifies characteristic in prison facilities that exacerbate an incarcerated person's vulnerability to summer heat. The findings highlight the need for policymakers and community leaders to address this growing concern, particularly as climate change worsens heat-related risks.
A new study analyzing US data from 1993 to 2005 found that extreme heat disproportionately affects racial minorities, with a higher excess death rate for Non-Hispanic Blacks compared to whites. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to shield vulnerable populations from growing temperature dangers.
A significant proportion of American adults suffer from absolute and functional iron deficiency, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. The study highlights the importance of screening strategies for iron deficiency, as it is a common issue that may be overlooked or undertreated.
The LYFE-III study will digitize the intervention and make it freely available, assessing its effectiveness. The current research builds on previous studies that focused on parenting skills enhancement and substance abuse prevention among Latino youth.
Extreme temperature-related deaths in the contiguous US are expected to rise significantly due to climate change, disproportionately affecting non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults. The study highlights the need for population health mitigation strategies to address this growing public health concern.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
A University of Oklahoma researcher found that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and appealing than non-menthol cigarettes, especially among racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ population. Participants were willing to work harder for puffs of menthol cigarettes, indicating a heightened risk of nicotine dependence.
Prehospital encounters for opioid overdoses increased among US youth from 2018 to 2022, particularly among adolescents aged 12-17, which showed an upward trend both before and during the pandemic. Overall, trends were largely driven by those aged 18-24.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
A study reveals discrepancies between preferred and actual sources of contraceptive information among adolescents and young adults. Clinicians are the most commonly preferred source, yet they also pose the largest discrepancy between preference and use. This highlights the importance of clinicians in supporting informed contraceptive d...
A cross-sectional study found that over 50% of adults with uncontrolled hypertension in the US are unaware of their condition and untreated. Despite treatment, 70.8% of patients experience persistent uncontrolled hypertension, highlighting a need for improved healthcare strategies to address this critical public health issue.
After the Dobbs decision, tubal sterilization rates rose in all US states, with further monthly increases observed in banned states. Limited states showed a similar trend, while protected states did not exhibit significant changes.
A recent study found that racial and ethnic tuberculosis (TB) disparities among US-born persons can result in significant long-term health consequences. The research indicates that these disparities can have substantial effects on the economy as well, potentially affecting TB elimination goals within the US.
The study found that all three payer markets for pharmacy benefit manager services were highly concentrated in 2023, with the highest concentration in Medicare Part D. The top three PBMs pursued different market strategies, highlighting the importance of considering payer-specific concentration when evaluating anticompetitive practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in cancer diagnosis rates in the US, according to a new study. Despite improved trends in 2021, the rates remain lower than expected, exacerbating the existing deficit of diagnosed cases from 2020.
A study found that RSV vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization risk among adults 60+ in the US, offering protection against severe RSV disease. The vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in high-risk populations, including those over 75 and with immunocompromising conditions.
The new guideline updates treatment recommendations for Helicobacter pylori infection, shifting away from proton pump inhibitor-clarithromycin triple therapy. Bismuth quadruple therapy and other alternatives are now recommended for treatment-naïve patients.
Researchers in human nutrition developed an innovative tool to assign a healthy hydration recommendation score to governments, promoting water and discouraging sugary beverages. The study analyzed 93 countries with dietary guidelines, finding that 48 had complementary messages encouraging water and reducing sugary beverage intake.
Heat-related mortality rates in the US rose between 1999 and 2023, reversing a previous trend. Climate change projections suggest continued increases, highlighting the need for access to hydration centers and cooling centers.