Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A longitudinal cohort study found differential susceptibility and resilience for mental health problems during the pandemic associated with prepandemic mental health and sociodemographic characteristics. The study's findings have implications for recovery and may provide novel insights into causes of youth mental health problems.
A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.
A study found disparities in tobacco ad exposure among U.S. adults based on race/ethnicity, education level, and smoking status, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions to vulnerable populations. The study aims to inform regulation of tobacco ads to reduce their impact.
A new risk prediction scale specifically for American Indian adults found elevated heart failure rates compared to other population groups. The analysis identified Type 2 diabetes status, kidney damage, and high blood pressure as major modifiable determinants of developing heart failure over 5-10 years.
A recent study by Binghamton University Political Science Professor Jeffrey L. Yates found that U.S. presidential elections significantly impact local prosecutor races. The researchers analyzed data from the nation's top 200 districts and discovered that incumbent prosecutors with the same party affiliation as a successful president ha...
The leading causes of death in the US from 2019 to 2023 have seen a significant shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Heart disease and cancer remain the top two causes, while COVID-19 has emerged as a major contributor to mortality rates.
A survey study estimates that 15.6 million US adults consume at least one potentially hepatotoxic botanical product within the past 30 days. Turmeric is the most commonly reported botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh products.
A qualitative study highlights the dangers of unregulated online semaglutide sales, with vendors shipping falsified products. The US has seen a 1500% increase in semaglutide-related calls to poison centers, underscoring the need for enhanced pharmacovigilance.
A 50-state survey of US adults reveals decreased trust in physicians and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower levels of trust were associated with a lesser likelihood of pursuing vaccination, highlighting the importance of restoring public trust in healthcare.
The study found a disproportionate increase in female suicide rates relative to male preteens between 2001 and 2022. Suicide was the 5th leading cause of death among both males and females during this period.
A recent survey study found increased self-managed abortion attempts following federal abortion protection changes in the US. The study revealed that marginalized groups predominantly used ineffective methods, highlighting the need for expanded access to safe and effective abortion care.
The AHA PREVENT equations could reduce eligibility for statin and antihypertensive therapy among 15.8 million US adults due to lower atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk predictions. This change may impact treatment guidelines and recommendations.
A new study in Frontiers in Medicine found that individuals who perceive conflict among experts about health recommendations have significantly lower trust in health information provided by government health agencies. Doctors were the most trusted source of information, with high trust reported by 95% of respondents.
A new study found significant disparities in stroke services across the US, with hospitals in disadvantaged communities up to 42% less likely to obtain stroke center certification. Hospitals serving affluent communities are more likely to become certified, which improves patient outcomes and access to critical treatment.
A recent study found that medical and educational debt collectively exceeds $150 billion among US health care workers. Educational debts disproportionately burden Black workers, while medical debts are more prevalent among women, home health personnel, and those with recent hospitalizations.
A cross-sectional study found that strict COVID-19 measures were associated with reduced pandemic mortality rates, likely due to behavioral changes. However, not all restrictions were equally effective, with some imposing substantial costs without significant benefits.
A recent study by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen found that highlighting Zelensky's warmth, morality, and communal traits boosts global empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainians. The research aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion.
A new study sheds light on fatty liver disease MASH's pathology, revealing T cell activation and growth in response to poor diet. The research holds promise for developing a biomarker test to track disease progression before it's at a late stage.
US adolescents have reported decreases in both medical and nonmedical use of prescription medications between 2009 and 2022. The study attributes these changes to factors such as revised prescribing guidelines and COVID-related school closures.
A genome study has identified regional adaptations in American chestnut trees, informing restoration efforts and climate resilience. The research provides guidance for conserving genetic diversity across the Appalachian region, with a focus on preserving the most genetically diverse southern population.
A study reveals that sexual and gender minority adults in the US have a higher risk of developing epilepsy due to unique biological and psychosocial factors. The findings highlight the need for protected access to medical care for this population.
A population-level study found no increase in neonatal and infant mortality rates during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, social distancing measures were linked to higher preterm birth rates with a lag period.
Medical debt exacerbates the mental health treatment gap among US adults, particularly those with depression and anxiety. The study highlights the need for new policies to protect against this financial barrier and ensure access to mental health care.
A University of Cincinnati study found that long-term stroke survival is improving, but racial disparities remain, with Black individuals experiencing worse long-term outcomes. The research analyzed five-year mortality rates after stroke and found that overall rates are declining, while disparities persist among Black patients.
A cross-sectional study found lower nicotine absorption in children exposed to secondhand e-cigarette vapor compared to tobacco smoke. Exposure to e-cigarette vapor still posed a significant health risk to children, however.
Treatment approaches for opioid use disorder are underreported and inadequate in US substance use treatment facilities, with more than one-third lacking medications for OUD. The study highlights the need for improved treatment options to address the opioid epidemic.
A large nationally representative study found that only 2.9% of U.S. adults had ever used nicotine pouches, with a lower percentage reporting current use. The study suggests that the majority of adult pouch consumers are using them to 'top off' nicotine in situations where they cannot smoke or use other tobacco products.
Despite overall improvement, US children's diets remain suboptimal, with total dietary quality scores below the 5-point threshold. The study analyzed data from 2005-2020 and found that the increase remained lower than expected.
A new study by the University of Toronto Nursing found that over one million industry-sponsored events took place in the US in 2022, with a focus on physician and nurse practitioner interactions. These events were linked to specific pharmaceutical products, indicating their potential impact on prescribing practices.
The Texas A&M Center for Environmental Health will promote research in four areas of environmental health, including climate change and health, environment and metabolism, and environmental justice and policy. The center aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers and make funding more accessible for junior faculty.
Nearly 20,000 US youth deaths could be avoided if US infant mortality rates matched those of 16 comparison countries. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and interventions to reduce US youth mortality rates.
Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a higher need for help with lost independence in later life. Traffic-related sources generate the largest and most consistent increases in risk, suggesting controlling air pollution may delay or divert care needs.
A large US cohort study found no association between multivitamin use and reduced mortality risk. The study included over 200,000 participants and analyzed data from three prospective cohorts.
A new study found that Texas' 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy was associated with unexpected increases in infant and neonatal deaths in Texas between 2021 and 2022. Congenital anomalies also surged in Texas, but not elsewhere in the US.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that transgender and gender-diverse adults in the US experience over 2-fold increases in frequent mental distress and depression. The population also faces significant health inequities compared to cisgender counterparts.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that lifetime LSD use is associated with a higher likelihood of severe psychological distress after losing one's job. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 adults and found that prior LSD use was linked to greater symptoms of psychological distress.
The USPSTF recommends providing or referring children and adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children aged 2-19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, with higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and lower-income families.
A recent study by the University of Kansas found that while most US markets have enough housing units available, nearly all lack affordability for very low-income households. The study suggests that addressing housing prices and low incomes are more urgently needed than simply building more homes.
Generation X sees gains in leading cancers, but lower rates of lung and cervical cancers compared to previous generations. Cancer incidence could remain high for decades if current trends continue.
A cohort study found lower moderate to vigorous physical activity levels linked to increased cardiovascular disease or mortality in normoglycemic Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults. Adults with prediabetes may gain from reducing sedentary behavior and improving lifestyle factors beyond exercise alone
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends exercise interventions for older adults at increased risk of falls, considering prior falls, medical conditions, and patient values. The overall net benefit is small, making a personalized approach necessary to balance benefits and harms.
By 2050, at least 61% of US adults (184 million people) are projected to have some type of cardiovascular disease, with total costs tripling to $1.8 trillion. Population shifts, high blood pressure, and obesity will drive this increase.
Drug-involved infant deaths in the US increased by 120% from 10.8% in 2018 to 24.4% in 2022, with the highest proportion occurring in 2021. The most common causes of death were assault, poisoning, and psychostimulants.
A quality improvement analysis found that many US residents live within 30 miles of a clinical trial site, highlighting disparities in access. The study highlights concerns about equity and fairness in healthcare resource distribution, particularly for marginalized communities.
US college student mental health challenges rose with a notable increase in PTSD and acute stress disorder diagnoses. Factors contributing to this rise include pandemic-related stressors and traumatic events.
A study in Seattle found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among children living in areas with a sweetened beverage tax compared to nontaxed areas. The results support the effectiveness of such taxes as a policy for improving children's BMI, building on existing US studies.
Inflation-adjusted healthcare spending among privately insured US families increased, with low-income families facing a substantial financial medical burden. Financial medical burden was more than 26% of postsubsistence income for low-income families, compared to approximately 6% for higher-income families.
A cross-sectional study found that COVID-19 surges are associated with declines in hospital quality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining care standards during periods of high hospital use. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to mitigate these declines and ensure continued high-quality care.
A cohort study found that heat waves were associated with increased rates of preterm and early-term deliveries, especially among vulnerable populations. The results suggest that extreme heat events pose a significant threat to perinatal health.
Large daily temperature variation has been linked to elevated mortality in various studies. Black and Hispanic populations in the US face significant DTV exposure due to limited green spaces, resulting in temperature swings of up to 3 degrees Celsius.
A new study found that using race-neutral equations for lung function test interpretation accurately predicted risk of death and COPD flare-ups, especially for African Americans. The study suggests reclassifications can allow those most in need to gain eligibility for specialized treatments like lung transplant.
Public health authorities in nearly all US states and territories have the ability to monitor and test persons exposed to H5N1 virus. Despite this, jurisdictions vary in their preparedness plans, antiviral use recommendations, and potential vaccine deployment among first responders.
A cross-sectional study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in treatment delays and discontinuations among patients with SARS-CoV-2, leading to increased cancer mortality among minoritized adults. The disproportionate burden varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves.
Researchers discuss the benefits of CAR-T therapy in treating B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children. The therapy, tisagenlecleucel, has shown promising results and is now priced at $508,250, a more manageable cost compared to other gene therapies.
Chronic kidney disease patients at a US-based academic medical center experienced significant sex disparities in primary care management. Females received poorer care compared to males, highlighting the need for further examination of these differences.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
Almost 90% of U.S. adults met criteria for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome (CKM) stage 1 or higher, with 15% meeting advanced stage criteria that did not improve between 2011 and 2020. Advanced stages were associated with increased risk among older age, men, and Black adults.
Substantial geographic disparities in cancer clinical trials availability exist in the US, with socially vulnerable counties facing significant limitations. The disparity has worsened over time, with these counties often having fewer trial options available.
A study of an extremely low-income and predominantly Black population found that those earning less than $15,000 a year died, on average, more than 10 years earlier than those with higher incomes. The researchers highlighted the need for policy interventions to reduce mortality and health disparities in low-income Americans.
The USPSTF updates its breast cancer screening recommendation to biennial mammography for women ages 40-74. However, the balance of benefits and harms is unclear for women over 75 or those with dense breasts. Breast cancer is a common cause of death among US women.