Research on the US population and its health. Covers cancer-trial sponsorship, myopia control, statistical literacy, and substance-use trends.
A study of 26,000 US participants found that both individual- and area-level social determinants contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. The findings suggest that these factors should be considered in future risk assessment tools, especially for Black individuals.
A nationally representative study of 25,000 participants found that US adults with post-COVID-19 condition are more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms than the general population. Individuals with these symptoms reported higher rates of cost-related barriers to accessing mental health treatment.
A recent study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that bisexual women died 37% sooner and lesbian women 20% sooner than heterosexual women. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 female nurses and highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities among sexual minority groups.
Contemporary US heart failure mortality rates have surpassed those in 1999 due to reversals from 2012 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated these increases, partly due to healthcare access limitations.
A study of 50,000 US children found modest decreases in developmental screening scores, sparking cautious optimism and concern for long-term implications. Continued surveillance is crucial to understand the population-level effects of the pandemic on child development.
Pediatric opioid overdoses show a decreasing trend between 2008 and 2019, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-risk populations include young children and adolescents, particularly males and those in urban teaching hospitals.
Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind high ADRD rates among MENA immigrants, a growing demographic. The study will investigate daily living, stress, genetics, brain health, and cognitive ability, using MRI-based imaging and cognitive assessments.
Experts say the dominant literature on political polarization is inadequate for Latin America, citing a lack of evidence linking increased social inequality to polarized politics. Instead, research suggests that other factors, such as changes in political behavior and institutional instability, may be driving the crisis.
A recent study found improvements in vaccination timeliness among US children from 2011 to 2021, however widening disparities by socioeconomic indicators highlight the need for increased efforts to facilitate timely vaccination among lower-income families.
A recent survey study of 12,000 participants found that firearm owners were only moderately more supportive of political violence than nonowners. Firearm owners who always carried firearms in public were more likely to support and engage in political violence, highlighting the need for risk-based prevention efforts.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing supply chain issues, leading to increased drug shortages in the US. Clinically valuable drugs at greatest shortage risk need prioritization to protect future supplies.
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
Researchers found RSV was less common but similar in severity to COVID-19 and influenza among unvaccinated patients. Among vaccinated patients, RSV disease was more severe than both COVID-19 and influenza for serious outcomes.
Research highlights a significant association between unfavorable social determinants of health and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Asian American adults. The study found varying relationships among different subgroups, emphasizing the importance of considering individual differences.
A recent study found a significant association between COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and political party affiliation. The more Republican states were, the higher the reported adverse events among vaccine recipients and clinicians.
Low HPV vaccine uptake among US adults aged 27-45 is a concern, particularly for men and Hispanic individuals. Experts stress the need to address disparities in vaccination rates to prevent cancer cases.
Researchers found a 32% vaccine uptake among patients asked about receiving the flu shot and a 41% uptake for those who received a pamphlet, watched a video, and were told about benefits. The study suggests a systematic approach to increase vaccine uptake among underserved populations.
A study of 5,437 US adults found that many patients with varying socioeconomic status chose telemedicine over in-person visits. The results support the use of telemedicine as a valued care delivery approach, and continued monitoring is needed to ensure equitable access.
Long-term BMI variability was a significant risk marker for adverse cardiovascular events, independent of mean BMI, across major racial and ethnic groups. The study's findings have implications for the phenotype of high BMI variability and potential preventive measures.
A new policy analysis from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute identifies the intensive care crisis in rural America and proposes comprehensive solutions. The study suggests policies like reducing uninsured populations through ACA Medicaid expansion and increasing healthcare workforce can strengthen rural intensive care capacity.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.
A study published in American Psychologist reveals that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, with baby boomers reporting the highest overall levels. The research suggests that loneliness is a persistent issue across generations in both the US and Europe.
A new study challenges the prevailing view on maternal mortality rates in the US, finding stable rates between 1999-2002 and 2018-2021. The researchers used a more accurate approach to identify and classify maternal deaths, refuting the idea of dramatic increases.
A nationally representative US survey found appreciable Δ8-THC use prevalence among adolescents. States without marijuana legalization or existing Δ8-THC regulations have higher prevalence rates, highlighting the need for surveillance and policy efforts.
A new study found that over 11% of US 12th graders used delta-8-THC in the past year. The substance's widespread availability and lack of regulation pose significant risks to youth. Delta-8-THC use was highest in Southern and Midwestern states, where it is widely sold.
A new study found that more than half of American Indian teens had high levels of cholesterol, with nearly two-thirds of young adults experiencing the same issue. The study suggests a need for early screening and treatment to prevent premature heart disease.
A multiyear cross-sectional study found a strong association between high daily screen time and lower psychological well-being among preschool-aged children. The study also showed that screen time remained elevated in children from poverty-stricken areas even after returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2021.
A study of 2,943 US counties found that medical debt is associated with poorer health status, increased premature deaths, and higher mortality rates. Expanding affordable healthcare coverage may improve population health in these areas.
A substantial percentage of American Indian or Alaska Native and Black US adults reported living with loaded and unlocked firearms, frequent carry outside the home, and gun violence exposure. This highlights the need for nuanced public health campaigns and policies addressing racial disparities and changing legal frameworks.
The study highlights a substantial increase in recurring and chronic food insecurity among US families with older adults over the past 20 years. This trend has significant implications for health policy and programmatic strategies to address food insecurity in this population.
The American Gastroenterological Association has proposed a 12-point plan to enhance IBD care in the US, focusing on insurer-mandated barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. The plan aims to improve treatment access and quality for over three million Americans living with IBD.
A study of 5,279 children found that early-life exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of developing asthma by early and middle childhood. The study highlights the need for targeted environmental interventions and greater health equity in urban communities.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that vision impairment is linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as social isolation among older adults. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced support and care for individuals with vision impairment.
A study published in JAMA Oncology revealed a significant decline in US cancer incidence during the first 10 months of the pandemic. The research found 134,395 potentially undiagnosed cancer cases between March and December 2020, highlighting an unusual drop in all-site cancer incidence.
A study of 1,948 U.S. adults with lifetime suicide attempts found that nearly 20% had no prior psychiatric diagnosis, raising questions about suicide risk screening limits. This finding suggests a broader population is at risk and warrants further investigation into suicidal behavior.
The study indicates that the earlier drop in RN employment during the pandemic was likely transitory, with updated forecasts showing a stable workforce. The recovered workforce size is close to pre-pandemic projections, suggesting a return to normal staffing levels.
A study of over 1.9 million US veterans found moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries associated with later brain cancer diagnoses, while mild TBI showed no link. The research highlights the need for further investigation into long-term health effects of TBI on war veterans.
A survey study of U.S. adults found that post–COVID-19 condition is associated with greater self-reported functional impairment and depressive symptom severity. Cognitive symptoms are common among individuals with post–COVID-19 condition, impacting daily life.
Despite a lack of clinical efficacy evidence, phenylephrine remained the most common oral decongestant in the US from 2012-2021, with hundreds of millions of units sold annually. Most phenylephrine products were co-formulated with antihistamines or antitussives, providing symptom relief for cough and cold symptoms.
A recent analysis found that Black women in the USA have significantly higher homicide rates compared to their White peers, with disparities increasing from 1999 to 2020. Gun deaths among Black and White women also increased, with Black women being more likely to be killed by firearms.
A recent study found that Black adults exposed to gun violence were more likely to experience lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. The research highlights the need for public health efforts to reduce both gun violence and suicide among this vulnerable population.
A study of emergency department visits reveals that most injuries from conducted energy devices, such as TASERs, involve young Black and white males from low-income areas. This finding is consistent with existing research on police violence and racial disparities in the US population.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that immigrant bilingual Latina mothers retain cultural practices in play conversations with their children, particularly when speaking in their heritage language. The mothers' behavior changes when switching languages, extending to language use with young children.
A recent study of 35,000 adults aged 50+ found significant inequities in survival rates associated with wealth inequality in the US. Wealth redistribution policies have been proposed as a solution to reduce these disparities and increase population longevity.
A study of 57,000 US adults found that lower levels of food security are associated with a higher risk of premature mortality and shorter life expectancy. The findings highlight the potential importance of improving food security in promoting population health and reducing health disparities.
Researchers found that the life expectancy of AIAN individuals is seven years less than that of White populations, with rapid increases in suicide mortality rates between 1999 and 2020. The study suggests historical trauma and ongoing inequality contribute to high suicide rates among AIAN people.
Gaps in vision screening pathways disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups, leading to poor outcomes and inadequate care. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to address these disparities.
New research confirms a concerning trend erasing a decade of progress in reducing mortalities from heart disease and stroke. The US cardiovascular disease death rate rose by 9.3% from 2020 to 2022, with over 228,000 more CVD deaths than expected if pre-2020 trends continued.
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that patients with functional seizures have a death rate almost 2.5 times higher than expected, comparable to epilepsy and serious mental health conditions. The study highlights the need for improved access to holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological disorders.
A recent survey found that 51% of Americans are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. This lack of knowledge can be deadly, with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease.
A new 3D bioprinted liver tissue model has been developed to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious complication of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The model, created using liver cells from healthy or NASH-diseased donors, displays all characteristics of the disease, including fibrosis.
A study of nearly 15,000 adults with non–small cell lung cancer found that Medicaid expansion decreased postoperative mortality within 30 and 90 days after hospital discharge. This suggests that expanded Medicaid coverage may improve cancer outcomes and access to care for this population.
Despite declining overall US cancer mortality rates, substantial racial disparities persisted for many common cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Structural racism, medical mistrust, and health care access inequities contribute to these disparities.
The study found a decline in localized head and neck cancer incidence during the first year of the pandemic. However, advanced-stage diagnoses may rise in subsequent years, indicating a potential shift in the disease's progression.
Nationwide sugar-sweetened beverage taxes could significantly reduce SSB purchases and improve public health outcomes. Studies in select US cities showed substantial price increases associated with tax implementations resulted in consistent declines in SSB sales.
The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.
A study of 8,000 participants found that negative wealth shock was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and elevated risks of dementia among middle-aged and older U.S. adults. The findings suggest a potential link between financial hardship and cognitive aging.
A systematic review of 120 studies with 14,000 participants revealed underrepresentation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups in neonatal clinical trials. Geographic representation was also unevenly distributed, with some US regions underrepresented.
A study of 2,329 Mexican-inspired fast food restaurants in six US locations found that consumers purchase fewer calories at restaurants with calorie labels. Consumers are sensitive to calorie information on menu boards, leading to reduced calorie purchases.
A new study finds that most US parents intend to vaccinate their infants and young children against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 40% planning to vaccinate against COVID-19. The study also highlights the growing concern of vaccine hesitancy and its potential impact on public health.