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Orphanhood declines with rise in HIV antiretroviral therapy and male circumcision

Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.

First peer-reviewed study on excess mortality in India during the COVID-19 pandemic published in Lancet Infectious Diseases

The study found that excess deaths occurred at a rate of 5.2 per 1000 residents, representing a 41% increase over typical mortality levels. Excess mortality was substantially higher in older age groups and communities with lower socioeconomic status during the second wave.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 23, 2021

Heart disease-protective diabetes drug not used equitably, study finds

A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 17, 2021

Slowing ahead

Researchers warn of a potential long-term economic slowdown in developed democracies, driven by factors such as aging populations, shifts to services, and debt. The team proposes a 'guided civic revival' approach to address this challenge, combining grassroots forces with government participation to promote social solidarity and unity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 18, 2021

Agriculture and conservation objectives do not have to be at odds

Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation in spatial planning can minimize trade-offs between nature and people. The study found that joint planning processes for rural development and biodiversity conservation are more ecologically effective and socioeconomically feasible than separate strategies. By dedicating at leas...

Tech-based health and exercise programs less beneficial for users with low socio-economic status, study shows

A recent study found that digital health programs and apps are less effective in boosting physical activity among users with lower socio-economic status. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 studies and concluded that these interventions do not provide clear benefits for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateNov 12, 2021

Disparities in COVID-19 outcomes

A review of 68 studies examining COVID-19 outcomes reveals disparities among patients from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The analysis found significant variations in health outcomes, hospitalization rates, and mortality across different demographic groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 11, 2021

'Tuition myopia' may negatively impact students' financial future, study finds

A recent study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business reveals that students who choose low-cost, low-return colleges are more likely to default on their student loans and experience a higher chance of bankruptcy after graduation. In contrast, high-cost, high-return colleges result in lower lifetime income but also fewer defaults.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Hazardous levels of alcohol consumption identified in African hunter-gatherer group

Researchers found that 44.3% of the Mbendjele BaYaka population had hazardous alcohol consumption, associated with mental and physical health harms like high blood pressure and increased diarrhoea rates. The study emphasizes the need for community involvement and socioeconomic changes to address the underlying drivers of poor health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Mapping the impact of tiered pricing reform on China’s residential electricity use

A study in China finds that the country's tiered pricing reform has reduced residential electricity use by 6.5 kWh per household on a county-level basis, accounting for 6.1% of monthly usage prior to the reform. The policy change also shows promise as a tool for guiding residents to use electricity more efficiently.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

New NLP model improves stock market predictions

A new NLP model developed by researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology achieves higher AUC scores than existing models. The Heterogeneous Graph-Based Sequential Multi-Grained Information Aggregation Framework (HGM-GIF) uses a combination of word-level, event-level, and sentence-level information to improve stock market predictions.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAI Open·DateOct 20, 2021

How retirement impacts social support and wellbeing

A new study found that most people maintain their pre-retirement level of social support after retirement, with women and those with high social support experiencing an improvement in mental wellbeing. The research also shows an increase in life satisfaction for couples where either the man or woman retired.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2021

Environmental injustice, population density and the spread of COVID-19 in minority communities

Researchers found that population density and long-term exposure to air pollution were the two factors most significantly correlated with COVID-19 transmission rates. Disproportionately affecting communities with more minority residents, these factors were identified through computer modeling and analysis of data from 12 metropolitan a...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

Expanded lung screening rules provide more equitable care

A Kaiser Permanente study found that the 2021 USPSTF guidelines will likely increase lung cancer screening of women, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. This is expected to lead to an estimated 30% increase in lung cancer diagnoses compared to the 2013 recommendations.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 2021

Depression rates tripled and symptoms intensified during first year of COVID-19

A new study found that depression rates among US adults tripled during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with those experiencing multiple stressors and lower incomes being disproportionately affected. The study used data from over 5,000 respondents to track changes in depression prevalence before and during the pandemic.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Parental income has long-term consequences for children’s health

A University of Illinois study found that parental income has a lasting impact on children's health, with lower socioeconomic status linked to increased risk of obesity and related conditions. Permanent income is associated with parents' general socioeconomic conditions, while transitory peaks during adolescence can promote better health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021

Race, not job, predicts economic outcomes for black households

Research from Duke University's Samuel DuBois Cook Center for Social Equity found that Black households lost more wealth than white families during the decade-long economic recovery following the Great Recession. The study also showed that Black working-class families remained in the worst overall economic position, entering the COVID-...

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

Largest population-based study of "lazy eye" reveals public health’s blind spots

A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

The relationship of education and income to brain and cognition varies across groups of people

A large study found that education and income have varying relationships with brain volume and cognitive scores across different populations. The associations were strongest in childhood development, suggesting socioeconomic status may not specifically protect the brain from aging effects.

Giving websites a human touch: Researcher of Mainz University receives SERVSIG Best Service Article Award of the American Marketing Association

A study by researchers at Mainz University found that digital presence of service employees improves customer loyalty. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, showed that customers perceive websites with images or videos of service employees as more attractive and memorable, leading to increased customer loyalty.