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Good diet boosts health but not wealth

A healthy diet may improve health outcomes in older adults, reducing hospital stays, but increases spending on outpatient services and preventive care. The study highlights the need for nutrition policies that address socioeconomic disparities.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 2, 2014

Minorities and poor have more advanced thyroid cancers when diagnosed, UCLA study shows

A recent study by UCLA researchers found that minority patients and those of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have advanced thyroid cancer at diagnosis. Black patients faced the worst outcomes, while Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients surprisingly survived longer despite having later-stage disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJan 9, 2014

Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups

A study published in Neurology found disparities in the utilization of deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment among Parkinson's patients, with those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority-serving physicians facing significant barriers. DBS out-of-pocket costs are a contributing factor to these disparities.

Casual employment is linked to women being childless by the age of 35

Research published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's journal Human Reproduction found a significant association between casual employment and delayed childbirth. Women who spent more time in temporary jobs were less likely to have their first child by age 35, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Lower education levels linked to unhealthy diets

Research found that adults with lower education levels consumed more sugar- and fat-rich foods than those with higher education levels. They also expended more energy through physical activity, which may explain their higher food intake.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2013

Modeling and managing schizophrenia

Researchers developed an Awareness Information Net (AIN) model to monitor patient behavior and spot problems, enabling timely intervention by carers, experts, and patients. The collaborative approach has the potential to raise awareness of schizophrenia in society, helping others cope with its consequences.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Intelligence Paradigms·DateSep 18, 2013

Escape from poverty helps explain diabetes epidemic in the American South

A study suggests that rapid economic growth between 1950 and 1980 may have contributed to the high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the American South. The 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis proposes that children who grow up in poverty are unprepared biologically to manage the abundance of processed foods and sedentary lifestyle associate...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Inflammation links social adversity and diabetes

Research finds that socioeconomic status is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with chronic inflammation being a key mediator. The study analyzed data from the Whitehall II cohort study, which followed over 10,000 British civil servants since the mid-1980s.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 2, 2013

No good substitute for race in college admissions: Research

A new study by the University of Maryland finds that socioeconomic diversity can enhance student interactions and learning from each other, but racial diversity remains essential. The research challenges the idea that socio-economic status can serve as a substitute for considering an applicant's race in college admissions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJun 13, 2013

People on higher incomes are happier with new knees

A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research found that people on higher incomes are more satisfied with their knee replacement surgery results. In contrast, those from lower-income households reported higher levels of dissatisfaction and poorer function.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMay 21, 2013

'Crazy-busy' Canadians under pressure on the job

A new study from the University of Toronto found that Canadian workers who report high levels of job pressure often experience problems navigating work and family roles, as well as symptoms of physical and mental health issues. Having control over one's work schedule and job autonomy are associated with lower levels of job pressure.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 28, 2013

Studying the health of same-sex couples

A national study found same-sex couples who cohabitate have poorer health than their heterosexual married counterparts, despite potential benefits from marriage such as partner insurance and social support. The research may suggest that legalizing same-sex marriage could positively impact the health of these individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2013

Study: Same-sex cohabitors less healthy than those in heterosexual marriages

A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that same-sex cohabitors experience poorer self-rated health compared to their heterosexual married counterparts. The study controlled for socioeconomic status and found significant disparities in health between same-sex cohabitors and married individuals.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2013

Higher income earners more likely to get doctors' appointments than lower income people

People of high socioeconomic status are more likely to receive appointment offers and prioritized access to primary care, even in a single-payer universal health insurance system. Researchers found that physicians' offices discriminate against those with low socioeconomic status, despite equal reimbursement for each patient.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2013

Supportive role models, coping lead to better health in poor teens

A new study published in Child Development found that low-income teenagers with supportive role models and adaptive coping strategies have lower levels of an inflammatory marker for cardiovascular risk. Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of British Columbia discovered that these adolescents showed improved phys...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 20, 2012

Too big or just right? Optimal circle of friends depends on socioeconomic conditions

Research finds that people with a small social network and deep ties are more well-off when economic conditions are unstable, while those with a broad social network and weak ties do better in economically favorable contexts. Participants who had a narrow, deep friendship strategy reported greater well-being than those who had a broad,...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 12, 2012

Family's economic situation influences brain function in children

A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that children from low socioeconomic status work harder to filter out irrelevant environmental information than those from a high-income background. This is due to learned differences in what they pay attention to, which requires more mental effort.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 28, 2012

Marriage and a high socioeconomic level improve health

A recent study by University of Granada researchers links marriage, high socioeconomic status, education, job, per capita income, and welfare to better health. The study reveals that family environment plays a significant role in an individual's health, accounting for over 30% of variations in health status.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateApr 10, 2012

Nurturing mothers rear physically healthier adults

A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that children raised in families with nurturing mothers are more likely to remain healthy across the life course, even those from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. The research found that parental nurturance can mitigate the negative effects of childhood disadvantage and is ...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 23, 2012

An apple a day isn't enough

A Concordia University study found that adults in Canada, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Quebecers, on the other hand, tend to eat more of nature's produce, making them a model for healthy eating habits.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJan 10, 2012

Socioeconomic status may explain racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight are more closely related to differences in socioeconomic status than nutrition knowledge. People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be overweight, regardless of racial background.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateNov 28, 2011