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America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Current air pollution standards tied to higher heart risks

A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 24, 2023

The myths around consumer financial vulnerability -- and how it affects most consumers at different points in their lives

Consumer financial vulnerability (CFV) is a risk of experiencing future harm given current access to financial resources and future uncertainty. Most consumers across the socioeconomic spectrum experience varying degrees of CFV at different life stages, due to factors like age, economic cycles, and unforeseen crises.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 22, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights epilepsy trends in China between 1990 and 2019

A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Access matters: Lack of resources is associated with increased mortality in childhood cancer survivors

A recent study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that socioeconomic deprivation and frailty are independently associated with increased late mortality in childhood cancer survivors. The research highlights the importance of policies to improve local environments and access to interventions that may improve health conditions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 10, 2023

Air pollution linked with blood pressure in London teens

A study of 3,284 London adolescents found associations between air pollutants and blood pressure. Higher nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to lower systolic blood pressure in girls, while higher particulate matter 2.5 exposure was linked to higher systolic blood pressure in boys.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Extreme earners are not extremely smart

A new study from Linköping University found that cognitive ability levels do not differentiate wages among top earners, contrary to common defenses of their extraordinary earnings. Average ability plates at a modest level of +1 standard deviation above average cognitive ability for those earning above €60,000 annual wage.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate

A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2023

Least wealthy people more likely to have mental health disorder later in life

A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Mapping Mexico’s dengue fever hotspots

A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEcological Informatics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Association of rurality with risk of heart failure

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that rurality is associated with a higher risk of heart failure among predominantly low-income individuals in the southeastern United States. The inequity highlights the need for targeted primary prevention efforts for rural populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

Suicide risk among individuals diagnosed with cancer

Researchers identified geographic, racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics as key contributors to the elevated suicide risk among cancer patients. Timely symptom management and targeted psychosocial interventions are crucial for preventing suicide in individuals diagnosed with cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2023

Childhood maltreatment linked with multiple mental health problems

A new study led by UCL researchers found small causal effects of childhood maltreatment on internalising and externalising disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The study analysed 34 quasi-experimental studies involving over 54,000 people and suggests that preventing eight cases of child maltreatment could prevent on...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 11, 2023

Predicting a recession

Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Physical fitness a demographic watershed

A study of 5,308 participants aged 50-64 found significant correlations between sedentary behavior and low fitness levels. Highly uneven fitness distribution was observed among groups at higher risk, including older adults, foreign-born individuals, and those with poor health and lifestyle habits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 22, 2022

Physician, heal thyself?

A study by MIT economists found that doctors and their families are less likely to adhere to medication guidelines than the general population. Despite having better access to medical expertise, they lag behind in following guidelines 3.8 percentage points, with significant differences in 41 cases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 16, 2022

1 in 8 older adults experienced depression for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic

A large-scale study of 20,000 older adults found that nearly half who had experienced depression before reported being depressed again, highlighting the pandemic's devastating impact on mental health. Factors associated with depression included low income, chronic pain, and family conflict.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 2022

Witchcraft beliefs are widespread, highly variable around the world

A global dataset reveals widespread witchcraft beliefs varying substantially between countries and world regions. Higher education and economic security are associated with lower belief in witchcraft. Weak institutions, low social trust, and conformist culture also correlate with higher witchcraft prevalence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2022

Death, hospital readmission more likely for Black patients after coronary stenting

A Michigan Medicine study found that Black patients who undergo minimally invasive procedures for clogged arteries are more likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital months after the procedure. Social determinants of health, including community economic well-being and preexisting health conditions, played a significant role in the...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Healthcare utilization varies among community-living people with spinal cord injury by demographic, injury-related, and socioeconomic factors

A survey of community-living people with spinal cord injury revealed lower-than-recommended healthcare utilization rates for primary care, dental, and optical services. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury-related factors contributed to disparities in healthcare access.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2022

Financial capability predicts more positive health outcomes, study shows

Research from the University of Kansas found that financial capability can predict positive health outcomes, with higher levels associated with better health measurements. The study highlights the importance of considering both individual financial skills and access to resources in improving population health.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

CAR T-Cell therapy outcomes similar across different socioeconomic levels among pediatric patients with ALL

A new study finds no significant difference in overall survival or complete remission rates between children and young adults with different levels of poverty exposure, regardless of their neighborhood opportunity. CAR T-cell therapy is equally effective for those from disadvantaged households as it is for those from more socioeconomic...

Heat or eat? Prepayment users consume less fruit and vegetables, study finds

A new study reveals that households using prepayment meters consume significantly fewer portions of fruit and vegetables compared to those on alternative payment methods. The researchers found a strong link between higher energy bills and lower consumption of essential nutrients, highlighting the 'heat-or-eat' dilemma.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Inequality linked to differences in kids’ brain connections

A large study of over 5,800 tween children found that growing up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged household can have lasting effects on brain development, with different patterns of connections between brain regions observed. Parental education emerged as the most significant factor associated with variations in brain connections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 1, 2022

PACS, EHR tool identifies incomplete, clinically necessary follow-up imaging

A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that a PACS tool improved completion rates of clinically necessary follow-up imaging. The tool identified socioeconomically disadvantaged patients at increased risk of failure, and referrer agreements played a crucial role in improving recommendations.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

US food insufficiency spiked by 25% after monthly Child Tax Credits expired

A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

Study finds school choice not offered equitably to low-income, less-educated families, who are forced to compromise more

A new study from the University of Kansas finds that parents from marginalized backgrounds and lower educational attainment make more compromises on school features, resulting in lower satisfaction. The research suggests that these parents are not lacking in understanding what would be best for their children, but rather face constrain...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2022