Articles tagged with Urban Studies
An analysis of over 1.3 million emergency department visits found that the presence of medical students was associated with a statistically significant increase in patient length of stay. However, this effect may be too small to have clinical relevance.
A study by University of Missouri researchers shows that telehealth services are well-received by patients, with 83% satisfied with skilled care received during their visit. Providers also report high satisfaction levels, with 86% finding the service easy to provide care via.
A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.
A Drexel University study found that introducing healthier options to restaurants and supermarkets can increase consumer demand for nutritious foods, particularly in rural communities. The 10-month intervention program resulted in high levels of satisfaction among participating businesses, indicating the feasibility of such campaigns.
A new CHOP study finds that teaching problem-solving skills and leadership opportunities to elementary school-aged African-American girls can lower relational aggression. The Friend to Friend program improved social problem-solving knowledge and decreased relational aggression in urban minority girls, with positive effects lasting at l...
Researchers from University of Alberta engaged citizen scientists to investigate the effects of bird feeders on bird-window collisions. The study found that the presence of a bird feeder does indicate collision risk, but other factors like vegetation and house characteristics also play a role.
A new study from the University of Minnesota used a network of 180 sensors to capture detailed temperature patterns across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, highlighting the strength and variability of the urban heat island effect. The research provides valuable insights into efforts to reduce heat-related harm in metro areas globally.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that gunshot wound patients in urban areas with high crime rates were more likely to die within five years, mainly due to homicide. The research tracked patients after discharge from hospital and showed a significant risk of early death among these survivors.
A study found that lowering China's air pollution to 2008 Olympics levels could prevent 304,000 stroke deaths and 619,000 coronary heart disease deaths by 2030. Achieving the World Health Organization's pollution goal would yield greater life year gains.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal policy changes led to an increase in healthy food availability at smaller urban corner stores in Baltimore. The researchers found that stores in neighborhoods with a majority of black residents showed the greatest improvement, suggesting that boosting hea...
Homeowners with smart irrigation controllers are generally satisfied, but experience challenges with SMS-based systems. A tutorial may not be sufficient to increase familiarity with the devices.
A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that participating in extracurricular activities can be protective for low-income youth academically. Community engagement and sports were the most highly associated with better academic performance, while school-based activities had little effect.
A radical shift is needed in how heart medicines are provided and preventive care is organized in healthcare systems to improve rates of use. Generic versions of medicines should be made available for free in developing countries, while non-physician health workers can improve uptake and adherence.
Estimated electricity production from African urban waste could reach 122.2 TWh in 2025, alleviating energy poverty for millions. However, poor waste management limits actual potential to 83.8 TWh, affecting 27 million families.
A new study documents the fatal connection between urban stormwater and coho salmon survival, but also finds that inexpensive filtration through columns of sand and soil can completely prevent toxic effects. The research demonstrates that coho salmon are an ecological sentinel for urban runoff's harmful effects.
Research from the South Asian Birth Cohort study suggests that South Asians may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes immediately after birth due to higher levels of adipose tissue and waist circumference.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study found that extreme temperatures affect urban heat islands more intensely than their nonurban surroundings. This can lead to uncomfortable summers, increased health risks, and higher energy bills for city-dwellers. Climate change projections indicate that cities will be especially vulnerable to th...
Researchers found that burrowing owls colonizing cities exhibit the same levels of stress as rural populations, suggesting a high tolerance to human disturbances. Urban individuals with intermediate levels of corticosterone hormone have better survival rates.
Current harmful alcohol use increases risk of various health issues, including cancers and injuries. The study supports health strategies to reduce harm, especially in low-income countries.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that women discharged from rural hospitals had higher readmission rates than urban hospitals. The researchers attributed this to a lack of family support, disease burden, and limited obstetrician availability in rural areas.
A statewide study in Indiana found that fewer than a quarter of men and women with osteoporosis or fragility fracture received treatment between 2005 and 2012. The study also found disparities in treatment rates among different groups, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
A community-based prospective study in Blantyre, Malawi found that HIV self-testing (HIVST) was widely accepted and accurate, with 94.6% of participants reporting high satisfaction. The study also showed that HIVST led to a low incidence of partner violence and suicides, and agreed with repeat HTC results in 99.4% of cases.
A study of 20 young women found five major unexpected sexual events linked to alcohol use, including sex with new partners and unprotected sex. The findings suggest a disconnect between what women expect when drinking and what actually happens, emphasizing the need for better interventions to promote safer behaviors.
Researchers found that natural sunlight triggers release of smog-forming nitrogen oxide compounds from urban grime, leading to greater ozone creation and potentially significant contributor to air pollution in cities. The study confirms laboratory findings using field studies in Leipzig, Germany, and Toronto, Canada.
A study published in Medical Care found that rural Medicare beneficiaries have lower rates of follow-up care after leaving the hospital, which may lead to higher risks of emergency department visits and repeat hospitalizations. The research also highlights the need for policies to improve access to care for patients in rural areas.
A new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business finds that movie house owners can maximize ticket sales by understanding the preferences of their local audience. The research reveals that urban markets with highly educated consumers prefer wider screens, while other regions favor more showtimes.
A new study from Rice University finds that living in areas with lower socio-economic resources but higher social acceptability of smoking increases the likelihood of pregnant women smoking. Counties with higher socio-economic status have lower odds of women smoking during pregnancy, while neighboring counties' smoking prevalence signi...
A new study found that a Birmingham, Ala., neighborhood's community revitalization project led to an increase in physical activity among residents. Residents' expectations of improved safety and access to green spaces were key factors in their increased exercise habits.
A study of 50 years of marine biodiversity data found that human activities like pollution and sedimentation led to diminishing biodiversity in developed areas. However, protected or restored sites showed increases in species diversity, particularly among lower-level food-web organisms.
A study by Emory University researchers found that large barges in the Amazon River are heavily infested with disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever and other diseases, highlighting the need for mosquito control programs on aquatic transportation.
Researchers used remote sensing technology to study the impact of foreclosure on urban yards in Phoenix, Arizona. They found that foreclosed homes can become either greener or browner due to changes in yard management.
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that large urban hospitals in densely populated regions of Washington DC, New York State, California, Maryland, and New Jersey have lower patient satisfaction scores due to demographic bias. The authors propose an adjustment formula to mitigate this bias, which, when applied to New York Stat...
A new school-based program helps reduce absenteeism among urban minority children with asthma. The program, called Building Bridges for Asthma Care, identifies children with inadequately controlled asthma and provides support to help manage their disease and stay in school.
A Yale University study found that increasing public toilet availability can decrease the risk of sexual violence by nearly 30%. The study, published in PLOS ONE, also estimates a significant reduction in social costs to society. Implementing more toilets could save $40 million annually in South African townships.
A new study reveals that monk parakeets invading Europe and North America share similar genetic patterns, indicating they originated from the same small area in Uruguay. The invasive populations have lower genetic diversity compared to native populations, which is unusual for species with successful invasions.
A study by biologists and public health experts finds that nature exposure is linked to improved human health, but the optimal dose of nature is unclear. The researchers propose a new approach to studying nature exposure through dose-response modeling, which could help develop recommendations for enhancing human health in urban areas.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that rural African-American women had lower rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mood disorder compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, rural non-Hispanic white women had higher rates of MDD and mood disorder. The findings suggest the need for further research into the correl...
Residents in both cities value bird enjoyment more than most, spending over average on bird food and supporting activities. This has a positive impact on local economies as residents invest in bird-friendly structures.
A randomized clinical trial found that chef-enhanced meals led to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables among elementary and middle school students. After seven months, the odds of students selecting vegetables increased significantly in schools with chef-enhanced meals.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that rural youth suicide rates are significantly higher than urban rates, with firearm deaths being the leading cause of death in both sexes. The study analyzed national mortality data from 1996 to 2010 and found that rural areas had nearly twice the number of suicides as urban areas.
Research shows that eviction from housing can result in multiple negative consequences, including depression, poorer health, and higher levels of stress. Evicted mothers are more likely to experience depression, poor child health, and material hardship, highlighting the need for eviction-prevention initiatives.
A study by University of Miami researchers found dengue virus circulating in urban areas of Ghana, with 21.6% of malaria patients tested positive for long-lasting dengue IgG antibodies, indicating lifetime exposure. The findings suggest that up to one-third of all outpatient visits could be misdiagnosed as malaria.
Hospitals participating in ACS NSQIP improve surgical outcomes, including reduced death rates, complications, and surgical site infections. Over time, these improvements continue to accumulate, enabling hospitals to prevent significant patient harm.
A UCLA-led study analyzing over 270,000 Chinese-language books found rising individualism in concert with growing urbanism, increasing wealth and higher education levels. Words like 'choose,' 'compete,' and 'innovation' demonstrated a growing prevalence of individualistic values.
A new study by Duke University found that millions of African Americans who migrated from the rural South to urban areas during the 20th century experienced a significant increase in mortality rates. The study attributed this increase to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking, which were more prevalent in cities.
A new study by New York University and East China Normal University found that the design of the built environment significantly affects walking and bicycling in Chinese cities. The researchers discovered that neighborhoods with better urban design, such as wider sidewalks and bike lanes, had higher rates of physical activity.
A new study found that urban areas are experiencing a significant increase in heat waves, with extreme temperatures rising by over 50% per year. The trend is more pronounced at night due to the heat island effect, which traps heat in buildings and infrastructure.
New research indicates charter schools' opponents are failing to persuade even moderate Democrats, while supporters create enduring support by highlighting non-unionized teachers and the benefits of charters in poorer districts.
A new study found a significant correlation between Medicaid reimbursement increases for primary care providers and improved appointment availability. The Affordable Care Act's fee bump resulted in a 7.7 percentage point increase in new patient appointment availability.
A Baylor University study of five large Jewish urban communities found that affiliated Jews and those attending synagogue report significantly better health than secular or non-practicing Jews. The study used data from 5,000 Jewish adults in four major population centers.
The Women of Color HIV Initiative found that urban women faced more barriers to care, substance abuse, and sexual risk behaviors. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes were associated with activity limitation among study participants.
Chloride levels in urban streams have nearly doubled in two decades, exceeding toxic levels and affecting a significant number of species; winter chloride concentrations increase over the study period
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that telemedicine screening detected diabetic retinopathy in approximately 21.7% of the participants, highlighting its potential as a critical tool for patients with diabetes who face barriers to accessing regular eye care.
A study of ants in Manhattan revealed a wide range of species and significant differences in biodiversity across various urban areas. Researchers found that the type of urban habitat was more important than proximity between habitats in determining ant diversity.
A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that stocking emergency epinephrine in Chicago Public Schools saved the lives of 38 children and adults experiencing severe anaphylactic reactions. The majority of reactions occurred in elementary schools, primarily due to peanuts and fin fish triggers.
The Chinese power grid is facing significant challenges in modernization, including improving asset utilization rates and integrating distributed generation. According to a recent study, the annual average utilization rates of major 10kV equipment were below 40% in 40 Chinese cities, far below comparable levels in developed countries.
A study evaluated the rate of physician adherence to American Urological Association's BPH/LUTS guidelines over a five-year period. Provider adherence rates varied from 53% to 92.8%, with low rates for challenging measures like subjective symptom description and physical examination.
Four urban sections of the San Andreas Fault system have stored enough energy to produce major earthquakes, according to a new study. Three fault sections – Hayward, Rodgers Creek and Green Valley – are nearing or past their average recurrence interval, indicating they are overdue for a significant quake.
A new model for stroke care is being implemented in rural Alberta, allowing smaller hospitals to mimic the type of care typically found in larger centres. The SUEC model incorporates early supported discharge and community rehabilitation, resulting in decreased length of stay and increased patient satisfaction.
Researchers found that patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during normal working hours were more likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. The study also revealed no significant differences in complication rates or length of stay between day and night surgeries.