Articles tagged with Urban Studies
A new study found that nearly a third of patients age 65 and older referred to a specialist do not receive treatment due to failed referrals. The study revealed that only 50% of those referred had the opportunity to receive treatment, highlighting the need for improved health information technology to address this issue.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of low-income urban mothers met the criteria for a diagnosis of depression after childbirth. Researchers identified three reliable screening tools to detect depression accurately among this population, highlighting the need to adjust cutoff scores for optimal identification.
A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas. The study found lower fatal accident rates and personal injury accidents in counties with high driver d...
A new study suggests that painting building roofs white could reduce urban heat island effects by 33%, cooling cities by an average of 0.7 degrees F. However, the authors caution that actual use of white roofs would depend on various factors and may not be feasible due to wear and tear.
A new study found that rural males are 47% more likely to die from injuries than their urban counterparts, while rural females face a 33% higher risk of injury-related mortality. The disparity is attributed to various factors such as unintentional suffocation in infants and suicide among older adults.
A long-term study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that frequent testing and treatment does not reduce the prevalence of chlamydia in urban teenage girls. Despite regular screenings, 84% of repeated infections were reinfections.
According to a new study, half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one common sexually transmitted infection (STI) within two years of becoming sexually active. The researchers found that repeated infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis were very common among the participants.
A study found that rural Medicare beneficiaries were 27% more likely to undergo total knee or hip replacement surgeries compared to urban recipients. Women and minorities showed significant disparities in both rural and urban areas. The study used the 2005 Medicare data and included over 6 million rural and nearly 38 million urban part...
Research highlights from NHLBI-supported studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions include new education strategies for controlling hypertension and findings on a possible link between short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of constricted blood vessels. Two surgical approac...
The GAZEL study found that older workers' perceived health improves significantly after retirement, especially in those with ideal working conditions. This suggests that improving working conditions is crucial to retaining older workers in the workforce.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has renewed a five-year, $56 million contract to study asthma in children living in lower-income, inner-city environments. The Inner-City Asthma Consortium (ICAC) will evaluate promising new therapies to reduce asthma severity and prevent disease.
A new study reveals that some neighborhoods with high levels of walkability also have low levels of air pollution, while others prioritize one over the other. Neighborhoods designed for walkability often encourage higher daily activity levels, which can mitigate health issues linked to air pollution and physical inactivity.
A new study by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology found that adolescents' perception of family functioning is no longer decisive. Family structure is no longer a determining factor in an adolescent's perception of proper family function.
A study of over 20,000 young drivers found that those living in rural areas are more likely to be involved in serious crashes than urban counterparts. Rural roads pose significant risks due to curved sections and speeding.
A team of researchers developed an intelligent surveillance system to detect incorrect behavior by drivers and pedestrians crossing pedestrian crossings. The system, based on multi-agent artificial intelligence, can identify abnormal movements and potentially penalize such behaviors.
A USGS study reveals over 40% of urban streams have chlorides above recommended federal criteria for aquatic protection. Chloride from deicing salt use is a major source, with levels as high as 4,000 ppm during winter months.
A study predicts a 40% increase in blindness in Nigeria by 2020, with nearly all cases being either preventable or treatable. The research found that cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors are the most common causes of blindness, particularly among those with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found no correlation between community garden presence and property crimes in Houston neighborhoods. However, residents reported a positive influence of gardens on neighborhood revitalization and perceived safety.
Adults living in areas with high fast food concentration who don't own a car are at increased risk of excess body mass index and weight gain. Not owning a car in these areas is associated with a 12-pound weight difference compared to those living without fast food outlets.
A nationwide study found that elevated carbon monoxide levels, even below national limits, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among seniors. The study suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of health-based standards.
A new study found that road tunnels can concentrate ultrafine particles and pollutants by up to 1000 times, posing serious health risks to occupants. This concentration level is higher than previously reported measurements.
A CU-Boulder study shows that noise pollution negatively affects woodland bird populations, with declining species richness at noisy sites. However, some bird species, such as black-chinned hummingbirds and house finches, prefer noisy areas due to reduced predation by western scrub jays.
A recent study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that children exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban areas had lower full-scale and verbal IQ scores compared to less exposed children. The effects were similar to those seen with low-level lead exposure.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers estimates that after five years of staying clean, an individual with a criminal record is no greater risk of committing another crime. The study suggests it may be safe to hire ex-offenders with clean records, providing employers with data to inform their hiring decisions.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that primary care physicians who adopted a new capitation model for payment had fewer sick patients and less after-hours billing. However, they also had more patients visiting emergency departments and fewer new patients compared to those who opted for an enhanced fee-...
A new study published in the American Cancer Society found that people living in urban areas are more likely to develop late-stage cancer than those in suburban and rural areas. The research suggests a need for more effective urban-based cancer screening and awareness programs, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers will evaluate health and monetary benefits of green, affordable housing for low-income residents, comparing data before and after moving. They expect significant improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health outcomes.
A Temple University study found that middle-class parental involvement in urban education can have a positive impact when parents focus on making the school better for everyone. However, the study also shows that this influence can sometimes be exclusive to their own children's needs at the expense of working-class students.
A new automated system for interpreting coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies detects major coronary artery stenosis with 95% accuracy, helping prioritize cases. The technology aims to improve radiologist efficiency and reduce response times in positive cases.
A University of Illinois study suggests that challenging middle-school math classes and increased access to advanced courses can close the racial academic achievement gap. The research found that students who take more advanced math courses in middle school have better academic outcomes and are less likely to fall behind.
A recent study found that middle school students as young as 12 are engaging in vaginal, oral, and anal sex, with 1 in 3 sexually active students reporting unprotected sex. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education programs to promote healthy attitudes and skills among young people.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that while vision problems are rare among urban preschoolers, nearly 5% require treatment, yet only 1% receive it. Untreated refractive errors can lead to amblyopia and strabismus if left unchecked.
A Tanzanian study found that using larvicides to complement existing malaria interventions can dramatically reduce malaria risk, especially in urban areas. The approach is cost-effective and could help control the disease in cities where it poses a significant problem.
A new study found that over 20% of sexual assaults were drug-facilitated, with victims more likely to present in urban centers and have consumed substances before the assault. The study's authors highlight the need for education and public awareness campaigns to combat this issue.
A recent study found that urban children with asthma spend an average of 3.4 hours daily on screens, exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended limit. This excessive screen time may lead to various difficulties, including behavior problems, attention issues, and obesity.
A recent Penn study found that patients who receive care at large, urban, and teaching hospitals have a higher chance of survival after cardiac arrest compared to those in small, rural non-academic hospitals. The study also suggests that patients cared for in high-volume intensive care units are more likely to survive.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that spending time in nature improves attention and memory processes. Volunteers who took a walk in a park performed better on a task than those who walked downtown or viewed urban scenes.
A new study reveals invasive garden ants (Lasius neglectus) originated from the Black Sea region and are able to thrive in temperate climates. They can spread rapidly through large potted plants and human movement, posing a significant threat to natural biodiversity.
A new global measure of coral reef health has been developed using light pollution index, revealing the impact of human activity on ocean health. The study found that coral reefs near urban areas, gas flares, and fishing boat activity have higher stress levels.
Researchers found that urban tree roots can penetrate compacted subsoils, increasing infiltration rates by up to 153% in reservoirs. Structural soil reservoirs also showed a 27-fold increase in infiltration rate compared to unplanted controls.
Developing antibodies to cockroach and mouse proteins increases the risk of wheeze, hay fever, and eczema in young children. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to these allergens at a very early age for susceptible children.
A new study found that many African-American women perceive disrespect and inadequate explanations when visiting healthcare facilities, leading them to skip mammograms. The study suggests training physicians in cultural sensitivity and community-based health educators can help address these concerns.
A recent study found that exposure to green spaces significantly narrowed the health gap between rich and poor populations. In England, areas with more green space had half as large a difference in mortality rates between the richest and poorest individuals compared to those in less green areas.
A four-year study of Baltimore inner-city teenage girls diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease reveals a high rate of subsequent sexually transmitted infections. Researchers emphasize the need for individually tailored counseling and strict follow-up care to prevent future infections.
A new study finds parents receptive to being screened for alcohol problems during pediatrician visits. Many would prefer being screened by a doctor over other options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are leading a $24 million national survey on older Americans' disability patterns. The study aims to understand how people's ability to function independently changes over time, influenced by social environment and medical care.
The National Children's Study will investigate factors influencing autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, birth defects, diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will recruit participants from two study sites in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals that air quality regulations primarily target primary particles, while secondary particles formed by oxidized VOCs contribute significantly to poor air quality in the Los Angeles region. The study suggests that regulations need to focus on reducing VOC emissions from gases such as gasoline vapors.
Research suggests that homeownership promotes political involvement, particularly among those living in distressed areas. Homeowners in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to vote than renters and those in privileged communities.
A nationwide study found a sharp increase in skin infections, with abscesses and cellulitis rates nearly quadrupling in safety-net emergency departments and tripling among children. The study suggests community-acquired MRSA is the main cause of this rise, affecting all populations but those over 45 less severely.
Children's physical activity significantly decreases between the ages of 9 and 15, with only 31% meeting guidelines by 15 years old. The decline in physical activity is associated with an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases among youth.
Rice University will establish its first Ph.D. program in sociology, focusing on Houston's social environment and its implications for modern cities. The graduate studies will integrate academic and public sociology through explorations of human society in major urban environments.
Firms in rural areas are less likely to issue equity than urban firms, with rural firms using lower-quality underwriters. This is due to the marginal investor being located far away, creating an information disadvantage for insiders.
Unsafe abortions are common in Latin America and Africa, with 3.7 million and 4.2 million reported annually, respectively. The lack of access to safe abortion services exacerbates maternal mortality and social injustice. Feminist groups and civil organizations advocate for decriminalization, but conservative positions hinder progress.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of persistently elevated serum ALT levels among Iranians, associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and urban lifestyle. NAFLD also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by up to 2 folds.
A 20-year study by NOAA reveals a positive trend in reducing contaminant levels in U.S. coastal waters, despite ongoing concerns about metals and industrial chemicals. The report highlights decreasing trends for pesticides like DDT and industrial chemicals PCBs, but notes continued issues with oil-related compounds and flame retardants.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of naltrexone alone and in combination with sertraline among Alaskans living in rural settings. The study found that naltrexone significantly improved abstinence rates compared to placebo, with 35% of participants remaining abstinent for the entire 16-week treatment.
A study by UT researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between exposure to tobacco advertising and promotions and tobacco use among Indian youth. The study revealed that 37% of youth had seen tobacco advertising in more than four places, with those exposed being more likely to have ever used or be currently using tobacco.
A UMCES-led research team has developed a new technology to quantify the environmental benefits of urban stream restoration, showing that stream restoration techniques can double nitrogen removal rates by microbes and reduce nitrogen levels in ground water. This breakthrough will help improve water quality in urban environments.
A Brazilian study found that urban slums are a source of leptospirosis transmission due to poor sanitation and rodent-borne disease. The study identified households with Leptospira antibodies clustering in squatter areas, highlighting the need for social factors-based prevention strategies alongside improved sanitation.