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African-American seniors at twice the risk for mental abuse, 5 times for financial exploitation

A population-based survey by Pitt's UCSUR found that African American seniors are twice as likely to be mentally abused and five times more susceptible to financial exploitation than elders of other races. The study collected data from face-to-face and telephone interviews with senior citizens in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateSep 28, 2010

Survey says: Genetics affect whether we're willing to take surveys

A new study from North Carolina State University found that genetics play a key role in whether someone is willing to participate in surveys. The research involved sending surveys to over 1,000 sets of twins and measuring response rates. Interestingly, the behavior of identical twins was a good predictor for each other, but not for fra...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateAug 30, 2010

Homework wars: How can parents improve the odds of winning?

According to a study at the University of Michigan, children who see homework as an investment rather than a chore are more likely to spend time on it. The researchers found that students who expected to have a job dependent on their education were more likely to invest time in homework and had better grades over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 19, 2010

Preventable bloodstream infections still a problem in hospitals, infection prevention group finds

A survey of infection preventionists found that half agree catheter-related bloodstream infections are a problem in their facilities due to lack of time, resources, and leadership commitment. Many hospitals have seen dramatic declines in rates but still report difficulty implementing best practices to avoid these infections.

Do creative work activities create stress?

A new study by University of Toronto researchers finds that people who engage in creative work activities experience excessive job pressures, feel overwhelmed, and receive work-related contact outside of normal hours. This leads to more conflict between work and family roles, affecting functioning at home.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 9, 2010

Despite efforts, not all Latino immigrants accepted as 'white,' sociological study shows

A new sociological study reveals that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, with relatively darker-skinned individuals earning less than their lighter-skinned counterparts. The study found that some Latinos attempt to assert a white racial identity, but those with darker skin and higher levels of int...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 2, 2010

Good results of bad habits? U-M research explains paradox

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that African Americans' poorer physical health is linked to their effective coping strategies for depression, which also lead to higher rates of obesity and mortality. Researchers suggest improving living conditions and job opportunities as a key solution.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 18, 2010

Social context may be a better indicator of obesity disparities than race

Researchers found comparable obesity rates in white and black women living in similar social conditions. The study suggests that socioeconomic status and environmental factors play a significant role in explaining obesity disparities. Policies focusing on modifying social aspects of the environment may help reduce disparities among low...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 6, 2010

Modern medicine conquers witchcraft

In Ghana, large-scale intervention programs have convinced people to trust medical explanations for diseases like HIV/AIDS, overcoming traditional beliefs in witchcraft. The success of long-term health initiatives in Northern regions has shown that education and community engagement can lead to better health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Stavanger·JournalGlobal Health Promotion·DateMar 22, 2010

Political corruption has impact on social trust

A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateMar 2, 2010

American opinion cools on global warming

A recent survey found a significant decrease in Americans' concerns and trust in climate change. Only 57% believe global warming is happening, and 47% attribute it to human activities. Meanwhile, public trust in institutions and leaders has eroded, with distrust towards scientists, politicians, and the media on the rise

Med students say conventional medicine would benefit by integrating alternative therapies

A joint UC study found that three-quarters of medical students believe conventional Western medicine would benefit from integrating more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. The survey revealed that CAM can enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJan 20, 2010

When work interferes with life

Researchers found that educated individuals and professionals report more work interference with personal life, highlighting the 'stress of higher status'. Long hours also contribute to work-life imbalance, but only among those with control over their schedules.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 12, 2010

How green is your house?

A UK survey of 1500 respondents found that those who own their own home are more likely to separate rubbish than renters, while switching off lights in unused rooms is the most popular green behavior. The survey also shows that taking fewer flights and car sharing are less common.

The state of America's leadership

A new comprehensive survey of White House Fellows, a group of over 600 prominent leaders, reveals significant differences between America's leadership cohort and the general public. The study found greater confidence in institutions like the Supreme Court and scientific community, but less confidence in education and organized labor.

Peer pressure builds more latrines than financial assistance

A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that social shame was more effective in building latrines than financial assistance in rural India. The study, led by Subhrendu Pattanayak at Duke University, used a 'social mobilization strategy' that included village walks of shame and defecation mapping ...

SourceDuke University·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateSep 30, 2009