Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
A survey by CancerCare found that while many women know about breast cancer, few are aware of recent treatment advances. The majority would actively work with their doctor to identify proper treatment, but 86% were uncertain about what questions to ask.
The U-M Health and Retirement Study finds that three out of four older workers would prefer to reduce their hours gradually rather than retire abruptly. A two-thirds majority of workers would partially retire if firms allowed them to scale back their hours at the same hourly wage.
A study of over 3,000 adults with asthma found that obese patients are more likely to have severe asthma and experience increased healthcare utilization. The researchers also noted that obese patients were less likely to be in asthma remission compared to non-overweight patients.
A survey of high school students found that most struggle with early morning start times, leading to decreased alertness and poor academic performance. The teens recommended starting school at a later time, allowing for more sleep and improved focus.
A study found that nearly all physicians admit they would disclose a hypothetical error, but less than half have actually done so. The survey also revealed that those with more experience and those who prioritize forgiveness in their spiritual beliefs were more likely to disclose errors.
A recent survey of over 250,000 people from around the world has shed light on sex differences in brain function and behavior. The study found that men and women exhibit distinct patterns in mental abilities, with men scoring higher in visual-spatial tasks but women excelling in object location memory.
The American Academy of Dermatology surveyed 32 US metropolitan regions to identify the most and least sun-smart cities. Washington, D.C. and New York City topped the list, while Chicago was ranked as the least sun-smart city due to low knowledge and attitudes towards tanning and sun protection.
A new report by the National Women's Law Center finds that women are more likely to struggle with medical bills and go without needed care due to high healthcare costs. The report also highlights a gender gap in health coverage, with more women than men facing underinsurance or uninsured status.
A study of 55 patients found that 91% reported feeling hampered by headaches daily, and 37% experienced tension-type headaches several times a month. The total cost of all headache disorders in Denmark is approximately €74 million per million inhabitants per year.
A recent survey reveals that almost half of US adults have never heard of probiotics, but many show interest in trying them due to intestinal health concerns. The study highlights the growing awareness and potential benefits of probiotic supplements in preventing and managing gastrointestinal issues.
A new survey found that people's emotional reactions to nanotechnology play a major role in their perception of its risks and benefits, with individuals' values determining their reaction to information about the technology. The study suggests that government, business, and educators must take a proactive approach to public engagement ...
Participating in community groups and religious organizations can help maintain psychological well-being after physical decline. Researchers found that individuals with higher levels of personal growth had lower depressive symptoms.
A national study found that adolescents who had sex early showed a 20 percent increase in delinquent acts one year later compared to those whose first sexual experience occurred at the average age for their school. In contrast, those teens who waited longer than average to have sex had delinquency rates 50 percent lower.
A majority of Americans agree with most scientists that the Earth is getting warmer, but they are uncertain about the seriousness of the problem. The uncertainty stems from a belief that scientists disagree about global warming, despite being on the same wavelength with the scientific community about the basics of the issue.
A new study by UC Irvine researchers found that immigrants are more likely to become US citizens when they live in states with a warm and welcoming attitude towards them. This suggests that money is not the primary motivator for naturalization, but rather a sense of community and acceptance.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that two-thirds of nursing students believe it's wrong to lie to patients, compared to 33% in 1983. The profile of nursing students has also changed significantly over 22 years, with older students, more diversity in educational attainments and life experiences.
Researchers estimate that thousands of wind turbines could generate up to 330 gigawatts of average electrical power off the Mid-Atlantic coast, reducing carbon emissions by 68% and greenhouse gases by 57%. The study's findings suggest a significant potential for offshore wind energy in the region.
A new study challenges the notion of deep societal divisions in Mexico following the 2006 presidential election. The research suggests that elite-level politics are more polarized than ever, while mass voting patterns reveal moderation and a lack of clear divisions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of Mexican democracy.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with guns are more likely to be involved in homicides, particularly among children and women. States with higher levels of gun ownership have significantly higher homicide victimization rates, driven mainly by gun-related homicides.
A survey found that more than two-thirds of informal caregivers for disabled older adults at the end of life reported feeling rewarded, despite providing over 40 hours of care per week. These caregivers often experienced emotional, physical, and financial strains but also derived benefits from the person they were caring for.
A new study by WCS and USGS found that wild tigers in India's Nagarahole National Park lose nearly a quarter of their population each year, but total numbers remain stable due to high reproductive rates and abundant prey. The study highlights the need for protected areas with high prey densities and anti-poaching efforts.
A study by Rice University and UCL found that US consumers are willing to use specific nano-containing products when the potential benefits are high. The public perceives nanotechnology as less risky than everyday technologies.
A national survey of Asian Americans found that immigrant women had lower rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse compared to U.S.-born women. English proficiency also played a significant role in men's mental health, with those who spoke good English having fewer problems than those with poorer skills or American-born men.
Physicians reported being actively involved in community participation, political involvement, and collective advocacy, with over two-thirds participating in at least one role. Factors related to civic-mindedness, such as age, sex, and medical specialty, influenced the perceived importance of public roles.
A new study finds that employers who use criminal background checks tend to hire more black applicants, particularly black men, due to implicit biases. The study suggests that curtailing access to criminal history records may worsen racial disparities in labor market outcomes and affect other stigmatized groups.
A comprehensive survey of nanotechnology workplace safety practices found that many companies and laboratories are using conventional EHS practices despite the potential for nanoparticles to pose specific environmental and health risks. The survey, conducted by Rice University's International Council on Nanotechnology, collected data f...
A survey of 9,000 people in eight countries found that 57% of Americans and 47% of Canadians consider post-9/11 anti-terrorism laws to be intrusive. The study also reveals cultural differences in attitudes towards surveillance and personal data, highlighting the need for public education and organizational accountability.
The median salary for chemists has increased to $86,900, with bachelor's degrees earning $67,200 and Ph.D.'s earning $96,000. The chemistry workforce is becoming more diverse, with female graduates receiving a higher percentage of B.S. chemistry degrees.
The study found that 52.1% of health plans used pay-for-performance programs in 2005, with physician-oriented programs more common than hospital programs. The surveys highlighted important details about these programs, including the types of performance indicators used and the challenges faced by HMOs in implementing them.
A recent MIT survey shows a dramatic shift in Americans' ranking of climate change as the country's most pressing environmental problem. Over three-quarters of respondents believe the government should take action to address global warming, and individuals are willing to spend their own money on mitigation efforts.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that individuals living in high Black concentrated neighborhoods were twice as likely to report poor health compared to those in low concentration areas. This association persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
Researchers found that people from preindustrial societies consistently classify colors into eight categories: red, green, yellow-or-orange, blue, purple, brown, pink, and grue. The study used data from the World Color Survey to analyze color names across 110 languages, revealing a universal framework for color perception.
A nationwide survey of Iraq households found 654,965 additional deaths from March 2003 to July 2006, with violence being the primary cause. The study's results are consistent with earlier estimates and mirror trends reported by other organizations, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive system to track mortality in conflict zones.
The Iraqi public demonstrates the highest levels of intolerance to foreigners, with extraordinarily high levels of ethnic solidarity. Despite this, a majority of Iraqis (85%) believe democracy is the best form of government and their commitment seems genuine.
The 2006 CIO Survey conducted by Professor Jerry Luftman found that IT executives prioritize business alignment but struggle to achieve it, instead focusing on technology innovation. The survey also reveals an increase in reporting to CFOs and a lack of federated IT functions in many companies.
A new study published in Science estimates that at least 200,000 people have died in Darfur, far exceeding previous estimates of tens of thousands. The study's authors used primary surveys and extrapolation to arrive at this revised estimate, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
A new FSU study found that high school seniors' educational and occupational plans have become increasingly unrealistic since the 1970s. The researchers attribute this to declining grades, community college as an educational stepping-stone, and parents giving students the message that a college degree is the only way to get a good job.
A comprehensive survey of Katrina survivors found that most experienced significant financial, income, and housing losses, as well as physical and psychological adversity. However, the vast majority reported developing a deeper sense of meaning or purpose in life after the hurricane.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that depressed individuals experience greater psychological benefits from marriage compared to non-depressed individuals. Despite lower marital quality and conflict levels among depressed couples, married depressed individuals still report improved mental well-being.
A declaration by top scientists states that mercury pollution poses significant risks to human health, particularly for children and women of childbearing age. The declaration also highlights the need for reduced mercury use and emissions, as well as careful fish consumption to minimize exposure.
Research suggests that online surveys can yield different results compared to phone surveys, as typing and speaking activate distinct cognitive and motor systems. This can compromise the validity of attitude changes over time, making it crucial for researchers to match response modes.
Science journalists struggle to find good-quality images and researchers who can explain complex scientific concepts in an understandable way. They also face challenges judging the trustworthiness of research, dealing with hype, and obtaining multimedia materials to convey scientific ideas.
A new study by the American Sociological Association found that Americans have fewer confidants, with a nearly one-third decrease in discussions with non-family members. The study also reveals racial diversity in social networks has increased, but disparities persist, with higher education and non-white groups having smaller networks.
A new study reveals that both young people and older individuals think older people are happier than themselves, but research shows the opposite is true. The study found that individuals tend to mis-remember their own happiness as youths and overestimate their future happiness in old age.
A study reviewing 40 years of disaster research found that PTSD affects a substantial burden of people who experience disasters. The most important risk factors for developing PTSD are the extent of exposure and the scope of the disaster.
A new survey at UCSD reveals that sectarianism in conservative religious groups holds back coalition formation on the right. The study found that members of these groups who favor a larger role for religious leaders in politics are less sectarian, bringing good news for supporters of the religious right.
A survey of operating room personnel found that general surgical nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) consistently rated high for teamwork, while surgeons received the lowest scores. The study used the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire to assess safety attitudes in the OR.
The survey highlights a lack of awareness about food-borne illnesses, with only 10% of Americans reporting food poisoning in the past year despite statistics indicating a quarter of Americans suffer from food-borne illnesses annually. Americans tend to attribute their illnesses to other causes rather than food-borne illness.
A study found that clinical staff, such as physicians and nurses, were more likely to report for work than technical or support staff. The willingness to report was strongest among employees who perceived an importance in their work during a pandemic, while technical workers felt they had little role to play.
A survey of healthcare staff in the US found that over 40% would be unlikely to report to work during a flu pandemic, while 66% feared putting themselves at risk. The study also showed that many felt the need for additional training to prepare for such an event.
A study by Penn State researchers found that stricter law enforcement policies have led to an increase in girls' arrests for assault, not a rise in violence. Despite this, other national sources of information on youth violence show little overall change in girls' levels of aggression over the past two decades.
A majority of Americans (55%) expect the world's natural environment to be in worse shape in 10 years than it is now. Despite party affiliation, 67% of Democrats and 48% of Republicans are pessimistic about environmental health. A bipartisan 86% supports government action to improve the environment during the next year.
Between 1998 and 2002, risky food consumption decreased significantly, from 31% to 21%. Runny eggs were the most frequently consumed risky food. Targeted outreach is needed for high-risk groups.
The US aging population is expected to double in size within 25 years, driven by demographic shifts and increased life expectancy. Higher levels of education and better health are linked to improved socioeconomic circumstances and a higher standard of living in retirement.
Community surveys overestimate depression due to flawed methodologies that fail to account for normal life stress reactions. Experts call for contextual criteria to accurately diagnose mental disorders.
The United States and Venezuela lead the world in national pride, with Americans scoring 17.7 out of 25 and Venezuelans scoring 18.4. Both countries formed their identities through conflicts that bound their people together, creating a shared sense of patriotism.
Research finds comprehensive schooling neither benefits nor hinders social mobility, with changes in jobs and employment structures playing a key role. Inequality trends are slowing, but policies like redistributive social democracy can reduce inequalities of mobility.
The RAVE survey has released its first dataset, containing information from 25,000 stars born when the Milky Way was in its infancy. The data will allow astronomers to test ideas of the galaxy's origins laid out by various cosmological theories.
A survey by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found a positive correlation between altruistic love and happiness in marriages. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,300 people, also revealed that married individuals tend to score higher on altruistic love questions than unmarried individuals.
A study by Dr. Harris has shown promising results for the SAFE System, a hair replacement surgery that reduces trauma and increases accessibility for African-American and elderly patients. The procedure also boasts virtually pain-free surgery, faster recovery time, and increased efficiency for physicians.