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Texas A&M School of Public Health researcher investigates race and public assistance policy opinions

A new study by Dr. Simon Haeder explores the relationship between race and public opinion on administrative burdens in Medicaid and SNAP policies. The research found that higher levels of racial resentment were associated with favoring increased burdens, while empathy and ability to manage tasks influenced opinions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Health Politics Policy and Law·DateSep 17, 2023

Stretching the truth: New research reveals negative effects of exaggerative political statements

A new study from City, University of London, found that 'stretching arguments' by politicians can have a significantly negative effect on public opinion. Researchers discovered that making invalid claims can dilute over time, but the cumulative effects could undermine democracy and democratic procedures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Political Science Review·DateSep 14, 2023

New research sheds light on how gender inequality in the media industry impacts job satisfaction

A new study by City University of London researchers found that lower perceptions of gender equality and workplace sexual harassment significantly impact job satisfaction in newsrooms globally. The study highlights the need for structural changes to combat inequalities affecting women in the industry, including policies to address all ...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournalism Practice·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2023

Few in US recognize inequities of climate change

A national survey found that few US adults recognize climate change has a disproportionate impact on socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Despite broad scientific consensus, many people believe climate change affects all groups equally or do not perceive its impacts at all.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 9, 2023

Study reveals the European public's attitudes about refugees have remained stable over time

A study by Stanford University reveals that European public attitudes towards refugees have remained stable over time, with support for asylum seekers and preferences for certain traits increasing from 2016 to 2022. The research found that Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion were welcomed due to their demographic profile, but ...

Social media helped contribute to UPND gains in 2021 Zambia elections, analysis shows

A new analysis shows that social media facilitated information flow across a controlled media ecosystem, while face-to-face communication remained key. The study highlights how UPND's online messaging resonated with users, portraying Hakainde Hichilema as an electorally viable alternative to President Edgar Lungu.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Eastern African Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 7, 2023

Study exposes plight of deported noncitizen veterans

A study by UC Riverside-led researchers reveals that deportation causes social, economic, and political insecurities among noncitizen veterans. The study found that many veterans struggle to maintain access to necessities, experience chronic stress, and face poor health outcomes after deportation. The researchers emphasize the need for...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 2, 2023

Many people feel their jobs are pointless

A sociological study by the University of Zurich confirms that many professionals consider their work to be socially useless. Office jobs were found to be more than twice as likely to feel pointlessness compared to other occupations. The study suggests that factors such as routine work, job autonomy, and management quality also contrib...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2023

Exposure to like-minded sources on Facebook is prevalent but did not increase polarization during the 2020 U.S. election

A study examining Facebook users' news feeds found that reducing exposure to content from politically 'like-minded' sources had no measurable effect on political beliefs or attitudes during the 2020 US presidential election. The study also found that participants were exposed to more cross-cutting sources and less uncivil content after...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Bisexual people experience worse health outcomes than other adults in England – national study of more than 835,000 people

A national study of over 835,000 people found that bisexual individuals experience poorer health outcomes, particularly long-term physical and mental health problems. Bisexual women reported better health outcomes, while LGB groups across genders felt less confident in managing their own health.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2023

Researchers find sleep delays more prevalent in countries of particular culture than others​

Researchers found that sleep patterns vary significantly across cultures and geographical locations. The study used commercially available smartwatches to collect data from over 52 million individuals in 11 countries, revealing discrepancies between self-reported data and digital logs.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2023

People with more empathy more likely to support international sharing of coronavirus vaccines, study shows

A survey of 2,000 German adults found that people with higher levels of empathy and cosmopolitanism are more likely to prioritize sharing vaccine supplies internationally. The study suggests that there is substantial public support for international vaccine solidarity when infection rates are at a modest level and falling.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2023

No increase in mortality for most overweight people, study finds

A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023

Company culture shapes willingness of workers to act sustainably, research shows

A nationwide study found that social and organizational factors play a critical role in shaping sustainable behaviors among employees. Employees are more likely to act sustainably at work if they feel supported by their company and coworkers. The study also uncovered a link between eco-friendly behaviors and higher job satisfaction, su...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

For pet dogs, ‘running with the pack’ may be the best prevention to promote healthier living

A large survey of over 21,000 dog owners reveals that a dog's social support network is tied to better health outcomes, with financial factors having a lesser effect. The study found that dogs living in households with more children or wealthier owners were less healthy, while those with more social companionship were healthier.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 8, 2023

Availability of LGBTQ mental health services for youth

The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 5, 2023

Adolescents are aware of and invested in the potential impacts of abortion restrictions, study says

A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 1, 2023

Psychology: Unidentified aerial phenomena observations reported by almost one fifth of academic survey respondents

A recent survey of 1,460 US academics found that 19% report witnessing unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and 37% are interested in conducting research into the topic. Academics across various disciplines consider UAP research to be important, with many expressing interest or willingness to engage in such studies.

SourceSpringer·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMay 22, 2023

Democrats, urban dwellers, and 30-40-year-olds more likely to purchase first firearms during the pandemic

A new survey found that younger individuals (ages 35-40) and those living in urban areas were more likely to report purchasing a firearm for the first time due to the pandemic. This demographic shift is concerning given the increased risk of firearm-related death associated with having children and firearms present in the same household.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPublic Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 26, 2023

Misconceptions put women off STEM subjects

A sociological study at the University of Zurich reveals that outdated gender stereotypes play a major role in women's reluctance to pursue STEM subjects. Women tend to prefer fields with less emphasis on analytical thinking and more social and emotional skills, despite high salaries and good employment prospects. The study suggests th...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media

Researchers at the University of São Paulo used artificial intelligence and Twitter to develop a database and models that can detect depression and anxiety before clinical diagnosis. The study found that BERT performed best in predicting depression and anxiety, with a statistically significant difference from LogReg.

Those who avoided COVID-19 precautions early in the pandemic are more likely to buy firearms

A Rutgers study finds that individuals who avoid COVID-19 precautions are more likely to buy firearms, especially those with liberal or moderate political views. These groups also tend to trust less scientific information and have concerns about physical attacks, leading them to prioritize firearm ownership as a means of self-protection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

Undermining of institutions and lack of local policies hinder fire management in Amazonia

The study reveals that a lack of community involvement and inadequate governance are major contributors to wildfire management in the Amazon region. Local stakeholders identified deficiencies in institutions, staff cuts, and underinvestment as significant vulnerabilities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateApr 5, 2023

Generosity is left-wing

Research analyzing over 46,000 participants in 68 countries reveals that left-wing individuals are more likely to donate globally and show universalistic generosity, whereas right-leaning people focus on donating to their own country. The study also found that the quality of governance plays a significant role in shaping these behaviors.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

Integrating patients’ social determinants of health into the EHR, along with clinic conversations, can help doctors provide more personalized and preventive care

A recent study found that social determinants of health influenced care in 35% of surveyed encounters, with the most common sources being patient conversations and prior knowledge. Integrating this data into EHRs can support personalized care planning.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Increasing education opportunities for girls could help reduce preventable deaths in children under five

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that maternal education, especially secondary education, significantly reduces under-five mortality rates in both rural and urban areas of India. The study analyzed data from the Indian National Family Health Survey and discovered a protective effect of maternal education on child mortality.

LSU Health New Orleans study suggests interprofessional team training could prove effective in AUD prevention & treatment

A new LSU Health New Orleans study suggests that single, focused Interprofessional Education-based exercises can significantly decrease stigma associated with alcohol use and improve knowledge and confidence in screening for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The exercise led to substantial improvements in student understanding of AUD risks, ...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalBMC Medical Education·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2023

Patients overwhelmingly prefer immediate access to test results, even when the news may not be good

A recent survey found that patients overwhelmingly support receiving test results immediately, even if their provider has not yet reviewed them. Most respondents (90%) preferred receiving results through the patient portal as soon as they were available, and nearly all (96%) indicated a preference for timely release.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 20, 2023

Attending live sport improves wellbeing – study

New research by Anglia Ruskin University found that attending live sporting events boosts life satisfaction and sense of life being worthwhile, while reducing loneliness. The study used data from over 7,200 adults living in England and suggests that watching live sport can be an effective public health tool.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 17, 2023