Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
Researchers found that marital stress among younger adults (ages 18–55 years) is associated with poorer recovery after a heart attack. The study of over 1,593 participants showed that higher levels of marital stress were linked to reduced physical and mental health outcomes.
The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge Monitor assesses public knowledge on climate, maternal health, vaccination, and more. The quarterly survey reports aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses in public knowledge and inform public health strategies.
The survey found positive impacts on accommodation processes, remote work, flexible schedules, and job sharing for people with disabilities. Many supervisors reported increased commitment to supporting employees with disabilities.
Rural and critical access hospitals are inadequately addressing social determinants of health due to limited resources, workforce constraints, and lack of incentives. Hospitals are not utilizing community partnerships effectively, which may be attributed to institutional partnerships and lack of incentives.
A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.
A survey among European gay-dating app users found a 82% crude vaccination acceptance rate. Willingness to vaccinate increased with factors like perceived severity of monkeypox, transmission risk, and existing health links. Higher acceptance rates were seen in northern and western Europe compared to southern and eastern regions.
A survey of six European countries found strong public support for transferring COVID-19 vaccines to poorer nations and prioritizing those with the greatest need. Europeans consistently prioritized individuals most vulnerable, employed individuals, or those who lost income during the pandemic over unemployed individuals.
A substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds with severe COVID-19 illness are reporting long-term complications. The study found that pediatric patients with private health insurance were 66% less likely to report long COVID symptoms versus those with government insurance.
A study of Russian adults found that those who accept vaccination unconditionaly are more likely to have higher trust in government and less frequent social media use. In contrast, vaccine rejectors tend to be more extroverted and friendly but less trusting of institutions.
A nationwide survey found that many physicians are complacent with current levels of diversity, with a significant gap in satisfaction with workplace diversity among Black physicians. The study recommends increasing mentorship opportunities and representation of underrepresented groups in leadership positions to improve workforce diver...
A national survey of 1,733 US adults found nearly half reported misrepresenting or not adhering to COVID-19 public health measures, driven by a desire for normalcy and personal freedom. The study highlights the need for effective communication strategies to address these behaviors.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...
Researchers found that people wearing masks in China were less likely to engage in deviant behavior, such as running red lights or cheating for money. Mask-wearing was associated with increased moral awareness, leading some individuals to behave more ethically.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that law enforcement is not uniformly recognizing and respecting the legal protections in place to support harm reduction programs. Despite these protections, more than half of survey participants reported negative experiences with law enforcement, including confiscation of suppl...
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that employees' relationships with coworkers significantly impact their sense of purpose and drive at work. The researchers discovered that employees who receive advice and support from their peers are more likely to feel a strong connection to the company.
A recent study from the University of Gothenburg found that young men aged 18-29 are most resistant to gender equality, while older generations are less so. The researchers identified factors such as unemployment and distrust in social institutions as contributing to modern sexism among young men.
August COVID Update data show little change in unemployment numbers for people with and without disabilities on temporary layoff or looking for work. Challenges are on the horizon due to inflation concerns, which may lead to a tightening of the labor market and rising unemployment.
A 28-year study tracking over 500,000 adolescents in the US found a decline in substance abuse, except for an increase in cannabis and vaping use. Low social engagement and participation in structured activities were key predictors of substance abuse avoidance.
A 28-year study tracked over 500,000 US adolescents and found that low social engagement and participation in structured activities are key predictors of substance abuse avoidance. Conversely, highly social and engaged groups with less supervision were more likely to engage in substance abuse.
Researchers found that certain survey question sets can minimize stigma and increase disclosure among women. The study suggests redesigning surveys to improve data quality and support maternal, child, and reproductive health. The findings have the potential to influence national surveys and provide guidance to the field.
A study found that many people with health insurance still struggle with medical debt, which can lead to evictions, foreclosures, and food insecurity. The analysis of survey data suggests a significant association between medical debt and worsening social determinants of health.
A recent study found that Cherokee youth who participated in an educational program connecting them to their history and culture experienced significant benefits to their health. Participants reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased positive mental health and cultural identity. The study suggests t...
The California Study on Violence Experiences across the Lifespan reveals that more than one in six Californians experienced physical or sexual violence in the past year. Demographic disparities highlight potential contributing factors exacerbated by the pandemic, including socioeconomic vulnerabilities and gendered nature of violence.
A new study found that individuals with low confidence in the importance of vaccination are five times more likely to remain unvaccinated. Rural areas and those with lower socioeconomic status also had higher prevalence of non-vaccination across all regions.
A survey study of a large professional society meeting during the Omicron surge found low COVID-19 positivity rates among both in-person and virtual attendees. The study suggests that cautious strategies to mitigate transmission were effective, with no greater risk associated with in-person attendance.
A majority of early career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds experience psychological distress due to social unrest caused by systemic racism. However, the study found that mentoring relationships have a positive impact on their well-being.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that the TV drama 'This Is Us' reduced stigma around Alzheimer's disease and encouraged family discussions about aging plans. The narrative was developed in consultation with experts and met with the show's writers to ensure accuracy.
A new study finds that individuals with stronger religious beliefs tend to have lower sex drives but are more content with their sex lives overall. Researchers also discovered a significant association between educational attainment and reduced sexual satisfaction.
The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.
A new UCL-led study found that most British adults support stricter tobacco regulations, including banning sales near schools and raising the legal age to 21. The survey of over 1,700 adults in England and Scotland showed strong majority support for these policies.
The study examines the complex factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, including mixed media messages and concerns about effectiveness and safety. The researchers found that highly educated individuals were among those hesitant to receive the vaccine, highlighting the need for targeted education approaches.
A survey study of over 3,000 adults found that psychedelic experiences share similarities with non-drug related near-death experiences in reducing fear of death. Participants reported lasting positive effects, including personal meaning and spiritual significance.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
A study of 3,192 participants found that both psychedelic drugs and near-death experiences can decrease fear of death and increase feelings of spirituality. However, those with non-drug near-death experiences reported a more meaningful experience overall.
A Northwestern University study found that investing in science outreach can improve diversity and trust in science, with women and underrepresented groups more likely to participate. However, lack of time and funding remain major barriers, highlighting the need for academic institutions to incentivize outreach and provide training.
Researchers from UTHealth School of Public Health found that gig workers' insecure income contributes to poor health outcomes, including a sicker workforce and higher unreimbursed healthcare costs. The study suggests COVID-era gig workers will experience greater increases in poor overall health and psychological distress.
Past-year marijuana use reached its highest level since 1988, with past-month use also increasing. Hallucinogen use surged to an all-time high, while nicotine vaping prevalence nearly tripled among young adults in 2021.
A survey study of 135,000 adults found that less than half had received a booster dose, with marked variations across regions and sociodemographic groups. Targeted efforts may be needed to improve booster vaccine coverage in these populations.
A study led by McGill University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that Ukrainians who engage in more analytic thinking are less likely to believe pro-Kremlin disinformation. Analytical thinking helps curtail belief in disinformation, according to the researchers.
A study of environmental students from 41 countries found that SDGs are highly accepted globally, with significant differences in pillar ratings between countries. Lower-income nations rated the SDGs as more important than higher-income nations.
A survey of 1,086 adults found that negative views towards harassing public health officials increased from November 2020 to July-August 2021. Higher earners and those with more education were more likely to hold such views.
A study found that pandemic restrictions negatively affected mental wellbeing, with workplace closures being the only positive effect. Women and young people were disproportionately impacted, highlighting disparities in mental health outcomes between social groups.
A recent study by Leiden University researchers explores the cultural significance of Black Pete in the Netherlands. The findings indicate that acceptance of minority groups' unequal treatment is linked to resistance against changing Black Pete's appearance, highlighting a complex social hierarchy.
Researchers found no statistically significant evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories have increased over time, despite popular claims. The study suggests that some conspiracy theories are gaining popularity while others recede into history.
The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.
A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that frequent use of videoconferencing platforms contributed to higher levels of fatigue among workers. The researchers found a significant link between increased videoconferencing usage and feelings of fatigue, with reliable internet connections unable to mitigate this effect.
A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.
A new survey found that views on the January 6 Capitol attack can be predicted by support for Black Lives Matter and gun ownership, with BLM supporters more likely to label the rioters as extremists. White gun owners were significantly less likely to do so compared to non-gun owners.
A nationwide survey in Ghana found nearly half of adults held discriminatory attitudes towards COVID-19 survivors. This suggests a pressing need for targeted public education initiatives to address these biases.
A recent study found that socioeconomic disparities in obesity among US adolescents have significantly increased over the past two decades. The findings suggest that adolescents from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to be obese, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
A new study found a close link between ageism and poor physical and mental health in older adults. Those with more health concerns experienced higher rates of everyday ageism, including internalized and interpersonal forms.
Researchers investigated how COVID-19 affected breastfeeding practices, finding some mothers experienced improved bonding with their babies during stay-at-home orders. Food insecurity was linked to higher diabetes distress among adults with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The studies also found that technology access was crucial for older ad...
A study of over 800,000 people found that young, non-Hispanic Black males and middle-aged Black females were at the highest risk of food insecurity. Households with more children and those with lower education and income also experienced increased food insecurity.
A massive global study of social distancing motivations has yielded new insights into the effectiveness of different styles of messaging. Autonomy-supportive messages that encouraged personal agency were found to be more effective in influencing individuals' behaviors than controlling or shaming messages.
A new study found that 82% of teens and young adults are open to COVID-19 vaccine incentives, but 21% question their ethics. Most youth believe incentives will promote vaccination and serve the greater good, while some express concerns about bribery or eroding trust in vaccines.
A survey study examined sociodemographic factors influencing the association between neurodevelopmental disorders and bullying. The study found that certain factors, such as socioeconomic status and parental education, may modify this association.
A new study from Rice University finds that Black and Hispanic veterans experienced a significant improvement in mental health after Barack Obama was elected president. The research analyzed nationally representative survey data to find two fewer poor days per month among these groups compared to white veterans.
A survey of hospital staff in two Swiss hospitals found that those who were hesitant or refused vaccination displayed higher impatience and lower expectations for public vaccination rates. This has implications for future health campaigns, as medical staff serve as role models for the general public.
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
A University of Cologne study finds that children with same-sex parents exhibit comparable social adjustment as those with opposite-sex parents, showcasing the resilience of same-sex families.