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Medicaid unwinding linked to disruptions in opioid addiction treatment

A new University of Michigan study suggests that Medicaid unwinding may have disrupted the care of people receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Patients were less likely to continue filling buprenorphine prescriptions and more likely to pay with cash or private insurance in states with large versus small Medicaid enrollment drops.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2025

Babies follow social cues despite trauma

Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2025

With risk on the rise, University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care across the globe

A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 9, 2025

Global poverty and the cost of a healthy diet

A new poverty metric assesses global well-being by incorporating the cost of a healthy diet, revealing significant regional differences and shifting the focus from sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia. The study highlights the long-term health consequences of malnutrition and calls for a revised approach to resource allocation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025

Study highlights role of social workers in addressing marginalized communities bearing brunt of climate disasters

A new study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, with residents emitting significantly less carbon than the national average yet suffering disproportionately due to historical and systemic inequalities. Social workers are essential in driving society toward a future that reduces dependen...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEthics and Social Welfare·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2025

Staff shortages exceed those for teachers in many Illinois public schools

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that many Illinois public schools are experiencing severe staff shortages. The findings indicate that teacher vacancies have decreased, while unfilled positions in support staff, such as nurses and librarians, remain persistently high.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEducation Finance and Policy·DateMar 27, 2025

USPSTF statement on screening for food insecurity

The USPSTF has concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for food insecurity on health outcomes. Nearly one-third of households with incomes below the federal poverty threshold experience food insecurity, highlighting a significant public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 11, 2025

Better poverty mapping: New machine-learning approach targets aid more effectively

A new machine-learning approach to mapping poverty has been developed by Cornell University researchers, aiming to help policymakers and NGOs better identify the poorest populations in poor countries. The approach uses national surveys and Earth observation data to create actionable terms for policymakers, outperforming previous methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

Big cities fuel inequality

A study reveals that large cities have ceased to be centers of upward social and economic mobility, with population density and connectedness associated with reduced intergenerational mobility. Urban expansion has also led to decreased average social capital, contributing to growing inequality within and across generations.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 4, 2025

How did health insurance coverage changes affect older adults? Two new studies take a look

Two new studies found that those who turned 65 after the ACA took effect had lower out-of-pocket health costs and fewer hospitalizations. However, dual-eligible individuals over 65 saw negative impacts from Medicaid 'unwinding,' with 12% losing coverage and many going without needed care due to cost.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2025

One of the world’s largest social programs greatly reduced tuberculosis among the most vulnerable

A landmark study by Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that Brazil's Bolsa Família Program reduced TB cases and deaths among extreme poverty, indigenous groups, and improved healthcare access. The program's effects were stronger among the poorest and indigenous populations, with a 50-60% decrease in TB cases.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2025

Family income predicts adult problems more than neighborhood poverty

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that household income is a stronger predictor of several major health-related problems for 17-year-olds than growing up in a poor neighborhood. The study also found that family income has a more consistent impact on health outcomes across different neighborhood groups.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

Over 4 million US adults with chronic liver disease can be grouped into unique risk groups based on barriers to care

A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

Increased focus on comorbidities, socioeconomic factors would help improve health equity for people with COPD

A new editorial suggests using syndemic theory approach to address disparities in COPD treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidities and socioeconomic factors. The authors aim to promote holistic care and increase research participation from minority populations.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateNov 7, 2024

Three pathways to achieve global climate and sustainable development goals

Researchers at PIK found that three sustainable development pathways are far more effective than current 'business as usual' strategies, driving progress towards SDGs while curbing global warming and environmental degradation. The pathways include a rapid shift to plant-based nutrition and reduced energy use per capita.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 30, 2024

A national indicator for a just energy transition

The Energy Transition Vulnerability Index (ETVI) measures a nation's susceptibility to adverse effects of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Countries in the Global South face greater challenges than those in the Global North, with global vulnerability decreasing but interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 22, 2024

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute study highlights key challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic individuals into adulthood

A new study from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has released findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood. The research emphasizes the need for improved services and supports, as well as the importance of prioritizing autistic perspectives and cultural considerations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 17, 2024

Energy inefficiency and inability to downsize pose even bigger threat to low-income pensioners than loss of Winter Fuel Payments, Cambridge study suggests

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the disproportionate impact of energy inefficiency on low-income pensioners in England. The study found that even small improvements in home energy efficiency can significantly reduce annual heating costs for households in energy poverty.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateSep 23, 2024

Bringing electricity to the smallest villages is not likely to reduce poverty

A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that village size plays a crucial role in determining the economic impact of electrification. Villages with populations over 2,000 people experience significant benefits, including doubled household expenditure and growth in microenterprises. In contrast, smaller villages see litt...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Political Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Virtual learning detrimental to school attendance, especially in districts with higher poverty rates, study finds

A study by the University of Notre Dame found that virtual learning led to a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, particularly in school districts with higher poverty rates. This resulted in lower test scores, reduced social interactions, and decreased high school graduation rates. The research suggests that students from vulne...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

Poverty premium on energy costs impacts poorer households

A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that people in low-income households pay more for their basic energy tariff and incur higher costs per unit of energy compared to more affluent households. The research suggests that factors such as household size, payment method, and property type contribute to these higher premiums.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2024

Living in poverty due to mental health problems or developing mental health problems because of poverty? It's both.

A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that poverty is a causal factor leading to mental health problems, while certain mental health issues can also affect financial stability. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to untangle the relationship between poverty and mental illness.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 10, 2024

Insurance coverage disruptions, challenges accessing care common amid Medicaid unwinding

A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2024