All articles tagged with #socioeconomic factors
A study published in The Lancet highlights significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in neonatal mortality rates in England and Wales, with babies born to black mothers being 81% more likely to die in neonatal care compared to those born to white mothers, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address these inequalities.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated brain aging in people regardless of infection, with greater effects observed in older adults, men, and disadvantaged groups, although cognitive impairments were only evident in those infected with the virus.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that obesity is rare among hunter-gatherer and less-developed populations but widespread in wealthy, industrialized nations, highlighting the role of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in obesity.
A century-long Yale study reveals significant disparities in life expectancy across US states, with the South lagging behind due to socioeconomic disadvantages and policy differences, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.
A study reveals that dementia risk varies across US regions, with the Southeast, Northwest, and Rocky Mountains showing higher risks, likely due to socioeconomic and environmental factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A new report from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation highlights a growing life expectancy gap in the U.S., with disparities based on race, ethnicity, geography, and income. The study identifies 10 distinct 'Americas' with varying life spans, ranging from 84 years for Asians to 63.6 years for American Indian/Alaska Native populations. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these disparities, particularly affecting American Indian/Alaska Native, Latino/Hispanic, and Black communities. The report calls for systemic changes, including universal healthcare and addressing socioeconomic factors, to improve health equity.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center highlights how socioeconomic factors hinder access to bone marrow transplants for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, leading to higher mortality rates in disadvantaged communities. The research, presented at the American Society of Hematology's annual meeting, found that patients from areas with lower education levels and higher poverty rates were less likely to receive transplants. However, survival rates post-transplant were similar across socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting access barriers rather than treatment efficacy are the main issue.
A study from the Health and Retirement Study involving over 45,000 older adults in the U.S. indicates that lifestyle choices at age 60, such as physical activity, education level, and managing chronic conditions, can significantly impact dementia risk by age 80. The research highlights the protective effects of education and the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol use, and chronic health issues like diabetes and obesity. Socioeconomic factors, including education and income, also play a crucial role, with disparities in dementia risk disappearing when these are controlled. The study suggests that proactive lifestyle changes can help mitigate dementia risk, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study by the University of California has identified that young adults living in low-income neighborhoods and lacking health insurance are at higher risk of dying from early-onset colon cancer. The research, which followed over 20,000 patients aged 18 to 49, highlights significant disparities in death rates among different ethnic groups, with native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders facing the highest risk. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare, are major contributors to these disparities. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions and increased awareness of colon cancer symptoms and screening, especially among high-risk groups.
A study by Universal Drugstore reveals that the age of menopause varies globally, with women in Taiwan experiencing it the earliest at an average age of 44.6 years, while those in Norway experience it the latest at 52.7 years. Factors influencing menopause age include genetics, healthcare access, and lifestyle. Early menopause is linked to increased cardiovascular risks, while delayed menopause is associated with higher cancer risks. Experts emphasize the need for more research to understand the impact of geography, culture, and diet on menopause.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that girls are getting their periods earlier and taking longer to achieve regular menstrual cycles, with significant health implications. The research, which analyzed data from 71,341 women, highlighted that early menarche is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cancers, and other health issues. The trends are more pronounced among Black, Asian, Hispanic girls, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Factors such as obesity, environmental pollutants, and psychosocial stress are believed to contribute to these changes, though more research is needed to fully understand the causes.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that girls in the U.S. are experiencing their first periods earlier over the past 50 years, with significant trends among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and mixed-race participants, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The study, involving over 71,000 participants, found that the average age of menarche has decreased from 12.5 years to 11.9 years. Early menarche is linked to various health and psychosocial issues, and factors such as better nutrition, higher body fat percentage, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to this trend.
A study by Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago reveals that fatherhood may negatively impact men's cardiovascular health as they age, though fathers have lower overall death rates compared to childless men. The study highlights the added stress and responsibilities of parenting as potential factors, with young fathers, especially Black and Hispanic men, facing the worst health outcomes due to socioeconomic challenges. The research underscores the need for targeted public health interventions for fathers.
A study conducted in Sweden found that socioeconomic factors, including income, education levels, and marital status, are associated with the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS). Higher income and more years of education before MS diagnosis were linked to less severe disability and milder symptoms. Divorced individuals with relapsing MS tended to have more severe disability and worse physical and psychological symptoms compared to single patients. The study highlights the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in risk stratification and understanding potential risk factors for MS severity.
A study of 7,068 elderly Americans suggests more research is needed to inform healthy aging strategies. While dementia accounts for 41% of cognitive decline, other factors like education, race, and socioeconomic conditions significantly affect cognitive function. However, these factors only account for 5.6% of how cognitive function changes with age, leaving 77% unexplained. The findings emphasize the need for more research to understand cognitive decline drivers and inform medical strategies.