Month: October 2023

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Positive School Connectedness Associated with Reduced Risk Behaviors and Improved Student Well-being, New Survey Finds

2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Provides Insight into the Impact of School Connectedness on U.S. High School Students

A recent study based on the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the relationship between school connectedness and risk behaviors among high school students in the United States. The study, titled “School Connectedness and Risk Behaviors and Experiences Among High School Students,” reveals that school connectedness significantly influences student well-being and can serve as a protective factor against a range of risk behaviors and negative experiences.

The YRBS survey, which collected data from a nationally representative sample of public and private school students in grades 9–12, found that 61.5% of U.S. high school students reported feeling connected to others at school. School connectedness was defined as the belief by students that adults and peers in the school care about their learning as well as about them as individuals. This sense of belonging and support within the school environment has been associated with positive educational, behavioral, and health outcomes in adolescence and beyond.

Key Findings: The study identified the following key findings:

  1. Reduced Risk Behaviors: Students who reported feeling connected to others at school had a lower prevalence of various risk behaviors and experiences. These included poor mental health, marijuana use, prescription opioid misuse, sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, experiencing forced sex, and missing school due to feeling unsafe.
  2. Demographic Differences: School connectedness was more commonly reported by male students (65.5%), Asian students (66.7%), 9th- and 10th-grade students (63.3%), and heterosexual students (65.1%). However, students who identified as lesbian or gay reported lower levels of school connectedness (48.3%). Prevalence of school connectedness also varied among racial and ethnic groups.
  3. Sexual Identity Impact: School connectedness was associated with better mental health outcomes for students who identified as heterosexual, bisexual, and questioning or other sexual identities, but not for students who identified as lesbian or gay.
  4. School Safety: School connectedness was related to a lower prevalence of missing school because of feeling unsafe, indicating that a positive school climate can enhance students’ feelings of connectedness and safety.
  5. Subgroup Variations: The impact of school connectedness on specific risk behaviors and experiences varied across racial and ethnic groups and sexual identities, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse experiences.

The study suggests that schools play a crucial role in promoting the well-being of students by fostering environments where students feel cared for, supported, and a sense of belonging. Creating inclusive and supportive school environments, addressing discrimination, and engaging students through various strategies can further enhance school connectedness, potentially reducing risk behaviors and improving the health and development of all students.

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant role of school connectedness in shaping the well-being of high school students. The positive impact of feeling connected to school extends to various risk behaviors and experiences, making it a vital focus for educational and public health interventions. By prioritizing the creation of safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments, educators and health professionals can help students develop a sense of belonging and support, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and reduced risk behaviors in adolescents.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -CDC

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UN Warns of Escalating Hunger and Desperation in Gaza Amid Israeli Troop Advancement: Key Updates

The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israeli troops advance in the region, causing a deteriorating civil order and escalating desperation among the population. Here is what you need to know about the situation:

1. Looting and Humanitarian Crisis: United Nations agencies have reported that people in Gaza have resorted to breaking into warehouses to obtain essential supplies for survival. The UN World Food Programme has confirmed that some of its aid supplies were looted, underscoring the “growing hunger and desperation” in the region. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East also stated that “thousands” of people had broken into its warehouses, taking vital items like wheat flour and hygiene supplies.

2. Emergency Meeting: The United Arab Emirates, the only Arab country with a seat in the UN Security Council, is set to convene an emergency meeting. They will seek a binding resolution from other council members for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in the ongoing fighting in Gaza. It’s a response to the deteriorating situation in the region. Earlier this month, the United States vetoed a draft resolution at the council calling for a humanitarian pause.

3. Hospital Impact: Israeli airstrikes have reportedly caused extensive damage to the Al-Quds Hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The society accused Israel of “deliberately” launching airstrikes near the hospital, potentially forcing medical staff, displaced individuals, and patients to evacuate. The World Health Organization has declared that such an evacuation would be “impossible” without endangering lives.

4. Israeli Troop Advance: Israeli ground forces have advanced into Gaza, with a video showing them raising an Israeli flag on a resort hotel’s roof. This provides insight into the actions of Israeli troops during the expanded ground operations. The communication blackout in Gaza has limited the flow of information, but service restoration has been gradually underway.

5. Regional Conflict Concerns: Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has stated that Israel has “crossed the red lines” in Gaza, potentially necessitating action. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned of an “elevated risk” of a spillover conflict in the Middle East. Experts suggest that Iran, while cautious about becoming involved in the Israel-Hamas war, may not have full control over militias it supports in the region, potentially leading to further regional involvement.

6. Aid and Death Toll: The Palestinian Red Crescent reported receiving 10 aid trucks via the Rafah border crossing, containing food supplies and medical necessities. While 94 trucks have entered, fuel has not been allowed to cross. Doctors Without Borders has also sent 26 tons of medical supplies to Egypt to support emergency medical response in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has tragically risen to 7,960, with over 20,000 injured. A significant percentage of those killed are from vulnerable populations, including children, women, and the elderly. The toll also includes 116 medical personnel.

7. Gaza Connectivity: Phone and internet services in Gaza were severed last week, leaving civilians, aid groups, and journalists without means of communication. Service has been gradually restored to facilitate critical communication, aid delivery, and reporting on the ongoing situation in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, and international efforts are underway to address the humanitarian crisis and bring relief to the affected population.

Source: UN News

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy Proven Effective in Correcting Anemia and Preventing Its Development in Men with Hypogonadism, New Study Finds

Groundbreaking Research Reveals Testosterone Treatment’s Potential to Combat Anemia in Older Men

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered the potential of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) to correct anemia and even prevent its development in middle-aged and older men suffering from hypogonadism. Anemia, a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels, can lead to fatigue, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality risk in older adults.

The study, which included 5204 men with hypogonadism, found that TRT had a significant impact on anemia. A greater proportion of men who received testosterone treatment successfully corrected their anemia compared to those who received a placebo. The study followed participants for up to 48 months, and at every time point, TRT proved more effective in raising hemoglobin levels. This suggests that testosterone treatment can be an effective remedy for anemia in older men with hypogonadism.

Moreover, the research revealed that TRT was not only effective in correcting anemia but also in preventing its development in men without anemia at the beginning of the study. These results underscore the potential of TRT to improve the overall health and well-being of older men with hypogonadism.

Anemia is a prevalent condition among middle-aged and older adults, and it is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including fatigue, mobility limitations, falls, and increased mortality risk. While there is currently no approved therapy for age-related anemia, this study provides promising evidence of TRT’s efficacy.

The study was conducted as part of the Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Assessment of Long-term Vascular Events and Efficacy Response in Hypogonadal Men (TRAVERSE) Study. It included men aged 45 to 80 years who exhibited symptoms of hypogonadism, had cardiovascular disease or increased cardiovascular disease risk, and had low testosterone levels.

These findings offer hope to men suffering from hypogonadism and anemia, as TRT may prove to be a valuable treatment option. The research sheds light on the potential benefits of TRT, suggesting it could significantly improve the lives of older men with this condition. Further studies and clinical trials may help solidify these findings and open up new treatment possibilities for those affected by anemia and hypogonadism.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Time-Restricted Eating Proves Effective for Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that time-restricted eating (TRE) offers a more effective approach to weight loss in adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to daily calorie restriction (CR). The study, conducted as a 6-month randomized clinical trial at the University of Illinois Chicago, involved 75 participants with obesity and T2D.

The primary question addressed in this study was whether TRE, which restricts eating to a specific time window without calorie counting, is more effective for weight reduction and glycemic control than daily calorie restriction or a control condition in adults with T2D.

Here are the key findings:

  • TRE was significantly more effective for weight loss (with a 3.6% reduction) compared to CR (with a 1.8% reduction) in contrast to the control group.
  • However, changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels did not significantly differ between the TRE and CR groups compared to the control group.
  • TRE, which involves an 8-hour eating window from 12 PM to 8 PM without calorie counting, proved to be an attractive and effective alternative to CR for weight loss in patients with T2D.

This study addresses the critical need for innovative lifestyle strategies to treat T2D as the prevalence of this disease continues to rise in the United States. Calorie restriction is a commonly recommended method for managing T2D, but many patients struggle to adhere to it because it necessitates constant monitoring of calorie intake.

Time-restricted eating is emerging as a more palatable and potentially effective alternative. It restricts daily food intake to a specific time window, naturally reducing calorie consumption, which in turn helps with weight loss.

While this research demonstrates promising results for TRE, it should be noted that further studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to confirm these findings. The study’s participants found the TRE regimen easier to follow than daily calorie counting, which suggests that it could be a valuable tool in the battle against obesity and T2D.

With approximately one in ten U.S. residents living with Type 2 diabetes, these findings represent a significant step forward in providing effective and accessible treatment strategies for this widespread condition.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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US Parents Share Mixed Perceptions of Internet Use by Adolescent Children: Benefits and Concerns Revealed

A recent survey of over 1,000 US parents has uncovered a complex landscape of attitudes and concerns related to their adolescent children’s internet use. The study, which focused on families with children aged 9 to 15, sought to understand how parents perceive the extent and consequences of internet use by their offspring.

Key Findings:

  1. Perceived Benefits and Concerns: The survey revealed both perceived benefits and concerns associated with internet use. Parents reported that internet use improved family connectedness, fostering positive experiences and increased family closeness. However, they also expressed substantial concerns about potential pitfalls, such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
  2. Concerns About Internet Addiction: An interesting revelation from the study was that twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction compared to substance addiction among their adolescent children. This indicates the growing awareness of the risks associated with excessive internet use.
  3. Correlates of Problematic Internet Use: The research also identified significant factors correlated with problematic internet use among adolescents. The data showed that youth internet addiction was linked to both negative parenting styles and the internet use patterns of parents.
  4. Correlation Between Parental and Offspring Internet Addiction: Notably, problematic internet use in adolescents was found to be strongly associated with problematic internet use in their parents. This relationship persisted even after considering various demographic factors and parenting styles.
  5. Diverse Demographics: The survey featured a diverse group of participants, encompassing different racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, and educational levels, enhancing the generalizability of the findings to the wider US population.
  6. Technology Adoption: The study also highlighted that the adoption of new technologies like immersive virtual reality platforms presented both potential benefits and risks for family connectedness. It suggested that parents who used these technologies had an elevated risk of problematic internet use.

These findings underscore the need for families to engage in open discussions about internet use, acknowledging both the benefits and concerns it entails. The data also point to the importance of addressing internet addiction as a significant issue, with more parents expressing concerns about it than substance addiction.

The research suggests that parents, their communities, and the tech industry should collaborate to reduce the negative effects of internet use on adolescents. Additionally, it highlights the role of parenting styles and parental internet use in shaping adolescent internet behaviors, emphasizing the need for further exploration of these relationships.

In a world increasingly reliant on digital technologies, these insights are crucial for shaping family dynamics and supporting the well-being of adolescents in an age of pervasive internet use.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Vitamin C Found Ineffective for COVID-19 Patients in Large Clinical Trials

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact millions worldwide, a recent study has shown that intravenous vitamin C may not be an effective treatment for hospitalized patients. The study, which combined data from two harmonized randomized clinical trials, aimed to determine whether vitamin C could improve the outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Here are the key findings:

  • Study Details: The two clinical trials took place on four continents, enrolling critically ill patients in intensive care units and patients who were not critically ill between July 23, 2020, and July 15, 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous vitamin C or a control (placebo or no vitamin C).
  • Primary Outcome: The primary outcome measured was a composite of organ support–free days, which is a combination of days alive and free from respiratory and cardiovascular organ support in the intensive care unit up to day 21, along with survival to hospital discharge.
  • Results: The findings showed that vitamin C had low efficacy and high probabilities of harm and futility. Specifically, among critically ill patients, there was only an 8.6% probability of efficacy in improving organ support–free days, with a 91.4% probability of harm and 99.9% probability of futility. Among non-critically ill patients, the probability of efficacy was 2.9%, with probabilities of harm and futility exceeding 97.1% and 99.9%, respectively.
  • Secondary Outcomes: The study also examined secondary outcomes, including 90-day survival and 28-day death or persistent organ dysfunction. These outcomes consistently showed low probabilities of vitamin C efficacy and higher probabilities of harm and futility.
  • Adverse Events: Serious adverse events related to vitamin C, such as methemoglobinemia, hypoglycemia, and hemolytic anemia, were reported in a small number of patients.
  • Study Limitations: The study combined data from two trials with different designs, and the results were underpowered to detect differences between the trials. It also noted the potential impact of response-adaptive randomization and possible differences in post-randomization care.

In conclusion, the study suggests that intravenous vitamin C is unlikely to improve outcomes for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Further research may be needed to explore potential treatments for this viral infection as the pandemic continues to evolve.

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Mental Health Crisis Among Health Workers Highlighted by CDC Report

Healthcare professionals in the United States are experiencing a growing mental health crisis, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, which analyzed nationwide survey data collected between 2018 and 2022, reveals a significant increase in burnout among healthcare workers, with nearly half reporting feeling burned out in 2022, up from under a third in 2018. Reports of harassment at work also more than doubled over the same period.

The CDC’s report, released on Tuesday, underscores that health workers are facing worse mental health outcomes compared to employees in other industries. The findings come on the heels of the largest healthcare worker strike in U.S. history, where 75,000 unionized employees of Kaiser Permanente walked out in five states and the District of Columbia, citing burnout and chronic staffing shortages as key issues.

Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s chief medical officer, expressed concern, saying, “While usually health workers care diligently for others in their time of need, it is now our nation’s health workers who are suffering, and we must act.” She noted that even before the pandemic, healthcare jobs were highly demanding, with long hours, unpredictable schedules, exposure to infectious diseases, and emotionally challenging patient interactions.

Prior research has indicated that healthcare workers, especially nurses, health support workers, and health technicians, face a higher risk of suicide compared to those outside the medical field. The stress of caring for sick patients can be incredibly intense, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, as healthcare providers had to deal with an influx of patients, supply shortages, long working hours, and other stressors.

The CDC study found that healthcare workers experienced more poor mental health days between 2018 and 2022. An increasing number of health workers reported wanting to seek new job opportunities, which was not the case for other essential workers. At the same time, the number of healthcare workers experiencing harassment, including threats, bullying, and verbal abuse from patients and coworkers, nearly doubled during the study period.

According to the report, harassment significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. Those who reported being harassed were five times more likely to experience anxiety, over three times more likely to report depression, and nearly six times more likely to experience burnout. This underscores the importance of improving workplace policies and practices to prevent such issues.

The report recommended that employers take immediate preventive actions, emphasizing the importance of supportive work environments and the role of management in building trust. Cross-level employee participation in decision-making and support from supervisors were also highlighted as key factors in mitigating mental health challenges among health workers.

The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health plans to launch a national campaign to help address health workers’ well-being challenges, recognizing the urgent need to address this mental health crisis among healthcare professionals.

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CDC Panel Recommends Routine Use of Jynneos Vaccine for High-Risk MPOX Infections

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously advises continued vaccination for high-risk individuals to prevent MPOX, including men who have sex with men.

An independent panel of experts advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that individuals at high risk of MPOX infection, including men who have sex with men, should continue to receive the Jynneos vaccine. This recommendation comes even though the recent public health emergency related to MPOX in the United States has passed. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously on Wednesday to make this recommendation a part of routine sexual health care for certain individuals aged 18 and older.

Following a recent vote by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), individuals at high risk of contracting MPOX, such as men who have sex with men, will continue to be recommended to receive the Jynneos vaccine as part of their routine sexual health care. This recommendation extends beyond the prior guidance, which only recommended vaccination for high-risk individuals during the outbreak. The ACIP’s vote was unanimous, and the recommendations now await approval from CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen.

The decision to extend the vaccination recommendation is based on the recognition of the ongoing risk of MPOX infection among certain high-risk groups. In the recent 2022-2023 outbreak, over 31,000 Americans were diagnosed with MPOX, and sadly, 55 individuals lost their lives to the disease, according to data from the CDC. Most of those affected were gay men.

According to the CDC, individuals at high risk for contracting MPOX include gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender and non-binary people who, in the past six months, have had at least one of the following:

  • A new diagnosis of at least one sexually transmitted disease.
  • More than one sexual partner.
  • Engaged in sexual activity at a commercial sex venue or in conjunction with a large public event in an area where MPOX is spreading.
  • Have sexual partners who possess these risk factors.
  • Plan to participate in any of the previously mentioned activities.

The expanded recommendation means that more than 2 million people in the United States are eligible for vaccination against MPOX. However, to date, only approximately 23% of this group has received the recommended two doses of Jynneos, the vaccine designed to prevent MPOX.

The vaccine manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, is gearing up for a commercial launch of Jynneos in the United States during the first half of 2024. This step aims to improve access to vaccination for high-risk individuals and reduce the prevalence of MPOX within these communities.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has taken a significant step by unanimously recommending continued vaccination against MPOX for high-risk individuals, particularly men who have sex with men. This decision recognizes the ongoing threat of MPOX in the United States, as evidenced by the recent outbreak. It highlights the importance of vaccination as part of routine sexual health care and emphasizes the need for broader access to preventive measures like the Jynneos vaccine to protect high-risk populations.

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Study Reveals Personalized Screening Ages for Colorectal Cancer Based on Genetic and Gender Factors

New research shows risk-adapted screening can vary by as much as 24 years for average-risk individuals without a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC).

A recent cohort study of 242,779 individuals with no prior family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) has unveiled the potential for personalized screening ages, demonstrating that risk-adapted starting ages can vary significantly based on sex and polygenic risk scores (PRS). The study employed a novel concept known as the “risk advancement period” (RAP) to determine how many years earlier or later individuals, particularly men compared to women, would reach comparable CRC risk levels. The results indicated that risk-adapted screening ages could differ by up to 24 years, even among individuals considered at average risk.

A new study, published in JAMA Network Open Journal, has addressed the question of how to translate risk variations in individuals without a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) into personalized starting ages for screening. This research, which involved 242,779 participants with no previous CRC screening and no family history of the disease, demonstrated that risk-adapted starting ages can differ significantly based on sex and a polygenic risk score (PRS), which considers genetic factors. The study used the concept of the risk advancement period (RAP) to quantify the years by which men and individuals in different PRS groups would reach comparable risk levels compared to women and those in specific PRS deciles.

Key Findings:

  • The study included 242,779 participants aged 40 to 69 years, with a median age of 55 years and 55.7% women.
  • Over the course of the research, 2714 CRC cases were identified, with 758 CRC-related deaths.
  • Men had a 1.57-fold increased risk of CRC compared to women.
  • PRS played a significant role, with individuals in the lowest PRS deciles having half the risk and reaching equivalent risk levels 8 years older than those in the middle PRS deciles.
  • Individuals in the highest PRS decile had double the risk and reached equivalent risk levels 10 years younger.
  • RAP estimates revealed that men reached equivalent risk levels about 6 years earlier than women.
  • Risk-adapted screening ages could differ by as much as 24 years between men in the highest PRS decile and women in the lowest PRS decile.

Implications: The study highlights the potential for personalized screening ages based on individual risk factors. Current guidelines for CRC screening often do not consider these factors, leading to variations in screening recommendations in different countries. The findings suggest that using the risk advancement period concept could enable more precise and personalized screening recommendations based on factors like sex and genetic risk scores. However, challenges such as the cost of genetic testing and ethical considerations related to privacy and confidentiality must be addressed before implementing such an approach in routine clinical practice.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on the possibility of personalized screening for colorectal cancer, taking into account the unique risk profiles of individuals. The risk advancement period concept, which considers sex and polygenic risk scores, shows promise in providing tailored screening recommendations. However, further research and practical considerations are needed to determine the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and ethical implications of implementing such an approach in healthcare settings.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Increased Risk of Offspring’s Criminal Involvement, Study Shows

New Research Reveals Alarming Impact of Parental Trauma on Their Children’s Legal Encounters

In a groundbreaking cohort study, researchers have uncovered a significant link between parents’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their children’s involvement in the criminal legal system in the United States. The study, which analyzed data from a nationally representative sample, found that parents with four or more ACEs were associated with a 1.91-fold higher adjusted odds of their children’s arrest and a 3.22-fold higher adjusted odds of conviction before the age of 26, compared to children whose parents had no ACEs.

The study, which spanned from October 2022 to September 2023, examined data from 1854 parent-child dyads, with the average age of the adult children at 38.5 years. Among the key findings were:

  • Higher ACEs, Higher Risk: Offspring of parents with four or more ACEs had a significantly increased likelihood of being arrested and convicted before the age of 26, even after accounting for parental positive childhood experiences (PCEs).
  • Interplay of ACEs and PCEs: Parental PCEs, which are positive childhood experiences, did not mitigate the impact of ACEs on their children’s legal outcomes, indicating that addressing ACEs is crucial in preventing intergenerational involvement in the criminal legal system.
  • Need for Prevention: The study emphasized the importance of preventing ACE exposure in parents in the first place and implementing interventions to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of trauma.

The findings highlight the alarming intergenerational consequences of ACEs and the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing childhood adversity. This research could serve as a crucial tool for policymakers to develop effective strategies aimed at improving the well-being and life trajectories of children and their families, ultimately promoting health equity and social well-being.

Source: JAMA Network Open journal