Health Behavior News Service covers the latest peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews on the effects of behavior on health, health disparities and patient engagement research. Our goal is to present the facts for readers to understand and use to make informed choices about health and health care.
Study Illuminates Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes and Cognitive Impairment
January 31, 2012
A new study finds that decreasing the disparities in rates of type 2 diabetes among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics could eliminate some racial and ethnic disparities in the development of cognitive impairment or dementia. Prior research has shown that type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for all forms of major cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study in Ethnicity & Disease.
Most People Fudge Numbers on Weight and Height Surveys
January 27, 2012
When people in the U.S. are asked to provide their weight for research surveys, they underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, despite numerous public reports about increasing rates of obesity. Whites are more likely to do so than Blacks or Hispanics, finds a new study in Ethnicity and Disease.
Electronic Health Records Could Improve Care for Type 2 Diabetics
January 24, 2012
Use of electronic health records shows promise for improving care and outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but still has considerable room for improvement, according to a new study in the journal Health Services Research.
Peer Passengers Are Bad News for Teen Drivers
January 24, 2012
Two new studies in the February Journal of Adolescent Health reviewed key factors shown to influence teen driving behaviors: perception of driving risks, parental monitoring and the presence of peer passengers.
For Diabetics Not on Insulin, Self-Monitoring Blood Sugar Has No Benefit
January 19, 2012
For type 2 diabetics who are not on insulin, monitoring their blood sugar does little to control blood sugar levels over time and may not be worth the effort or expense, according to a new evidence review in The Cochrane Library.
Teens Have Fewer Behavioral Issues When Parents Stay Involved
January 19, 2012
When parents of middle school students participate in school-based, family interventions, it can reduce problem behavior, according to new research released online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Signs Prove Effective in Prompting People to Use Stairs Instead of Elevator
January 17, 2012
Signs that read, “Burn Calories, Not Electricity” posted in lobbies of New York City buildings, motivated more people to take the stairs?and continue to use them even months later, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Recommended Services Not Always Given During Patients’ Annual Exams
January 17, 2012
New research finds that patients may not always receive all of the screening tests and counseling services that are due during their medical checkups, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Workplace Support for Front-Line Health Workers Creates Higher Job Satisfaction
January 12, 2012
Frontline health workers—including nursing assistants, paramedics and pharmacy technicians—who received a combination of benefits and support from their employers had greater job satisfaction and provided a higher perceived quality of care, finds a new study in Health Services Research.
Girls Report More Mental Distress and Are Prescribed More Psychiatric Drugs than Boys
January 10, 2012
More than 15 percent of Norwegian teenagers ages 15 to 16 reported “mental distress,” or symptoms of depression and anxiety, with significantly more girls reporting distress than boys, according to a new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Girls with mental distress were also more likely than their male counterparts to be prescribed psychiatric drugs.
Family Support Motivates Mexican-Americans to Adopt Healthy Habits
January 5, 2012
Encouragement from family members helps motivate Mexican-American adults to eat more fruits and vegetables and to engage in regular exercise, according to a new study in the current issue of American Journal of Health Promotion.
Team Lotteries Motivate Employees to Participate in Wellness Programs
January 5, 2012
Team lotteries might increase employee participation in health assessments for corporate wellness programs, finds a new study in the American Journal of Health Promotion.
Family Support Motivates Mexican-Americans to Adopt Healthy Habits
January 5, 2012
Encouragement from family members helps motivate Mexican-American adults to eat more fruits and vegetables and to engage in regular exercise, according to a new study in the current issue of American Journal of Health Promotion.
Team Lotteries Motivate Employees to Participate in Wellness Programs
January 5, 2012
Team lotteries might increase employee participation in health assessments for corporate wellness programs, finds a new study in the American Journal of Health Promotion.
CONTENT CATEGORIES
- Accidents and Safety
- Aging Well
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Children and Young People's Health
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Inside Healthcare
- Lifestyle and Prevention
- Men's Health
- Mental Health
- Minority Health and Health Disparities
- Oral Health
- Pain
- Women's Health
