public health research topics 2021

• Search Menu
• Browse content in Arts and Humanities
• Browse content in Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Browse content in Art
• History of Art
• Browse content in Classical Studies
• Classical History
• Classical Literature
• Classical Reception
• Greek and Roman Archaeology
• Digital Humanities
• Browse content in History
• Diplomatic History
• Environmental History
• Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
• History by Period
• Legal and Constitutional History
• Regional and National History
• Social and Cultural History
• Theory, Methods, and Historiography
• World History
• Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
• Language Teaching Theory and Methods
• Browse content in Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Language Evolution
• Language Families
• Lexicography
• Browse content in Literature
• Bibliography
• Literary Studies (American)
• Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
• Literary Studies (British and Irish)
• Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
• Browse content in Media Studies
• Browse content in Music
• Applied Music
• Medicine and Music
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
• Musicology and Music History
• Browse content in Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
• Epistemology
• History of Western Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Moral Philosophy
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Practical Ethics
• Browse content in Religion
• Christianity
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Law
• Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
• Religious Studies
• Browse content in Society and Culture
• Ethical Issues and Debates
• Browse content in Law
• Arbitration
• Company and Commercial Law
• Comparative Law
• Competition Law
• Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
• Employment and Labour Law
• Environment and Energy Law
• Financial Law
• History of Law
• Human Rights and Immigration
• Intellectual Property Law
• Browse content in International Law
• Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
• Public International Law
• IT and Communications Law
• Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
• Law and Society
• Legal System and Practice
• Medical and Healthcare Law
• Browse content in Medicine and Health
• Browse content in Allied Health Professions
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Anaesthetics
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Browse content in Clinical Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Toxicology
• Medical Oncology
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Community Medical Services
• Critical Care
• Forensic Medicine
• History of Medicine
• Medical Skills
• Browse content in Medical Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
• Medical Ethics
• Medical Statistics and Methodology
• Browse content in Neurology
• Neuropathology
• Nursing Studies
• Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Gynaecology

Occupational Medicine

• Paediatrics
• Browse content in Pathology
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
• Medical Microbiology and Virology
• Patient Education and Information
• Browse content in Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Primary Care
• Professional Development in Medicine
• Browse content in Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Browse content in Radiology
• Clinical Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Radiation Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Browse content in Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Browse content in Science and Mathematics
• Browse content in Biological Sciences
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Plant Sciences and Forestry
• Research Methods in Life Sciences
• Structural Biology
• Systems Biology
• Zoology and Animal Sciences
• Browse content in Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mineralogy and Gems
• Physical Chemistry
• Browse content in Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Logic Design
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematical Theory of Computation
• Browse content in Computing
• Computer Security
• Computer Networking and Communications
• Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Geography
• Geology and the Lithosphere
• Meteorology and Climatology
• Browse content in Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture and Farming
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
• Energy Technology
• Engineering (General)
• Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
• Transport Technology and Trades
• Browse content in Environmental Science
• Environmental Sustainability
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
• Browse content in Materials Science
• Ceramics and Glasses
• Composite Materials
• Nanotechnology
• Browse content in Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomathematics and Statistics
• Mathematical Education
• Mathematical Analysis
• Probability and Statistics
• Pure Mathematics
• Browse content in Neuroscience
• Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Neuroscientific Techniques
• Browse content in Physics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Classical Mechanics
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Browse content in Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Health Psychology
• Music Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Browse content in Social Sciences
• Browse content in Anthropology
• Human Evolution
• Browse content in Business and Management
• Human Resource Management
• Industrial and Employment Relations
• Industry Studies
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Organizational Theory and Behaviour
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Browse content in Economics
• Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
• Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Economic History
• Economic Development and Growth
• Financial Markets
• Financial Institutions and Services
• Health, Education, and Welfare
• Labour and Demographic Economics
• Law and Economics
• Public Economics
• Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
• Browse content in Education
• Schools Studies
• Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
• Environment
• Browse content in Human Geography
• Economic Geography
• Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication Studies
• Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
• Browse content in Politics
• Foreign Policy
• Gender and Politics
• International Relations
• International Organization (Politics)
• Political Behaviour
• Political Economy
• Political Institutions
• Political Sociology
• Political Theory
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Quantitative Political Methodology
• Regional Political Studies
• Security Studies
• Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
• African Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Research and Information
• Browse content in Social Work
• Addictions and Substance Misuse
• Browse content in Sociology
• Economic Sociology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Gerontology and Ageing
• Health, Illness, and Medicine
• Migration Studies
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Research and Statistics
• Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
• Sociology of Religion
• Urban and Rural Studies
• Journals A to Z
• Books on Oxford Academic

What are the trending topics in Public Health and related disciplines?

You can identify some of the most discussed and influential topics with the help of Altmetric attention scores, which take into account several outlets including social media, news articles, and policy documents.

Drawing from a selection of Public Health and Medicine journals, we have compiled a list of the articles that have been mentioned the most over the past few months.

Discover the articles that are trending right now, and catch up on current topics in Public Health and related disciplines. We will update our collection every few weeks; come back to this page to be on top of the latest conversations in Public Health and Medicine. Previously featured articles are listed here .

You can also sign up for e-alerts to make sure you never miss the latest research from our journals.

*Last updated October 2021*

Age and Ageing

Alcohol and alcoholism, american journal of epidemiology, annals of work exposures and health, epidemiologic reviews, european journal of public health, family practice, health education research, health policy and planning, health promotion international, international health, international journal of epidemiology, international journal for quality in health care, journal of public health, journal of travel medicine, journal of tropical pediatrics, nicotine & tobacco research, transactions of the royal society of tropical medicine & hygiene, behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity in hospitalised patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

There is moderate-certainty evidence that behaviour change interventions are associated with increased physical activity levels among older hospitalised patients.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Alcohol and Other Substance Use Disorders in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Canadian Nationally Representative Survey

This study from Canada found that one in three young adults with ADHD had a lifetime alcohol use disorder, and that young adults with ADHD were also three times more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Targeted outreach and interventions for this extremely vulnerable population are warranted.

Expiring Eviction Moratoriums and COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality

According to this study, resuming evictions in summer 2020 was associated with increased COVID-19 incidence and mortality in US states, with an estimated 433,700 excess cases and 10,700 excess deaths. Explore more research on COVID-19 in a curated collection from the AJE: https://academic.oup.com/aje/pages/covid-19

The Development of a Covid-19 Control Measures Risk Matrix for Occupational Hygiene Protective Measures

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) developed a control banding matrix for employers and others to help assess the risks of COVID-19 infection, and calls for further work to validate the reliability of the tool. Browse the Annals' collection on occupational hygiene for virus protection: https://academic.oup.com/annweh/pages/covid-19 

Immunization to Protect the US Armed Forces: Heritage, Current Practice, and Prospects

In 1777, George Washington ordered a mandatory inoculation program for his troops, in what would become the first mass immunization mandate in the US. This archival article discussess and contextualizes immunization practices for US Armed Forces.

Does face mask use elicit risk-compensation? Quasi-experimental evidence from Denmark during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Responding to concerns that that face mask use could elicit a false sense of security and lead to riskier behaviours, this study from Denmark found that mask use overall correlated positively with protective behaviours.

Evidence reversals in primary care research: a study of randomized controlled trials

While medical practice is often undermined by subsequent investigation, randomized trials relevant to primary care generally hold up over time.

Social media influencers can be used to deliver positive information about the flu vaccine: findings from a multi-year study

This study shows the potential for using social media influencers to inspire positive engagements on pro-vaccine health messaging. For more content on accurate information's importance for public health, browse the latest article collection from HER: https://academic.oup.com/her/pages/covid-19

COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plans from 106 countries: a review from a health systems resilience perspective

Current emergency response planning does not have adequate coverage to maintain health systems functionality for essential health service delivery alongside emergency-specific interventions and healthcare. The findings from this study can help align health emergency planning with broader population health needs.

Rise and demise: a case study of public health nutrition in Queensland, Australia, over three decades

This case study shows that that ongoing efforts are needed to improve sustainability of nutrition policy and programmes to address all diet-related diseases.

Institutional and behaviour-change interventions to support COVID-19 public health measures: a review by the Lancet Commission Task Force on public health measures to suppress the pandemic

This review article outlines evidence for a range of institutional measures and behaviour-change measures, and highlights research and knowledge gaps.

Quantifying impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through life-expectancy losses: a population-level study of 29 countries 

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant mortality increases in 2020 of a magnitude not witnessed since World War II in Western Europe or the breakup of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe.

Gender in the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) Checklist

The authors propose an update to the Equator’s Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity.

Rate of reinfections after SARS-CoV-2 primary infection in the population of an Italian province: a cohort study

This study confirms previous findings on a low risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. If confirmed, these findings suggest that more targeted restriction policies can be applied to the subjects that recovered after a first infection. Read highly cited papers on COVID-19 from the Journal of Public Health: https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/pages/covid-19

The reproductive number of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is far higher compared to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus

Given the Delta variant's high reproductive number associated with higher transmissibility, in a context of globally still low vaccine coverage rates and lower vaccine effectiveness, public health and social measures will need to be substantially strengthened. A high reproductive number also means that much higher vaccine coverage rates need to be achieved compared to the originally assumed.

Neurological Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neurological complications are rare in children suffering from COVID-19. Still, these children are at risk of developing seizures and encephalopathy, more in those suffering from severe illness.

Reactions to Sales Restrictions on Flavored Vape Products or All Vape Products Among Young Adults in the United States

The researchers examined support for and perceived impact of e-cigarette sales restrictions. Findings suggest that bans on flavored vape products could have a positive impact on lower-risk users, but that other young adult user subgroups may not experience benefit.

Covid-19 and Health at Work 

An editorial from the earlier stages of the pandemic highlights the importance of properly fitted respirators for worker safety and outlines occupational hygiene measures.

Lessons from the field: delivering trachoma mass drug administration safely in a COVID-19 context

Guidelines for safe mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases were developed in a COVID-19 context; training and implementation were assessed through an observation checklist.

For more research on the impact of COVID-19 on NTDs, explore the March 2021 special issue: https://academic.oup.com/trstmh/issue/115/3

Previously featured

Age and frailty are independently associated with increased COVID-19 mortality and increased care needs in survivors: results of an international multi-centre study

Trajectories of Alcohol Use and Related Harms for Managed Alcohol Program Participants over 12 Months Compared with Local Controls: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Estimating the Effect of Social Distancing Interventions on COVID-19 in the United States

Selecting Controls for Minimizing SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission in Workplaces and Conserving Respiratory Protective Equipment Supplies

What Do We Know About the Association Between Firearm Legislation and Firearm-Related Injuries?

Denialism: what is it and how should scientists respond?

Acute cooling of the feet and the onset of common cold symptoms

The effect of falsely balanced reporting of the autism–vaccine controversy on vaccine safety perceptions and behavioral intentions

Climate change: an urgent priority for health policy and systems research

Power, control, communities and health inequalities I: theories, concepts and analytical frameworks

Research ethics in context: understanding the vulnerabilities, agency and resourcefulness of research participants living along the Thai–Myanmar border

Tobacco smoking and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in Australia

Quality and safety in the time of Coronavirus: design better, learn faster

Years of life lost associated with COVID-19 deaths in the United States

In-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of the attack rates and available data on the efficacy of face masks

Stability of the Initial Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by DSM-5 in Children: A Short-Term Follow-Up Study

Impact of Tobacco Smoking on the Risk of COVID-19: A Large Scale Retrospective Cohort Study

Mental health of staff working in intensive care during COVID-19

The benefits and costs of social distancing in high- and low-income countries

A classification tree to assist with routine scoring of the Clinical Frailty Scale

Recent Advances in the Potential of Positive Allosteric Modulators of the GABAB Receptor to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

The recent oubreak of smallpox in Meschede, West Germany

Your Hair or Your Service: An Issue of Faith for Sikh Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Emerging Infections: Pandemic Influenza

Identifying the views of adolescents in five European countries on the drivers of obesity using group model building 

Novel multi-virus rapid respiratory microbiological point-of-care testing in primary care: a mixed-methods feasibility evaluation

Public health crisis in the refugee community: little change in social determinants of health preserve health disparities

In search of ‘community’: a critical review of community mental health services for women in African settings

COVID-19, a tale of two pandemics: novel coronavirus and fake news messaging 

Disrupting vaccine logistics

Use of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to identify confounders in applied health research: review and recommendations

Measurement and monitoring patient safety in prehospital care: a systematic review

Black Lives Matter protests and COVID-19 cases: relationship in two databases

The positive impact of lockdown in Wuhan on containing the COVID-19 outbreak in China

Severe Malnutrition and Anemia Are Associated with Severe COVID in Infants

A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Pilot, and Feasibility Study of a High Nicotine Strength E-Cigarette Intervention for Smoking Cessation or Reduction for People With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Who Smoke Cigarettes

Healthcare workers and protection against inhalable SARS-CoV-2 aerosols

Affiliations

• Copyright © 2024
• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Institutional account management
• Rights and permissions
• Get help with access
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

• Search by keyword
• Search by citation

Page 1 of 499

Correction: A participatory and comprehensive intervention to improve violence prevention in two high-risk occupations: effect and process evaluation of a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial

The original article was published in BMC Public Health 2024 24 :1043

• View Full Text

The Ergonomic Behaviors Evaluation Tool (EBET) based on social cognitive theory for the assembly line workers: development and psychometric assessment

Ergonomic behaviors play a crucial role in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). To measure these behaviors, this research aimed to develop and evaluate an ergonomic behaviors tool (EBET) ...

Association between physical activity changes and incident myocardial infarction after ischemic stroke: a nationwide population-based study

The impact of changes in physical activity after ischemic stroke (IS) on the subsequent myocardial infarction (MI) risk is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of...

“We know what we should be eating, but we don’t always do that.” How and why people eat the way they do: a qualitative study with rural australians

There is evidence that most people are aware of the importance of healthy eating and have a broad understanding regarding types of food that enhance or detract from health. However, greater health literacy doe...

The contribution and interplay of implicit and explicit processes on physical activity behavior: empirical testing of the physical activity adoption and maintenance (PAAM) model

The adoption and maintenance of physical activity (PA) is an important health behavior. This paper presents the first comprehensive empirical test of the Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance (PAAM) model...

Maternal smoking, consumption of alcohol, and caffeinated beverages during pregnancy and the risk of childhood brain tumors: a meta-analysis of observational studies

We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the potential association between maternal smoking, alcohol and caffeinated beverages consumption during pregnancy and the risk of childhood brain tumors (CBTs).

Perceptions of Chinese women with a history of gestational diabetes regarding health behaviors and related factors: a directed qualitative content analysis

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy and is associated with adverse outcomes in both mothers and their children. After delivery, women who experien...

The quality of life of men experiencing infertility: a systematic review

Men experiencing infertility encounter numerous problems at the individual, family, and social levels as well as quality of life (QOL). This study was designed to investigate the QOL of men experiencing infert...

Associated factors of periodontitis and predicted study among young man in China: a population-based cross-sectional study

Periodontitis represents the foremost oral condition in young men, strongly correlated with socioeconomic elements and oral health behaviors. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of periodontitis and a...

Does “National Civilized City” policy mitigate air pollution in China? A spatial Durbin difference-in-differences analysis

“National Civilized City” (NCC) is regarded as China’s highest honorary title and most valuable city brand. To win and maintain the “golden city” title, municipal governments must pay close attention to variou...

The longitudinal associations between ambient air pollution exposure and dementia in the UK: results from the cognitive function and ageing study II and Wales

Air pollution has been recognised as a potential risk factor for dementia. Yet recent epidemiological research shows mixed evidence. The aim of this study is to investigate the longitudinal associations betwee...

Evaluation of an online arts-based platform to support the health and well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

The objective of this study was to conduct a formative evaluation of the Art Your Service (AYS) arts-based program to determine the program’s potential for improving the social and physical well-being of older ad...

Type 2 diabetes in the employed population: do rates and trends differ among nine occupational sectors? An analysis using German health insurance claims data

Socioeconomic inequalities in type 2 diabetes (T2D) are well established in the literature. However, within the background of changing work contexts associated with digitalization and its effect on lifestyle a...

Women are lean and men are also lean: nutrition titles in women’s and men’s health magazines

Whether nutrition messages in popular health magazines differ by country or season has seldom been studied. We assessed the nutrition topics featured in the headlines of Men’s Health® (MH) and Women’s Health® ...

Impact of capitation on physicians’ behavior among patients with hypertension: an interrupted time series study in rural China

The purpose of this study is to explore the change in physicians’ hypertension treatment behavior before and after the reform of the capitation in county medical community.

Being both a grandmother and a health worker: experiences of community-based health workers in addressing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health needs in rural Zambia

Community-based health workers (CBHWs) possess great potential to be the missing link between the community and the formal health system for improving adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health and ...

The effect of outdoor activities on the medical expenditure of older people: multiple chain mediating effects of health benefits

With the global aging population, attention to the health and medical issues of older adults is increasing. By analyzing the relationship between older people's participation in outdoor activities and medical ...

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

Libraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and phy...

Exclusive breastfeeding among Indonesian working mothers: does early initiation of breastfeeding matter?

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is a starting point that lays the foundation for breastfeeding and bonding between mother and baby. Meanwhile, working mothers are one of the vulnerable groups for the ...

Association between vitamin B2 intake and prostate-specific antigen in American men: 2003–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Accumulating evidence suggests a pivotal role of vitamin B2 in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Vitamin B2 intake has been postulated to modulate the screening rate for PCa by alterin...

Self-reported sexual coercion among in-school young people with disabilities in Ghana

Sexual coercion is one of the major public health concerns globally. This is even more worrying among young people with disabilities (YPWDs). This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with sexu...

Public health and economic benefits of seasonal influenza vaccination in risk groups in France, Italy, Spain and the UK: state of play and perspectives

Seasonal influenza epidemics have a substantial public health and economic burden, which can be alleviated through vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 75% vaccination coverage rate (V...

Public health framing of firearm violence on local television news in Philadelphia, PA, USA: a quantitative content analysis

Firearm violence is an intensifying public health problem in the United States. News reports shape the way the public and policy makers understand and respond to health threats, including firearm violence. To ...

Food security status and cardiometabolic health by sex/gender and race/ethnicity among adults in the United States

Minoritized racial/ethnic groups and women in the United States (US) are disproportionately burdened by food insecurity, which likely contributes to disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH). Disparities are ...

The facilitators of and barriers to antimicrobial use and misuse in Lalitpur, Nepal: a qualitative study

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health concern driven by inappropriate antibiotic use, which is in turn influenced by various social, systemic, and individual factors. This study, nested wi...

Prevalence of Parkinson’s disease among adults aged 45 years and older in China: a cross-sectional study based on the China health and retirement longitudinal study

In recent decades, China has experienced a rapid increase in the number of elderly individuals and life expectancy, as well as industrialization, which is associated with an increased prevalence of Parkinson's...

Help-seeking processes related to targeted school-based mental health services: systematic review

One in seven adolescents globally are affected by mental health conditions, yet only a minority receive professional help. School-based mental health services have been endorsed as an effective way to increase...

Evaluation of TikTok videos on acute pancreatitis: content quality and reliability analysis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute digestive system disorder, with patients often turning to TikTok for AP-related information. However, the platform’s video quality on AP has not been thoroughly invest...

Proton pump inhibitors use is associated with a higher prevalence of kidney stones: NHANES 2007–2018

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used throughout the world as an effective gastrointestinal drug. Nevertheless, according to the existing literature, PPIs can reduce the excretion of magnesium, calcium...

Publisher Correction: Evaluating knowledge, attitude, and physical activity levels related to cardiovascular disease in Egyptian adults with and without cardiovascular disease: a community-based cross-sectional study

The original article was published in BMC Public Health 2024 24 :1107

Effect of maternal vaccination on infant morbidity in Bangladesh

Risk factors of infant mortality in Africa and south Asian countries have been broadly discussed. However, infant morbidity is largely underestimated. We analyzed the data from a randomized vaccine trial in Ba...

Diet quality as assessed by the healthy eating index-2020 among different smoking status: an analysis of national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018

Combining smoking with poor eating habits significantly elevates the risk of chronic illnesses and early death. Understanding of how dietary quality shifts post-smoking cessation remains limited. The objective...

Relationship between socioeconomic status and hypertension incidence among adults in southwest China: a population-based cohort study

To investigate the correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and the incidence of hypertension among adults aged 18 or above in southwest China.

Fourteen-year trends in overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity in Amazonian indigenous peoples

Available data show that the epidemiological profile of most indigenous Brazilian populations is characterized by the coexistence of long-standing health problems (high prevalence of infectious and parasitic d...

“R” you getting this? Factors contributing to the public’s understanding, evaluation, and use of basic reproduction numbers for infectious diseases

We (1) examined the effects of evaluative labels and visual aids on people’s understanding, evaluation, and use of the COVID-19 reproduction number (or “r-number”), (2) examined whether people’s perceived susc...

Perceptions of TB-HIV comorbidity among the Nomads in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The recalcitrance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) to eradication was related to achieving a nonreplicating (dormant) state and the increasing global burden of HIV coinfection. Consequently, understanding t...

Addressing loneliness and social isolation in 52 countries: a scoping review of National policies

Even prior to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was ample evidence that loneliness and social isolation negatively impacted physical and mental health, employability, and are a financial burden on the...

Community screening for dementia among older adults in China: a machine learning-based strategy

Dementia is a leading cause of disability in people older than 65 years worldwide. However, diagnosing dementia in its earliest symptomatic stages remains challenging. This study combined specific questions fr...

Exploring pre-pandemic patterns of vaccine decision-making with the 5C model: results from representative surveys in 2016 and 2018

The 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination (Confidence, Complacency, Constraints, Calculation, and Collective Responsibility) facilitate understanding vaccination decisions in specific target groups as we...

School-aged children’s movement behaviours and subjective health complaints in Japan: a cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures and after school reopenings

Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children’s movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social restrictions on subjective health compla...

Medication adherence and costs of medical care among patients with Parkinson’s disease: an observational study using electronic medical records

Adherence to antiparkinsonian drugs (APDs) is critical for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), for which medication is the main therapeutic strategy. Previous studies have focused on specific disorders in ...

Patterns of sedentary behavior among older women with urinary incontinence and urinary symptoms: a scoping review

Independent of physical activity, sedentary behavior has emerged as a significant risk factor for health. Particularly, older adults spent as high as 13 h daily on sedentary activities, which account for 98% o...

Definition and characteristics of climate-adaptive cities: a systematic review

Cities, as frontline responders to climate change, necessitate a precise understanding of climate-adaptive features. This systematic review aims to define and outline the characteristics of climate-adaptive ci...

Long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and body weight: results of representative cross-sectional surveys in adults in Germany

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people’s daily lives and health. Few studies have looked into the persistence of these changes. In the current study, we investigated to what extent changes in lifestyle...

A qualitative study of the barriers to commissioning social and therapeutic horticulture in mental health care

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) is a process where trained practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual’s physical and psychological health, communication and thinking skills. E...

Secondary analyses of sex differences in attention improvements across three clinical trials of a digital therapeutic in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in girls. Inattentive symptoms, often predominant in girls with ADHD, represent a key driver of impairment and often pers...

Myopia information on TikTok: analysis factors that impact video quality and audience engagement

TikTok is emerging as a vital platform for health information dissemination. Despite myopia being a global public health issue, the high-quality myopia information shared by health educators often fails to go ...

Social media heterogeneity and preventive behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: a survey on online shopping

Residents’ adoption of preventive behaviours proved beneficial in preventing the large-scale transmission of the virus during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is critical to investigate how social...

Association between multiple-heavy-metal exposures and systemic immune inflammation in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese general population

Exposure to heavy metals alone or in combination can promote systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between multiple plasma heavy metals and markers of systemic ...

Understanding facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in the Zimbabwean population: a qualitative analysis

Vaccines are effective biological interventions that reduce health burdens. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were concerns about varying levels of COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the Zimbabwean po...

Important information

Editorial board

For authors

For editorial board members

For reviewers

• Manuscript editing services

Annual Journal Metrics

2022 Citation Impact 4.5 - 2-year Impact Factor 4.7 - 5-year Impact Factor 1.661 - SNIP (Source Normalized Impact per Paper) 1.307 - SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

2023 Speed 32 days submission to first editorial decision for all manuscripts (Median) 173 days submission to accept (Median)

2023 Usage  24,332,405 downloads 24,308 Altmetric mentions 

• More about our metrics

Peer-review Terminology

The following summary describes the peer review process for this journal:

Identity transparency: Single anonymized

Reviewer interacts with: Editor

Review information published: Review reports. Reviewer Identities reviewer opt in. Author/reviewer communication

More information is available here

• Follow us on Twitter

BMC Public Health

ISSN: 1471-2458

• Submission enquiries: [email protected]
• General enquiries: [email protected]

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

• Virtual Tour
• Staff Directory
• En Español

You are here

Nih research matters.

December 22, 2021

2021 Research Highlights — Promising Medical Findings

Results with potential for enhancing human health.

With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Groundbreaking NIH-funded research often receives top scientific honors. In 2021, these honors included Nobel Prizes to five NIH-supported scientists . Here’s just a small sample of the NIH-supported research accomplishments in 2021.

Printer-friendly version of full 2021 NIH Research Highlights

20210615-covid.jpg

Advancing COVID-19 treatment and prevention

Amid the sustained pandemic, researchers continued to develop new drugs and vaccines for COVID-19. They found oral drugs that could  inhibit virus replication in hamsters and shut down a key enzyme that the virus needs to replicate. Both drugs are currently in clinical trials. Another drug effectively treated both SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, another serious respiratory virus, in animals. Other researchers used an airway-on-a-chip to screen approved drugs for use against COVID-19. These studies identified oral drugs that could be administered outside of clinical settings. Such drugs could become powerful tools for fighting the ongoing pandemic. Also in development are an intranasal vaccine , which could help prevent virus transmission, and vaccines that can protect against a range of coronaviruses .

202211214-alz.jpg

Developments in Alzheimer’s disease research

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s is an abnormal buildup of amyloid-beta protein. A study in mice suggests that antibody therapies targeting amyloid-beta protein could be more effective after enhancing the brain’s waste drainage system . In another study, irisin, an exercise-induced hormone, was found to improve cognitive performance in mice . New approaches also found two approved drugs (described below) with promise for treating AD. These findings point to potential strategies for treating Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile, researchers found that people who slept six hours or less per night in their 50s and 60s were more likely to develop dementia later in life, suggesting that inadequate sleep duration could increase dementia risk.

20211109-retinal.jpg

New uses for old drugs

Developing new drugs can be costly, and the odds of success can be slim. So, some researchers have turned to repurposing drugs that are already approved for other conditions. Scientists found that two FDA-approved drugs were associated with lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease. One is used for high blood pressure and swelling. The other is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Meanwhile, the antidepressant fluoxetine was associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. Clinical trials will be needed to confirm these drugs’ effects.

20210713-heart.jpg

Making a wireless, biodegradable pacemaker

Pacemakers are a vital part of medical care for many people with heart rhythm disorders. Temporary pacemakers currently use wires connected to a power source outside the body. Researchers developed a temporary pacemaker that is powered wirelessly. It also breaks down harmlessly in the body after use. Studies showed that the device can generate enough power to pace a human heart without causing damage or inflammation.

20210330-crohns.jpg

Fungi may impair wound healing in Crohn’s disease

Inflammatory bowel disease develops when immune cells in the gut overreact to a perceived threat to the body. It’s thought that the microbiome plays a role in this process. Researchers found that a fungus called  Debaryomyces hansenii  impaired gut wound healing in mice and was also found in damaged gut tissue in people with Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Blocking this microbe might encourage tissue repair in Crohn’s disease.

20210406-flu.jpg

Nanoparticle-based flu vaccine

Influenza, or flu, kills an estimated 290,000-650,000 people each year worldwide. The flu virus changes, or mutates, quickly. A single vaccine that conferred protection against a wide variety of strains would provide a major boost to global health. Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based vaccine that protected against a broad range of flu virus strains in animals. The vaccine may prevent flu more effectively than current seasonal vaccines. Researchers are planning a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the vaccine in people.

20211002-lyme.jpg

A targeted antibiotic for treating Lyme disease

Lyme disease cases are becoming more frequent and widespread. Current treatment entails the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. But these drugs can damage the patient’s gut microbiome and select for resistance in non-target bacteria. Researchers found that a neglected antibiotic called hygromycin A selectively kills the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The antibiotic was able to treat Lyme disease in mice without disrupting the microbiome and could make an attractive therapeutic candidate.

20211102-back.jpg

Retraining the brain to treat chronic pain

More than 25 million people in the U.S. live with chronic pain. After a treatment called pain reprocessing therapy, two-thirds of people with mild or moderate chronic back pain for which no physical cause could be found were mostly or completely pain-free. The findings suggest that people can learn to reduce the brain activity causing some types of chronic pain that occur in the absence of injury or persist after healing.

2021 Research Highlights — Basic Research Insights >>

Connect with Us

• More Social Media from NIH

151+ Public Health Research Topics [Updated 2024]

The important area of public health research is essential to forming laws, influencing medical procedures, and eventually enhancing community well-being. As we delve into the vast landscape of public health research topics, it’s essential to understand the profound impact they have on society.

This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide to selecting and understanding the diverse array of public health research topics.

Overview of Public Health Research Topics

Table of Contents

Public health research encompasses a wide range of subjects, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field. From epidemiology and health policy to environmental health and infectious diseases, researchers navigate through various dimensions to address complex health challenges.

Each category holds its own significance, contributing to the overall understanding of public health dynamics.

Key Considerations in Selecting Public Health Research Topics

• Current Relevance: Assess the timeliness of potential topics by considering recent health trends, emerging issues, and societal concerns.
• Impact on Public Health: Evaluate the potential impact of the research on improving health outcomes, addressing disparities, or influencing policy and interventions.
• Feasibility and Resources: Gauge the practicality of conducting research on a particular topic, considering available resources, data accessibility, and research infrastructure.
• Ethical Considerations: Scrutinize the ethical implications of the research, ensuring it aligns with ethical standards and guidelines, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations or sensitive topics.

Top 151+ Public Health Research Topics

Epidemiology.

• The Impact of Social Determinants on Disease Outcomes
• Patterns and Trends in Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Investigating Health Disparities among Different Ethnic Groups
• Childhood Obesity and its Long-Term Health Consequences
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Contact Tracing in Disease Control

Health Policy

• Universal Healthcare: Comparative Analysis of Global Models
• The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Healthcare Access
• Evaluating Mental Health Policies and Their Impact on Communities
• Assessing the Impact of Affordable Care Act on Public Health
• Vaccine Policies and Public Perception: A Comprehensive Study

Environmental Health

• Climate Change and Health: Adapting to the Challenges
• Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Urban Environments
• Waterborne Diseases and Strategies for Safe Water Supply
• Occupational Health Hazards: A Comprehensive Workplace Analysis
• The Impact of Green Spaces on Mental Health in Urban Areas

Infectious Diseases

• Antimicrobial Resistance: Strategies for Mitigation
• Vaccination Strategies and Herd Immunity
• Global Health Security: Preparedness for Pandemics
• The Impact of Vector-Borne Diseases on Public Health
• Emerging Trends in Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Chronic Diseases

• Lifestyle Interventions for Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
• Genetic Factors in the Development of Cancer: A Comprehensive Study
• Aging and Health: Addressing the Healthcare Needs of the Elderly
• Diabetes Prevention Programs: Efficacy and Implementation
• Mental Health in Chronic Disease Patients: Bridging the Gap

Maternal and Child Health

• Maternal Mortality: Understanding Causes and Prevention
• The Impact of Breastfeeding on Infant Health and Development
• Childhood Immunization: Barriers and Strategies for Improvement
• Teenage Pregnancy and Its Long-Term Health Consequences
• Mental Health Support for Postpartum Women: Current Gaps and Solutions

Health Behavior and Promotion

• Smoking Cessation Programs: Effectiveness and Challenges
• Physical Activity Promotion in Schools: Strategies for Success
• Nutrition Education and Its Impact on Healthy Eating Habits
• Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Assessing Public Perceptions
• The Role of Social Media in Health Promotion

Global Health

• Assessing the Impact of International Aid on Global Health
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programs in Developing Countries
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Global Health
• Communicable Disease Control in Refugee Populations
• Global Access to Essential Medicines: Challenges and Solutions

Community Health

• Community-Based Participatory Research: Best Practices and Challenges
• The Impact of Community Health Workers on Health Outcomes
• Health Literacy and its Relationship to Health Disparities
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions
• Community Resilience in the Face of Public Health Crises

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

• Hospital-Acquired Infections: Strategies for Prevention
• Patient Safety Culture in Healthcare Organizations
• Quality Improvement Initiatives in Primary Care Settings
• Healthcare Accreditation: Impact on Patient Outcomes
• Implementing Electronic Health Records: Challenges and Benefits

Mental Health

• Stigma Reduction Programs for Mental Health Disorders
• Integrating Mental Health into Primary Care Settings
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: Long-Term Implications
• Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for Employee Well-being
• Suicide Prevention Programs: Effectiveness and Outreach

Health Disparities

• Racial Disparities in Healthcare: Addressing Systemic Inequities
• LGBTQ+ Health Disparities and Inclusive Healthcare Practices
• Socioeconomic Status and Access to Healthcare Services
• Geographical Disparities in Health: Rural vs. Urban
• The Impact of Gender on Health Outcomes and Access to Care

Public Health Education

• Evaluation of Public Health Education Programs
• Innovative Approaches to Teaching Public Health Concepts
• Online Health Education Platforms: Opportunities and Challenges
• Interdisciplinary Training in Public Health: Bridging Gaps
• Continuing Education for Public Health Professionals: Current Landscape

Digital Health

• The Role of Wearable Devices in Health Monitoring
• Telehealth Adoption: Barriers and Opportunities
• Health Apps for Chronic Disease Management: User Perspectives
• Blockchain Technology in Healthcare: Privacy and Security Implications
• Artificial Intelligence in Disease Diagnosis and Prediction

Health Economics

• Cost-Effectiveness of Preventive Health Interventions
• The Impact of Healthcare Financing Models on Access to Care
• Pharmaceutical Pricing and Access to Essential Medicines
• Economic Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs
• Health Insurance Coverage and Health Outcomes: A Global Perspective

Innovations in Public Health

• 3D Printing in Healthcare: Applications and Future Prospects
• Gene Editing Technologies and their Ethical Implications
• Smart Cities and Public Health: Integrating Technology for Well-being
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: Potential for Disease Treatment
• The Role of Drones in Public Health: Surveillance and Intervention

Food Safety and Nutrition

• Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: Investigating Causes and Prevention
• Sustainable Food Systems: Implications for Public Health
• Nutritional Interventions for Malnutrition in Developing Countries
• Food Labeling and Consumer Understanding: A Critical Review
• The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Public Health

Substance Abuse

• Opioid Epidemic: Strategies for Prevention and Treatment
• Harm Reduction Approaches in Substance Abuse Programs
• Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Public Health Outcomes
• Smoking and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
• Novel Psychoactive Substances: Emerging Threats and Strategies

Occupational Health

• Workplace Stress and Mental Health: Intervention Strategies
• Occupational Hazards in Healthcare Professions: A Comparative Analysis
• Ergonomics in the Workplace: Improving Worker Health and Productivity
• Night Shift Work and Health Consequences: Addressing Challenges
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: A Global Overview

Disaster Preparedness and Response

• Pandemic Preparedness and Lessons from COVID-19
• Natural Disasters and Mental Health: Post-Traumatic Stress
• Emergency Response Systems: Improving Timeliness and Efficiency
• Communicating Health Risks During Emergencies: Public Perception
• Collaborative Approaches to Disaster Response in Global Health

Cancer Research

• Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Current Advancements
• Cancer Screening Programs: Efficacy and Challenges
• Environmental Factors and Cancer Risk: Exploring Connections
• Survivorship Care Plans: Enhancing Quality of Life after Cancer
• Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: Complementary Approaches

Sexual and Reproductive Health

• Access to Contraception in Developing Countries: Challenges and Solutions
• Comprehensive Sex Education Programs: Impact on Teen Pregnancy
• Reproductive Health Rights: Global Perspectives and Challenges
• Infertility Treatment: Ethical Considerations and Societal Impact
• Maternal and Child Health in Conflict Zones: Addressing Challenges

Cardiovascular Health

• Hypertension Prevention Programs: Strategies and Effectiveness
• Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Gender-Specific Risk Factors
• Innovations in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
• Artificial Heart Technology: Advancements and Ethical Implications
• Impact of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Health: A Global Concern

Social Determinants of Health

• Educational Attainment and Health Outcomes: Exploring Links
• Income Inequality and its Impact on Population Health
• Social Support Networks and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Study
• Neighborhood Environments and Health Disparities
• Employment and Health: The Interplay of Work and Well-being

Genomics and Public Health

• Population Genomics and its Implications for Public Health
• Genetic Counseling and Education: Empowering Individuals and Families
• Ethical Issues in Genetic Research: Privacy and Informed Consent
• Pharmacogenomics: Tailoring Drug Therapies to Individual Genotypes
• Gene-Environment Interactions in Disease Risk: Unraveling Complexities

Public Health Ethics

• Informed Consent in Public Health Research: Current Practices
• Ethical Challenges in Global Health Research: Balancing Priorities
• Confidentiality in Public Health Reporting: Striking the Right Balance
• Research with Vulnerable Populations: Ethical Considerations
• Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies in Healthcare

Health Communication

• The Role of Media in Shaping Public Health Perceptions
• Health Literacy Interventions: Improving Understanding of Health Information
• Social Media Campaigns for Public Health Promotion: Best Practices
• Tailoring Health Messages for Diverse Audiences: Cultural Competency
• Risk Communication in Public Health Emergencies: Lessons Learned

Nutrigenomics

• Personalized Nutrition Plans based on Genetic Makeup
• Impact of Nutrigenomics on Chronic Disease Prevention
• Ethical Considerations in Nutrigenomics Research
• Public Perceptions of Nutrigenomic Testing: A Qualitative Study
• Integrating Nutrigenomics into Public Health Policies

Public Health and Artificial Intelligence

• Predictive Analytics in Disease Surveillance: Harnessing AI for Early Detection
• Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Health Decision Support Systems
• Machine Learning in Epidemiology: Predicting Disease Outbreaks
• Natural Language Processing in Public Health: Text Mining for Insights
• Bias in AI Algorithms: Implications for Health Equity

Health Disparities in Aging

• Geriatric Health Disparities: Bridging the Gap in Elderly Care
• Ageism in Healthcare: Addressing Stereotypes and Discrimination
• Social Isolation and Health Consequences in Aging Populations
• Access to Palliative Care for Older Adults: A Global Perspective
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Ethnic Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment
• Loneliness and Mental Health in the Elderly: Interventions and Support

Research Methodologies in Public Health

Public health research employs various methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Each method brings its own strengths to the research process, allowing researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues they investigate. 

Community-based participatory research is another valuable approach, emphasizing collaboration with communities to address their specific health concerns.

Challenges and Opportunities in Public Health Research

While public health research is immensely rewarding, it comes with its own set of challenges. Funding constraints, ethical dilemmas, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of technology pose both obstacles and opportunities. 

Researchers must navigate these challenges to ensure their work has a meaningful impact on public health.

In conclusion, public health research topics are diverse and dynamic, reflecting the complex nature of the field. As researchers embark on their journeys, they must carefully consider the relevance, impact, and ethical implications of their chosen topics. 

The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of public health research positions it as a powerful tool in addressing the health challenges of our time. By exploring the depths of these topics, researchers contribute to the collective effort to build healthier and more equitable communities. 

As we move forward, a continued exploration of relevant public health research topics is essential for shaping the future of healthcare and improving the well-being of populations worldwide.

Related Posts

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

• Annual Meeting

• Generation Public Health
• Public Health Thank You Day
• Who is public health?
• Climate, Health and Equity
• Racial Equity
• Environmental Health
• Gun Violence
• Health Equity
• All Topics and Issues
• Advocacy for Public Health
• Policy Statements
• American Journal of Public Health
• The Nation's Health
• Fact Sheets
• Reports and Issue Briefs
• Advertising
• Public Health Buyers Guide
• Publications Contacts
• Continuing Education
• Public Health CareerMart
• Internships & Fellowships
• Careers at APHA
• Policy Action Institute
• National Public Health Week
• APHA Calendar
• News Releases
• Social Media
• Brand Guidelines
• Member Sections
• Student Assembly
• Member Perks
• Membership Rates
• Agency Membership
• School-Sponsored Student Membership
• Special Member Savings
• Early-Career Professionals
• Gift Membership
• APHA Your Way
• Member Directory
• Topics & Issues

Stay informed and help spread facts, not rumors (photo courtesy CDC on Unsplash)

Learn more about the health impacts of climate change.

We must address injustices caused by racism.

APHA champions efforts to help Americans live tobacco-free lives.

APHA works to improve access to care, bring about health equity and support public health infrastructure. Public health is a broad field. We focus on the most important problems and solutions of our time. Check back often to see what topics and issues we're working on.

• What is public health
• Topics and Issues
• Policies and Advocacy
• Publications
• Professional Development
• Events and Meetings
• News and Media
• APHA Communities
• Privacy Policy

2024 © American Public Health Association

• How It Works
• PhD thesis writing
• Master thesis writing
• Bachelor thesis writing
• Dissertation writing service
• Dissertation abstract writing
• Thesis proposal writing
• Thesis editing service
• Thesis proofreading service
• Thesis formatting service
• Coursework writing service
• Research paper writing service
• Architecture thesis writing
• Computer science thesis writing
• Engineering thesis writing
• History thesis writing
• MBA thesis writing
• Nursing dissertation writing
• Psychology dissertation writing
• Sociology thesis writing
• Statistics dissertation writing
• Buy dissertation online
• Write my dissertation
• Cheap thesis
• Cheap dissertation
• Custom dissertation
• Dissertation help
• Pay for thesis
• Pay for dissertation
• Senior thesis
• Write my thesis

226 Hot Public Health Thesis Topics For Top Grades

Are you stuck trying to get the best current public health research topics for thesis and writing it? If yes, know you are not alone. A lot of students find the tasks challenging, but we are here to help. Keep reading our informative guide that demonstrates how to prepare an engaging public health paper.

We will also highlight hot 226 health policy topics for paper and other public health ideas for dissertation that you can use for top grades. Why settle for less when we can help you select the best college or university papers?

What Is Public Health?

Before looking at the top public health statistics undergraduate thesis topics or other public health research ideas, let’s start with the definition. So, what is public health?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), public health is “the art and science of preventing diseases, helping to prolong life and promote health using organized efforts. Good examples of public health efforts include preventing outbreaks, educating the public on health choices, promoting fitness, preparing for emergencies, and avoiding the spread of infectious diseases. Public health

How To Write A Great Public Health Dissertation

If you are a graduate or masters student, one of the most comprehensive documents that you need to prepare is the dissertation. It is an expansive paper and comes at the end of your course. Remember that you need to ensure it is prepared well because a team of professors will ultimately evaluate it. So, here are the main steps that you need to follow to prepare a high quality dissertation:

Identify the topic of study Comprehensively research the topic and identify the main points to support it Develop the thesis statement for the dissertation (this thesis will ultimately be tested after gathering your data) Develop an outline for the dissertation. This guide should tell you what to write at what specific instance. Here is a sample outline: Topic of the study Introduction. Start with the thesis statement, followed by the objectives of the study. Then, the rest of the introduction should be used to set the background for the study. Literature review: Review relevant resources about the topic. Methodology: Explain the methodology that was used during the study. Is Results and analysis: Provide the results gathered during the study. Discussion and conclusion: Here, you should discuss the study results and demonstrate whether they approve or disapprove the thesis statement. If you found any gaps in the previous studies, highlight them too and call for further studies. Bibliography: This is a list of all the resources you used to prepare the paper. Write the first draft following the outline we have just listed above. Write the final copy by refining the first draft, proofreading, and editing it.

Awesome Public Health Thesis Topics

Here are the leading thesis topics in public health for top grades. You can use them as they are or tweak a little to suit your preference.

Public Health Thesis Topics In Mental Issues

• What is the role of public health in addressing mental issues in society?
• Seasonal affective disorder: A review of the disorder’s prevalence rates.
• Society should always listen to the needs of mentally ill persons.
• Eating disorders in adults: A review of the treatment strategies used for adults in the UK.
• What is the relation between climate change and emerging public health issues?
• Comparing depression prevalence rates in the UK to those of the US.
• What are the main causes of anxiety disorders in society?
• A review of the connection between HIV/AIDS and mental health issues in society.
• Running a public health facility: What is the most important equipment?
• Emerging public health issues in developing countries.
• Analyzing the psychological problems of breast cancer.
• What strategies should people use to prevent their mental health from social media dangers?
• A review of the public health benefits associated with active lifestyles.
• Stress: Why is it a major risk factor for mental health in many communities?
• What are the most common mental health issues in society today?
• Comparing the rates of depression and stress in China and the UK.
• Addressing anxiety-related disorders: Is cognitive-behavior therapy the best treatment method?
• A review of the economic burden of living with a person suffering from anxiety disorders.
• How does depression impact the quality of life?
• Comparing training of public health officers in the US to India.

Unique Research Topics In Public Health

• Surrogacy: A review of associated ethical issues.
• Prevalence of medical errors in hospitals: A review of the policies used to prevent the problem in the United States.
• Blood transfusion: What are the side effects?
• A review of doctors’ roles in promoting healthy lifestyles.
• Maintaining healthy body weight: Comparing the effectiveness of the recommended methods.
• A review of organ donation trends in Europe and Asia.
• Analyzing the ethical factors around cloning: When should it be allowed?
• The ethics of human experimentation.
• Comparing the rates of heart attacks in women to men in the United States.
• What are the main causes of heart attacks? Can it be prevented?
• Progress in diabetes studies and treatment: Is it possible to get a cure in the future?
• Biological weapons and their impacts on society: A review of the Leukemia rates in Japan.
• Pre-diabetes in children: What are the main symptoms, and how can it be addressed?

Public Health Paper Topics On COVID-19

• How will COVID-19 change life?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-isolation?
• Life lessons that you learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• What challenges has your community faced during COVID-19 pandemic?
• School life during COVID-19 pandemic.
• A review of mass media operations during pandemic.
• What projects did you undertake during the pandemic?
• A review of projects that your community undertook during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A closer look at the backlash against Asians in Europe at the start COVID-19 pandemic period.
• Preparing for the next pandemic: What lessons did the world learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?
• The best strategies for staying healthy during a pandemic.
• Is there anything that we could have done to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Comparing the effectiveness of Europe and American healthcare preparedness for tackling disasters.
• A review of mental health status in a community of your choice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A review of COVID-19 emergence theories: Which one do you think is more credible?
• Comparing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to Ebola.
• Vaccines development for viral infections: What made the development of the COVID-19 vaccine possible so fast, whereas that of HIV/AIDS has taken so long?
• A review of the vaccine development process.
• Time for review: How effectively do you think your government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Rethinking public health on a global scale: Demonstrating why effective healthcare is only possible when looked at globally.

Interesting Public Health Research Topic Ideas

• What is the importance of learning public health in school?
• Identify and review a common public health issue in your community.
• The history of human health: Comparing what was considered healthy in ancient times to what is referred to as healthy today.
• Going vegan: How can it impact your health?
• Excessive weight: Is it the new threat to human civilization?
• Is bodybuilding healthy?
• Body positive: Is it a new health standard or ignorance of body issues?
• Things to consider when selecting healthy food to eat.
• Why psychological health should be part of every community in society.
• The health of newborns: What is the difference between their healthcare and that of adults?
• Emerging trends in the healthcare industry: How can the latest trends benefit society?
• Comparing depression and anxiety in two countries of your choice.
• Physical wellness must include healthy behavioral patterns and nutrition.
• A sense of belonging is paramount to personal and community health.
• What is the relationship between spirituality and public health?
• A review of stigmatization of mental health issues in a community of your choice.
• Is it possible to prevent depression?
• At what point should children start learning sex-related education?
• Comparing the two main public health issues in two cities: London and New York.
• What is the relationship between poverty and public health?

Hot Researchable Topics In Public Health

• The resurgence of measles in society: The best guidance for clinicians.
• Tackling the growing national drug problem.
• Bioterrorism preparedness for global disasters.
• A review of recent vitamin D recommendations for older adults.
• Strategies for maintaining maternal mortality at low levels across the globe.
• Efforts by Asian governments to reduce infections from using unsafe water.
• Over-the-counter drug abuse in Europe: Compare two countries of your choice.
• Health care providers’ roles in preventing bullying in society.
• Knowledge management in the UK healthcare organizations.
• The health benefits of good healthcare waste management.
• Characteristics of dental wastes in hospitals.
• Comparing the most prevalent public health issues in developed and developing nations.
• Latest trends in financing public health.
• The relevance of clinical epidemiology in public health.
• Evidence based public health.
• Epidemiological burden of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
• Addressing cervical cancer in developing countries: Is it possible to eliminate it completely?
• Ethics in public health clinical research.
• Comparing the strategies used in teaching and motivating public health professionals in developing and developed countries.

Research Topics In Public Health For Masters

• Advertising and impacts on food choices in the community.
• The use of stem cell technologies for cancer treatment: What are the latest trends?
• Bio-printing: Is it the future of organ transplants?
• Nutrition education: How does it promote healthy diets?
• Exercising: What role does it play in promoting strength and balance in the elderly?
• Weight loss surgery: What are the key advantages and disadvantages?
• Heart disease is a major public health issue in society.
• Alternative strategies for treating depression in society: Are they effective?
• Healthcare leadership and its importance in public health.
• Legal aspects of public health care in the society.
• Mental disabilities in patients: A review of the emerging trends in the UK.
• How does the United States promote the development of public health?
• Inequalities in medicine: What impact does it have in public health?
• The most controversial issues in public health in the UK.
• What are the most preferred storage systems for medical supplies in the UK public health facilities?
• Reimagining the public health systems on the globe: Where do you see the UK health system in the next 20 years?

Top Thesis Topics In Dental Public Health

• Common oral health issues in Ireland.
• A review of common problems of endodontically treated teeth.
• The role of good leadership skills in dental education.
• Child management techniques between male and female practitioners.
• What role does ergonomics play in dentistry?
• Dental material and bio-engineering: What are the latest trends?
• A review of the relationship between diabetes and oral health in the society.
• The role of electronic health care record systems used in public health.
• Comparing dental health issues in the developing and developed countries.
• A review of public awareness of dental health issues in a community of choice.
• How can you ensure that all the food you buy is safe and healthy?
• What strategies are used by your local health community to promote dental awareness?
• Dental health management in California: What do you think should be done differently?
• Are you satisfied with the strategies used to address dental issues?

Hot Thesis Topics Public Health

• Mandatory overtime work for medical staff: How does it impact their commitment to their job?
• Nursing shortage and its impact in public health.
• Strategies for improving public health in the EU.
• Mental health issues among asylum seekers in the United States.
• Common mental issues among veterans returning from war: A case study of the United States.
• What functions does management play in healthcare settings when handling key public health issues?
• How poor relationships between nurses and doctors can impact public health services delivery.
• Third-party players in public health and their roles.
• Financial reporting standards in public health facilities.
• What is the correlation between revenue collection in society and the quality of patient services?
• Reviewing the coordination of public health officials during disasters.
• The importance of staff training on quality of health services.
• Comparing the differences between alternative medicine and conventional medicine in addressing public health issues in society.
• Obesity: What are the main causes in child-going age?
• A review of health consequences of caffeine.
• Medical marijuana: What are the main pros and cons?
• A review of the US Farm Bill Amendments that legalized use of cannabis in the US.
• Doing sports: Is it always healthy?
• Low-fat or low-carb diet: Which one is better in addressing overweight and diabetes issues?
• Preventing communicable diseases: Evaluating the prevention strategies used in Asia.
• What is the estimated cost of treating heart problems?

Controversial Public Health Dissertation Topics

• Smoking and impacts of current efforts to address cancer in the society.
• A review of the main causes of heart attacks in society today.
• Tobacco ads: Evaluating their impacts and the relationship to the current cancer trends in the society.
• Sleep disorders: Explain why they should be considered a public health issue.
• Staffing shortage and the impacts in fighting COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.
• Analyzing risk management of treating different diseases in the community.
• COVID-19 pandemic in numbers: Comparing the infection rates in the developed and developing countries.
• Reviewing strategies used in the US public health system to achieve equity: How effective are they?
• Analyzing the main challenges in the UK medical care system.
• Rising cases of suicides in the society: What are the main causes?
• A comprehensive review of strategies used to prevent suicides in the 21st century in the US.
• Use of vaccines to prevent diseases: Do adults still need the vaccines?
• Heat-related deaths: What strategies should be adopted?
• Chronic-diseases prevention: Comparing the strategies used in developing and developed countries.
• Are we becoming too dependent on antibiotics in fighting diseases?
• Opioid crisis: Are the doctors to blame for it?
• Use of blockchain in growing accuracy of clinical trials in medicine.
• What dangers are posed by nuclear wastes in society?
• Assessing US industrial facilities compliance rates to cut down emissions.
• Using clean energy as a strategy of improving public health: What are the expectations?
• What is the healthiest country?
• Evaluating the correlation between gaming and deviant behavior among children in society.
• COVID-19 could have been prevented if WHO was more vigilant?

Public Health Research Questions

• Is the high cost of medical healthcare in the United States justified?
• What is the correlation between poverty and poor health in society?
• Should health care for homeless people be free?
• Unconventional medicine: Should it be part of the UK healthcare system?
• Should doctors be responsible for medical errors?
• Should medical officers or health facilities be allowed to promote selective medical products?
• Should all healthcare facilities in the UK be required to have translators for non-English speaking clients?
• Mental health issues associated with domestic violence: A case study of France.
• Is it a good idea to legalize euthanasia?
• What are the benefits of using surgical masks in public?
• What are the most important lessons from the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic reported on the globe?
• Who is more responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Ebola or COVID-19 pandemic: Which is worse?
• What are the main causes of epidemics on the globe?
• Public health planning: What are the most important things to think about?
• Should governments pay the cost of rehabilitating drug addicts in society?
• Teaching children healthy lifestyles: What are the best strategies?
• What problems do people with autism face in society?
• What are the leading causes of child mortality in your community?
• Gun violence in the United States: Should it be considered a public health issue?
• What illnesses are considered foodborne?

Easy Topics In Public Health

• All workplaces should support breastfeeding.
• What are the best strategies to reduce pollution in society?
• Public health benefits of recycling waste in society.
• Reviewing the causes of poor water quality in the developing world.
• Comparing water quality standards policies in the UK and US.
• Health impacts of the rapid depletion of o-zone depletion.
• Better planning of infrastructural development is important for healthier societies: Discuss.
• The US is better prepared to handle pandemics that might arise after the COVID-19 pandemic. Discuss.
• A review of common diseases spread by vectors.
• A review of key policies installed to protect employee health.
• Legal age for consuming energy drinks should be set by the government to address the problem of diabetes.
• Smoking: Should it be banned in public?
• What are the best strategies for raising awareness in public?
• Can reducing the workload of employees in manufacturing facilities improve their health?
• Sunbathing should be restricted to prevent the risk of cancer: Discuss.
• Should abortion be banned in society?
• School-related stress: How can it be prevented?
• Should birth control be made available and free for all teenagers?
• What should be categorized as a bad health habit?
• Compare and contrast two common treatment methods for treating behavioral disorders.
• Internet addiction: What are the main dangers of internet addiction?

Other Public Health Topics For Research

• How to stay healthy and safe during a pandemic.
• Using a bicycle instead of driving is healthier.
• Common mental disorders in India.
• What is the biggest health issue among young people?
• The impact of exercising in teenagers.
• Why do teenagers experiment with drugs?
• What impact does dispositional violence have on mental disorders?
• Is telemedicine helpful in promoting better healthcare?
• Unproven alternative medicine: What are the associated risks?
• What alternatives do we have for antibiotics?
• What is the difference between private and public healthcare?
• A review of the main health issues associated with puberty.
• What is the most dangerous disease of the 21st century?
• Why are some people still afraid of vaccines?
• Experimental treatment: Why do people agree to undergo it?
• How can we improve the health of people living with chronic illnesses?
• The best strategies to make people aware of the basics of healthcare.
• A review of the growing awareness about reproductive health in the society.

Seek Thesis Help from Experts

As we indicated earlier, writing a dissertation or other advanced papers is never easy. However, you should not give up or get content with poor quality work. If you do, defending the paper in front of a team of professors will be challenging. The best way out is to pay master thesis help .

We work with the best writers who are always ready to help you craft A-rated papers. They are educated in top schools and have a lot of experience in preparing both undergraduate papers and masters thesis. When you buy medical thesis , we also offer editing and proofreading services to guarantee students of highly refined work. Our services are also affordable and we also use secure communication to guarantee every student high confidentiality. When your teacher issues the assignment prompt, whether for a research paper or dissertation, let our professionals help you to get the best grades.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework
• Australian Mesothelioma Registry
• GEN Aged Care Data
• Housing data
• Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Clearinghouse
• Metadata Online Registry (METEOR)
• Regional Insights for Indigenous Communities
• Help & tools
• Increase text size
• Decrease text size

Social isolation and loneliness Print this page

• Stress and trauma 14 Feb 2024
• Physical health of people with mental illness 14 Feb 2024
• Prevalence and impact of mental illness

On this page:

Who experiences social isolation and loneliness?

Preventing and reducing social isolation and loneliness, where can i go for more information.

Loneliness and social isolation were concerns before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but have been exacerbated in the subsequent years.

In 2022, males aged 15–24 tended to experience more social isolation and loneliness than females.

Social isolation and loneliness are among the many factors that can be detrimental to a person’s wellbeing.

Social isolation and loneliness can harm both mental and physical health and may affect life satisfaction. They are concerning issues in Australia due to the impact they have on peoples’ lives and wellbeing.

Loneliness has been linked to premature death, poor physical and mental health (Holt-Lunstad et al. 2015), greater psychological distress (Manera et al. 2022) and general dissatisfaction with life (Schumaker et al. 1993). Loneliness among Australians was already a concerning issue before the COVID-19 pandemic, to the extent that in 2022 it has been described as one of the most pressing public health priorities in Australia (Ending Loneliness Together 2022).

Social isolation has been linked to mental illness, emotional distress, suicide, the development of dementia, premature death and poor health behaviours (smoking, physical inactivity and poor sleep) – as well as biological effects, including high blood pressure and impaired immune function (Cacioppo et al. 2002 and Grant et al. 2009 in Holt-Lunstad et al. 2015). Social isolation is also associated with psychological distress (Manera et al. 2022) and sustained decreases in feelings of wellbeing (Shankar et al. 2015). Conversely, more frequent social contact is associated with better overall health (Botha 2022).

The difference between social isolation and loneliness

Social isolation ‘means having objectively few social relationships or roles and infrequent social contact’ (Badcock et al. 2022:7). It differs from loneliness, which is a ‘subjective unpleasant or distressing feeling of a lack of connection to other people, along with a desire for more, or more satisfying, social relationships’ (Badcock et al. 2022:7). The 2 concepts may, but do not necessarily, coexist (Badcock et al. 2022; Relationships Australia 2018) – a person may be socially isolated but not lonely, or socially connected but feel lonely.

Social isolation

In 2022, almost 1 in 7 (15%) Australians (18% of males and 12% of females) were experiencing social isolation. Compared to just before the pandemic (2019) the proportion of young people aged 15–24 experiencing social isolation increased markedly over 2020 and 2021. During the later years of the pandemic (2021 to 2022) the proportion of young females (15–24 years) experiencing social isolation decreased (23% in 2021 down to 17% in 2022), while the proportion of young males continued to increase (from 22% to 25% over this time). The 35–44 year age group was the only one for whom social isolation continued to increase from 2021 (16% in 2021 to 17% in 2022) (Figure SIL.1).

Figure SIL 1: How has social isolation changed over time?

Line graph and butterfly chart showing the per cent of males and females of various age groups experiencing social isolation, from 2001 to 2022. The proportion of males aged 15–24 experiencing social isolation from 2001 to 2019 remained relatively steady between 11% and 15%, before increasing to 19% in 2020 and continuing to increase to 22% in 2021, then dropped to 21% in 2022.    

Source: AIHW analysis of Household and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) data, waves 1–22.

In 2022, just over 1 in 6 (16%) Australians were experiencing loneliness. As of 2022, about 1 in 5 (17%) males and 1 in 6 (15%) females aged 15–24 were experiencing loneliness. An increasing number of people aged 15–24, have reported experiencing loneliness since 2012. In contrast, the frequency of people aged 65 and over reporting loneliness has been steadily declining since 2001 (Figure SIL 2).

Figure SIL 2: Per cent of people aged 15 and over experiencing loneliness, by sex and age group, 2001–2022

Line graph and butterfly chart showing the per cent of males and females of various age groups experiencing loneliness, from 2001 to 2022. In 2001, 15% of people aged 15–24 were lonely, compared to 16% in 2022. The proportion of people aged 65 and over who are lonely has decreased from 20% in 2001 to 16% in 2022. 

Australia’s available data on loneliness do not allow for reliable international comparisons. In a recent systematic review of loneliness in 113 countries led by Australian researchers, Australian data could not be compared with those of other countries due to a lack of comparable prevalence data – except for the adolescent age group (Surkalim et al. 2022). To date, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has not reported comparable data for Australia on its measures of ‘people feeling lonely’ and ‘people feeling left out of society’ (OECD 2022, 2023).

Domestic and family violence

Family, domestic and sexual violence is a major health and welfare issue in Australia, occurring across all socioeconomic and demographic groups, but predominantly affecting women and children (AIHW 2022). 

Social isolation is a well-recognised tactic of coercive control used by perpetrators to control their victims (Boxall and Morgan 2021). It ensures the victim does not hear other people’s perspectives: perpetrators control the information the victim receives, reduce their help-seeking opportunities, and control the victim’s ability to leave the abusive relationship (Stark 2007). Recent studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australians are identifying some adverse outcomes of stay-at-home orders associated with increased social isolation that put some women and children at higher risk of experiencing family violence (Morgan and Boxall 2020; Pfitzner et al. 2022). 

An online survey of 166 practitioners conducted in Victoria during the 2020 lockdowns revealed that women’s experiences of intimate partner violence worsened because of their increased social isolation, which reduced their ability to seek external help and support (Pfitzner et al. 2022). This trend was also identified in other cities and countries, with perpetrators using the social isolation provided by the stay-at-home orders to increase abusive behaviours towards victims within their homes (Piquero et al. 2021). An Australian study suggests the combination of increased social isolation and economic stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic did increase the risks of domestic and family violence for women in current cohabiting relationships (Morgan and Boxall 2020). 

For more information, refer to Family, domestic and sexual violence .       

Engaging in volunteer work and maintaining active memberships of sporting or community organisations are also associated with reduced social isolation (Flood 2005). Participating in paid work and caring for others have been proposed as safeguards against loneliness. However, it is unclear whether community engagement can consistently act as a protective factor against loneliness. For example:

• one study found that loneliness is lower in people who spend at least some time each week volunteering (Flood 2005)
• another study found no relationship between loneliness and volunteering, or between loneliness and socialising and participating in sport and community organisations (Baker 2012).

For people aged 25 to 44, being in a relationship is a greater protective factor against loneliness for men than for women (Baker 2012). Women living with others and women living alone report similar levels of loneliness, while men living alone report higher levels of loneliness than men living with others (Flood 2005).

The role of social media

Whether social media has potential benefits or negative impacts on people’s experiences of social isolation has been discussed since the advent of this medium. There is no straightforward relationship however, between social media use and experiences of social isolation and loneliness, whether positive or negative. 

Researchers have identified some positive impacts of how social media can help people feel socially connected, especially adolescents (aged 11–19) who are looking for peers online to boost their psychosocial wellbeing, discuss identity development and encourage a sense of belonging (Allen et al. 2014). Other research has showed that using social media benefited young people (aged under 21) who experienced higher levels of social anxiety by increasing their ability to socialise, reducing their feelings of social isolation (Lin et al. 2017). 

Even though adolescents can use social media to create supportive communities, research shows that the relationship between its use and loneliness can work both ways. When it is used to escape physical social interactions, feelings of loneliness were found to increase. People experiencing loneliness may benefit from external support with the use of the Internet to ensure they engage in existing friendships and learn how to develop new ones online to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation (Nowland et al. 2017). 

More research has emerged since the pandemic started that investigates the use of social media by people of all ages and their experiences of social isolation, but findings are not always positive. For example, a study of people living in Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia looked at the impact of people’s use of social media during the pandemic. The researchers found an association between emotional distress and more frequent use of social media (Geirdal et al. 2021). 

Another international study investigating current research between online social networking and mental health outcomes for people aged 50 and over found that social media enhanced communication with family and friends, provided greater independence and self-efficacy, aided in the creation of new communities online, helped to form positive associations with wellbeing and life satisfaction, and was associated with decreased depressive symptoms (Chen et al. 2021). 

As more studies are conducted through the pandemic and beyond, an understanding of how social media affects feelings of social isolation and loneliness may become clearer. 

Although social isolation and loneliness are now well-recognised public health concerns, major gaps remain in understanding what works to resolve them (Smith and Lim 2020). Due to our diverse social needs, preferences and resources, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution (Ending Loneliness Together 2022). 

Companion animals

Pets can play an integral part in people’s lives, regardless of the person’s culture, profession or age. Companion animals are one source of external support that can bring both physical and mental health benefits (Brooks et al. 2016). All types of companion animals may contribute to reducing social isolation and feelings of loneliness (Brooks et al. 2018; Kretzler et al. 2022). 

Multiple studies have found an association between pet ownership and lower experiences of social isolation, particularly for children (Christian et al. 2020; Hartwig and Signal 2020; Kretzler et al. 2022). Further, research suggests that companion animals may positively influence experiences for older people (aged 60 and over) by increasing their sense of purpose and meaning, facilitating increased social interaction, reducing loneliness and improving emotional resilience (Gan et al. 2019), as well as being potentially a protective factor against suicide (Young et al. 2020a). Owning a pet increases the opportunity for people to get to know their neighbours and for social interactions and forming friendships (Wood et al. 2015). 

Brooks and colleagues (2018) systematically reviewed 17 studies that investigated the relationship between companion animals, specifically domestic animals, and the assistance these animals provided in helping people to manage their mental health conditions. The quantitative studies produced mixed findings, with people experiencing positive, negative and neutral impacts of their companion animal on their personal mental health. 

Qualitative studies suggest, however, that people with mental health conditions may benefit from the direct support their companion animals provide. This support includes helping their owners to manage their mental health condition, reducing people’s stress and regulating emotions – particularly beneficial during times of crisis, improving people’s quality of life, providing a consistent source of comfort, and aiding social and community interactions. Companion animals were found to help mitigate feelings of social isolation and loneliness by providing physical warmth and companionship, and opportunities for non-judgemental communication for their owners. Further, they may offer a distraction or disruption when their owners experience panic attacks and other symptoms of mental illness (Brooks et al. 2018). On the other hand, negative impacts included difficulties with the daily commitment of pet ownership and the psychological stress when losing a companion pet. 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have mostly shown that the association between pet ownership, loneliness and social isolation has strengthened (Kretzler et al. 2022). One study found that cats gave people an outlet for stress through the strong bonds they had established with owners, and the affection and comfort they provided, thus acting as a buffer to the social isolation created by the lockdowns (Currin-McCulloch et al. 2021). Dogs provided people with daily reinforcement of positive behaviours such as routine, exercise and play, which all contributed to decreased feelings of social isolation (Bussolari et al. 2021). 

It is not yet clear whether this strong relationship between people and their pets at the levels seen in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic will persist in the future (Hughes et al. 2021; Young et al. 2020b). 

For more information about social isolation and loneliness, see:

• Bankwest Curtin – Stronger together: loneliness and social connectedness in Australia
• Measuring what matters
• Ending Loneliness Together

AIHW (Australia Institute of Health and Welfare) (2022) Family, domestic and sexual violence data in Australia , AIHW website, accessed 9 February 2024.

Allen KA, Ryan T, Gray DL, McInerney DM and Waters L (2014) ‘ Social media use and social connectedness in adolescents: the positives and potential pitfalls ’, The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , 31(1):18–31, doi:10.1017/edp.2014.2, accessed 9 February 2024. 

Badcock JC, Holt-Lunstad J, Garcia E, Bombaci P and Lim MH (2022) Position statements on addressing social isolation and loneliness and the power of human connection , Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, accessed 9 February 2024.

Baker D (2012) All the lonely people: loneliness in Australia, 2001–2009 , The Australia Institute, Canberra, Institute paper no. 9, accessed 9 February 2024.

Botha F (2022) ‘Social connection and social support’, in Wilkins et al., The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey: selected findings from waves 1 to 20 , Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, Melbourne.

Boxall H and Morgan A (2021) Statistical Bulletin 30 – experiences of coercive control among Australian women , Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra. 

Brooks HL, Rushton K, Lovell K, Bee P, Walker L, Grant L and Rogers A (2018) ‘ The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the evidence ’, BMC Psychiatry , 18(31), doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1613-2, accessed 9 February 2024.

Brooks H, Rushton K, Walker S, Lovell K and Roger A (2016) ‘ Ontological security and connectivity provided by pets: a study in the self-management of the everyday lives of people diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition ’, BMC Psychiatry , 16(409), doi:10.1186/s12888-016-1111-3, accessed 9 February 2024.  

Bussolari C, Currin-McCulloch J, Packman W, Kogan L and Erdman P (2021) ‘“I couldn’t have asked for a better quarantine partner!”: experiences with companion dogs during Covid-19 ’, Animals , 11(2):330, doi:10.3390/ani11020330.

Chen E, Wood D and Ysseldyk R (2021) ‘ Online social networking and mental health among older adults: a scoping review ’, Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement , 41(1):26–39, doi:10.1017/S0714980821000040.

Christian H, Mitrou F, Cunneen R and Zubrick SR (2020) ‘ Pets are associated with fewer peer problems and emotional symptoms, and better prosocial behaviour: findings from the longitudinal study of Australian children ’, The Journal of Paediatrics , 220:200–206, doi:10.1016/j.peds.2020.01.012.

Currin-McCulloch J, Bussolari C, Packman W, Kogan L and Erdman P (2021) ‘ Grounded by purrs and petting: experiences with companion cats during Covid-19 ’, Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin , doi:10.1079/hai.2021.0009.

Ending Loneliness Together (2022) Social connection to accelerate social recovery white paper , WayAhead, Sydney, accessed 9 February 2024.

Flood M (2005) Mapping loneliness in Australia , The Australia Institute, Canberra, accessed 9 February 2024.

Gan GZH, Hill A, Yeung P, Keesing S and Netto JA (2019) ‘ Pet ownership and its influence on mental health in older adults ’, Aging and Mental Health , 24(10), 1605–1612, doi:10.1080/13607863.2019.1633620, accessed 9 February 2024.

Geirdal AO, Ruffolo M, Leung J, Thygesen H, Price D, Bonsaksen T and Schoultz M (2021) ‘ Mental health, quality of life, wellbeing, loneliness and use of social media in a time of social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-country comparative study ’, Journal of Mental Health , 30(2):148–155, doi:10.1080/09638237.2021.1875413, accessed 9 February 2024.

Hartwig E and Signal T (2020) ‘ Attachment to companion animals and loneliness in Australian adolescents ’, Australian Journal of Psychology ,   72(4):337–346, doi:10.1111/ajpy.12293, accessed 9 February 2024.

Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, Harris T and Stephenson D (2015) ‘ Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review ’, Perspectives on Psychological Science ,   10(2):227–237, doi:10.1177/1745691614568352, accessed 9 February 2024.

Hughes AM, Braun L, Putnam A, Martinez D and Fine A (2021) ‘ Advancing human-animal interaction to counter social isolation and loneliness in the time of Covid-19: a model for an interdisciplinary public health consortium ’, Animals ,   11 ( 8):2325. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082325, accessed 9 February 2024.

Kretzler B, Konig H and Hajek A (2022) ‘ Pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: a systematic review ’, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ,   57 : 1935–1957, doi 10.1007/s00127-022-02332-9, accessed 9 February 2024.

Manera KE, Smith BJ, Owen KB, Phongsavan P and Lim MH (2022) ‘ Psychometric assessment of scales for measuring loneliness and social isolation: an analysis of the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey ’, Health and Quality of Life Outcomes , 20:40, doi:10.1186/s12955-022-01946-6, accessed 9 February 2024.

Morgan P and Boxall H (2020) ‘Social isolation, time spent at home, financial stress and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic’ , Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice , 609, Australian Institute of Criminology, Australian Government, Canberra.

Nowland R, Necka EA and Cacioppo J (2017) ‘ Loneliness and social Internet use: pathways to reconnection in a digital world? ’, Perspectives on Psychological Science , 13(1), doi:10.1177/1745691617713052, accessed 9 February 2024.

OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) (2022) COVID-19 and well-being: life in the pandemic – Australia , OECD website, accessed 9 February 2024.

OECD (2023) Measuring well-being and progress: well-being research , OECD website, accessed 9 February 2024.

Pfitzner N, Fitz-Gibbon K and True J (2022) ‘ When staying home isn’t safe: Australian practitioner experiences of responding to intimate partner violence during COVID-19 restrictions ’, Journal of Gender-Based Violence , 6(2):297–314, accessed 9 February 2024.

Piquero AR, Jennings WG, Jemison E, Kaukinen C and Knaul FM (2021) ‘ Domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis ’, Journal of Criminal Justice , 74,   doi:10.1016/j.crimjus.2021.101806, accessed 9 February 2024.

Relationships Australia (2018) Is Australia experiencing an epidemic of loneliness? Findings from 16 waves of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia Survey , Relationships Australia website, accessed 9 February 2024.

Schumaker JF, Shea JD, Monfries MM and Growth-Marnat G (1993) ‘Loneliness and life satisfaction in Japan and Australia’, Journal of Psychology , 127(1):65–71.

Shankar A, Rafnsson SB and Steptoe A (2015) ‘ Longitudinal associations between social connections and subjective wellbeing in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing ’, Psychology & Health , 30(6):686–698, doi:10.1080/08870446.2014.979823, accessed 9 February 2024. 

Smith B and Lim M (2020) ‘How the COVID-19 pandemic is focusing attention on loneliness and social isolation’, Public Health Research & Practice , 30(2):e3022008.

Stark E (2007) Coercive control: how men entrap women in personal life , Oxford University Press, New York.

Surkalim DL, Luo M, Eres R, Gebel K, van Buskirk J, Bauman A and Ding D (2022) ‘ The prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries: systematic review and meta-analysis ’, BMJ, 376:e067068, doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-067068, accessed 9 February 2024.

Wood L, Martin K, Christian H, Nathan A, Lauritsen C, Houghton S, Kawachi I and McCune S (2015) ‘ The pet factor – companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support ’ PLoS ONE , 10(4), doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122085, accessed 9 February 2024.

Young J, Bowen-Salter H, O’Dwyer L, Stevens K, Nottle C and Baker A (2020a) ‘ A qualitative analysis of pets as suicide protection for older people ’, Anthrozoos, 33 (2), 191–205, doi:10.1080/08927936.2020.1719759, accessed 9 February 2024.

Young J, Pritchard R, Nottle C and Banwell H (2020b) ‘Pets, touch, and COVID-19: health benefits from non-human touch through times of stress’, Journal of Behavioural Economics for Policy , 4(2), 25–33.

Data on this page cover years 2001 to 2022. This page was last updated in April 2024.

This website needs JavaScript enabled in order to work correctly; currently it looks like it is disabled. Please enable JavaScript to use this website as intended.

We'd love to know any feedback that you have about the AIHW website, its contents or reports.

Required fields

The browser you are using to browse this website is outdated and some features may not display properly or be accessible to you. Please use a more recent browser for the best user experience.

Skip to content

Read the latest news stories about Mailman faculty, research, and events. 

Departments

We integrate an innovative skills-based curriculum, research collaborations, and hands-on field experience to prepare students.

Learn more about our research centers, which focus on critical issues in public health.

Our Faculty

Meet the faculty of the Mailman School of Public Health. 

Become a Student

Life and community, how to apply.

Learn how to apply to the Mailman School of Public Health. 

Conference Facilitates Talk on Hot Topics in Health Policy and Management

From artificial intelligence to alternative medicine and quality care to communications: the annual Health Policy and Management (HPM) Healthcare Conference was a sounding board for ideas on all manner of timely issues affecting organizational leaders, policymakers, and not least, everyone at the receiving end of health care services.  The all-day event on April 12 brought together faculty, students, policymakers, and industry leaders. The event was sponsored by The Commonwealth Fund and held at Columbia University event space The Forum.

Sherry Glied, Dean of New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and former HPM chair, opened the conference with a keynote address on the future of healthcare in New York State and beyond. Glied, who chairs the New York State Commission of the Future of Healthcare, said her goal was to recommit the state to measuring success through “the health and well-being of individual people.”

A morning panel titled  Communicating Topics in Public Health Effectively  shed light on strategies to convey health information to the public despite the challenging political environment. HPM Professor Robert Shepardson moderated the panel, which included White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategic Planning and Speechwriter for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Brian Reich, and Environmental Health Sciences Professor Julie Herbstman . When asked why communications is important, Herbstman, who is director of Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health noted, “I love working with data, but the reason I’m doing public health research is so that it goes somewhere, it has some kind of impact. My job isn’t done when I publish a paper.”

Afternoon sessions covered topics including food justice, developments in alternative medicine, PEPFAR reauthorization, and a lunch salon focused on digital health. The latter discussion was led by HPM student Andera Marx, senior marketing manager at Amazon Health Services and senior product marketing manager at One Medical.

The closing panel considered the deployment of AI in healthcare and what that could mean for equitable access to services. Columbia Mailman Biostatistics Professor and Associate Dean for Data Science Jeff Goldsmith moderated the event, which included panelists Julia Iyasere, director of the Dalio Center of Health Justice; Ashley Beecy, medical director of AI Operations at NewYork-Presbyterian; and physician-strategist Rebecca Winkour.

The day concluded with a networking reception and panel for admitted students led by current master’s students. Amey Kamdar, MHA ’24, appreciated how the conference brought together providers, researchers, policymakers, and students, adding, “That made for great dialogue and broadening of horizons.” HPM Chair and Professor of Health Policy and Management Michael Sparer echoed Kamdar’s comments, saying, “This is a special day where we come together once a year and we hear great talks, but we also have an opportunity to network and be with each other.”

Refine Results By

Cbo’s recent appeals for new research on health-related topics.

Presentation by Tamara Hayford, CBO’s Deputy Director of Health Analysis, to the Members’ Roundtable of No Patient Left Behind.

This presentation provides a brief introduction to CBO and the types of research that inform its work for the Congress. It then discusses the agency’s recent appeals for new research in the area of health, focusing on two questions: how federal policies related to pricing drugs would affect innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, and how Medicare’s coverage of anti-obesity medications would affect the federal budget.

Related Publications

• Additional Information About Drug Price Negotiation and CBO’s Simulation Model of Drug Development December 21, 2023
• A Call for New Research in the Area of New Drug Development December 20, 2023
• A Call for New Research in the Area of Obesity October 5, 2023
• A Call for New Research in the Area of Health July 19, 2023
• CBO’s Model of New Drug Development January 13, 2022
• CBO's Simulation Model of New Drug Development: Working Paper 2021-09 August 26, 2021
• Offsetting Effects of Prescription Drug Use on Medicare’s Spending for Medical Services November 29, 2012

• Skip to main content
• Skip to FDA Search
• Skip to in this section menu
• Skip to footer links

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

•   Search
•   Menu
• Development & Approval Process | Drugs
• Novel Drug Approvals at FDA

Novel Drug Approvals for 2022

Advancing Health Through Innovation: New Drug Therapy Approvals 2022 (PDF - 7 MB) Text version

Helping Guide the Way for New Medicines

Innovative drugs often mean new treatment options for patients and advances in health care for the American public. When it comes the development of new drugs and therapeutic biological products, FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) provides clarity to drug developers on the necessary study design elements and other data needed in the drug application to support a full and comprehensive assessment. To do so, CDER relies on its understanding of the science used to create new products, testing and manufacturing procedures, and the diseases and conditions that new products are designed to treat. 

A Wide Range of Products

Each year, CDER approves a wide range of new drugs and biological products: 

• Some of these products have never been used in clinical practice. Below is a listing of new molecular entities and new therapeutic biological products approved by CDER and organized by calendar year. This listing does not contain vaccines, allergenic products, blood and blood products, plasma derivatives, cellular and gene therapy products, or other products approved by the  Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research .
• Others are the same as, or related to, previously approved products, and they will compete with those products in the marketplace. See  Drugs@FDA  for information about all of CDER’s approved drugs and biological products. 

New Molecular Entities (NMEs)

Certain drugs are classified as new molecular entities (“NMEs”) for purposes of FDA review. Many of these products contain active moieties that FDA had not previously approved, either as a single ingredient drug or as part of a combination product. These products frequently provide important new therapies for patients. Some drugs are characterized as NMEs for administrative purposes, but nonetheless contain active moieties that are closely related to active moieties in products that FDA has previously approved. FDA’s classification of a drug as an “NME” for review purposes is distinct from FDA’s determination of whether a drug product is a “new chemical entity” or “NCE” within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 

*The listed “FDA-approved use” on this website is for presentation purposes only. To see the FDA-approved conditions of use [e.g., indication(s), population(s), dosing regimen(s)] for each of these products, see the most recent FDA-approved Prescribing Information (click on the Drug Name).

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

• Your Health
• Treatments & Tests
• Health Inc.
• Public Health

How to Thrive as You Age

Got tinnitus a device that tickles the tongue helps this musician find relief.

Allison Aubrey

After using the Lenire device for an hour each day for 12 weeks, Victoria Banks says her tinnitus is "barely noticeable." David Petrelli/Victoria Banks hide caption

After using the Lenire device for an hour each day for 12 weeks, Victoria Banks says her tinnitus is "barely noticeable."

Imagine if every moment is filled with a high-pitched buzz or ring that you can't turn off.

More than 25 million adults in the U.S., have a condition called tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association. It can be stressful, even panic-inducing and difficult to manage. Dozens of factors can contribute to the onset of tinnitus, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noise or a viral illness.

There's no cure, but there are a range of strategies to reduce the symptoms and make it less bothersome, including hearing aids, mindfulness therapy , and one newer option – a device approved by the FDA to treat tinnitus using electrical stimulation of the tongue.

The device has helped Victoria Banks, a singer and songwriter in Nashville, Tenn., who developed tinnitus about three years ago.

"The noise in my head felt like a bunch of cicadas," Banks says. "It was terrifying." The buzz made it difficult for her to sing and listen to music. "It can be absolutely debilitating," she says.

Shots - Health News

Tinnitus bothers millions of americans. here's how to turn down the noise.

Banks tried taking dietary supplements , but those didn't help. She also stepped up exercise, but that didn't bring relief either. Then she read about a device called Lenire, which was approved by the FDA in March 2023. It includes a plastic mouthpiece with stainless steel electrodes that electrically stimulate the tongue. It is the first device of its kind to be approved for tinnitus.

"This had worked for other people, and I thought I'm willing to try anything at this point," Banks recalls.

She sought out audiologist Brian Fligor, who treats severe cases of tinnitus in the Boston area. Fligor was impressed by the results of a clinical trial that found 84% of participants who tried Lenire experienced a significant reduction in symptoms. He became one of the first providers in the U.S. to use the device with his patients. Fligor also served on an advisory panel assembled by the company who developed it.

"A good candidate for this device is somebody who's had tinnitus for at least three months," Fligor says, emphasizing that people should be evaluated first to make sure there's not an underlying medical issue.

Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, but Victoria Banks' hearing was fine and she had no other medical issue, so she was a good candidate.

Banks used the device for an hour each day for 12 weeks. During the hour-long sessions, the electrical stimulation "tickles" the tongue, she says. In addition, the device includes a set of headphones that play a series of tones and ocean-wave sounds.

The device works, in part, by shifting the brain's attention away from the buzz. We're wired to focus on important information coming into our brains, Fligor says. Think of it as a spotlight at a show pointed at the most important thing on the stage. "When you have tinnitus and you're frustrated or angry or scared by it, that spotlight gets really strong and focused on the tinnitus," Fligor says.

"It's the combination of what you're feeling through the nerves in your tongue and what you're hearing through your ears happening in synchrony that causes the spotlight in your brain to not be so stuck on the tinnitus," Fligor explains.

A clinical trial found 84% of people who used the device experienced a significant reduction in symptoms. Brian Fligor hide caption

A clinical trial found 84% of people who used the device experienced a significant reduction in symptoms.

"It unsticks your spotlight" and helps desensitize people to the perceived noise that their tinnitus creates, he says.

Banks says the ringing in her ears did not completely disappear, but now it's barely noticeable on most days.

"It's kind of like if I lived near a waterfall and the waterfall was constantly going," she says. Over time, the waterfall sound fades out of consciousness.

"My brain is now focusing on other things," and the buzz is no longer so distracting. She's back to listening to music, writing music, and performing music." I'm doing all of those things," she says.

When the buzz comes back into focus, Banks says a refresher session with the device helps.

A clinical trial found that 84% of people who tried Lenire , saw significant improvements in their condition. To measure changes, the participants took a questionnaire that asked them to rate how much tinnitus was impacting their sleep, sense of control, feelings of well-being and quality of life. After 12 weeks of using the device, participants improved by an average of 14 points.

"Where this device fits into the big picture, is that it's not a cure-all, but it's quickly become my go-to," for people who do not respond to other ways of managing tinnitus, Fligor says.

One down-side is the cost. Banks paid about $4,000 for the Lenire device, and insurance doesn't cover it. She put the expense on her credit card and paid it off gradually.

Fligor hopes that as the evidence of its effectiveness accumulates, insurers will begin to cover it. Despite the cost, more than 80% of participants in the clinical trial said they would recommend the device to a friend with tinnitus.

But, it's unclear how long the benefits last. Clinical trials have only evaluated Lenire over a 1-year period. "How durable are the effects? We don't really know yet," says audiologist Marc Fagelson, the scientific advisory committee chair of the American Tinnitus Association. He says research is promising but there's still more to learn.

Fagelson says the first step he takes with his patients is an evaluation for hearing loss. Research shows that hearing aids can be an effective treatment for tinnitus among people who have both tinnitus and hearing loss, which is much more common among older adults. An estimated one-third of adults 65 years of age and older who have hearing loss, also have tinnitus.

"We do see a lot of patients, even with very mild loss, who benefit from hearing aids," Fagelson says, but in his experience it's about 50-50 in terms of improving tinnitus. Often, he says people with tinnitus need to explore options beyond hearing aids.

Bruce Freeman , a scientist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, says he's benefitted from both hearing aids and Lenire. He was fitted for the device in Ireland where it was developed, before it was available in the U.S.

Freeman agrees that the ringing never truly disappears, but the device has helped him manage the condition. He describes the sounds that play through the device headphones as very calming and "almost hypnotic" and combined with the tongue vibration, it's helped desensitize him to the ring.

Freeman – who is a research scientist – says he's impressed with the results of research, including a study published in Nature, Scientific Reports that points to significant improvements among clinical trial participants with tinnitus.

Freeman experienced a return of his symptoms when he stopped using the device. "Without it the tinnitus got worse," he says. Then, when he resumed use, it improved.

Freeman believes his long-term exposure to noisy instruments in his research laboratory may have played a role in his condition, and also a neck injury from a bicycle accident that fractured his vertebra. "All of those things converged," he says.

Freeman has developed several habits that help keep the high-pitched ring out of his consciousness and maintain good health. "One thing that does wonders is swimming," he says, pointing to the swooshing sound of water in his ears. "That's a form of mindfulness," he explains.

When it comes to the ring of tinnitus, "it comes and goes," Freeman says. For now, it has subsided into the background, he told me with a sense of relief. "The last two years have been great," he says – a combination of the device, hearing aids and the mindfulness that comes from a swim.

This story was edited by Jane Greenhalgh

• ringing in ears
• hearing loss

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among US Youth

This cross-sectional study compares all-cause and cause-specific mortality trends and rates among youth from different races and ethnicities between 1999 and 2021.

• Audio: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among US Youth

Youth Experiencing Parental Death Due to Drug Poisoning and Firearm Violence in the US, 1999-2020

This cross-sectional study uses a demographic projection model and publicly available vital statistics data to estimate the national incidence of parental death due to drugs and firearms overall and by race and ethnicity.

Injury Prevention Science and Firearm Injury in Pediatric Health

Ai in medicine, one day, ai could mean better mental health for all.

This Medical News article is an interview with psychiatrist Vikram Patel, chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

• Audio: Enhancing Global Mental Health Care With Digital Tools and AI for Scalable Interventions

Despite New Recommendations, the Debate Over Mammography Guidelines Continues

This Medical News story discusses new USPSTF recommendations about the timing of screening mammograms.

• Audio: USPSTF Recommendation: Screening for Breast Cancer
• USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Do Not Go Far Enough Wendie A. Berg, MD, PhD JAMA Oncol

Multidrug-Resistant “Super Gonorrhea” Rallies Multipronged Effort

This Medical News article discusses approaches to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae .

β-Blockers After Heart Attacks Might Not Lower Deaths for Some

Oral drug as effective as topical cream for male pattern baldness, deaths of despair surged among black people over past decade, prostate cancer cases might rise to 3 million globally by 2040, swapping salt for a substitute may lower deaths, reduce heart problems, encouraging exercise through games, money built long-term habits, meta-analysis: touch tied to improved mental, physical health, therapeutic psilocybin's adverse effects mostly resolved within 2 days, young patients without genetic risk have low chance of second breast cancer, smoking cessation after initial treatment failure with varenicline or nicotine replacement : a randomized clinical trial.

This sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial compares treatment strategies and dosages after abstinence from smoking was not achieved after 6 weeks of first-line therapies.

• Audio: Smoking Cessation After Initial Treatment Failure With Varenicline or Nicotine Replacement

Urgent Need for Regulatory Oversight of Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue–Based Products

This Viewpoint discusses the death of a patient caused by unregulated biological products and efforts to encourage federal government oversight of such products.

My Digital Refuge

In this narrative medicine essay, a medical ethicist discusses the complexity of juggling the interests of members in online forums dedicated to rare diseases after being blocked upon disclosing her affiliation with a medical school, thus barring her from the support and information she needed to manage her daughter’s rare disease.

Acronymity : Henry T. Ricketts, MD, Contributing Editor

What is strep throat.

This JAMA Patient Page describes strep throat, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications.

Recurrent Gout and Serum Urate

Recurrent gout and serum urate—reply, health and the 2024 us election, race and ethnicity of reproductive-age females affected by us state abortion bans.

This study compares the race and ethnicity of reproductive-age females between states that implemented restrictive abortion policies after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision and states that did not.

The FDA and Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This Viewpoint examines the appropriateness of FDA accelerated approval of novel gene therapies to treat boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy following clinical trials with surrogate outcomes that did not demonstrate net benefits.

Women's Health

The women’s health initiative randomized trials and clinical practice : a review.

This review of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) summarizes the results of the 4 WHI clinical trials on menopausal hormone therapy, calcium plus vitamin D supplementation, and low-fat diet and their applications to current clinical practice.

Climate Change and Health

Climate change and mental health.

This JAMA Insights discusses the adverse effects of climate change on mental health and proposes solutions to help mitigate those effects.

Illness, Isolation, and the Poetry of Illumination

After the diagnosis, you find a moth.

• Editor's Note Illness, Isolation, and the Poetry of Illumination Rafael Campo, MD, MA JAMA

Table Data Errors

Incorrect degree, latest issue, latest from the uspstf.

• USPSTF Recommendation: Screening for Breast Cancer
• USPSTF Recommendation: Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment
• USPSTF Recommendation: Screening for Speech and Language Delay and Disorders
• Register for email alerts with links to free full-text articles
• Access PDFs of free articles
• Manage your interests
• Save searches and receive search alerts