Rural hospitals are closing at a rapid pace, adding challenges for patients and the emergency medical service (EMS) providers who help them.
Research
Using diet pills and laxatives for weight control linked to future diagnosis of an eating disorder
The results of the study by incoming postdoctoral fellow Vivienne Hazzard and Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer suggest the use of these products is an early marker of an eating disorder or that they actually serve as risk factors for the illness.
Study to examine the effect of police violence on the birth outcomes for Black infants
Associate Professor Rachel Hardeman has launched a first-of-its-kind, five-year study to investigate the association between racialized police violence and the occurrence of preterm birth and low birth weight among Black infants.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with six unhealthy eating behaviors
A University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health study shows a slight increase in eating disorders, one of the deadliest psychiatric health concerns.
Four key priorities for achieving rural health equity
Professor Katy Backes Kozhimannil and Associate Professor Carrie Henning-Smith outline how addressing gaps in governmental representation, broadband access, racial justice, and climate change are needed to improve the health of rural residents.
Measuring structural racism in Minnesota communities
Associate Professor Rachel Hardeman has started a project to develop and test the Multidimensional Measure of Structural Racism, which determines the amount of structural racism people are exposed to in communities.
Finding better ways to detect and measure infectious viruses in the air
A study led by Professor Peter Raynor found that a two-sampler approach may be necessary to detect viruses and accurately measure their concentrations. (Peter Raynor)
More research needed on how food insecurity affects parent feeding practices
Faculty Katherine Arlinghaus and Melissa Laska say experiences with food insecurity can influence the behaviors and practices parents use to feed their children — and have long-term consequences for everyone.
Study finds young adults practicing yoga are not immune to societal pressures for thinness and muscularity
The study led by Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer found that people who practice yoga were equally or more likely to practice extreme weight control behaviors, binge eating or use steroids and protein powders/shakes to enhance muscles.
Obtaining specialist care may be harder for rural and lower-income Alzheimer’s patients
Associate Professor Sayeh Nikpay led the study that found specialized geriatric providers are more likely to see higher socioeconomic status and urban patients.
Studying how stress from COVID-19 affects healthcare workers
Associate Professor Ryan Demmer is co-leading the study with the School of Nursing to help healthcare systems determine how to best support the health and well-being of employees during the COVID-19 crisis. (Ryan Demmer)
How skin tone bias and age affect preterm birth rates of Black women
Assistant Professor Jaime Slaughter-Acey found that Black women with medium to dark brown skin tones were more likely to experience a preterm birth with increasing maternal age as compared to women with light brown complexions.