Top 5 Population Health Articles of 2023

In 2023, our top population health content encompassed topics including maternal health, smoking trends, and planning for the future.

Here are the top 5 most-viewed population health articles of 2023.

5. Family, Friends Identified as Major Influences of e-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents

Electronic nicotine devices (ENDS) are popular among US adolescents ages 12 to 17 years, often influenced by family and friends. A study using machine learning techniques calculated a higher percentage of children at risk to use ENDS if they had a friend or family member who consumed nicotine. Crucial evidence of peer and family influence regarding ENDS use raises concern about the heavy tobacco abuse among younger populations, as well as the lack of awareness of tobacco-related matters.

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4. Planning for the Future of Population Health: The Johns Hopkins Medicine Experience

Johns Hopkins Medicine conducted a cross-functional study to elevate evidence-based diabetes prevention and conduct management programs across the state. The Office of Population Health and partners developed a 3-year strategic plan prioritizing generation of data and analytics, advanced management for priority populations, improved performances, and health system coordination. Johns Hopkins Medicine aims to reduce avoidable utilization and disparities in care.

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3. Private Maternal Insurance Coverage Associated With Lower Infant Mortality vs Medicaid

Medicaid insurance was associated with higher risk of infant mortality rates and adverse outcomes in comparison to those with private insurance. Early pregnancy care, perinatal, postpartum, and infant care were offered among private insurance. However, Medicaid requires families to be within the poverty level and often they receive inadequate or delayed prenatal care. Medicaid providers have opportunities to seek improvement for their patient care and pregnancy outcomes.

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2. Low-Sodium Diet Significantly Reduces Blood Pressure After 1 Week, Study Finds

After just 1 week, dietary sodium reduction resulted in lower blood pressure levels among middle-aged and elderly adults, despite hypertension status and medication use. Reducing sodium intake can assist in preventing hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions. In general, blood pressure will decrease quicker when dietary sodium is altered rather than medication treatment reliance.

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1. Study Shows Prevalence of Current Cigarette Smokers Depends on Sociodemographic Characteristics

The National Health Interview Survey from 2019 concluded sociodemographic characteristics correlate to the prevalence in population smoking. Lack of education, unmarried participants, and lower socioeconomic statuses were more prevalent to smoke, regardless of their cancer history. The results help identify target groups for anti-smoking interventions in efforts to reduce sociodemographic disparities in current smokers and lower the prevalence of smoking overall.

Read the article here.