Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Briefs
2012
Flattening the Trajectory of Health Care Spending: Promote Population Health — 2012
Reversing the rising tide of obesity and further reducing rates of tobacco use could produce substantial long-term dividends in terms of lives saved and disabling illnesses prevented. Communities, employers, and parents all have important roles.
A Shot in the Arm for Adult Vaccination — 2012
Vaccine-preventable diseases take a heavy toll on U.S. adults despite the widespread availability of vaccines. Office-based providers can do more to promote adult vaccinations but need clearer guidance and a better business case to offer them.
2011
The Cost and Quality of VA Mental Health Services — 2011
The quality of mental health care delivered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is generally as good or better than care delivered by private health plans, although it falls short of the high standards set in VA guidelines.
High-Deductible Health Plans Cut Spending but Also Reduce Preventive Care — 2011
High-deductible plans significantly reduce health care spending but also lead consumers to cut back on their use of preventive health care — even though high-deductible plans waive the deductible for such care.
Seasonal Flu Vaccination: Why Don't More Americans Get It? — 2011
RAND researchers found that less than half of U.S. adults received flu vaccinations in 2010. Strategies to increase flu vaccination rates should include stronger efforts to address public skepticism and negative perceptions.
What Is the Impact of Workplace Policies to Promote Influenza Vaccination Among Health Care Personnel? — 2011
Health care personnel who were offered vaccination at work were much more likely to be vaccinated for seasonal flu and pandemic flu than those who were not offered vaccination at work.
2010
The Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Programs: The Impact of One State's Investment in the Health of its Residents — 2010
Summarizes results of RAND's evaluation of the progress and impact of Arkansas' antismoking and health programs established with its share of tobacco settlement funds.
Diagnosing and Treating Food Allergies: The State of the Research — 2010
A systematic review of food allergy research found that the prevalence of food allergy in the United States appears to be between 1 and 10 percent, but estimates remain questionable because of poor reliability of the tests used for allergy diagnosis.
A "Quiet Revolution" in Nephrology: Challenges and Opportunities for Advancing the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease — 2010
Shares results of a study examining changes in nephrology as it evolves from a focus on end-stage renal disease to the treatment of all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Earlier stages of CKD progression can be slowed, halted, or even reversed.
2009
Assessing Parolees' Health Care Needs and Potential Access to Health Care Services in California — 2009
California parolees' health care, mental health care, and drug- and alcohol-treatment needs, as well as where parolees go when they return to counties, place significant demands on counties' safety-net resources and on their ability meet those needs.
Hold the Salt: Lowering Sodium Intake Would Improve Health and Save Money — 2009
Details the benefits that would accrue from reducing sodium consumption among Americans, including a reduced prevalence of high blood pressure, lower medical costs, and improved quality of life.
South Los Angeles Ban on Fast-Food Chains Misses the Mark — 2009
Summarizes the evidence for the ban on new fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles (LA), including the density of such restaurants in the area and the eating habits of South LA residents, and concludes that the data do not support the ban.
2008
Modeling the Health and Medical Care Spending of the Future Elderly — 2008
This research brief summarizes studies showing that medical innovations will improve health and extend life but will likely increase Medicare spending; eliminating obesity and better prevention could save Medicare money and improve health.
2006
Integrating Treatment for People with Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders in Public Systems of Care — 2006
This fact sheet describes an analysis to review progress in, identify challenges for, and point to promising directions for future integrated financing arrangements and care of people with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Vaccinating Residents and Staff Can Reduce Influenza Outbreaks in Nursing Homes — 2006
This fact sheet describes the benefits of influenza vaccination for nursing home residents and staff.
2004
"Voltage Drops" in Children's Health Care: Barriers That Impede Children's Access to Quality Health Care — 2004
A study by RAND researchers identifies six areas in the pediatric health care system where major barriers -- termed "voltage drops" by several leading health services researchers -- lead to a breakdown in delivery of adequate quality care.
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