Healio (11/1, Wursta) reports, “According to published results, severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, may be risk factors for decreased bone mineral density, fragility fractures and undiagnosed osteoporosis.” Researchers “performed a longitudinal population-based cohort study of 444,480 patients aged 50 years and older.” The findings were published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Related Links:

— “Mental illness may be associated with fragility fractures, undiagnosed osteoporosis,” Max R. Wursta, Healio, November 1, 2024

Healio (11/1, Kellner ) reports, “Although state laws have expanded access to naloxone, overdose deaths among adolescents and young adults continue to climb, according to data.” Researchers found that “before NALs were implemented, opioid-related deaths rose 7.8% per year,” and “afterward, states with patient-specific NALs saw an increase of 4.7% per year in such deaths, and states with patient-nonspecific NALs experienced increases of 8.7% per year.” The findings were published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Related Links:

— “Study: Naloxone access laws have not reduced youth opioid deaths,” Sara Kellner, Healio, November 1, 2024

Medical Economics (10/31, Littrell) says a study “looked at 200 adults with chronic neck or back pain, and reported that effective physician-patient communication during the initial consultation can have significant implications toward patients’ overall outcomes.” According to one researcher, “patients were better equipped to manage their uncertainties, including fears, anxiety and confidence in their own ability to cope with their condition, as a result of effective communication during their first consultation.” The findings were published in the Journal of Health Communication.

Related Links:

— “Physician-patient communication during initial consultation affects outcomes for chronic pain patients,” Austin Littrell, Medical Economics, October 31, 2024

Oncology Nurse Advisor (10/31, Larson) reports, “Level of psychological distress, anxiety symptoms, and preparedness for cancer survivorship moderate the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in younger breast cancer survivors.” Oncology Nurse Advisor adds, “Pretreatment assessment of these moderators can help clinicians decide which interventions are most appropriate for these patients.” The research was published in JCO Oncology Practice.

Related Links:

— “Efficacy Moderators Identify Beneficial Psychosocial Interventions for Younger BC Survivors,” Jennifer Larsen, Oncology Nurse Advisor, October 31, 2024

Healio (10/29, Jenkins ) reports, “A community coalition-engaged intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in overdose deaths involving any opioid and psychostimulantsother than cocaine, according to a study.” T

he researchers said that the “results suggest that community-focused, data-driven interventions that scale up evidence-based practices with a communications campaign may collectively contribute to successes in addressing the evolving nature of some opioid-involved polysubstance overdose deaths.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Related Links:

— “Community-engaged intervention reduces polysubstance overdose deaths by 37%,” Cassandra Jenkins, Healio, October 29, 2024