Albert B Lowenfels

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This study looked at how local health departments in New York State used a tool from the CDC to boost physical activity and improve community health. Out of 58 departments, 46 (81%) took part in the program, creating action plans to enhance access to parks and trails and improve infrastructure for walking and biking. The findings show that structured training and the right tools can help communities work together to tackle health inequalities and encourage active living. Who this helps: This benefits local health departments, community planners, and residents in underserved areas.

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This study looked at a program in New York State aimed at increasing the number of businesses that support breastfeeding for working mothers. From 2017 to 2023, the program improved breastfeeding support at 292 worksites, particularly in areas with fewer resources. Overall, more businesses provided better breastfeeding support, but smaller and rural worksites made less progress, highlighting the need for tailored efforts in those communities. Who this helps: This benefits working mothers, especially those in low-income or rural communities.

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This study looked at how much university students in Qatar know about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. Out of 398 students surveyed, 22% had poor knowledge of HPV, while 55% had some awareness, and only 6.3% had been vaccinated. However, 71% of those who had not been vaccinated expressed willingness to get the vaccine if their healthcare provider recommended it. Who this helps: This benefits university students by improving their understanding of HPV and increasing vaccination rates.

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The study examined the eating habits and lifestyles of 370 university students in Qatar to see how these were linked to their age, gender, and activities. It found that younger male students tended to eat more fast food, while healthier eaters were those who exercised regularly and had time to prepare meals. These insights can help shape targeted health programs for university students to promote better eating habits and overall wellness. Who this helps: This helps university students by providing insights into healthier lifestyle choices.

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This study looked at stress levels in 370 university students in Qatar, finding that they experience high stress due to factors like being away from home, heavy workloads, and worries about their future. On average, students reported a stress score of 7.4 out of 16, with women and those living off-campus often feeling more stressed. Students with higher stress were more likely to struggle with focusing on their studies, being 2.3 times more likely to have concentration issues. Who this helps: This research benefits university students by highlighting the need for better support and coping strategies.

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This study looked at how cystic fibrosis (CF) can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially colon cancer, as patients live longer due to improved treatments. It found that patients with CF are more likely to get colon cancer and polyps, often at younger ages; for example, screening should start at 40 years for non-transplanted patients and 30 years for those who have had transplants. Understanding these risks and following recommended screening guidelines is important for catching cancer early and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with cystic fibrosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how active university students in Qatar are and what affects their physical activity levels. It found that 64.9% of students meet recommended activity levels, with more males active (75.2%) compared to females (58.3%). Younger students also tended to be more active than those over 20 years old. The findings highlight that better sports facilities and awareness about exercise can encourage students to be more physically active. Who this helps: This helps students and university health programs.

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This study looked at the rates of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in adolescents aged 13 to 17 in Qatar. It found that 23.4% of the teens were overweight, 19.9% were obese, and 37.6% had central obesity, with 5% showing signs of prediabetes. The research highlighted that being overweight was linked to factors like not being breastfed for at least six months, having a family history of diabetes, and maternal obesity. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and their families in Qatar by providing insight into health issues and promoting healthier lifestyles.

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This study looked at a program in New York State aimed at reducing obesity by improving access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity in specific communities. Researchers assessed 313 worksites before and after implementing strategies to promote better nutrition and physical activity. They found significant improvements, with the number of implemented strategies doubling for eight initiatives and tripling for three. The results show that effective community partnerships and standardized evaluation tools can lead to better health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities struggling with obesity and health disparities.

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This study looked at how much research on population health has been published in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) over time, focusing on systematic reviews. The researchers found that from 2008 to 2016, there were 387 systematic reviews published, with an increase in the number of papers over time, particularly from local authors, indicating a growing research capacity in the region. This is important because better research can help address health inequalities and improve health outcomes across MENA. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and public health officials in the MENA region working to improve health services and address health disparities.

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This study examined how much people in Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa knew about COVID-19 and how anxious they felt about the virus. They found that 62.9% of healthcare workers had a good understanding of COVID-19, compared to only 30.0% of the general public. Additionally, 27.5% of the general public reported feeling very anxious about the virus, whereas only 11.5% of healthcare workers felt the same way; many people in the general public overestimated their risk of dying from COVID-19. This matters because better knowledge about COVID-19 can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making during health crises. Who this helps: Patients and the general public facing health challenges.

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This study examined how cancer rates among people aged 70 and older in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are expected to change by the year 2040. It found that the number of new cancer cases and deaths in this age group is projected to increase by 465% and 462%, respectively, primarily due to an aging population. This significant rise in cancer cases emphasizes the urgent need for better healthcare planning and resources to address the growing healthcare demands of older individuals in these countries. Who this helps: This information is crucial for healthcare providers, policymakers, and older patients who will need more support in managing cancer care.

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This study looked at a scoring system called the Harmless Acute Pancreatitis Score (HAPS), which helps doctors quickly determine if a patient has a mild form of acute pancreatitis that doesn’t require intensive care. The research analyzed data from 20 studies involving 6,374 patients and found that HAPS accurately predicted non-severe cases 97% of the time for those closely following the original guidelines. Using this score means that many patients can avoid unnecessary hospital stays, freeing up resources and saving costs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mild acute pancreatitis and healthcare systems by reducing hospital congestion.

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The study looked at how a community program in upstate New York changed people's habits and beliefs about sugary drinks after implementing healthier vending options and an educational media campaign. In three counties where the program was active, the availability of regular soda decreased, and support for regulating sugary drinks increased, with notable changes showing a decrease of 34.1% in soda availability and a 16.2% increase in support for regulations. However, despite these shifts, people did not change how much sugary drink they consumed or their beliefs about their health risks. Who this helps: This benefits local communities, particularly families and children facing health challenges related to sugary beverage consumption.

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This study looked at how written wellness policies in schools affect the delivery of nutrition and physical activity programs in high-need districts in New York State. Researchers found that schools with stronger written policies were more likely to implement practices like physical education and healthy nutrition standards; specifically, schools with robust policies increased their implementation rates. For example, elementary schools generally tried to implement nutrition practices regardless of having a policy, while middle and high schools showed a greater need for these policies, which suggests that having clear guidelines can lead to better health outcomes in schools. Who this helps: This benefits students and schools by promoting healthier environments.

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This study looks at the shortage of healthcare workers in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which have fewer trained professionals in fields like medicine and nursing compared to other wealthy countries. Currently, there are only 2.1 doctors and 4.5 nurses per 1,000 people in the GCC, compared to higher numbers in OECD countries. The research highlights the need for better training programs and support for local healthcare education to improve healthcare quality and reduce reliance on foreign workers. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in the GCC.

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This study looked at the best ways to screen people with cystic fibrosis for colorectal cancer (CRC), as they face a higher risk compared to the general population. The researchers found that for patients without organ transplants, starting screening at age 40 every 5 years could prevent 79% of CRC-related deaths. For those who had organ transplants, screening should begin between ages 30 and 35. These findings highlight the importance of early and frequent screening for people with cystic fibrosis to save lives. Who this helps: This helps patients with cystic fibrosis by providing guidelines for effective cancer screening.

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This study focused on creating guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), who are at a much higher risk of CRC than the general population. The experts recommended starting screening at age 40, using colonoscopy as the best method, and suggested different screening intervals based on individual health needs. For organ transplant recipients with CF, screening should begin at age 30, due to their increased risk. Who this helps: This benefits adults with cystic fibrosis, their families, and healthcare providers.

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The study focused on finding better ways to manage sodium levels in the food served at hospitals and senior meal programs. Researchers developed a tool called the Sodium Practices Assessment Tool (SPAT) and tested it in 19 facilities. They found that after using SPAT, there was a noticeable improvement: the use of herbs, spices, unsalted butter, fruits, and vegetables increased, and more lower-sodium options became available. Who this helps: This helps patients and seniors by providing healthier food choices that can lower sodium intake.

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This study looked at how often sugary drinks are marketed in stores when people receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Researchers found that during the first nine days of the month, there were 66% more advertisements and 88% more displays of sugary drinks in stores compared to other days. In areas where many people receive SNAP benefits, the chances of seeing these sugary drink displays were more than four times higher during benefit distribution days. This is important because it could worsen poor diets among families using SNAP, suggesting that changes like spreading out benefit payments might help improve their nutrition. Who this helps: This helps SNAP recipients who are trying to make healthier food choices.

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This research looked at hepatitis C infections in the Middle East and North Africa, reviewing data from 37 studies in 20 countries between 2008 and 2016. The findings showed that anti-hepatitis C antibody prevalence—indicating past infection—varied, with rates as low as 0.1% in the UAE to as high as 14.7% in Egypt. This information is vital for health officials, as understanding infection rates helps target prevention and treatment strategies to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare policymakers focused on reducing hepatitis C rates in the region.

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Researchers studied middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes in Qatar to find out how common certain complications are and what factors contribute to them. They found that 45% of the 1,034 participants experienced complications like eye, kidney, and nerve problems. Key risk factors included having a family history of diabetes, how long someone had diabetes, and high blood pressure, with a notably higher risk for complications among those diagnosed at a young age. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and doctors by highlighting the factors to monitor for complications in diabetes care.

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This study looked at how much people in a suburban area of New York City know about Zika virus transmission, focusing on a mostly Hispanic community that might travel to places where the virus is more common. Out of 147 participants, 91% knew that Zika can be transmitted by mosquitoes, but only 61% were aware of sexual transmission. Women were more likely than men to know about sexual transmission and transmission from mother to baby. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting gaps in knowledge that need addressing, especially among men.

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This study looked at the link between waterpipe smoking and various types of cancer, including cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, stomach, lung, and bladder. Researchers analyzed data from 28 studies and found that waterpipe smokers have nearly three times the risk of developing head and neck cancer, almost twice the risk for esophageal cancer, and about 2.2 times the risk for lung cancer. These findings challenge the idea that waterpipe smoking is a safer alternative to other forms of tobacco, underscoring the need for better research in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials understand the serious risks of waterpipe smoking.

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This study looked at the oral health of adults in Qatar and found that about 40% rated their oral health as average or poor. Factors like being female, older, less educated, having diabetes, or using tobacco made people more likely to report poor oral health. This matters because it shows that many adults in Qatar struggle with their oral health, which can affect their overall quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in Qatar improve dental health resources and education.

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This study looked at the connection between gum disease (periodontal disease), tooth loss (edentulism), and pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that people with periodontal disease had a 74% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer (risk ratio of 1.74) and those without teeth had a 54% higher risk (risk ratio of 1.54), suggesting a strong link. Understanding this relationship is important because it may point to new ways to reduce cancer risk through better oral health. Who this helps: Patients at risk for pancreatic cancer can benefit from improved dental care and awareness of their oral health.

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The study looked at how much people in Qatar know about the Zika virus, which is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes. Out of 446 participants, 66% showed poor knowledge about the virus, and only 7% had a strong understanding of its risks and prevention methods, despite 16% of those with poor knowledge believing they were well-informed. This is important because Zika virus cases could increase due to travel connections in the region, highlighting the need for better education on the topic. Who this helps: This helps patients and travelers to regions affected by the Zika virus.

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This study looked at the best ways to screen people with cystic fibrosis for colorectal cancer because they are at a higher risk for this disease, especially those who have had organ transplants. The researchers found that starting colonoscopies at age 40 every 5 years could prevent 79% of colorectal cancer deaths in those without transplants. For patients who have had transplants, screening should begin at ages 30 or 35, and yearly tests using fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may also be cost-effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cystic fibrosis and their doctors by guiding better screening practices to reduce cancer risk.

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This study looked at young people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, specifically those under 60 (early-onset) and under 45 (very-early-onset). Researchers found that risk factors for early-onset pancreatic cancer included family history, diabetes, smoking, obesity, pancreatitis, and heavy alcohol use (26 grams or more a day), which increased the risk by 49%. For very-early-onset cases, the risk was even higher at 118%. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly younger individuals, and their families by increasing awareness of risk factors.

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This study looked at how common metabolic syndrome is in Qatar and what factors influence it by analyzing health data from nearly 2,500 adults. They found that 28% of Qatari adults have metabolic syndrome, which is lower than previous estimates. The researchers discovered that as people age, the likelihood of having metabolic syndrome increases significantly, but those with higher education and who exercise more tend to have lower rates. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in Qatar to better understand and address metabolic syndrome.

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This study looked at what factors influence the chances of finding serious precursors to colorectal cancer in people who had a positive blood test for hidden blood in their stool. Researchers found that 53.2% of the participants had advanced neoplasia, which was more likely in older men who smoked or drank alcohol, and less likely in those who were physically active, ate fruits and vegetables, or used aspirin regularly. This information is important because it highlights how lifestyle choices can affect cancer risk and helps create personalized screening recommendations. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening and doctors who guide them on prevention strategies.

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This study looked at various factors that contribute to pancreatic cancer and found that smoking and Helicobacter pylori infection are the biggest culprits, accounting for 11-32% and 4-25% of cases, respectively. On the flip side, having a history of allergies and eating more fruits or folate can help reduce risk, with potential prevention rates of 3-7% and 0-12%. Understanding these factors is crucial because about two-thirds of the major risks can be changed, highlighting significant opportunities for prevention of this deadly cancer. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers aiming to reduce pancreatic cancer risk.

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This study looked at the genetic factors related to obesity in the Qatari population, where a high percentage of adults are overweight or obese. Researchers found two specific genes related to obesity: one gene (TFAP2B) is linked to a lower risk of obesity, while another gene (GNPDA2) is associated with a higher risk, especially in younger people under 32 years old. Understanding these genetic differences is important because it can help tailor health strategies to reduce obesity in Qatar, which may not be the same as in Western countries. Who this helps: This helps patients in Qatar and healthcare providers working on obesity-related issues.

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Researchers studied the prevalence of prediabetes among adolescents in Qatar, focusing on 1,694 students aged 11-18 years. They found that 4.2% of these students, which includes 56 boys and 15 girls, were likely prediabetic. Key factors linked to higher risk include being male, having a diabetic parent, and having a waist-to-height ratio greater than 0.5, which shows a connection between body measurements and blood sugar levels. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with adolescents, as they can better identify and manage prediabetes in this age group.