All News (Admin)

All News (Admin)

Hans Kohler, Iliana Kohler & Helene Purcell are Featured for Their Research in Malawi, Penn LDI

Penn LDI highlights PARC and PSC research associates Hans-Peter Kohler and Iliana V. Kohler, and Helene Purcell, a Postdoctoral Fellow, for their research on how correcting negative perceptions of mortality beliefs might reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Citation:

"Correcting Pessimistic Mortality Beliefs May Reduce Vaccine Hesitance, Malawi Study Shows." Penn LID, C Tachibana, September 11, 2024.

Purcell H. Kohler I. Kohler H P. et al. 2024. "Mortality Risk Information and Health-Seeking Behavior during an Epidemic." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

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Derek Griffith Appointed as Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor, Penn Today

As reported in Penn Today, Derek Griffith has been named the Risa Lavizzo-Mourey Population Health and Health Equity University Professor at Penn. He is recognized for his pioneering research on health equity for Black and Latino men.

Citation:

"Derek Griffith Appointed Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor." Penn Today, R Ozio, September 24, 2024.

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Scott Halpern Co-authored Research on What Influences People's Willingness to Take Risks for HIV Cures, Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.

Scott Halpern's study highlighting the impact of the current quality of life on HIV patients' decisions and willingness to take risks for a cure was featured in Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.

Citation:
"Study Explores Willingness to Trade-Off Years of Life for an HIV Care." Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics,  September 11, 2024.

Fridman I. Halpern S. et al. 2024. "Willingness to Trade-Off Years of Life for an HIV Care Cure- An Experimental Exploration of Affective Forecasting." BMC, Research in Progress. 

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Olivia Mitchell Discusses the Reality of Retirement in a Podcast, IMF Podcasts

In the Women in Economics podcast, Olivia Mitchell discusses how the prospects of early retirement are fading fast with rising life expectancy, challenges facing pension systems, and more.

Citation:

"Women in Economics: Olivia Mitchell on Retirement RealityIMF Podcasts, March 28, 2024.

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Aaron Ritcherman Co-authored an Op-Ed on Pennsylvania Legislators Considering Replacing the Outdated Tax Forgiveness Program, Penn LDI

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering income tax reforms, while Republicans advocate for tax cuts and Democrats propose new programs for low-income workers. Aaron Ritcherman writes in The Wall Street Journal, "Pennsylvania legislators can provide a real boost to working families’ health – without breaking the budget – by adopting an effective, bipartisan solution: a new state earned income tax credit."

Citation:

Here’s a PA. Tax Credit That Republicans and Democrats Can Agree On." The Wall Street Journal, A Vasan, A Richterman, J Hinckley, July 8, 2024.

Image of tax papers

Emily Largent & Shana Stites Spoke about the Role of Genetic Testing in Assessing Alzheimer’s Risk and More, Penn Medicine Podcast.

The first episode of Age of Aging, a Penn Medicine podcast, features Emily Largent and Shana Stites. This episode explores the role of genetic testing in assessing Alzheimer's risk, the emotional and social impacts of learning about that risk, and updates on new treatment options like Leqembi.

Citation:
"Do I Want to Know?" The Age of Ageing, Penn Medicine Podcast, July 23, 2024.

Image of a Phone with a podcast on

Sarah Tishkoff Was Honored with the 2024 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science, Penn Arts & Sciences.

Sarah Tishkoff was awarded the 2024 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science for her groundbreaking work on human genetic diversity and its implications for understanding and treating diseases.

Citation:

"Sarah Tishkoff Earns 2024 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science." Penn Arts & Sciences, July 31, 2024.

Image of Sarah Rishkoff

Robert Burke Co-authored Research on Identifying Major Barriers That Prevent Patients from Performing Home Dialysis, Penn LDI

The research cited in Penn LDI explores the challenges in expanding access to home dialysis for kidney disease patients in the United States. It was carried out by LDI Senior Fellows, including Robert Burke, and the findings are intended to improve access to and support for home dialysis for a larger number of patients.

Citation:

"6 Major Barriers That Stop Patients From Doing Home Dialysis." Penn LDI, M Bolas, July 29, 2024.

Reddy Y, Kearney M, Burke R. et al. 2024. “Identifying Major Barriers to Home Dialysis (the IM-HOME Study): Findings from a National Survey of Patients, Care Partners, and Providers.” American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2024. 

Image of a patient taking home dialysis.

Rachel Werner and Eric Roberts Spoke at a Conference on Integrating Medicare and Medicaid for Dual Eligibles, Penn LDI

Eric Roberts, highlighted the severe complexities and challenges dual eligibles face due to fragmented care systems. At the same time, Rachel M. Werner, emphasized the need for integrated solutions to improve outcomes and reduce inefficiencies for this vulnerable population in the "Forging a Path" conference at the University of Pennsylvania.

Citation:

Penn LDI/Health Affairs Conference Explores Dual Eligibles Care Integration.” Penn LDI, H Levins, July 30, 2024.

Logo or 'FORGNG A PATH' conference

Jason Karlawaish Is Quoted in an Article about a New Study That Shows a Blood Test to Help Diagnose Alzheimer’s More Accurately, New York Times

"One remaining hurdle," Dr. Boxer and Dr. Jason Karlawish said in The New York Times, "is for blood test analysis to be easily integrated into hospital laboratory systems rather than requiring outside labs. The hope, they said, is that if primary care doctors can eventually use these tests, it will increase access to screening, especially for people from racial and ethnic minorities and low-income and rural communities."

Citation:

A Blood Test Accurately Diagnosed Alzheimer's 90%  of the Time, Study Finds.” The New York Times, P Belluck, July 28, 2024.
Palmqvist S, Tideman P, Mattson-Carlgren N. et al. 2024. “Blood Biomarkers to Detect Alzheimer Disease in Primary Care and Secondary Care.” JAMA Network

Image of Blood test tubes

Aaron Richterman Co-authored an Op-Ed about Pennsylvania’s Need for Income Tax Reform, Penn Live

Researchers and health policy experts, such as Aaron Richterman in PennLive, recommend that Pennsylvania replace its outdated Tax Forgiveness Program with a more suitable earned income tax credit. This change could potentially enhance low-income families' health and economic stability without burdening the budget.

Citation:

Pennsylvania Needs Income Tax Reform.” PennLive, A Richterman, A Vasan, J Hinckley, July 05, 2024.

Shafer PR, Gutiérrez KM. et al. 2022. "Association of the Implementation of Child Tax Credit Advance Payments with Food Insufficiency in Us Households." JAMA Netw Open. 

Ruffini K. 2024. "Does Unconditional Cash during Pregnancy Affect Infant Health?" SSRN.

Rostad WL, Klevens J. et. al. 2019. "Impact of the United States federal child tax credit on childhood injuries and behavior problems." National Library of Medicine

 

Woman filling up tax forms

Kevin G. Volpp Co-authored Research on Using Behavioral Economics to Enhance Food Is Medicine Programs, JAMA Health Forum

Kevin Volpp writes in JAMA Health Forum that the Food Is Medicine initiative by the American Heart Association aims to tackle health issues related to diet by offering subsidized healthy foods. By integrating behavioral economics strategies, these programs could be more effective and better received, ultimately improving health equity and access to food.

Citation:

Behavioral Economics to Enhance Food is Medicine Programs.” JAMA Health Forum, K Volpp, C Lamberton, July 12, 2024.

Loewenstein G, Price J, Volpp  K. 2016. "Habit formation in children: evidence from incentives for healthy eating." Journal of Health Economics.

Volpp K, Berkowitz S, Sharma S. et al. 2023. "Food is Medicine: A Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association." Circulation - American Heart Association Journals.

Image of Pomegranate in a heart shaped bowl

Rachel M. Werner Co-authored Research on the Impact of Nursing Home Ownership Changes on Staffing Levels and Quality Ratings, Penn LDI.

A study by Kira Ryskina and Rachel M. Werner, cited in Penn LDI, found that nursing home staffing, especially for registered nurses, decreased after ownership changes, leading to lower quality ratings. The researchers call for more transparency about ownership on CMS's 5-star site to help families make informed decisions.

Citation:

How Do Ownership Changes Affect Nursing Home Quality?” Penn LDI, C Tachibana, September 3, 2024.
 

Ryskina K, Tu E, Liang J, Kim S, Werner R. 2024. “Nursing Home Compare Star Ratings Before Versus After a Change in Nursing Home Ownership.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.


 

Nursing home staff giving medication to patient

Guy David Wrote an Op-Ed about Why Top Universities Have Turned to M.D.s for Leadership in Times of Crisis, Stat

In his op-ed for the STAT, Guy David discusses the increasing trend of physicians taking on leadership roles in universities and other organizations. He highlights how their clinical skills and experiences translate into effective leadership beyond healthcare settings.

Citations:

Why Harvard, Penn, and Columbia Have Turned to M.D.s for Leadership in Troubled Times.” STAT, G David, August 26, 2024.

A doctor leading with volunteers in the background

Kevin G. Volpp Co-authored Research on How Gamification, Loss-Framed Financial Incentives, or a Combination of Both Could Impact Physical Activity, Penn LDI

A study co-authored by Kevin G. Volpp, cited in Penn LDI, found that combining gamification and financial incentives significantly boosts physical activity, especially for those at high risk for cardiovascular disease. 

Citation:

"Heart Patients Exercised More by Using Games and Incentives to Maintain Money, New Study Showed." Penn LDI, M Meline, August 15, 2024. 

Fanaroff A, Patel M. 2024. "Behavioral Economic Approaches to Increase Physical Activity Among Patients with Elevated Risk for Cardiovascular Disease." National Library of Medicine. 

Related Articles:

New Study Shows Daily Incentives Help You Reach Exercise Goals.

 

Coins on winner podium

Olivia S. Mitchell Spoke about Her Life's Work as an Economist, Knowledge at Wharton

In a candid conversation with Wharton Dean Erika James, Olivia S. Mitchell discusses her research on retirement and pension decisions and her insights from over four decades in the field.

Citation: 

What I’ve Learned.” Knowledge at Wharton, August 6, 2024.

Image of Olivia S. Mitchelll

Olivia S. Mitchell Wrote an Op-Ed about the Decision Retirees Face Regarding What to Do with Their 401(K) Plans Once They Retire, The Wall Street Journal

Olivia S. Mitchell, in her Op-ed for The wall Street Journal, discusses the key considerations retirees should weigh when deciding whether to roll over their 401(k) into an IRA or leave it in their former employer's plan.
 

Citation:

What Should You Do with Your 401(k) When You Retire?” The Wall Street Journal, O Mitchell, August 10, 2024.


Mitchell O, Reilly C, Turner J. 2023. “The Pros and Cons of Remaining in a 401(k) Plan after Retirement.” Financial Services Review.

Hands of a retiree counting pennies.

Atul Gupta Wrote an Op-Ed about How For-Profit Hospitals Bill More Aggressively than Nonprofits for Medicare Outlier Payments in the Early 2000s, Penn LDI

In the op-ed for Penn LDIAtul Gupta discusses how hospitals exploited a Medicare payment loophole, benefiting for-profit hospitals. This highlights the need for more oversight in hospital payment systems.

Citation:

How For-Profit Hospitals Billed More Aggressively than Nonprofits for Medicare Outlier Payments: A Case Study from the Early 2000s.” Penn LDI, A Gupta, August 7, 2024.

Gupta A, Forgia A, Sacarny A. 2024. “Turbocharging Profits? Contract Gaming and Revenue Allocation in Healthcare.” The National Bureau of Economic Research.

The doctor is holding money in gloved hands.

Olivia Mitchell Featured for Her Many Accomplishments, Forbes

A new Forbes article highlights the woman who shape the way money flows in our country. Olivia Mitchell was featured for many accomplishments such as 300 articles and books, and advising governments including the U.S!

Citation: 

"50 Over 50: Investment," Forbes, V Chachere, M McGrath, 

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July 23, 2024 Newsletter

Read all about Penn at the 2024 ASA Conference, as well as recap the Summer Institute in Computational Social Science led by Xi Song. Keep and eye out for the extra large section of researcher updates! Plus, a Penn discount code for the IAPHS conference.

READ HERE:

"Banner"

Rachel Werner's Research Suggest More Robust Staffing in Nursing Homes Would Save Thousands of Lives, USA Today

Werner said safety hazards at inadequately staffed homes are very well documented. These hazards include medication errors, slips and falls, and other related medical problems. 

Citation: 

"Nursing home staffing mandate would save thousands of lives, researchers say," USA Today, K Alltucker, July 20, 2024. 

Medication being sorted

Olivia Mitchell Quoted on the Hardships of Saving for Retirement, Knowledge at Wharton

“Let’s be honest, saving is no fun. People don’t get ‘utils’ (or utility) out of saving. They get utils out of spending.” said Mitchell

Citation:

"How Behavioral Factors Shape Retirement Wealth,"  Knowledge at Wharton, S Parameshwaran, July 15, 2024.

A stack of money with a rubber band.

A New Study by Rebecca Brown Provides Insight into Subsidized Housing in America, Penn LDI

The study by Brown suggests older Americans living in subsidized housing are more likely to develop chronic medical problems. 

Citation: 

"Older Americans in Subsidized Housing Suffer More Frailty and Dementia and Are Sent to Nursing Homes More Often Than Peers," Penn LDI, J Wilson, July 12, 2024. 

View from an apartment window

Jason Karlawish Quoted on Mental Decline with Age, The Washington Post

"A debate inherently tests an individual’s cognitive abilities: “attention, concentration, multitasking, working memory, language.” said Karlawish regarding the recent presidential debate.

Citation:

"Watching Biden, many see the heartbreaking indignities of aging," The Washington Post, A Parker & M Kornfield, July 7, 2024.

Rocks neatly ordered

Forty-two Scholars from Penn took Part in the 2024 Academy Health Annual Research Meeting.

The programs are heavily focused on health and health care disparities and advancing the needs of underrepresented groups in health services, population health, and clinical epidemiology.

Citation: 

"Young Scholars Arrive at 2024 AcademyHealth Research Meeting," Penn LDI, H Levins, June 29, 2024. 

 

2024 Annual Academy Health Research Meeting

Eric Bressman Quoted on the Effectiveness of Hologram Doctors, The New York Times

"In medicine, technological advancements are judged by their ability to improve access to care, decrease its cost or improve its quality," said Bressman regarding the new hologram doctors. “I don’t know of any data to support the idea that this would improve the quality of the visit beyond a usual telemedicine visit,” 

Citation:

"Your Hologram Doctor Will See You Now," The New York Times, H Sanders, June 29, 2024.

A circuit board.

June 28, 2024 Newsletter

Read all about PARC @ AcademyHealth and the latest news and publications from our Research Associates - and catch up on Dorothy Roberts keynote at the recent symposium on Genetic Ancestry and Perceptions of Race.

READ HERE.

penn population studies newsletter

AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting

Come check out the AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting hosted June 29th - July 2nd in Baltimore Maryland. Many of our PARC researchers have papers and posters being presented! We have gathered everything here for your convenience.

 

 

 

 

 

PARC AT ACADEMY HEALTH

Eric Roberts Highlights Important Points from a Recent Study on the Veteran Health Administration, Penn LDI

The study revealed racial disparities within the Veteran Health Administration (VA). Roberts says these disparities were small and improved since 2016, however they can still be seen today.

Citation:

"New Study Documents Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Veterans’ Experiences With VA-Funded Community Care,Penn LDI,  Eric Roberts, June 28, 2024.

American flag waving in the wind

Allison Hoffman Quoted on Continued Access to Emergency Abortion Care, Penn Today

“Providers in Idaho continue to operate in a risky environment but, at least for now, the district court’s opinion allows them to provide abortions when necessary to stabilize an emergency medical condition,” Hoffman adds. “The opinion does not explain why the Court took this procedural punt, but the concurring and dissenting opinions give a window into the strong disagreement among the Justices on this case.”

Citation:

"Continued access to emergency abortion care," Penn Today, June 27, 2024.

Court Case being closed

Karen Lasater Quoted on Nurse Shortage and Work Enviroment, Penn Today

“In 2020, roughly one in three individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19 died within 30-days of admission. Our study found that individuals’ likelihood of surviving was related to hospitals’ investments in nursing services prior to the pandemic—in terms of hiring sufficient numbers of RNs, employing nurses with bachelor’s educational preparation, and sustaining favorable work environments,” Lasater said.

Citation:

"Avoidable deaths during COVID-19 associated with chronic hospital nurse understaffing,Penn Today, June 26, 2024.

Thank you doctors and nurses

A Study Done by Karen Lasater, Matthew McHugh, and Linda Aiken Looks into Hospital Staffing Variations, KYW

According to the study by Lasater, McHugh, and Aiken hospitals with a one to four nurse to patient ratio fared better during COVID-19. Additionally, each additional patient added to a nurses workload increased chances of death by 20 percent.

Citation:

"Medical Report: Importance of nursing in hospital patient care," KYW News, B McDonough, June 24, 2024.

A hospital monitor

Karen Lasater and Linda Aiken Evaluated the Effects of Nursing Staffing Issues, Microsoft Start

Lasater and Aiken found that risk of death for patients admitted into a fully staffed hospital was significantly lower than patients in an understaffed hospital. 

Citation: 

"Hospital Nursing Resources Tied to COVID-19 Survival,Microsoft Start,  L Solomon, June 24, 2024.

An empty hospital room

PSC Director and Research Associate Emilio Parrado offers in-depth analysis of Philadelphia population trends post-pandemic, Philadelphia Magazine

In a time when Philly's overall population has decreased, he points to welcoming immigrants as a key strategy for re-invigorating the city's growth. Parrado also suggests that the ebb and flow of young professionals in - and out - of the city isn't bad news.

Citation:

"Philadelphia Lost More Than 50,000 Residents During the Pandemic. Now What?" Philadelphia Magazine, S Smith, June 22, 2024.

Philadelphia Skyline

Kathryn Bowles Recognized for Redefining Electronic Health Records, The Pennsylvania Gazette

Bowles transformed years of research into a new way to keep medical records that has become standard in hospitals everywhere.

Citation: 

"Making Things Happen,The Penn Gazette, J Greco, June 21, 2024. 

A server room

Xi Song Talks about Intergenerational Mobility at Home and Abroad, The Inequality Podcast

Xi Song details how intergenerational mobility declined in the United States after World War II but then dives further to explore the diversity of experiences for different groups. She discusses the trends in mobility as broken down by race, immigration status, and gender. 

Citation: 

"Xi Song on Intergenerational Mobility at Home and Abroad." The Inequality Podcast, October 23rd, 2023.

Xi Song

New Population Studies Working Paper

The research shows Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are linked to aging and affluence and have replaced infectious diseases and malnutrition as the dominant causes of ill health and death in much of the world including India. The present study examines rising rates of two NCDs heart disease and diabetes. The following questions are addressed: Why has the prevalence of these two NCDs risen in recent years, whether social protection policies and restructuring of medical services can mitigate such surges in the near future, and whether lifestyle and dietary changes could be induced to further prevent the rising burden of these NCDs.

Authors: Gaiha Raghav, Vidhya Unnikrishnan, Vani S. Kulkarni

Citation:

Gaiha Raghav, Vidhya Unnikrishnan and Vani S. Kulkarni. 2024. “Is the Growing Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in India Preventable?” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

is the growing burden of NCDs in india preventable?

The Summer Innovation Institute Brought Together the School of Nursing, Penn Today

Pamela Cacchione said, “We’re hoping that they will reframe their design thinking to a much more human-centered and health-equity focus,” referring to the goals of this cross-cutting event. 

Citation: 

"Leading on health equity through innovative design," Penn Today, E Moser, June 12, 2024. 

A system of gears

Karen Lasater Says Hospitals Replacing RNs with non-RN staff would put patients in danger, Penn Nursing

"The findings show that replacing RNs with non-RN staff is dangerous to patients,” said lead-author Lasater. The study also finds no evidence of an RN shortage in the US.

Citation:

"Replacing Registered Nurses in High Stakes Hospital Care is Dangerous to Patients," Penn Nursing, June 10, 2024.

 

A distant hospital

2024 Penn Global Research and Engagement Grants

Congrats to our PSC and PARC Research Associates who have been awarded 2024 Penn Global Research and Engagement Grants. The program prioritizes projects that bring together leading scholars and practitioners across the University community and beyond to develop new insight on significant global issues in key countries and regions around the world, a core pillar of Penn’s global strategic framework.

Determinants of Cognitive Aging among Older Individuals in Ghana
PI's: Irma Elo & Iliana Kohler

Poverty Reduction and Children's Neurocognitive Growth in Cote d'Ivoire
PI: Sharon Wolf

Pathways to Education Development & Their Consequences:
Finland, Korea, US

PI: Hyunjoon Park

Books scattered all over

Rachel Werner Moderated 2024 annual Alumni Weekend Panel Discussion on May 17, Penn LDI

The event, moderated by Werner, focused on many practices and policies regarding primary care, nursing, and lab analytical services. This includes may policies that might be set to change. 

Citation: 

"Nursing Advances That Aren’t and Other Trends in Health Care Innovation," Penn LDI, H Levins, May 29, 2024. 

An empty conference room

Olivia Mitchell Quoted on Secure 2.0, a New Way to Pay-Down Student Loans, Financial Planning

Many workers with student loans found that saving for retirement is extremely difficult. With Secure 2.0 however, as workers pay off their student loans, their employers could match those payments with contributions to retirement accounts. Mitchell, a co-author of the National Bureau of Economic Research's study on Secure 2.0, said "My guess is that many large employers will find it useful in attracting and retaining scarce talent, but smaller firms might not."

Citation: 

"Secure 2.0 may help student borrowers more with loans than with retirement, study predicts," Finnancial Planning,  N Place, May 29, 2024.

Dollar bill in a cage

A Study Done by Karen Lasater Depicts the Top 5 Reasons Nurses are Leaving, Penn LDI

Be sure to check out the article using Lasater's study to see how more than 7,800 nurses have left between 2018 and 2021. 

Citation:

"Top 5 Reasons Why U.S. Nurses Are Leaving Their Jobs," Penn LDI, J Hinckley, May 23, 2024.

Burnout

May 23, 2024 Newsletter

This newsletter includes congratulations for our spring graduates, a wrap up of the 2024 PARC Aging Retreat, upcoming events, news, and more!

 

 

 

 

 

Penn Population studies newsletter

Linda Aiken Covers Key Accomplishments From the Magnet4Europe Celebration Conference, Magnet4Europe

Linda Aiken, Co-Director of Magnet4Europe, shares highlights of the 2024 conference. Research presented at the conference showed that hospital conditions can be improved, and in doing so have great results.

Citation: 

"Magnet4Europe Celebration Conference 2024: A Milestone in Healthcare Excellence," Magnet4Europe, J Kleine & L Aiken, May 23, 2024.

paper graph

New Population Studies Working Paper

Researchers study how households have changed over time and the effect this has on our daily lives.

Authors: Effrosyni Adamopoulou, Jeremy Greenwood, and Nezih Guner

A brief historical overview of the household equipment revolution and the women who transformed the home in Germany and the United States.

Citation: Adamopoulou, Effrosyni, Jeremy Greenwood and Nezih Guner. 2024. “The Household Equipment Revolution.” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

 

Household equipment revolution

Rachel Werner Quoted on New Policy Changes Regarding Healthcare, Science

Werner adds that concerns about money, as well as data security, seem to be driving CMS. “What I have been told is that the proposed fee changes are simply to allow [CMS] to completely balance their books.”

Citation:

"The U.S. wants to change how researchers get access to a huge trove of health data. Many don’t like the idea," Science, M Wadman, May 10, 2024.

Healthcare

Karen Lasater's Article Explains the True Nature of Nurses' Working Conditions, STAT

Lasater show how and why nurses are experiencing high levels of burnout in our hospitals.

Citation:

"What nurses really want: sufficient staffing for patient care," STAT, K Lasater & J Muir, May 10, 2024.

Thank you nurses!

Karen Lasater Covers The Real Cause For Nursing Staffing Issues, Stat News

"There isn’t a nursing shortage — it’s nurses’ refusal to be part of a system that puts profits before safety." Lasater says in her new article. 

Citation: 

"What nurses really want: sufficient staffing for patient care," Stat News, K Lasater, J Muir, May 10, 2024.

Mask

Rachel Werner's Article Addresses Problems with Medicare and Medicaid, The Hill

Individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid often lack the care they need, Werner argues that the programs fail to integrate coverage and coordinate care.

Citation:

"It’s time to end the Medicare-Medicaid merry-go-round," The Hill, R Werner, May 9, 2024.

Senior care exercise

Chenyi Ma Featured for His Research on the Human Impact of Natural Disasters, Penn Today

“I hope policymakers might consider public-private partnerships like the National Flood Insurance Program to address private insurance affordability for low-income households who are most vulnerable to housing damage,” Ma said.

Citation: 

"Exploring sustainable development and the human impact of natural disasters," Penn Today, May 8, 2024.

Storm Clouds

Reminder: The PARC Aging Retreat is happening this Friday!

Just a friendly reminder, the PARC Aging Retreat is happening this Friday! Take a look at the retreat program to see the agenda for the day.

You are invited to attend the 2024 PARC Aging Retreat"Healthy Aging for All -- Illusion or Promising Future?" This conference will bring together PARC Research Associates and aging researchers from across Penn and will include guests from other external aging centers. The Aging Retreat aims to foster collaborations for innovative aging research, provide networking opportunities, and encourage work that advances the PARC Research Themes. The hybrid day-long retreat will take place at the Population Studies Center's PSC Commons in 403 McNeil and will include keynote speeches by Jennifer Beam Dowd (University of Oxford) and Michael Kobor (University of British Columbia). PARC Research Associates, Affiliates, Fellows, and Penn aging researchers are encouraged to attend! If you haven't done so and plan to attend, REGISTER for the 2024 PARC Aging Retreat!

We look forward to seeing you on Friday!

Sincerely,
 

Hans-Peter Kohler & Norma B. Coe
Co-Directors of PARC

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Rachel Werner Published by STAT, Briefing Book and Forbes on New CMS Restriction Article, Forbes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the delay of the implementation of its restrictions on accessing Medicare and Medicaid data. Werner as well as many others, published articles explaining this.

Citation: 

"What Prompted CMS To Change Course With Its Data Restrictions?" Forbes, G Bai, April 28, 2024. 

Half Open Computer

Rachel Werner Opened Virtual Seminar on Rural Hospitals shutting down, Penn LDI

“Since 2005, more than 190 rural hospitals have closed across the United States, and many more are in danger of closing because of financial shortfalls. This problem is only getting worse, with a recent report finding that half of rural hospitals lost more money in the past year, up from 43% in the previous year.” Said Werner in her opening session. 

Citation:

"Exploring the Policies That Are Closing Rural Hospitals," Penn LDI, H Levins, April 25, 2024.

A rural farm

Olivia Mitchell Quoted on The Importance Of Financial Literacy, Penn Today

“We see financial literacy much like other kinds of education. It takes time to learn financial concepts and to apply them, and sometimes it takes money so that you can hire someone or take a course or what have you. " Mitchell says.

Citation:

"Wharton Experts on Financial Literacy," Penn Today, April 24, 2024.

wallet with money

Norma Coe Quoted on Problems that Often Go Untreated for Parents on Medicaid, The New York Times

“In general, the U.S. supports parents and caregivers less than many other countries,” Dr. Coe said, “which has numerous and lasting intergenerational effects on health and wealth.”

Citation: 

"Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Often Go Untreated for Parents on Medicaid," New York Times, E Baumgaertner, April 19, 2024.

person running on a beach

Karen Lasater Quoted Regarding Hospital Staffing Problems, Penn Today

Karen Lasater says that poor working conditions for nurses has been an ongoing problem that predates the pandemic.

Citation:

"Nurses across the U.S. cite employer failures as their top reason for leaving," Penn Today, April 12, 2024.

 

nurse holding clipboard

Ari Friedman Quoted on The Privacy of Medical Data Online, Penn LDI

 “It’s very hard to avoid tracking because it’s baked into the fabric of Web 2.0 at this point,” Friedman said regarding medical-care websites.

Citation: 

"Why Health Privacy Online Is a Myth," Penn LDI, N Stedman, April 12, 2024.

computer screen

Theadore Schurr Assisted Many African Americans in Finding Out More about Their Past, The New York Times

Many African American citizens are Charleston can not trace their lineage back beyond a few generations. However with the help of Schurr, DNA tests reveal much more information regarding their past.

Citation:

"African American burial grounds across the United States have been erased or forgotten, and others are at risk of disappearing,The New York Times, C Gutman & E Chochrane, April 11, 2024.

A cemetary

Gearing Up for Research on Aging, Penn Arts & Sciences

A worldwide increase in life expectancy and decrease in fertility rates led the World Health Organization to predict in 2022 that the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years old will nearly double between 2015 and 2050, from 12 to 22 percent. Related difficulties include providing health and long-term care needs, finding treatments for cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s, and addressing health disparities in aging.

Norma B. Coe and Rachel M. Werner of the Perelman School of Medicine responded by creating the Get Experience in Aging Research Undergraduate Program, or GEAR UP.

Check it out here!

Citation: 

"Gearing Up for Research on Aging." Penn Arts & Scences, S Ahlborn, April 5, 2024.

The Gear Up Members

Atheendar Venkataramani Co-Authored a Study on the Impact of Medicaid Expansion, Penn LDI

The study co-authored by Venkataramani found that lower-wage workers did not receive much economic benefit at all.

Citation:

"Doctors, Nurses, and Managers Received Wage Hikes After Medicaid Expansion While Lower-Paid Workers Did Not," Penn LDI, M Meline, April 4, 2024.

grabbing a stethoscope

Pamela Cacchione Quoted on The Use Of Robot Seals in Hospitals, Technical.ly

“I thought these robots were the most ridiculous things I had ever seen,” Cacchione said, “until I actually picked one up and felt it and interacted with it myself.” 

Citation: 

"Baby seal robots are comforting older adults on Penn Presbyterian's acute care unit," Technical.ly, S Huffman, April 2, 2024.

A baby seal

Olivia Mitchell's Research Was Used to Compile 5 of The Biggest Regrets of Retirees, The Globe And Mail

The comprehensive list uses Mitchell's findings to dive deeper into what retirees wish they could have done sooner.

Citation:

"5 Biggest Regrets of Retirees (Hint: Claiming Social Security Too Early Is One of Them)" The Globe And Mail, March 30, 2024.

Inspire, Aspire, Retire.

Olivia Mitchell Featured in an IMF Podcast on Early Retirement, IMF Podcasts

Mitchell discusses how early retirement is becoming difficult to achieve as life expectancy steadily climbs and the pension system is falling short.

LISTEN OR READ HERE: Women in Economics: Olivia Mitchell on Retirement Reality

Coins laying on a table

Olivia Mitchell Quoted on How Women Can Grow Wealth, Yahoo Finance

Mitchell explained that “This lack of financial literacy then translates into greater financial regret among older women” 

Citation:

"4 Innovative Ways Woman Can Supplement Their Paychecks and Grow Wealth in 2024,"  Yahoo Finance, V Cariaga, March 25, 2024.

Related Article: 

"Women’s Guide to Building Wealth (2024)"

 

 

Upward Graph

A Study Done by Atheendar Venkataramani and Courtney Boen Shows the Effects Incarceration Rates Have on The Population, Penn LDI

The study found that increased incarceration rates had a noticeable effect on the birth weight of newborns. Both Boen as well as Venkataramani found that incarceration rates do have a direct impact on the overall health of the population.

Citations: 

"How Are Infant Outcomes for Black Babies Affected by Incarceration Policy," Penn LDI, K Kamara, March 20, 2024.

Mother holding baby

Irma Elo is named Tamsen and Michael Brown Presidential Professor in Sociology, Penn SAS News

Penn SAS News features Irma Elo for being appointed as Tamsen and Michael Brown Presidential Professor. 

Citations:

"Irma Elo Named Tamsen and Michael Brown Presidential Professor in Sociology." Penn SAS News, March 19, 2024. 

" "

Scott Halpern Quoted on Inclusion In The Research Process, Penn LDI

“Many of our researchers and staff were actively looking for ways to respond and recognized the need for greater emphasis on justice and inclusion in our own research processes." said Halpern.

Citations:

"Adding Diversity to Your Research Process: A New System,Penn LDI, H Levins, March 18, 2024.

 

Sample Under Microscope

Allison Hoffman Quoted on Insurance Policies, KFF Health News

State and federal regulators have the authority to regulate insurers’ networks and could end the practice, Hoffman said. But until now “there hasn’t been federal regulation about continuity of coverage,” Hoffman said.

Citation: 

"How Your In-Network Health Coverage Can Vanish Before You Know It," KFF Health News, E Rosenthal, March 15. 2024.

Health insurance

March 14, 2024 Newsletter

Take a look at the Penn Population Studies Newsletter for upcoming events, new PARC research associates, and researchers featuring in news articles. 

" "

Linda Aiken Quoted on the Relation between Healthcare Working Conditions and Mortality Rate, EuroNews.Health

“Nurses want to leave their jobs when care conditions are poor and those same unfavorable care conditions are not good for patients either,” said Linda Aiken in EuroNews.Health. Aiken then explains how the pandemic has effected our healthcare system long term.

Citation: 

"Study Links Nurses' Intention to Quit Jobs to Higher Patient Mortality for the First Time," EuroNews.Health, L Chadwick, March 14, 2024.

Mask And Stethoscope with hearts.

Guy David and Alon Bergman's new study is featured, Penn LDI

Penn LDI highlights a study conducted by research associates at PARC, Guy David and Alon Bergman, revealing that advanced care is less prevalent in communities characterized by greater deprivation. 

Citations:

"Do Wealth and Poverty Affect Access to Less-Invasive Cardiac Surgery?" Penn LDI, C Tachibana, March 13, 2024. 

G David, A Bergman, et al. “Limited Access to Aortic Valve Procedures in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Areas,” Journal of the American Heart Association. 

" "

Eric Bressman and Rachel Werners's new study is featured, Penn LDI

Penn LDI presents an opinion piece authored by Eric Bressman, a research associate at PARC, discussing a recent study concerning the expiration of state licensure. Bressman collaborated on this study with Rachel Werner

Citations:

"A Big Boost for Patients That Largely Went Away: Telemedicine Made Care More Available During the Pandemic." Penn LDI, E Bressman, March 11, 2024.

E Bressman, R M Werner, et al. “Expiration of State Licensure Waivers and Out-of-State Telemedicine Relationships,JAMA Network Open. 

" "

Professor Behram Earned A Spot In the Top 100 Economics And Econometrics Scientists 2024!

The AD Scientific Index has ranked Jere R. Behrman among the world's Top 100 Economics and Econometrics Scientists for 2024! He's #31in the world ranking, see how his other stats shake out here.

Citations: "Professors Behrman and Diebold, faulty in the department, are in AD World top 100 Economics and Econometrics Scientists 2024." Penn Economics, Marc 11, 2024.

Jere R. Behrman

Rachel Werner and Mary Ersek discuss the Medicare Hospice program, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features Rachel Werner and Mary Ersek on the virtual panel of experts exploring the benefit’s, challenges, and potential of the Medicare Hospice program. 

Citations:

"Medicare Hospice – Exploding in Size But Riddled with Quality Concerns." Penn LDI, H Levins, March 8, 2024. 

"Medicare Hospice Program," LDIvideo, Youtube, March 8, 2024. 

 

" "

Rachel Werner and Norma Coe's new study is featured, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features the new study by Rachel Werner and Norma Coe, that examined data on over 2 million Medicare beneficiaries who had knee or hip replacements, among the most common surgeries. They found that the switch to bundled payments caused a 9% to 15% increase in the need for additional help with daily tasks after paid home health services ended. 

Citations:

"Medicare Payment Reform Saves Money on Surgeries But Puts More Work on Unpaid Home Caregivers." Penn LDI, J Hinckley & H Levins, March 6, 2024. 

R M Werner, N B Coe, et al. "The Effects of Post-Acute Care Payment Reform on the Need for and Receipt of Caregiving," American Journal of Health Economics. 

"Increasing the Burden on Unpaid Home Caregivers," YouTube, LDIvideo, February 29, 2024. 

 

" "

Olivia Mitchell Quoted on Financial Literacy in Highschool Students, MarketWatch

“Financial education is most effective when there is a rigorous curriculum, a specific course devoted to personal finance (rather than embedding these concepts into other classes), and trained teachers,” said Olivia Mitchell in a MarketWatch article last fall.

Citation:

"More high schools ae requiring financial-literacy classes. The pandemic may have played a key role.MarketWatch, A Keshner, March 6, 2024.

Chalk on a chalk board

Olivia Mitchell Discussed Financial Literacy In The Workplace, MarketWatch

“A goal would be for employers to offer more access and, when possible, encouragement to learn and implement important financial lessons during the worklife,” Olivia Mitchell said in MarketWatch.

Citations:

"Wage Gap Statistics: The Numbers Behind Pay Disparity,MarketWatch, R Henderson, T Addison, March 6, 2024.

Image of calculator app on phone along with changes lying around and financial paper.

Allison Hoffman Quoted on Aspects of the Affordable Care Act being Struck Down, Bloomberg Law

While the decision’s practical impact shouldn’t be underestimated, the Fifth Circuit may pick up on a broader issue that could attract the US Supreme Court’s attention and affect a wide variety of cases—whether Congress improperly delegated its lawmaking authority to an advisory committee, Hoffman said.

Citation:

"Obamacare Case Threatens Sweeping Loss of Preventative Care," Bloomberg Law, M Pazanowski, March 1, 2024.

Ruling in court

Kevin Volpp Explains Penn Medicines A Personal Companion to Heart Health, Penn Medicine News

Kevin Volpp, the principal investigator of PMHH and director of the Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, explains how the program works and who is eligible in Penn Medicine News.

Citation: 

"Introducing Penn Medicine Healthy Heart: A Personal Companion to Heart Health," Penn Medicine News, M Toal, February 27, 2024.

Heart Health

Rachel Werner Quoted on New CMS Rules Putting Strain on Research Teams, Washington Examiner

“Research access and productivity do not need to be sacrificed in the name of data security,” said Werner in an opinion piece about the policy. “Using data should not strain the budgets of even the most well-financed institutions.” 

Citation: 

"New rule could jeopardize research and oversight into federal healthcare programs," Washington Examiner, G Etzel, Febuary 26, 2024.

Research

Rachel Werner is quoted on funding for long-term care, Yahoo Finance

Yahoo Finance quotes research associate Rachel Werner on funding for long-term care. Werner says, "In the United States, we lack any sort of comprehensive approach to funding for long-term care."

Citations:

"Most Americans Flunk When it Comes to Retirement Literacy, Study Finds." Yahoo Finance, K Hannon, February 24, 2024. 

" "

Karen Lasater is quoted on nursing shortage problems, NPR

NPR features research associate Karen Lasater talking about nursing shortage problems in hospitals. She says that the nursing shortage is not a pipeline problem, but a leaky bucket problem.

Citations:

"After His Wife Died, He Joined Nurses to Push for New Staffing Rules in Hospitals." NPR, K Wells, February 22, 2024. 

" "

Olivia Mitchell is on the Wharton Business Daily show, Knowledge at Wharton

Knowledge at Wharton features executive director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council Olivia Mitchell joining the show to discuss why retirement gets better with annuities.

Citations:

"Why You Should Consider Deferred Income Annuities for Your Retirement Portfolio." Knowledge at Wharton, D Loney, February 22, 2024. 

" "

February 21, 2024 Newsletter

The new  Penn Population Studies Newsletter highlights researches in the news, awards received by researchers, new working papers, and some exciting events coming up. 

" "

Olivia Mitchell is referenced on Companies owing retirees, The Atlantic

The Atlantic features Olivia Mitchell in an article discussing what companies owe retirees. 

Citations:

"What Companies Owe Retirees." The Atlantic, L Kelley, February 20, 2024. 

" "

Rachel Werner op-ed on Medicare and Medicaid data security, STAT

STAT features Rachel Werner discussing the tension between data security and research accessibility, highlighting the concerns over the new CMS rules implemented. 

Citations:

"New CMS Rules Will Throttle Access Researchers Need to Medicare, Medicaid Data." STAT, R M Werner, February 20, 2024. 

" "

Nancy Hodgson and Adriana Perez's study is highlighted, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features the study by Nancy Hodgson and Adriana Perez that highlights the effect confident caregivers may have on family members. 

Citations:

"Caregiver Mastery May Help Lower Anxiety For The Cognitively Impaired." Penn LDI, N Browning, February 14, 2024. 

N Hodgson, A Perez, et al. "Better Caregiver Mastery is Associated with Less Anxiety in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment," BMC Nursing. 

" "

Eugenio Paglino, Irma Elo, and Samuel Preston's new study is featured, Penn Today

Penn Today highlights a new study by Eugenio Paglino, Irma Elo, and Samuel Preston on the relation between natural and Covid-19 deaths. 

Citations:

"Researchers Find Many ‘Natural’ and COVID-19 Deaths Likely Related." Penn Today, N Magubane, February 14, 2024. 

E Paglino. I T Elo. S H Preston. et al. 2024. "Excess Natural-Cause Mortality in US Counties and Its Association with Reported COVID-19 Deaths," PNAS. 

" "

February 14, 2024 Newsletter

Take a look at the Penn Population Studies Newsletter for upcoming events, recent publications by PSC and PARC research associates, and researchers featuring in news articles. 

" "

Eric Roberts' new study on changes in care is featured, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features research associate Eric Roberts' new study that finds modest improvements from integrated care for dual-eligible beneficiaries. 

Citations:

"People on Both Medicare and Medicaid Should Get Better Care, But They Don’t." Penn LDI, J Hinckley, February 13, 2024. 

E T Roberts, et al. “Changes in Care Associated with Integrating Medicare and Medicaid for Dual-Eligible Individuals,” JAMA Health Forum. 

" "

Courtney Boen is featured as Taussia Boadi's thesis advisor, Penn Today

Penn Today features Courtney Boen as the thesis advisor of Taussia Boadi. Their research looks at the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, birth outcomes, and resilience in Black women.

Citations:

"Who, What, Why: Taussia Boadi on Trauma and Black Maternal Health." Penn Today, K d Groot, February 12, 2024. 

" "

Kevin Volpp to collaborate with Wharton Healthcare Analytics Lab, Penn LDI

Penn LDI highlights that Wharton Healthcare Analytics Lab will be collaborating with Kevin Volpp, and his team at the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics to integrate dynamic adaptation and personalization into clinical trials. 

Citations:

"Going Head-to-Head with the New Health Care AI Revolution." Penn LDI, H Levins, February 12, 2024.

 

" "

Atheendar Venkataramani's new study on Black Adults is featured, Penn Today

Penn Today features Atheendar Venkataramani for finding that black adults across the U.S. suffer from sleep problems following exposure to news about unarmed black individuals killed by police during police encounters.

Citations:

"Killings of Unarmed Black People and Racial Disparities in Sleep Health." Penn Today, E Horvath, February 8, 2024. 

A S Venkataramani, e al. "Officer-Involved Killings of Unarmed Black People and Racial Disparities in Sleep Health," JAMA Internal Medicine. 

" "

Helene Purcell co-authors a paper on Conscientiousness Matters

Postdoctoral fellow Helene Purcell co-authored a paper along with Justine Herve and Sneha Mani

Abstract: Personality traits play an important role in shaping labor market outcomes, but the associated behaviors that lead to these differences are understudied. In this paper, we examine the returns to the Big Five personality traits as well as the mechanisms through which personality affects employment and earnings. We find conscientiousness to be a significant predictor of both employment and earnings. We further show that the association between conscientiousness and earnings operates primarily through one specific behavior, namely, higher work intensity. Additionally, we are able to rule out selection into specific job types as potential channels for the positive relationship between conscientiousness and earnings.

Herve, Justine, Helene Purcell, and Subha Mani. 2023. “Conscientiousness Matters: How Does Personality Affect Labor Market Outcomes?University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC)

 

" "

Jeremy Greenwood co-authors a paper on the Role of Friends in the Opioid Epidemic

Research Associate Jeremy Greenwood co-authors a paper along with Effrosyni AdamopoulouNezih Guner, and Karen Kopecky

Abstract: The role of friends in the US opioid epidemic is examined. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health), adults aged 25-34 and their high school best friends are focused on. An instrumental variable technique is employed to estimate peer effects in opioid misuse. Severe injuries in the previous year are used as an instrument for opioid misuse in order to estimate the causal impact of someone misusing opioids on the probability that their best friends also misuse. The estimated peer effects are significant: Having a best friend with a reported serious injury in the previous year increases the probability of own opioid misuse by around 7 percentage points in a population where 17 percent ever misuses opioids. The effect is driven by individuals without a college degree and those who live in the same county as their best friends.

Adamopoulou, Effrosyni, Jeremy Greenwood, Nezih Guner, and Karen Kopecky. 2024. “The Role of Friends in the Opioid Epidemic.” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

" "

Jere Behrman co-authors a paper on Female Headship and Poverty in the Arab Region

Research Associate Jere Behrman co-authors a paper with Shireen AlAzzawiHai-Anh DangVladimir Hlasny, and Kseniya Abanokova

Abstract: Various challenges are thought to render female-headed households (FHHs) vulnerable to poverty in the Arab region. Yet, previous studies have mixed results and the absence of household panel survey data hinders analysis of poverty dynamics. We address these challenges by proposing a novel typology of FHHs and analyze synthetic panels that we constructed from 20 rounds of repeated cross-sectional surveys spanning the past two decades from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, Palestine, and Tunisia. We find that the definition of FHHs matters for measuring poverty levels and dynamics. Most types of FHHs are less poor than non-FHHs on average, but FHHs with a major share of female adults are generally poorer. FHHs are more likely to escape poverty than households on average, but FHHs without children are most likely to do so. While more children are generally associated with more poverty for FHHs, there is heterogeneity across countries in addition to heterogeneity across FHH measures. Our findings provide useful inputs for social protection and employment programs aiming at reducing gender inequalities and poverty in the Arab region.

AlAzzawi, Shireen, Hai-Anh Dang, Vladimir Hlasny, Kseniya Abanokova, and Jere Behrman. 2023. “Female Headship and Poverty in the Arab Region: Analysis of Trends and Dynamics Based on A New Typology.” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

" "

Jere Behrman co-authors a paper on Minimum Wages and Intergenerational Health

Research Associate Jere Behrman co-authors a paper along with Muhammad Farhan Majid and Hanna Wang

Abstract: Most minimum wage (MW) research focuses on wage and employment impacts in high-income countries. Little is known about broader impacts, including on parental and child health in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) where most people affected by MWs live. This study studies MW effects on employment, earnings, parental health and child health in Indonesia, the third most-populous LMIC. Results include: MWs improve men’s earnings, parental hemoglobin, and child height-for age and reduce pregnancy complications. This study highlights nuanced but positive roles MWs may play in improving parental and child health, despite not directly affecting women’s earnings and labor supplies.

Majid, Farhan, Jere R. Behrman, and Hanna Wang. 2023. “Minimum Wages and Intergenerational Health.” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

" "

Min Kim authors a paper on financial literacy

Min Kim writes a paper on Financial Literacy, Portfolio Choice, and Wealth Inequality.

Abstract: I develop a general equilibrium model in which households allocate their wealth to safe and risky assets (“bonds” and “stocks”) and accumulate financial literacy to raise their risk-adjusted stock returns. Calibrated to match financial literacy and stock market participation rate of U.S. households, the model demonstrates that a policy subsidizing financial literacy acquisition increases short-run stock investments. In equilibrium, however, the resulting aggregate capital growth lowers the average equity premium, thereby moderating the subsidy’s impact. The policy mitigates wealth inequality by inducing heterogeneous portfolio adjustments across the wealth distribution. With the subsidy, the middle wealth quartiles acquire more financial literacy and shift their portfolios toward stocks. The top quartile attains its maximum literacy level prior to the subsidy and shifts toward bonds to compensate for lower stock returns. The ratio of total wealth held by the top quartile versus the rest of the population decreases.

Kim, Min. 2023. “Financial Literacy, Portfolio Choice, and Wealth Inequality: A General Equilibrium Approach.University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

" "

Linda Aiken talks about the late Claire Fagin, Medpage Today

Medpage Today features Linda Aiken talking about the late Claire Fagin. She says she was a "nurse visionary with the savvy to make things happen". 

Citations:

"Nurse Community Mourns 'Trailblazer' Claire Fagin, PhD, RN." Medpage Today, S Firth, February 6, 2024. 

" "

Petra Todd Co-Authors a paper on understanding gender disparities in STEM majors and occupations

Research Associate Petra Todd co-authors a paper along with Shasha Wang.

Abstract: In the US, women for decades have gone to college at higher rates than men, but they are less likely to choose applied-STEM college majors or occupations. Using the NLSY79 and 97 datasets, this paper assesses the importance of adolescent skills and high school course-taking in explaining gender disparities in four-year college completion, college major, and occupational choice. It considers five cognitive skill areas (math, verbal, science, administrative, and mechanical) and one non-cognitive measure and examines how gender skill gaps evolve over a twenty-year time span. Logistic, CART and nonparametric random forest models are estimated to identify the skill sets, course-taking and family background characteristics that best predict educational and occupational choices. Results show that women are on average on par with men in mathematics skills and exceed men in verbal and noncognitive skills, but they lag behind in mechanical and, to a lesser extent, science skills. Estimates show that a combination of mathematics and mechanical skills along with intensive high school exposure to science and math courses are key predictors of choosing applied-STEM majors and careers. This paper also develops and implements a nonparametric decomposition approach to quantify how eliminating adolescent gender skill disparities would affect women’s and men’s entry into STEM fields.

Todd, Petra E. and Shasha Wang. 2023. “Understanding Gender Disparities in STEM Major and Occupation Choices: A Random Forest Approach.” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

 

" "

Jason Karlawishs' New Article Highlights the Decision Biogen Made on Their Alzheimer's Medication Adulhelm, STAT

Biogen claims their decision was simply "a reprioritization of resources." However, Karlawish explains how the decision to stop the study and sale of Adulhem was simply for profit.

Citation:

"Aduhelm was a mess — and it could happen again," STAT, J Karlawish, February 6, 2024.

Pills getting thrown upward

Nancy Hodgson and Adriana Perez's new study is featured, Penn Nursing

Penn Nursing features the new study by Nancy Hodgson and Adriana Perez that shows promising results in improving the quality of life (QOL) and sleep quality in individuals living with memory problems. 

Citations:

"Improving Quality of Life and Sleep in People with Memory Problems Without Using Drugs." Penn Nursing, February 5, 2024. 

N Hodgson, A Perez, et al. "Timed Activity to Minimize Sleep Disturbance in People With Cognitive Impairment," Innovation in Aging

" "

Atheendar Venkataramani's new study is highlighted, Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine features Atheendar Venkataramani's research that found statistically significant decreases in sleep duration among Black adults, after exposure to deaths of unarmed Black individuals during police encounters.

Citations:

"Black Adults Across the U.S. Suffer From Sleep Problems Following Exposure to News About Unarmed Black Individuals Killed by Police During Police Encounters." Penn Medicine, February 5, 2024. 

A S Venkataramani, et al. 2024. "Officer-Involved Killings of Unarmed Black People and Racial Disparities in Sleep Health," JAMA Internal Medicine. 

" "

A Study Done by Atheendar Venkataramani on Lack Of Sleep in the African American Community Featured in The New York Times, The New York Times

The article featuring Atheendar Venkataramanis' study in The New York Times shows that black people were consistently more likely to report harmfully low levels of sleep after such a killing than they did before it occurred, the researchers found, regardless of whether the killing was a nearby event or a high-profile incident captured in media.

Citation:

"After Police Kill Unarmed Black People, Sleep Worsens — but Only for Black People,The New York Times, E Baumgaertner, February 5, 2024.

 

Alarm Clock Going off

Scott Halpern's team receives a grant, Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine showcases Scott Halpern and his leadership in a project within the scientist training program, which aims to enhance patient-centered research and care, receiving a $5 million boost.

Citations:

"Scientist Training Program Aimed at Improving Patient-Centered Research and Care Gets $5 Million Boost." Penn Medicine, February 1, 2024. 

" "

Kimberly Waddell and Robert Burke's study is featured, Penn LDI

Medicare rules need updating to ensure patients get care when they need it. Penn LDI features Kimberly Waddell and Robert Burke's study. 

Citations:

"Timely Doctor Visits Linked to Better Outcomes When Patients Enter a Skilled Nursing Facility." Penn LDI, K Kamara, January 29, 2024. 

K J Waddell, R E Burke, et al. "Association Between Timing of Clinical Evaluation by a Physician or Advanced Practitioner and Risk of Rehospitalization in Older Adults Admitted to a Skilled Nursing Facility Following Hospitalization: A Cohort Study," Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 

" "

Peter Groeneveld's study on medicaid expansion is featured, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features Peter Groeneveld's study revealing how the affordable care act has helped improve cardiovascular outcomes. 

Citations:

"Expanded Medicaid Spurs Patient Visits for Heart Care." Penn LDI, J F Wilson, January 25, 2024.

P Groeneveld, et al. "Medicaid Expansion and Outpatient Cardiovascular Care Use Among Low-Income Nonelderly Adults, 2012-15," Health Affairs. 

" "

A Study Done by Rachel Werner on Rising Medicaid-Covered Patients Seeking Home Care, Incredible Health

Werners' study shows the number of Medicaid-covered patients seeking home care increased by over 1.2 million people between 2008 and 2019, and rates during the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that number will only continue to grow.

Citation: 

"10 health care industries with the largest share of retirement-age workers," Incredible Health, H Young, January 25, 2024.

At Home Care

January 23, 2024 Newsletter

Check out the first Penn Population Studies Newsletter of 2024. This newsletter showcases researchers featured in the news, upcoming events such as PARC aging chats and the aging retreat, updates on the PSC Colloquium Series, and information on the Quartet Pilot Research Project Competition.

" "

Hans-Peter Kohler and Iliana V. Kohler are featured for their research in Malawi, Penn Today

Penn Today highlights PARC and PSC research associates Hans-Peter Kohler and Iliana V. Kohler for the two-and-a-half decades of research in Malawi. As the country’s life expectancy has risen, the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health has shifted its current and future research to aging.

Citations:

"Two-And-A-Half Decades of Research in Malawi." Penn Today, E Moser, January 22, 2024. 

 

" "

Scott Halpern's study on Palliative care is featured, Healthday

Healthday quotes PARC research associate Scott Halpern for his study on Palliative care. 

Citations:

"Ordering Palliative Care Consult by Default Increases Rate of Consultation." Healthday, E Gotkine, January 22, 2024. 

" "

Kevin Volpp Quoted on Behavior Change Goal Gradients, Time

“Coaches try to break goals down to a point that the first levels of goal achievement are almost guaranteed… Psychologists call this goal gradients—the idea that people work much harder to achieve goals that are seen as being in reach.” Kevin Volpp said in Time.

Citation: 

"How AI Can Help Humans Become More Human," Time, A Huffington, January 22, 2024.

Computer

Scott Damrauer is elected as a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine features Scott Damrauer as one of the six physician-scientists from the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who have been elected to the American Society of Clinical Investigation.

Citations:

"American Society For Clinical Investigation Elects Six New Members From Penn, CHOP." Penn Medicine, January 19, 2024. 

" "

Olivia Mitchell is quoted on financial literacy, MarketWatch

MarketWatch quotes Olivia Mitchell, stating that individuals experiencing loneliness or depression are significantly more susceptible to falling victim to fraud.

Citations:

"A Rude Awakening: Lack of Financial Literacy Hurts The Young. What About Older People?" MarketWatch, M Stettner, January 18, 2024. 

 

" "

Courtney Boen is featured for her study on Racial Health Disparities, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features Courtney Boen's research, which illuminates the health consequences of a Racialized Society and explores potential strategies for mitigation. 

Citations:

"How Racism “Gets Under the Skin” and Prematurely Ages Black People." Penn LDI, C Tachibana & H Levins, January 17, 2024. 

"Biological Age vs. Chronological Age: The Racial Health Disparities." Youtube, LDIvideo. 

C Boen, et al. 2023. “Patterns and Life Course Determinants of Black-White Disparities in Biological Age Acceleration: A Decomposition Analysis,” Demography. 

C Boen, et al. 2019. "Death by a Thousand Cuts: Stress Exposure and Black–White Disparities in Physiological Functioning in Late Life," Oxford Journals. 

" "

Scott Halpern and Mary Ersek's study on Palliative care is featured, Penn LDI

Penn LDI features Scott Halpern and Mary Ersek's study showing a simple intervention improving end-of-life care for seriously ill patients. 

Citations:

"Chart of the Day: Default Orders Increased Palliative Care Consultations But Did Not Shorten Hospital Stays for Older Patients." Penn LDI, C Weeks, January 16, 2024. 

M Ersek, S D Halpern, et al. "Default Palliative Care Consultation for Seriously Ill Hospitalized Patients: A Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Trial," JAMA. 

" "

Scott Halpern's study on Palliative Care is the largest study ever, Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine highlights the palliative care study conducted by Scott Halpern as the largest ever study demonstrating scalable strategies to increase support for serious patients. 

Citations:

"Largest-Ever Study of Palliative Care Demonstrates Scalable Strategy to Increase Support For Seriously Ill Patients in the Hospital." Penn Medicine, January 16, 2024. 

S D Halpern, et al. "Default Palliative Care Consultation for Seriously Ill Hospitalized Patients," JAMA. 

" "

Sarah Tishkoff's study on Genomic Analyses is featured, Penn Today

Penn Today features Sarah Tishkoff's study to offer a better understanding of genes and variants responsible for skin color, providing insights into human evolution and local adaptation.

Citations:

"A Molecular Look at The Mechanisms Behind Pigmentation Variation." Penn Today, N Magubane, January 11, 2024. 

S Tishkoff, et al. "Integrative Functional Genomic Analyses Identify Genetic Variants Influencing Skin Pigmentation in Africans," Nature Genetics. 

" "

Hans-Peter Kohler co-authors a paper on how to survive bad news

Research Associate Hans-Peter Kohler co-authors a paper along with Alberto Ciancio, Fabrice Kampfen, and Rebecca Thornton

Abstract: Providing personal health information allows individuals to take action to improve their health. If treatment is not available, however, being informed about having a life-threatening disease could lead to feelings of despair or fatalistic behaviors resulting in negative health outcomes. We document this possibility utilizing an experiment in Malawi that randomized incentives to learn HIV testing results in a context where anti-retroviral treatment (ART) was not yet available. Six years after the experiment, receiving an HIV+ diagnosis reduced survival rates by 23% points and this effect persists after 15 years. We show that HIV+ persons who learned they were HIV+ engaged in more risky health behaviors, have greater anxiety and a higher discount rate. We do not find any effects of receiving an HIV - diagnosis on survival.

Ciancio, Alberto, Fabrice Kämpfen, Hans-Peter Kohler, and Rebecca Thornton. 2024. “Surviving Bad News: Health Information without Treatment Options.” University of Pennsylvania Population Center Working Paper (PSC/PARC).

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Olivia Mitchell's study on Fixed and Variable Longevity Annuities in Defined Contribution Plans is featured, Knowledge at Wharton

Knowledge at Wharton highlights Olivia Mitchell's study making a case for deferred income annuities with some equity exposure in defined contribution plans.

Citations:

"Why Retirement Gets Better With Annuities." Knowledge at Wharton, S Parameshwaran, January 9, 2024. 

O Mitchell. et al. 2023. “Fixed and Variable Longevity Annuities in Defined Contribution Plans: Optimal Retirement Portfolios Taking Social Security into Account,” Wharton Pension Research Council. 

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Rachel Werner is highlighted for her interaction with WPR, Wisconsin Public Radio

Wisconsin Public Radio features Rachel Werner's interaction with the WPR'S "The Morning Show". 

Citations:

"Froedtert Hospital Planning 9-Story Patient Tower at Wauwatosa Campus." Wisconsin Public Radio, C Hess, January 9, 2024. 

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Catherine Auriemma and Guy David's projects have received the 2024 PENN LDI Small Grants Program, Penn LDI

Penn LDI highlights the projects of Catherine Auriemma and Guy David for the Penn LDI small grants program in 2024.

Catherine Auriemma leads the project titled "Identifying Meaningful Outcome Metrics in Severe Brain Injury" as the Principal Investigator.

Guy David serves as the Co-Investigator for the project titled "Access to Elective Surgery in the United States: Evidence from the Outpatient Surgery Market."

Citations:

"Penn LDI Small Grants Program 2024 Projects." Penn LDI, January 2024. 

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Research Blogs that Caught your attention, Penn LDI

Penn LDI highlights health policy research blogs featuring PARC and PSC associates. 

Citations:

"LDI Research Blogs That Caught Your Attention in 2023." Penn LDI, K Kamara & M Bolas, January 3, 2024. 

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News that caught your attention, Penn LDI

Penn LDI showcases attention-grabbing news articles that spotlight some of the PARC and PSC research associates. 

Citations:

"LDI News That Caught Your Attention in 2023." Penn LDI, H Levins, January 3, 2024. 

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