health topics to research

151+ Public Health Research Topics [Updated 2024]

The important area of public health research is essential to forming laws, influencing medical procedures, and eventually enhancing community well-being. As we delve into the vast landscape of public health research topics, it’s essential to understand the profound impact they have on society.

This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide to selecting and understanding the diverse array of public health research topics.

Overview of Public Health Research Topics

Table of Contents

Public health research encompasses a wide range of subjects, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field. From epidemiology and health policy to environmental health and infectious diseases, researchers navigate through various dimensions to address complex health challenges.

Each category holds its own significance, contributing to the overall understanding of public health dynamics.

Key Considerations in Selecting Public Health Research Topics

Current Relevance: Assess the timeliness of potential topics by considering recent health trends, emerging issues, and societal concerns.
Impact on Public Health: Evaluate the potential impact of the research on improving health outcomes, addressing disparities, or influencing policy and interventions.
Feasibility and Resources: Gauge the practicality of conducting research on a particular topic, considering available resources, data accessibility, and research infrastructure.
Ethical Considerations: Scrutinize the ethical implications of the research, ensuring it aligns with ethical standards and guidelines, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations or sensitive topics.

Top 151+ Public Health Research Topics

Epidemiology.

The Impact of Social Determinants on Disease Outcomes
Patterns and Trends in Emerging Infectious Diseases
Investigating Health Disparities among Different Ethnic Groups
Childhood Obesity and its Long-Term Health Consequences
Assessing the Effectiveness of Contact Tracing in Disease Control

Health Policy

Universal Healthcare: Comparative Analysis of Global Models
The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Healthcare Access
Evaluating Mental Health Policies and Their Impact on Communities
Assessing the Impact of Affordable Care Act on Public Health
Vaccine Policies and Public Perception: A Comprehensive Study

Environmental Health

Climate Change and Health: Adapting to the Challenges
Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Urban Environments
Waterborne Diseases and Strategies for Safe Water Supply
Occupational Health Hazards: A Comprehensive Workplace Analysis
The Impact of Green Spaces on Mental Health in Urban Areas

Infectious Diseases

Antimicrobial Resistance: Strategies for Mitigation
Vaccination Strategies and Herd Immunity
Global Health Security: Preparedness for Pandemics
The Impact of Vector-Borne Diseases on Public Health
Emerging Trends in Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Chronic Diseases

Lifestyle Interventions for Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
Genetic Factors in the Development of Cancer: A Comprehensive Study
Aging and Health: Addressing the Healthcare Needs of the Elderly
Diabetes Prevention Programs: Efficacy and Implementation
Mental Health in Chronic Disease Patients: Bridging the Gap

Maternal and Child Health

Maternal Mortality: Understanding Causes and Prevention
The Impact of Breastfeeding on Infant Health and Development
Childhood Immunization: Barriers and Strategies for Improvement
Teenage Pregnancy and Its Long-Term Health Consequences
Mental Health Support for Postpartum Women: Current Gaps and Solutions

Health Behavior and Promotion

Smoking Cessation Programs: Effectiveness and Challenges
Physical Activity Promotion in Schools: Strategies for Success
Nutrition Education and Its Impact on Healthy Eating Habits
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Assessing Public Perceptions
The Role of Social Media in Health Promotion

Global Health

Assessing the Impact of International Aid on Global Health
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programs in Developing Countries
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Global Health
Communicable Disease Control in Refugee Populations
Global Access to Essential Medicines: Challenges and Solutions

Community Health

Community-Based Participatory Research: Best Practices and Challenges
The Impact of Community Health Workers on Health Outcomes
Health Literacy and its Relationship to Health Disparities
Assessing the Effectiveness of Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions
Community Resilience in the Face of Public Health Crises

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

Hospital-Acquired Infections: Strategies for Prevention
Patient Safety Culture in Healthcare Organizations
Quality Improvement Initiatives in Primary Care Settings
Healthcare Accreditation: Impact on Patient Outcomes
Implementing Electronic Health Records: Challenges and Benefits

Mental Health

Stigma Reduction Programs for Mental Health Disorders
Integrating Mental Health into Primary Care Settings
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: Long-Term Implications
Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for Employee Well-being
Suicide Prevention Programs: Effectiveness and Outreach

Health Disparities

Racial Disparities in Healthcare: Addressing Systemic Inequities
LGBTQ+ Health Disparities and Inclusive Healthcare Practices
Socioeconomic Status and Access to Healthcare Services
Geographical Disparities in Health: Rural vs. Urban
The Impact of Gender on Health Outcomes and Access to Care

Public Health Education

Evaluation of Public Health Education Programs
Innovative Approaches to Teaching Public Health Concepts
Online Health Education Platforms: Opportunities and Challenges
Interdisciplinary Training in Public Health: Bridging Gaps
Continuing Education for Public Health Professionals: Current Landscape

Digital Health

The Role of Wearable Devices in Health Monitoring
Telehealth Adoption: Barriers and Opportunities
Health Apps for Chronic Disease Management: User Perspectives
Blockchain Technology in Healthcare: Privacy and Security Implications
Artificial Intelligence in Disease Diagnosis and Prediction

Health Economics

Cost-Effectiveness of Preventive Health Interventions
The Impact of Healthcare Financing Models on Access to Care
Pharmaceutical Pricing and Access to Essential Medicines
Economic Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs
Health Insurance Coverage and Health Outcomes: A Global Perspective

Innovations in Public Health

3D Printing in Healthcare: Applications and Future Prospects
Gene Editing Technologies and their Ethical Implications
Smart Cities and Public Health: Integrating Technology for Well-being
Nanotechnology in Medicine: Potential for Disease Treatment
The Role of Drones in Public Health: Surveillance and Intervention

Food Safety and Nutrition

Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: Investigating Causes and Prevention
Sustainable Food Systems: Implications for Public Health
Nutritional Interventions for Malnutrition in Developing Countries
Food Labeling and Consumer Understanding: A Critical Review
The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Public Health

Substance Abuse

Opioid Epidemic: Strategies for Prevention and Treatment
Harm Reduction Approaches in Substance Abuse Programs
Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Public Health Outcomes
Smoking and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
Novel Psychoactive Substances: Emerging Threats and Strategies

Occupational Health

Workplace Stress and Mental Health: Intervention Strategies
Occupational Hazards in Healthcare Professions: A Comparative Analysis
Ergonomics in the Workplace: Improving Worker Health and Productivity
Night Shift Work and Health Consequences: Addressing Challenges
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: A Global Overview

Disaster Preparedness and Response

Pandemic Preparedness and Lessons from COVID-19
Natural Disasters and Mental Health: Post-Traumatic Stress
Emergency Response Systems: Improving Timeliness and Efficiency
Communicating Health Risks During Emergencies: Public Perception
Collaborative Approaches to Disaster Response in Global Health

Cancer Research

Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Current Advancements
Cancer Screening Programs: Efficacy and Challenges
Environmental Factors and Cancer Risk: Exploring Connections
Survivorship Care Plans: Enhancing Quality of Life after Cancer
Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: Complementary Approaches

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Access to Contraception in Developing Countries: Challenges and Solutions
Comprehensive Sex Education Programs: Impact on Teen Pregnancy
Reproductive Health Rights: Global Perspectives and Challenges
Infertility Treatment: Ethical Considerations and Societal Impact
Maternal and Child Health in Conflict Zones: Addressing Challenges

Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension Prevention Programs: Strategies and Effectiveness
Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Gender-Specific Risk Factors
Innovations in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Artificial Heart Technology: Advancements and Ethical Implications
Impact of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Health: A Global Concern

Social Determinants of Health

Educational Attainment and Health Outcomes: Exploring Links
Income Inequality and its Impact on Population Health
Social Support Networks and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Study
Neighborhood Environments and Health Disparities
Employment and Health: The Interplay of Work and Well-being

Genomics and Public Health

Population Genomics and its Implications for Public Health
Genetic Counseling and Education: Empowering Individuals and Families
Ethical Issues in Genetic Research: Privacy and Informed Consent
Pharmacogenomics: Tailoring Drug Therapies to Individual Genotypes
Gene-Environment Interactions in Disease Risk: Unraveling Complexities

Public Health Ethics

Informed Consent in Public Health Research: Current Practices
Ethical Challenges in Global Health Research: Balancing Priorities
Confidentiality in Public Health Reporting: Striking the Right Balance
Research with Vulnerable Populations: Ethical Considerations
Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies in Healthcare

Health Communication

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Health Perceptions
Health Literacy Interventions: Improving Understanding of Health Information
Social Media Campaigns for Public Health Promotion: Best Practices
Tailoring Health Messages for Diverse Audiences: Cultural Competency
Risk Communication in Public Health Emergencies: Lessons Learned

Nutrigenomics

Personalized Nutrition Plans based on Genetic Makeup
Impact of Nutrigenomics on Chronic Disease Prevention
Ethical Considerations in Nutrigenomics Research
Public Perceptions of Nutrigenomic Testing: A Qualitative Study
Integrating Nutrigenomics into Public Health Policies

Public Health and Artificial Intelligence

Predictive Analytics in Disease Surveillance: Harnessing AI for Early Detection
Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Health Decision Support Systems
Machine Learning in Epidemiology: Predicting Disease Outbreaks
Natural Language Processing in Public Health: Text Mining for Insights
Bias in AI Algorithms: Implications for Health Equity

Health Disparities in Aging

Geriatric Health Disparities: Bridging the Gap in Elderly Care
Ageism in Healthcare: Addressing Stereotypes and Discrimination
Social Isolation and Health Consequences in Aging Populations
Access to Palliative Care for Older Adults: A Global Perspective
Alzheimer’s Disease and Ethnic Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment
Loneliness and Mental Health in the Elderly: Interventions and Support

Research Methodologies in Public Health

Public health research employs various methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Each method brings its own strengths to the research process, allowing researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues they investigate.

Community-based participatory research is another valuable approach, emphasizing collaboration with communities to address their specific health concerns.

Challenges and Opportunities in Public Health Research

While public health research is immensely rewarding, it comes with its own set of challenges. Funding constraints, ethical dilemmas, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of technology pose both obstacles and opportunities.

Researchers must navigate these challenges to ensure their work has a meaningful impact on public health.

In conclusion, public health research topics are diverse and dynamic, reflecting the complex nature of the field. As researchers embark on their journeys, they must carefully consider the relevance, impact, and ethical implications of their chosen topics.

The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of public health research positions it as a powerful tool in addressing the health challenges of our time. By exploring the depths of these topics, researchers contribute to the collective effort to build healthier and more equitable communities.

As we move forward, a continued exploration of relevant public health research topics is essential for shaping the future of healthcare and improving the well-being of populations worldwide.

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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address?

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process.

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects?

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process.

For example:

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods?

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise?

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children?

77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look.

Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19.

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research.

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area.

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health.

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand.

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects.

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study.

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles.

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis.

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants.

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research.

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more.

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care.

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects.

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline.

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data.

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices.

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias.

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases.

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation.

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent.

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

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300+ Medical Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Choose

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Every healthcare research begins with a single step. But in the world of academia, that step often involves hours of pondering over the perfect medical research topic idea. When it comes to medical research paper topics, there's a seemingly limitless array of options that stretches as far as the mind can wander. The potential of this field is exciting but can also be challenging to explore.

To help you narrow down your choices and research effectively, our research paper writer team compiled a list of interesting medical research topics. Whether you want to write about the latest developments in public health or explore the implications of emerging technologies, this blog won't disappoint you.

What Are Medical Research Paper Topics?

Medical research topics are the ideas or concepts related to health and medicine. They often explore new treatments, developments in diagnosis, prevention of illnesses, or even the effects of lifestyle choices. The scope of topics in medicine is vast and can include such aspects:

Clinical medicine
Biomedical research
Public health
Mental health research topics
Medical technology
Health services research.

Your choice should stem from your interests and existing gaps that need to be filled.

Characteristics of Good Medical Research Topics

Choosing the right medical topic for a research paper is like finding a golden ticket to a successful study. Here's what makes a medicine research idea a real showstopper:

Engagement Research should be engaging and relevant to the audience.
Precision Good ideas are always specific, so that you can focus your research on a particular area without being too vague.
Authenticity A good topic needs to address an issue that hasn't been studied before.
Feasibility Ensure your topic is realistic. Good research topics in healthcare should fit within your budget, timeframe, and available resources.
Relevance Winning medical research project topics should address current and pressing issues in healthcare.

How to Choose a Medical Research Topic?

Selecting the best idea out of multiple medicine research topics can be a daunting task, especially when you have so many fields to explore. Here are a few steps that will help you settle on a theme:

Brainstorm and come up with as many ideas as possible.
Narrow down your list by considering factors such as your interest and resources.
Look for current tendencies in healthcare research.
Consult your supervisor or a librarian to verify the pertinence of the topic that you have chosen.
Make sure your topic is specific enough to be addressed within the scope of your project.

Once you come up with a fitting medical research topic, consider half the battle won. But in case you have difficulties creating an original title, our online paper writers prepared a list of research ideas for medical students you might like.

List of Top Medical Research Topics

Below we collected various medical topics to research in your study. From groundbreaking technologies to emerging diseases, there are countless avenues to investigate. If you're on the hunt for a compelling topic, here are some of the top medical researches topics capturing attention in 2023:

Effective strategies for medical talent acquisition and retention.
The best methods for enhancing preventative care measures in contemporary medicine.
The role and impact of telemedicine in reinventing healthcare management.
Implications of artificial intelligence on diagnostics and treatment plans.
The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance and its effects on global health.
The link between environmental changes and public health outcomes.
Complexities of vaccine development and human immune responses.
Health inequities: Causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
New treatment approaches for neurodegenerative disorders.
A multidisciplinary approach to tackling obesity and metabolic disorders.

Good Medical Research Topics

Navigating countless medical topics for research papers can often feel like a journey through a labyrinth. Here are some intriguing ideas that could ignite your curiosity and fuel your research:

How does climate change impact human health?
Communication disorders: A closer look at deafness.
The hidden dangers of household air pollution.
The escalating threat of diabetes in the public sphere.
Coronavirus and how it changed the landscape of public health.
Assessing oral health: Beyond the basics.
Tobacco and alcohol control: A public health perspective.
Health implications of a sedentary lifestyle.
Urban pollution and its impact on respiratory diseases
The role of healthy diets in disease prevention.
Exploring the mental health impact of social media.
How do cultural factors influence public health initiatives?
The role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases.
Investigating the genetics of neurodegenerative disorders.
What are some ethical considerations in gene editing?

Interesting Medical Research Topics

Exploring the depths of medicine can be an exciting experience. You'll discover that every issue has a plethora of complexities and avenues to investigate. Here are some interesting medical topics for research paper that could pique your curiosity:

The influence of lifestyle changes on cardiovascular health.
What are some psychological impacts of chronic illness?
Connection between gut health and mental well-being.
Evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth during the pandemic.
How do genetic factors influence addiction susceptibility?
Autoimmune diseases and their peculiarities.
How does stress affect immune function?
What are some health impacts of sleep disorders?
The link between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
Exploring innovations in pain management.
Analyzing implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Effect of climate change on infectious disease patterns.
A look into advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating degenerative diseases.
How does diet influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease?

Easy Medical Research Topics

You may be looking for simple research topics in medicine that won't take too much time and effort to complete. Explore these straightforward ideas that could make your paper stand out:

Importance of proper sanitation in healthcare settings.
Exploring the role of patient support groups in disease management.
Analyzing the efficacy of physical therapy interventions.
What are the cost-effective interventions for healthcare delivery?
What are some effects of new pharmaceuticals?
What are some health consequences of air pollution?
How does meditation improve outcomes in mental health care?
Evaluating the role of nutritionists in weight loss management.
An analysis of trends and patterns in emerging diseases.
Exploring alternative medicines in contemporary healthcare.
Examining the impact of healthcare policies on public health outcomes.
Can the use of herbs provide an effective remedy for certain illnesses?
How does mental health stigma affect access to treatment?
Drug abuse: Causes, consequences and prevention strategies.
What are some psychological issues associated with chronic illnesses?

Best Medical Research Topics

When it comes to choosing medical research topics, you need something that's striking and meaningful. Hover over these ideas to spot the fitting idea for your medical research:

Exploring new strategies for treating neurological disorders.
What is the role of medical ethics in modern healthcare?
What are some implications of genetics in personalized healthcare?
Exploring innovations in non-invasive diagnosis techniques.
Effect of temperature on patient outcomes in critical care.
How does air pollution influence healthcare costs?
How do changes in lifestyle lead to better health outcomes?
Implications of electronic health records for patient privacy.
Role of nutritionists in disease prevention.
How technology is being used to revolutionize healthcare?
What are the most effective treatments for rare diseases?
How have medical imaging techniques advanced over the years?
Investigating potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
Exploring innovative approaches to mental healthcare delivery.
What are some implications of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis?

Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper

Navigate through the most contentious research topics in health and explore the debate that surrounds them. Consider these thought-provoking ideas and medical controversial topics:

Ethical implications of genetic engineering.
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide - where do we draw the line?
Are mandatory vaccinations an infringement on personal freedom or a public health necessity?
Evaluating medical and legal perspectives on the use of medical marijuana.
Ethical concerns around animal testing in medical research.
How do we navigate the morality and legality of abortion?
Should the criminal justice system focus more on mental health treatment than punishment?
Is stem cell research a moral dilemma or a medical breakthrough?
Ethical considerations in organ trading and transplantation.
Who should shoulder the burden of healthcare costs?
Is access to healthcare a privilege or a human right?
Ethics of using placebo in clinical trials – is it justified?
Assessing the role of Big Pharma in healthcare - is it a necessary evil?
Can genetic screening lead to discrimination, despite its benefits?
Should modern medicine take precedence over traditional medicine, or is there room for both?

New Medical Research Topics

Discover the latest studies in healthcare and explore the newest topics for a medical research paper. Below we prepared some cutting-edge topics for you to consider:

Can gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR transform the treatment of genetic disorders?
How does microbiome therapy potentially influence the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
Exploring the advent of personalized medicine through genomics and precision diagnostics.
How is virtual reality altering the landscape of surgical training and rehabilitation therapies?
How can telehealth improve healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved areas?
The role of nanotechnology in developing more efficient drug delivery systems.
What are some implications of the rising antimicrobial resistance, and where does the future of antibiotics lie?
How are advances in non-invasive treatments changing the face of chronic disease management?
Is precision oncology the future of cancer treatment?
What are some implications and potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering?
Can advancements in wearable technology revolutionize personal health monitoring?
How are gut microbiota affecting our understanding and treatment of metabolic disorders?
What role do nanobots play in medical treatments?
Can big data analytics be used to improve the accuracy of medical diagnosis?

Medical Research Topics Ideas for Students

There are multiple medical topics to write about. But as a student, you're probably looking for something more specific. For your convenience, we divided the titles by academic levels. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to explore these health topics for research that your professor will surely appreciate.

Medical Research Topics for High School

For students who want to investigate different aspect of healthcare, we provided these examples of ideas. Browse through these medical research topics for high school students to spot the most relevant theme:

How does the human immune system work?
Vaccinations as an essential tool in preventing diseases.
A basic overview of genetic disorders.
What makes viruses unique?
How does the body fight off bacterial infections?
The impact of lifestyle factors on heart health.
Diabetes: Types, causes, and prevention strategies.
The importance of mental health in the medical field.
Skin health: Understanding common skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Structure and function of the human heart.
Role of antibiotics and how do they fight bacteria?
Journey of a pill: From ingestion to action.
What happens in an allergic reaction?
How does physical exercise impact the body and mind?
Racial disparities in healthcare and access to treatment.

Medical Research Topics for College Students

At the college level, you may be asked to write a research paper on a complex issue. We prepared these health research topics for college students to help you get started on your assignment:

Exploring the implications of health insurance reform.
Genomic sequencing in the early detection of genetic disorders.
Machine learning in diagnostic imaging: A new era in radiology?
The role of diet in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Exploring the link between circadian rhythms and health disorders.
The role of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
Development and use of prosthetics in physical rehabilitation.
Understanding autoimmune diseases: The body fighting itself.
Addressing health disparities through community-based interventions.
Inflammation in the development of chronic diseases.
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Causes and implications.
Innovations in drug delivery systems: From nanoparticles to smart pills.
How can we address the opioid crisis in America?
Investigating the use of mobile technology for delivering healthcare services.
Exploring medical implications of 3D printing technology.

Medical Research Topics by Subjects

We've also provided some research topics for medical students grouped by specific subjects. Check them out and pick the one you find most captivating.

Medical Research Topics in Pediatrics

Pediatrics involves the care and health of children. As such, it is a broad field ripe with interesting medical topics. Given the unique physiology needs of these younger populations, pediatric research is crucial for understanding illnesses. Below you can find captivating research topics in pediatrics:

Exploring the impact of nutrition on childhood development.
Assessing the effects of screen time on adolescent mental health.
Investigating genetic factors in pediatric cancers.
The role of vaccinations in preventing common childhood illnesses.
Strategies for managing childhood obesity.
The impact of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol on infant health.
Development and evaluation of therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Understanding the rise of food allergies in children.
Advances in the treatment of congenital heart defects.
Exploring the causes and treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.
The impact of environmental toxins on child health.
Evaluation of therapeutic approaches for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Implications of early life stress on mental health in adolescence.
The role of gut microbiota in pediatric diseases.
Understanding the genetic basis of rare childhood disorders.

Medical Research Topics on Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the organization and structure of the body. It encompasses many topics for medical research papers, from bones and organs to cell structures. Consider these ideas when writing your next anatomy paper:

The role of genetics in bone fragility disorders.
A comparative study of the skeletal systems across different species.
The role and function of the lymphatic system in human health.
Investigating complexities of the human brain's structure.
Development and growth of human muscles.
Impact of aging on bone health and structure.
Exploring the intricate workings of the human cardiovascular system.
Understanding structural changes in lungs in chronic respiratory diseases.
The anatomical basis of speech and language development.
Neuroanatomy of pain: Understanding pain pathways and mechanisms.
Structural adaptations of the human body for athletic performance.
Anatomy of the human eye and its role in vision.
How does connective tissue support body structures?
How does endocrine system impact hormone production?
How does female anatomy change during pregnancy?

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology looks at health and illness from a cultural perspective. It draws on expertise from across disciplines such as biology, psychology, and sociology to better understand how medical systems can work within different communities. If you’re interested in this field, use these ideas for med research topics:

Investigating cultural beliefs and practices surrounding childbirth.
Impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes in different cultures.
Understanding the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems.
An exploration of how cultural beliefs influence mental health perceptions.
Effect of migration on health outcomes.
The role of diet and nutrition in health from a cultural perspective.
Cultural competence in healthcare delivery: Challenges and opportunities.
Intersection of gender, culture, and health.
Impact of societal norms and values on disease prevalence.
Health disparities among indigenous populations.
Role of social support networks in health and wellness across cultures.
The impact of stigma on health outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients.
The role of cultural anthropology in global health interventions.
Ethnobotany and its implications for drug discovery.
Understanding health practices in post-conflict societies.

Medicine Research Topics on Physiology

Physiology studies how living organisms function. This branch covers a range of medicine topics and ideas you might like. Here are some suggestions for your next med paper in physiology:

How does nervous system contribute to the perception of pain?
What physiological changes are triggered by acute and chronic stress?
How does regular exercise influence cardiovascular health and overall well-being?
How do hormones influence our metabolic rate and energy utilization?
A detailed study on physiological transformations during pregnancy and lactation.
How does the process of aging affect the function and resilience of various organs?
Exploring the role of homeostasis in maintaining the body's internal balance.
What are the key physiological processes involved in the sleep cycle?
Unraveling complexities of the human digestive system from ingestion to excretion.
How does the renal system contribute to maintaining blood pressure?
Physiological adaptations humans undergo when living at high altitudes.
How does dehydration disrupt normal bodily functions?
Implications of obesity on respiratory function and efficiency.
How does the endocrine system orchestrate growth and development?
Investigating the neurophysiological underpinnings of memory formation and retrieval.

Medical Research Topics on Dermatology

From understanding skin conditions to exploring new procedures, dermatological research is a crucial part of improving skin health. Look through these medical research ideas centered around dermatology:

Investigating the causes and treatments of acne in adolescents.
Diet and the development of psoriasis.
Understanding genetic factors involved in atopic dermatitis.
Skin cancer: Risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.
How do environmental factors cause skin aging?
Exploring new treatments for hair loss.
Understanding the correlation between stress and skin conditions.
The role of the microbiome in skin health and disease.
New approaches in the treatment of vitiligo.
The impact of UV radiation on skin health.
Exploring the pathophysiology of rosacea.
The role of telemedicine in dermatology.
Clinical advancements in the treatment of fungal skin infections.
The correlation between skin health and mental health.
Advances in cosmetic dermatology: Safety and effectiveness of new procedures.

Medical Research Paper Topics on Nursing

Nursing is a versatile profession that covers many areas of health care. It’s also an ever-changing field, with new research and advancements being released all the time. Here are some topics for medical research paper focusing on nursing:

The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient outcomes.
Exploring the effects of nurse fatigue on job performance.
How does nurse practitioner autonomy influence patient care?
Importance of bedside manner in nursing.
The role of technology in nursing practice.
Understanding challenges associated with ethical decision-making in nursing.
How does nurse burnout affect patient safety?
Analyzing factors contributing to nurse retention and turnover rates.
The effects of staffing ratios on nurse and patient satisfaction.
Exploring the role of leadership in nursing practice.
What are implications of nurse workload on healthcare outcomes?
The impact of health policy on nursing education and practice.
Ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in end-of-life care.
How does culture affect perceptions of healthcare and nursing.
What are some effects of managed care on nurse autonomy?

>> Read more: Nursing Research Paper Topics

Medical Research Topics on Primary Care

Primary care is the first point of contact between patients and medical professionals. This branch is often overlooked, but it’s an important area of research that can improve health outcomes in communities around the world. Check out these interesting health topics to discuss in primary care:

Exploring the impact of primary care physician shortages on health outcomes.
How do socio-economic factors influence health outcomes in primary care?
Strategies to improve patient adherence to treatment.
What are some challenges and opportunities of providing mental health services?
The role of primary care in managing chronic diseases.
Evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in primary care.
How does patient education influence health outcomes in primary care?
The role of health technology in improving primary care delivery.
What are some best practices for managing multimorbidity in primary care?
Developing effective communication strategies for diverse patient populations in primary care.
The impact of health policy changes on care delivery.
How can primary care practices be adapted to meet the needs of an aging population?
Assessing the effectiveness of integrated care models.
The role of primary care in addressing health disparities.
Strategies for improving patient satisfaction in primary care.

Medical Research Topics on Public Health

Public health is an important area of research - understanding how to improve health in communities and prevent illness and injury are crucial skills for medical professionals. Here are some medical related research topics that could kick-start your next project:

What are the causes, implications and solutions to food insecurity?
The role of public health in the management of infectious diseases.
Assessing the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.
The role of public health initiatives in combating the obesity epidemic.
What are some policy interventions that can improve public health?
The impact of racism and discrimination on public health outcomes.
Exploring new models for delivering mental health services in underserved communities.
The impact of urbanization on public health outcomes.
Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based health education programs.
Strategies for managing public health crises during natural disasters.
The implications of antibiotic resistance for public health.
How can community engagement improve public health initiatives?
The role of public health in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
What are the effects of environmental toxins on human health?
How can mutual efforts reduce maternal and infant mortality rates?

>> View more: Public Health Research Topics

Medical Research Topics on Mental Health

Mental health is an important area of research, as it affects so many people around the world. Here are some medical research paper ideas to get you started on your next mental health project:

The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
How does social media influence adolescents' mental health?
Exploring the link between gut health and wellbeing.
The role of mindfulness in managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.
Understanding the genetic factors in schizophrenia.
How can stigma associated with mental illness be reduced in society?
How do traumatic events influence mental health?
Potential art therapy application in emotional health treatment.
The role of mental health in managing chronic diseases.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mental health.
Understanding the correlation between sleep deprivation and emotional wellbeing.
Strategies for improving mental health services in rural areas.
How can nutrition benefit mental health?
Exploring the effectiveness of peer support in mental health recovery.
The benefits and challenges of telepsychiatry.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Medical Ethics Research Topics

Medical ethics is an important direction in healthcare research. Check these fascinating health topics to research for your next paper:

Exploring moral implications of assisted suicide.
How do ethical considerations come into play during organ transplantation?
The ethical conundrum of maintaining patient confidentiality in the digital age.
The integral role of informed consent in the physician-patient relationship.
What ethical dilemmas arise from genetic testing and gene editing technologies?
Ethical considerations of implementing artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Is it ethical to use placebos in clinical trials?
Balancing individual rights and public health in the context of a pandemic.
Navigating ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care.
Ethical challenges involved in the rationing of limited healthcare resources.
What ethical considerations are necessary when conducting clinical research in low-resource settings?
Ethical debate surrounding the use of animals for medical research.
Ethical questions raised by advancements in reproductive technologies and rights.
What are ethical implications of mandatory vaccination policies?
Understanding ethical dilemmas associated with using health data for research.

Extra Medical Research Papers Topics

Medical research is an important topic for many people. Below you can find more medical research topic ideas that didn't fall in any of categories offered above.

Health Research Topics

Health research paper topics are crucial to understanding the effects of trends and developments in the medical field. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

How does virtual reality change physical rehabilitation?
Investigating the effects of pollution on respiratory health.
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in mental health.
The role of nutrition in managing cardiovascular diseases.
Assessing health impacts of climate change.
Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs in schools.
Strategies for promoting mental health in the workplace.
Investigating the links between diet and cognitive function.
How does health literacy influence individual health outcomes?
Implications of stress on immune function.
Effectiveness of public health campaigns on smoking cessation.
Exploring the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating diseases.
The role of sports in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Strategies to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse.
Pros and cons of electronic record systems in healthcare.

Clinical Research Topics

Clinical ideas are essential for approaching healthcare from a scientific point of view. Find some medical research paper topics to cover in your project:

Exploring the effectiveness of novel treatments in rare diseases.
The role of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and treatment.
How do medical interventions influence patient satisfaction?
Exploring links between nutrition and cancer prevention.
How do lifestyle modifications influence diabetes management?
Understanding the implications of drug interactions.
How does genetic testing influence medical decision-making?
What are some challenges associated with disseminating medical evidence?
Predicting disease progression through machine learning.
Assessing the accuracy of various diagnostic tools.
Implications of medical robotics and automation in healthcare.
Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on quality outcomes.
Clinical trials: Challenges and opportunities.
How can vulnerable populations access medical care?
How can public-private partnerships benefit healthcare delivery?

Bottom Line on Medical Topics to Research

Choosing healthcare research paper topics can be quite overwhelming. We hope our suggestions will help you in developing an engaging medical research topic for your upcoming project or assignment. Remember to always check with your instructor before starting any project, so that you are aware of all specific requirements.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Mental Health

100+ Mental Health Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring mental health topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of mental health-related research topics and ideas.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Mental Health Topic Ideas

Mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Psychotic disorders
Personality disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Eating disorders
Substance-related disorders

Mood Disorders

Research in mood disorders can help understand their causes and improve treatment methods. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

The impact of genetics on the susceptibility to depression
Efficacy of antidepressants vs. cognitive behavioural therapy
The role of gut microbiota in mood regulation
Cultural variations in the experience and diagnosis of bipolar disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Environmental factors and treatment
The link between depression and chronic illnesses
Exercise as an adjunct treatment for mood disorders
Hormonal changes and mood swings in postpartum women
Stigma around mood disorders in the workplace
Suicidal tendencies among patients with severe mood disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Research topics in this category can potentially explore the triggers, coping mechanisms, or treatment efficacy for anxiety disorders.

The relationship between social media and anxiety
Exposure therapy effectiveness in treating phobias
Generalised Anxiety Disorder in children: Early signs and interventions
The role of mindfulness in treating anxiety
Genetics and heritability of anxiety disorders
The link between anxiety disorders and heart disease
Anxiety prevalence in LGBTQ+ communities
Caffeine consumption and its impact on anxiety levels
The economic cost of untreated anxiety disorders
Virtual Reality as a treatment method for anxiety disorders

Psychotic Disorders

Within this space, your research topic could potentially aim to investigate the underlying factors and treatment possibilities for psychotic disorders.

Early signs and interventions in adolescent psychosis
Brain imaging techniques for diagnosing psychotic disorders
The efficacy of antipsychotic medication
The role of family history in psychotic disorders
Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment of psychotic disorders
Co-morbidity of psychotic and mood disorders
The relationship between substance abuse and psychotic disorders
Art therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia
Public perception and stigma around psychotic disorders
Hospital vs. community-based care for psychotic disorders

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Personality Disorders

Research topics within in this area could delve into the identification, management, and social implications of personality disorders.

Long-term outcomes of borderline personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder and criminal behaviour
The role of early life experiences in developing personality disorders
Narcissistic personality disorder in corporate leaders
Gender differences in personality disorders
Diagnosis challenges for Cluster A personality disorders
Emotional intelligence and its role in treating personality disorders
Psychotherapy methods for treating personality disorders
Personality disorders in the elderly population
Stigma and misconceptions about personality disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Within this space, research topics could focus on the causes, symptoms, or treatment of disorders like OCD and hoarding.

OCD and its relationship with anxiety disorders
Cognitive mechanisms behind hoarding behaviour
Deep Brain Stimulation as a treatment for severe OCD
The impact of OCD on academic performance in students
Role of family and social networks in treating OCD
Alternative treatments for hoarding disorder
Childhood onset OCD: Diagnosis and treatment
OCD and religious obsessions
The impact of OCD on family dynamics
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Causes and treatment

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Research topics in this area could explore the triggers, symptoms, and treatments for PTSD. Here are some thought starters to get you moving.

PTSD in military veterans: Coping mechanisms and treatment
Childhood trauma and adult onset PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) efficacy
Role of emotional support animals in treating PTSD
Gender differences in PTSD occurrence and treatment
Effectiveness of group therapy for PTSD patients
PTSD and substance abuse: A dual diagnosis
First responders and rates of PTSD
Domestic violence as a cause of PTSD
The neurobiology of PTSD

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This category of mental health aims to better understand disorders like Autism and ADHD and their impact on day-to-day life.

Early diagnosis and interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD medication and its impact on academic performance
Parental coping strategies for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Autism and gender: Diagnosis disparities
The role of diet in managing ADHD symptoms
Neurodevelopmental disorders in the criminal justice system
Genetic factors influencing Autism
ADHD and its relationship with sleep disorders
Educational adaptations for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders and stigma in schools

Eating Disorders

Research topics within this space can explore the psychological, social, and biological aspects of eating disorders.

The role of social media in promoting eating disorders
Family dynamics and their impact on anorexia
Biological basis of binge-eating disorder
Treatment outcomes for bulimia nervosa
Eating disorders in athletes
Media portrayal of body image and its impact
Eating disorders and gender: Are men underdiagnosed?
Cultural variations in eating disorders
The relationship between obesity and eating disorders
Eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community

Substance-Related Disorders

Research topics in this category can focus on addiction mechanisms, treatment options, and social implications.

Efficacy of rehabilitation centres for alcohol addiction
The role of genetics in substance abuse
Substance abuse and its impact on family dynamics
Prescription drug abuse among the elderly
Legalisation of marijuana and its impact on substance abuse rates
Alcoholism and its relationship with liver diseases
Opioid crisis: Causes and solutions
Substance abuse education in schools: Is it effective?
Harm reduction strategies for drug abuse
Co-occurring mental health disorders in substance abusers

Choosing A Research Topic

These research topic ideas we’ve covered here serve as thought starters to help you explore different areas within mental health. They are intentionally very broad and open-ended. By engaging with the currently literature in your field of interest, you’ll be able to narrow down your focus to a specific research gap .

It’s important to consider a variety of factors when choosing a topic for your dissertation or thesis . Think about the relevance of the topic, its feasibility , and the resources available to you, including time, data, and academic guidance. Also, consider your own interest and expertise in the subject, as this will sustain you through the research process.

Always consult with your academic advisor to ensure that your chosen topic aligns with academic requirements and offers a meaningful contribution to the field. If you need help choosing a topic, consider our private coaching service.

Good morning everyone. This are very patent topics for research in neuroscience. Thank you for guidance

What if everything is important, original and intresting? as in Neuroscience. I find myself overwhelmd with tens of relveant areas and within each area many optional topics. I ask myself if importance (for example – able to treat people suffering) is more relevant than what intrest me, and on the other hand if what advance me further in my career should not also be a consideration?

This information is really helpful and have learnt alot

Phd research topics on implementation of mental health policy in Nigeria :the prospects, challenges and way forward.

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150+ Public Health Research Topics & Ideas For Students

Public health research aims to understand and improve the health of communities and people. Some crucial areas of research in public health today include looking at social factors that affect health, developing helpful health programs, improving access to healthcare, and reducing health differences.

In this blog, we will discuss public health research topics. Public health research uses scientific ways to identify things that influence health, disease, and injury in groups of people. Researchers collect and analyze information to find trends and patterns in health outcomes.

This information is then used to develop programs, policies, and interventions to improve population health. With many continuing and new health challenges, public health research is essential for informing effective strategies to protect and promote the health of all people. Let’s dive in to explore public health research topics.

Why Public Health Research Matters?

Table of Contents

Public health research is important because:

It finds health problems affecting groups of people. This helps public health workers know where help is most needed.
It guides leaders on where to put resources. Findings show where funding should go to improve health the most.
It checks if public health programs and policies work. Research helps improve these efforts over time.
It leads to new health discoveries. Research teaches us more about keeping people healthy.
It encourages healthy choices. When people know what affects their health, they can make better choices.
Research improves quality of life and seeks to help people live longer, healthier lives.
Research builds healthier communities and provides information to help make communities healthier for all.

In short, public health research gives important information to guide work that protects and improves everyone’s health. It’s a key tool for promoting community well-being.

Key Areas in Public Health Research

Here are some key areas in public health research:

Epidemiology

Studies patterns of disease, health risks, and health behaviors in populations. Identifies risk factors that impact community health.

Health Disparities

Health Disparities examine differences in health outcomes, access to care, and quality of life across populations. It seeks to understand and reduce inequities.

Social Determinants of Health

It examines how social, economic, and environmental factors shape health and well-being. Focuses on improving conditions for healthy living.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion develops and evaluates programs and policies to encourage healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and choices. It also promotes wellness and disease prevention.

Environmental Health

Explores links between environmental exposures and health. Identifies and mitigates ecological hazards and risks.

Health Systems and Policy

Health Systems and Policy analyze health system structures, functions, and reforms to optimize quality, access, costs, and outcomes. It also evaluates health policies.

Community Health Assessments

Collects and analyzes data on population health status, needs, resources, and priorities to guide public health planning.

Program Evaluation

Assesses effectiveness and impact of public health programs and interventions. It also helps refine approaches.

Public Health Preparedness

Examines capacities to prevent, respond to, and recover from health emergencies and disasters and strengthens public health systems.

Health Communication

Develop strategies to provide health information and influence health behaviors and social norms. Tailors are messaging for diverse audiences.

150+ Public Health Research Topics

Here is a list of 150+ public health research topics categorized into 15 groups.

Infectious Diseases: Public Health Research Topics

Emerging infectious diseases: Challenges and responses
Antimicrobial resistance: A global threat
Vaccination strategies for preventing infectious diseases
Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in different regions
Impact of COVID-19 on mental health
Vector-borne diseases: Surveillance and control
Tuberculosis control and prevention
Malaria elimination strategies
Influenza outbreak preparedness
Waterborne diseases: Prevention and control

Chronic Diseases: Public Health Research Topics

Diabetes prevention and management
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and interventions
Cancer screening programs: Effectiveness and challenges
Obesity prevention in children and adults
Chronic respiratory diseases: Trends and interventions
Mental health and chronic illness
Substance abuse and its impact on chronic diseases
Aging and the risk of chronic conditions
Environmental factors in chronic disease development
Genetic predisposition to chronic diseases

Environmental Health Research Topics

Air pollution and respiratory health
Water quality and its impact on public health
Climate change and health disparities
Occupational health and safety
Urban planning for healthier cities
Food safety and its implications for public health
Environmental justice and health outcomes
Pesticide exposure and health risks
Noise pollution and its effects on well-being
Built environment and public health
Electronic waste and its health implications

Health Policy and Management: Public Health Research Topics

Healthcare disparities in underserved populations
Health insurance coverage and access to care
Health system strengthening in developing countries
Telemedicine: Opportunities and challenges
Ethics in Health policy decision-making
Healthcare workforce shortages: Causes and solutions
Cost-effectiveness of public health interventions
Public-private partnerships in healthcare
Quality improvement in healthcare delivery
Health information technology and patient outcomes
Global health governance and policy

Maternal and Child Health: Public Health Research Topics

Maternal mortality reduction strategies
Early childhood development and its long-term impact
Breastfeeding promotion and support
Adolescent reproductive health education
Neonatal care and preterm birth prevention
Childhood immunization programs
Child malnutrition: Causes and interventions
Parental influences on child health behaviors
Teen pregnancy prevention programs
Access to prenatal care in low-income communities

Health Behavior and Education: Public Health Research Topics

Health promotion through social media
School-based health education programs
Tobacco control and smoking cessation interventions
Physical activity promotion in communities
Nutrition education and behavior change
Substance abuse prevention campaigns
Sexual health education in schools
Stress management and mental health promotion
Community engagement in health initiatives
Health Literacy and its effect on Individuals’ health outcomes

Global Health Research Topics

Eradication of infectious diseases in developing countries
Humanitarian interventions in conflict zones
Water and sanitation programs in underserved regions
Access to essential medicines in low-income countries
Reproductive health in the global context
International collaborations in health research
Refugee health and well-being
Cultural competence in global health practice
Impact of globalization on health outcomes
Health diplomacy and international relations

Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Public Health Research Topics

Surveillance systems for disease tracking
Statistical methods in epidemiological research
Spatial analysis in public health studies
Meta-analysis in health research
Longitudinal studies in epidemiology
Big data analytics in public health
Genetic epidemiology: Advancements and challenges
Screening methods for disease detection
Causal inference in observational studies
Bayesian statistics in health research

Health Equity and Social Determinants: Public Health Research Topics

Social determinants of health disparities
LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare policies
Racial and ethnic health inequities
Income inequality and health outcomes
Access to healthcare in marginalized communities
Intersectionality and health disparities
Gender-based health disparities
Educational attainment and health outcomes
Housing and its impact on health
Cultural competence in healthcare delivery
LGBTQ+ health disparities and inclusivity

Mental Health Research Topics

Stigma reduction in mental health disorders
Suicide prevention strategies
Mental health in the workplace
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interventions
Access to mental health services in rural regions
Child and adolescent mental health programs
Substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders
Technology-based mental health interventions
Cultural perspectives on mental health
Resilience and mental well-being

Health Technology and Innovation: Public Health Research Topics

Wearable technology in health monitoring
Artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis
Mobile health (mHealth) applications
Telehealth and remote patient monitoring
The role of citizen science in health innovation
Health informatics and electronic health records
3D printing in healthcare
Precision medicine and personalized healthcare
Virtual reality in health education and therapy
Robotics in healthcare delivery
Ethical considerations in health technology

Community Health Research Topics

Community-based participatory research
Community health assessments and planning
Grassroots health advocacy
Community health worker programs
Social support networks and health outcomes
Faith-based health initiatives
Community resilience in health emergencies
Cultural competence in community health programs
Community gardens and their impact on nutrition
Social marketing for health behavior change

Occupational Health Research Topics

Workplace stress and mental health
Occupational exposure to hazardous substances
Ergonomics in the prevention of work-related injuries
Occupational health and well-being programs
Worksite health promotion initiatives
Shift work and its impact on health
Occupational health surveillance
Prevention of workplace violence
Occupational health in the gig economy
Role of unions in promoting occupational health

Disaster Preparedness and Response: Public Health Research Topics

Public health planning for natural disasters
Emergency response coordination and communication
Mental health support in disaster-affected communities
Infectious disease control in emergency shelters
Disaster risk reduction strategies
Humanitarian aid in post-disaster scenarios
Community resilience in disaster-prone areas
Lessons learned from past pandemics for future preparedness
Public health implications of climate-related disasters
Technology in disaster response and recovery

Health Economics: Public Health Research Topics

Cost-effectiveness of preventive healthcare measures
The economic effect of chronic diseases on healthcare systems
Healthcare financing models and access to care
Value-based healthcare delivery
Pharmaceutical pricing and access
Economic evaluation of public health interventions
Health disparities and economic inequality
Impact of health policies on economic productivity
Global economic implications of health crises
Social determinants of economic well-being

Feel free to choose any of these topics for your research or adapt them based on your specific interests and requirements.

Challenges and Opportunities in Public Health Research

Here are some critical challenges and opportunities in public health research:

The complexity of public health problems – Issues like obesity, cancer, or health inequities have multiple interrelated causes, requiring sophisticated research approaches.
Data limitations – Public health data may be inconsistent, incomplete, or lack granularity to address specific research questions. There are gaps in data collection.
Community involvement – Public health research should engage intended populations, but this takes time and trust-building. Historically marginalized groups may be skeptical.
Policymaker investment – Research needs policymaker buy-in, but political timelines and priorities may not align. Demonstrating the value of research investment can be difficult.
Funding constraints – Public health research competes for limited funding, especially long-term support needed for community interventions or infrastructure.
Interdisciplinary coordination – Addressing public health issues requires collaboration across fields like medicine, social sciences, urban planning, etc. This can be complex to coordinate.

Opportunities

New technologies – Emerging data analysis methods, geospatial mapping, online engagement tools, and more can enable innovative, rigorous research.
Community partnerships – Strong relationships with local organizations allow the co-design of research that best meets community priorities and knowledge.
Cross-sectoral collaboration – Partnering with groups in other sectors like education, transportation, and environment brings new perspectives.
Translation into policy and practice – Timely research translation maximizes opportunities to apply findings for impactful policy and program improvement.
Capacity building – Investing in researcher training, community involvement, research literacy, and public data access expands quality research efforts.
Health equity focus – Center health equity goals in research to effectively address the needs of marginalized groups.
Communication of findings – Using diverse media to communicate findings to various audiences effectively advances research uptake.

Final Remarks

In this blog, we have discussed the public health research topics. Public health research is fundamental to helping keep communities healthy. Researchers study many different health topics and problems. They examine diseases, health programs, healthcare access, and group differences.

The research gives information to make health policies, create health programs, and help people live longer. There are challenges like limited funding and complex problems. But new technologies and working with local groups can help do good research.

The findings are used to improve health for everyone. More public health research is needed to address new health problems and help build a healthier world. I hope you enjoyed this post and chose the right public health research topic.

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11 global health issues to watch in 2023, according to IHME experts

Published December 20, 2022

As the year 2022 winds down, what is next on the horizon for global health? We turned to our IHME experts for their takes on the most critical health issues to watch in 2023. Entering our fourth year grappling with COVID-19, most of our experts pointed to issues that were impacted in some way by the pandemic, like long COVID and mental health. They also offered potential interventions to address the threats.

The faculty members and research scientists who shared their insights are professor Mohsen Naghavi , assistant professor Hwme Kyu , assistant professor Angela Micah , affiliate professor Michael Brauer , affiliate assistant professor Alize Ferrari , lead research scientist Liane Ong , lead research scientist Sarah Wulf Hanson, postdoctoral scholar Christian Razo, postdoctoral scholar Ewerton Cousin, and researcher Emma Nichols. Their comments have been lightly edited for clarity.

1. Long COVID

“Long COVID is absolutely a health issue to watch in 2023. The health impact of long COVID often disrupts a person’s ability to engage with school, work, or relationships for months at a time. “People with long COVID need diagnostic and proper rehabilitation support from primary care physicians. We desperately need more research to find effective treatments as well as preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing long COVID.” — Sarah Wulf Hanson, lead research scientist of the non-fatal and risk quality enhancement team and lead author of the JAMA paper on long COVID

2. Mental health

“Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with no evidence of a decrease in this burden since 1990. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, war, and violence on mental health remains a priority, specifically understanding how these have impacted the prevalence and burden of mental disorders in 2022 onward and how countries should be adapting their mental health response accordingly.

“Currently in the GBD study, we investigate childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and bullying victimization as risk factors for mental disorders. Going forward, we need a better understanding of the other risk factors for mental disorders, how these vary across different populations, and how to offer the best opportunities for prevention at the population level.” — Alize Ferrari, affiliate assistant professor and team lead for estimating the burden of mental disorders

3. Impact of climate change

“Climate change is already affecting the health of millions of people all over the world, and more importantly, climate change will worsen throughout this century. People are experiencing both the direct effects of extreme heat that we measure in the GBD and a myriad of indirect effects. Flooding can force people from their homes and affect their mental health, droughts and storms can impact food security and water availability, and wildfire smoke episodes can increase air pollution. As we know from the pandemic, preparedness is key, and we are far from prepared for the health impacts of a warmer climate.

“Most of the emphasis to date on climate change – and rightly so – has been on what we call mitigation: reducing the emissions that lead to global warming. Yet to date these efforts have been far too modest. We are now at a point where climate change is clearly with us, and much more attention needs to be put on minimizing the impacts on global health through adaptation or enhancing resilience.

“One aspect of this is improving overall health and enhancing socioeconomic development because we know that those who are more vulnerable will suffer the most. In addition, there are technological solutions that can support adaptation , such as the use of drought-resistant crops, increasing vegetation in cities to reduce the urban heat island effect, or repurposing land use to adapt to rising sea levels.

“Air pollution is one of the leading global risk factors that we evaluate in the GBD – currently responsible for about 8% of all global mortality – yet it is a problem with known solutions. Increasing the speed at which we address air pollution will save lives today. Those solutions will move the world closer to the net-zero carbon emissions goals that we need to ultimately address the causes of climate change.” — Michael Brauer, affiliate professor and team lead for estimating the burden of environmental, occupational, and dietary risk factors

4. Cardiovascular disease

“Cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 28% of total deaths in 2021. Additionally, cardiovascular diseases substantially contribute to health loss and the economic burden on health care systems. Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, dietary risks, smoking, and air pollution.” — Christian Razo, postdoctoral scholar on the team estimating cardiovascular disease burden and lead author of a Burden of Proof study on the effects of elevated systolic blood pressure on ischemic heart disease

5. Lower respiratory infections

“Lower respiratory infections (LRI), especially respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, are health issues to watch in 2023. “ We saw a general decline in influenza and RSV infections in 2020 due to COVID-19 mitigation measures such as mask use and social distancing. With the relaxation of these measures, many young children who haven’t been exposed to RSV in the past couple of years are being infected, resulting in RSV outbreaks . Countries have also experienced a surge in influenza across all ages. “ Annual influenza vaccination provides an opportunity to reduce the LRI burden attributable to flu. There is no vaccine yet to prevent RSV, but promising vaccine trials are underway . ” — Hmwe Kyu, assistant professor and team lead for estimating the burden of HIV, TB, and select infectious diseases “ After experiencing significant disruptions to health care systems worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the increases in respiratory infections and other communicable diseases have been added to the existing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases, creating a dual burden of disease exacerbated by social inequalities observed globally.” — Christian Razo

6. Poverty’s role in health

“It seems that poverty is the mother of inequality in health. The unequal distribution of resources has expanded due to climate change and increasing violence. Low- and middle-income countries experience worse health outcomes than high-income countries: the life expectancy is 34 years lower, the under-5 mortality around 100 times higher, deaths due to interpersonal violence and suicide are 30 times higher, and deaths attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are 12 times higher. We must urgently address the impact of poverty on health, life, and death.” — Mohsen Naghavi, professor and team lead for causes of death, shocks, intermediate causes and estimating the burden of AMR

7. Health systems strengthening

“Strengthening health systems globally remains a critical aspect of what is needed for resilient health systems. This will be particularly relevant as countries refocus their resources and attention after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think what is needed is a longer-term commitment from donors and governments – financial and human resources, governance structures, management, information systems – to ensure that interventions are set up for long-term sustainability and can deliver the outcomes that are aspired to across health systems.” — Angela Micah, assistant professor and co-lead of the development assistance for health resource tracking team

“Given the immense strain of COVID-19 on primary care and hospital systems the past two-and-a-half years, attention should be paid to building back up the health care system and enabling frontline workers to do their jobs effectively. Public health leaders and policymakers need to reflect on lessons learned from the pandemic to prevent health care system collapse in the next crisis and to ensure that people who need care can access quality health care.” — Sarah Wulf Hanson

8. Diabetes

“Diabetes is the fourth main cause of DALYs in Latin America and the Caribbean, and among the top five causes, it is the only one that shows an increase in the age-standardized rate compared to 1990. The burden of diabetes in the Americas is large, increasing, heterogeneous, and expanding, especially in countries in Central Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Population-based interventions such as taxes and incentives, more informative food labeling, improving the built environment to facilitate exercise, and greater advocacy to inform people of the risk diabetes poses, combined with expanded health education to combat diabetes risk factors, seem the best options. Policies aimed to help avoid weight gain and improve dietary quality are also paramount.

“Another important aspect is improving the response of health systems in terms of access and quality care. These should include universal access to low-cost insulin and oral anti-diabetic medication to decrease avoidable deaths from acute complications. Health systems should also strive to furnish feedback from their administrative data systems to providers to help orient diabetes care.” — Ewerton Cousin, postdoctoral scholar on the neglected tropical diseases team and lead author of The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology paper on diabetes burden in the Americas

9. Road injuries

emergency workers attend to a crashed car

“Road injuries are still an important and preventable injury. For people 15-49 years old, road injuries are the leading cause of death .

“Interventions such as helmets, seatbelts, airbags, speed limits, and laws discouraging alcohol-impaired driving do work. But implementation is not the only thing that determines their success – human behavior must adhere to those policies to make them effective." — Liane Ong, lead research scientist and team lead for estimating the burden of injuries, chronic respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, substance use disorders, diabetes and kidney diseases, sensory organ diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and impairments (BIRDS)

10. Dementia

“Anticipated trends in population growth and population aging are expected to lead to large increases in the number of people affected by dementia globally, underscoring the public health importance of dementia. To adequately care for those with dementia, appropriate planning for the necessary supports and services required is needed.

“Interventions targeting modifiable risk factors, such as low education, smoking, and high blood sugar, have the potential to reduce the overall societal burden and should be prioritized.” — Emma Nichols, researcher on the BIRDS team and lead author of The Lancet Public Health paper on dementia forecasting

11. Population aging

“Adapting health systems to support older populations’ needs should be front of mind in 2023. Globally, the proportion of the population that is above 65 is expected to increase in the coming years. While a lot of attention (and rightfully so) has historically focused on diseases that affect children, it will be prudent to begin thinking through and systematically planning for some of these upcoming changes in demography as well, especially in low- and middle-income countries.” — Angela Micah

The burden of liver cancer in Mongolia from 1990-2019

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Health Psychology Topics

Ideas for Your Next Health Psychology Paper or Project

Heath psychology topics can look at a range of issues related to health, illness, and healthcare. It may include such things as eating disorders, weight management, diet, exercise, stress coping, women's health, and more.

Health psychology, also known as medical psychology or behavioral medicine, focuses on how biology, psychology, behavior, and social factors influence health and well-being. It's a diverse and rich field worth exploring if you're studying to be a health professional.

At a Glance

Health psychology is a field focused on promoting wellness and understanding how physical health and illness impact mental well-being. Health psychology topics you might want to explore include stress management, behavior change, weight management, nutrition, eating disorders, exercise, illness prevention, managing chronic conditions, and much more.

Health Psychology Research and Paper Topic Ideas

The next time you're looking for a research topic for your studies and would like to focus on health psychology , consider the following suggestions. These can inspire an experiment , a research paper, or any other type of class project.

Exercise and Eating Behavior Topic Ideas

Health behaviors, including exercise and diet, are a major topic within the field of health psychology. Some areas you might opt to explore include:

Weight Management Strategies

Explore some of the psychological strategies that can help people stick to a diet and exercise program. Is there any singular strategy that is more effective than others?

Eating Disorders

Analyze how media depictions of "ideal" bodies influence anorexia and bulimia. Is there a link between exposure to these images and eating disorders?

Social Media and Body Image

Look at how exposure to social media affects body image. Do young people who spend more time on social media have worse body image than those who use these apps and websites less frequently? What type of content has the most significant impact on body image?

Family Health and Safety Topic Ideas

Factors that influence family health and safety are another health psychology topic you might consider. Examples include:

Safe Sleep Practices

Explore how increased public awareness of infant safety, such as placing an infant on their back to sleep, or removing pillows and other objects from the sleeping area, have influenced the occurrence of SIDS, or "crib death." Has the number of SIDS-related deaths gone down? Why do some parents ignore these sleep safety guidelines?

Childhood Immunizations

Assess current approaches to childhood immunizations. Why do some parents choose not to immunize their children? How does this impact public health? What can health professionals do to increase the likelihood that kids are immunized?

Teen Suicide

Explore the factors that contribute to teen suicide . How effective are suicide prevention programs? Which strategies are the most effective?

Effects of Caregiving

Look at the emotional, social, and psychological impact of caregiving, such as taking care of an aging parent, a family member with AIDS, or a spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Public Health Topic Ideas

Individual health is important, but health psychology are also interested in learning more about things that can have an effect on overall public health. Some examples include:>

Trauma Coping

What can mental health and medical professionals do to help people cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster? Are there any strategies that result in better long-term outcomes?

PTSD in Veterans

Research the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. What factors contribute to whether an individual veteran experiences PTSD? Which mental health interventions are most effective in treating this disorder?

Coping with Chronic Pain

Evaluate how stress management techniques and relaxation methods can help patients experiencing chronic pain. How effective are these tactics? How do they compare to traditional pharmacological approaches to pain management?

Smoking Cessation

Compare and contrast different approaches to quitting smoking. Which strategies are the most effective?

Safety Equipment Use

Look at different techniques that can be used to increase the likelihood that people will use safety equipment such as seat belts and bicycle helmets. What type of public safety program would you devise to encourage the use of these products?

A few areas you might want to explore in your research include exercise, eating behaviors, family health, safety, and public health. Such areas provide a wealth of health psychology topics to choose from.

Tips Before You Get Started

Before you begin, make sure the topic you're interested in matches the specific assignment. Even if your instructor doesn't require you to get approval for your intended topic, it's always a good idea to run it by them before you delve too deeply into your research.

Of course, make sure you've chosen a subject that you know you'll be able to find appropriate sources for. You wouldn't want to commit to a project only to find insufficient existing information to work with. Again, input from your instructor can prevent you from wasting time on a topic that offers little to go on.

What This Means For You

Health psychology focuses on understanding how social, environmental, biological, psychological, and cultural factors influence health and illness. If you are looking for a great topic to explore, consider picking a broad area of interest (like stress, exercise, safety, illness, etc.), and then narrowing down your focus to more specific questions of interest.

Ian Lubek, Monica Ghabrial, Naomi Ennis, et al. Notes on the development of health psychology and behavioral medicine in the United States. J Health Psychol. 2018;23(3):492-505. doi:10.1177/1359105318755156

Sanderson CA. Health Psychology: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection . SAGE Publications.

Naumann E, Tuschen-Caffier B, Voderholzer U, Schäfer J, Svaldi J. Effects of emotional acceptance and rumination on media-induced body dissatisfaction in anorexia and bulimia nervosa . J Psychiatr Res . 2016;82:119-125. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.07.021

McNeil DA, Mueller M, MacDonald S, et al. Maternal perceptions of childhood vaccination: Explanations of reasons for and against vaccination. BMC Public Health . 2019;19(1):49. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-6338-0

Shen S, Cheng C, Yang J, Yang S. Visualized analysis of developing trends and hot topics in natural disaster research. PLoS One . 2018;13(1):e0191250. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0191250

Renshaw KD. An integrated model of risk and protective factors for post-deployment PTSD symptoms in OEF/OIF era combat veterans. J Affect Disord . 2011;128(3):321-326. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2010.07.022

American Psychological Association. Health psychology promotes wellness .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Study reveals the benefits and downside of fasting

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Low-calorie diets and intermittent fasting have been shown to have numerous health benefits: They can delay the onset of some age-related diseases and lengthen lifespan, not only in humans but many other organisms.

Many complex mechanisms underlie this phenomenon. Previous work from MIT has shown that one way fasting exerts its beneficial effects is by boosting the regenerative abilities of intestinal stem cells, which helps the intestine recover from injuries or inflammation.

In a study of mice, MIT researchers have now identified the pathway that enables this enhanced regeneration, which is activated once the mice begin “refeeding” after the fast. They also found a downside to this regeneration: When cancerous mutations occurred during the regenerative period, the mice were more likely to develop early-stage intestinal tumors.

“Having more stem cell activity is good for regeneration, but too much of a good thing over time can have less favorable consequences,” says Omer Yilmaz, an MIT associate professor of biology, a member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and the senior author of the new study.

Yilmaz adds that further studies are needed before forming any conclusion as to whether fasting has a similar effect in humans.

“We still have a lot to learn, but it is interesting that being in either the state of fasting or refeeding when exposure to mutagen occurs can have a profound impact on the likelihood of developing a cancer in these well-defined mouse models,” he says.

MIT postdocs Shinya Imada and Saleh Khawaled are the lead authors of the paper, which appears today in Nature .

Driving regeneration

For several years, Yilmaz’s lab has been investigating how fasting and low-calorie diets affect intestinal health. In a 2018 study , his team reported that during a fast, intestinal stem cells begin to use lipids as an energy source, instead of carbohydrates. They also showed that fasting led to a significant boost in stem cells’ regenerative ability.

However, unanswered questions remained: How does fasting trigger this boost in regenerative ability, and when does the regeneration begin?

“Since that paper, we’ve really been focused on understanding what is it about fasting that drives regeneration,” Yilmaz says. “Is it fasting itself that’s driving regeneration, or eating after the fast?”

In their new study, the researchers found that stem cell regeneration is suppressed during fasting but then surges during the refeeding period. The researchers followed three groups of mice — one that fasted for 24 hours, another one that fasted for 24 hours and then was allowed to eat whatever they wanted during a 24-hour refeeding period, and a control group that ate whatever they wanted throughout the experiment.

The researchers analyzed intestinal stem cells’ ability to proliferate at different time points and found that the stem cells showed the highest levels of proliferation at the end of the 24-hour refeeding period. These cells were also more proliferative than intestinal stem cells from mice that had not fasted at all.

“We think that fasting and refeeding represent two distinct states,” Imada says. “In the fasted state, the ability of cells to use lipids and fatty acids as an energy source enables them to survive when nutrients are low. And then it’s the postfast refeeding state that really drives the regeneration. When nutrients become available, these stem cells and progenitor cells activate programs that enable them to build cellular mass and repopulate the intestinal lining.”

Further studies revealed that these cells activate a cellular signaling pathway known as mTOR, which is involved in cell growth and metabolism. One of mTOR’s roles is to regulate the translation of messenger RNA into protein, so when it’s activated, cells produce more protein. This protein synthesis is essential for stem cells to proliferate.

The researchers showed that mTOR activation in these stem cells also led to production of large quantities of polyamines — small molecules that help cells to grow and divide.

“In the refed state, you’ve got more proliferation, and you need to build cellular mass. That requires more protein, to build new cells, and those stem cells go on to build more differentiated cells or specialized intestinal cell types that line the intestine,” Khawaled says.

Too much of a good thing

The researchers also found that when stem cells are in this highly regenerative state, they are more prone to become cancerous. Intestinal stem cells are among the most actively dividing cells in the body, as they help the lining of the intestine completely turn over every five to 10 days. Because they divide so frequently, these stem cells are the most common source of precancerous cells in the intestine.

In this study, the researchers discovered that if they turned on a cancer-causing gene in the mice during the refeeding stage, they were much more likely to develop precancerous polyps than if the gene was turned on during the fasting state. Cancer-linked mutations that occurred during the refeeding state were also much more likely to produce polyps than mutations that occurred in mice that did not undergo the cycle of fasting and refeeding.

“I want to emphasize that this was all done in mice, using very well-defined cancer mutations. In humans it’s going to be a much more complex state,” Yilmaz says. “But it does lead us to the following notion: Fasting is very healthy, but if you’re unlucky and you’re refeeding after a fasting, and you get exposed to a mutagen, like a charred steak or something, you might actually be increasing your chances of developing a lesion that can go on to give rise to cancer.”

Yilmaz also noted that the regenerative benefits of fasting could be significant for people who undergo radiation treatment, which can damage the intestinal lining, or other types of intestinal injury. His lab is now studying whether polyamine supplements could help to stimulate this kind of regeneration, without the need to fast.

“This fascinating study provides insights into the complex interplay between food consumption, stem cell biology, and cancer risk,” says Ophir Klein, a professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who was not involved in the study. “Their work lays a foundation for testing polyamines as compounds that may augment intestinal repair after injuries, and it suggests that careful consideration is needed when planning diet-based strategies for regeneration to avoid increasing cancer risk.”

The research was funded, in part, by a Pew-Stewart Trust Scholar award, the Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, the Koch Institute-Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Bridge Project, and the MIT Stem Cell Initiative.

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A new study led by researchers at MIT suggests that fasting and then refeeding stimulates cell regeneration in the intestines, reports Katharine Lang for Medical News Today . However, notes Lang, researchers also found that fasting “carries the risk of stimulating the formation of intestinal tumors.”

MIT researchers have discovered how fasting impacts the regenerative abilities of intestinal stem cells, reports Ed Cara for Gizmodo . “The major finding of our current study is that refeeding after fasting is a distinct state from fasting itself,” explain Prof. Ömer Yilmaz and postdocs Shinya Imada and Saleh Khawaled. “Post-fasting refeeding augments the ability of intestinal stem cells to, for example, repair the intestine after injury.”

Prof. Ömer Yilmaz and his colleagues have discovered the potential health benefits and consequences of fasting, reports Max Kozlov for Nature . “There is so much emphasis on fasting and how long to be fasting that we’ve kind of overlooked this whole other side of the equation: what is going on in the refed state,” says Yilmaz.

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How early-stage cancer cells hide from the immune system

MIT biologists found that intestinal stem cells express high levels of a ketogenic enzyme called HMGCS2, shown in brown.

Study links certain metabolites to stem cell function in the intestine

Intestinal stem cells from mice that fasted for 24 hours, at right, produced much more substantial intestinal organoids than stem cells from mice that did not fast, at left.

Fasting boosts stem cells’ regenerative capacity

“Not only does the high-fat diet change the biology of stem cells, it also changes the biology of non-stem-cell populations, which collectively leads to an increase in tumor formation,” Omer Yilmaz says.

How diet influences colon cancer

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New USC study sheds light on adolescent mental health crisis in the United States

Results emphasize the interconnectedness of mental health, attendance and school grades—a necessary reality for schools to grapple with.

Morgan Polikoff Study - Mental Health and Attendance

Key Findings

This study suggests:

Teen girls and pre-teen boys exhibit distress differently, with pre-teen boys struggling with externalizing behaviors and hyperactivity, while teen girls are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Students who are on track to be chronically absent or who are earning Cs are three or more times as likely to face mental health challenges as those with fewer absences or As and Bs.
Black and lower-income families report fewer school mental health services, but are more likely to utilize them when available.
Nearly 20 percent of families without access to mental health services would enroll their children if offered.

The mental health of children in the United States has reached a critical juncture, with rising rates of teen suicides, emergency room visits and anxiety and depression among youth. Contributing factors include the social isolation of the pandemic, academic disruptions, family challenges, economic impacts and social media’s inescapable influence.

Today, researchers with USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and USC Rossier School of Education released a new report titled “A Nation’s Children at Risk: Insights on Children’s Mental Health from the Understanding America Study” that examined the current state of adolescent mental health in the United States.

In a nationally representative sample of U.S. families, this new report examines adolescent mental health through the lens of their school experiences and parental perspectives. The study delved into mental health scores across multiple demographic groups and explored the correlation between scores, school attendance and course grades. Importantly, the study also investigated the availability of mental health resources in schools to support students in need.

Study co-authors Amie Rapaport , Morgan Polikoff , Anna Saavedra and Daniel Silver presented the finding’s implications and offered recommendations in their report.

“Our data supports the interconnected nature of student needs; to improve academic outcomes, schools must need to also prioritize mental health and attendance,” said Rapaport, co-director with the Center for Applied Research in Education (CARE) and research scientist with the Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) both with USC Dornsife.

The study suggests that when students receive mental health support in school, 75 percent of parents report that these services are beneficial, with 72 percent expressing satisfaction. However, disparities in service availability exist, with service availability more than 20 percentage points greater in schools serving more White and higher-income households. This despite the fact that lower-income families are more than 5 times as likely as higher-income families to take up the services in schools when offered.

“While there is a growing awareness of the mental health struggles faced by adolescents, our study underscores that different student groups are experiencing different struggles–clearly, a one-size-fits-all solution to this problem will not work,” said Polikoff, USC Rossier professor of education and co-faculty director of the USC EdPolicy Hub .

Among the study’s implications:

While the mental health struggles of our nation’s adolescents often are in the headlines, the report sheds light on the unique challenges faced by different subgroups of children.
The study recommends a need for targeted allocation of resources to address mental health needs in schools.
The correlation between mental health struggles and academic outcomes-including the approximately threefold increase in mental health warning flags among students chronically absent or with lower grades - underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems for students.

“The study shows that there is substantial unmet need for mental health services in schools, especially for the most disadvantaged students–states and the federal government need to step in and provide resources and guidance to address this crisis,” said Saavedra, a research scientist with CESR and co-director at CARE.

The study was supported by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation Pandemic Policy Research Fund at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics .

Morgan Polikoff

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Trust, human-centered AI and collaboration the focus of inaugural RAISE Health symposium

Artificial intelligence experts discuss how to integrate trustworthy AI into health care, why multi-disciplinary collaboration is crucial and the potential for generative AI in research.

May 17, 2024 - By Hanae Armitage

Fei-Fei Li and Lloyd Minor give opening remarks at Stanford Medicine's first RAISE Health Symposium on May 14. Steve Fisch

Most people captured by artificial intelligence have all had something of an “aha” moment that opens their minds to a world of opportunities. During the inaugural RAISE Health symposium on May 14, Lloyd Minor , MD, dean of the Stanford School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs at Stanford University, shared his.

Asked to summarize a discovery he’d made related to the inner ear, a curious Minor turned to generative AI. “I asked, ‘What is superior canal dehiscence syndrome?’” Minor told a group of nearly 4,000 symposium attendees. In seconds, a few paragraphs appeared.

“They were good — really good,” he said. “The information was brought together into a concise and, by and large, accurate and well-prioritized description of the disorder. It was quite remarkable.”

Minor’s excitement was shared by many at the half-day event, which was born of the RAISE Health initiative, a project launched by Stanford Medicine and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) to guide the responsible use of AI in biomedical research, education and patient care. Speakers explored what it means to bring AI into the folds of medicine in a way that’s not just helpful for physicians and scientists, but transparent, fair and equitable for patients.

“We believe this is a technology to augment and enhance humanity,” said Fei-Fei Li , a professor of computer science at the Stanford School of Engineering who leads RAISE Health with Minor and is the co-director of HAI. From generating new molecular sequences that could give rise to new antibiotics, to mapping biodiversity, to uncovering hidden bits of basic biology, AI is accelerating scientific discovery, she said. But it’s not all beneficial. “All of these applications can have unintended consequences, and we need computer scientists to work with multiple stakeholders — from doctors and ethicists…to security experts and more — to develop and deploy [AI] responsibly,” she said. “Initiatives like RAISE Health show that we’re committed to this.”

The alignment of Stanford Medicine’s three entities — the School of Medicine, Stanford Health Care and Stanford Medicine Children’s Health — and its connection to the rest of Stanford University puts it in a unique position as experts grapple with AI development, governance and integration in health and medicine, Minor said.

“We’re ideally suited to be a pioneer in advancing and deploying AI in responsible ways, covering the gamut from fundamental biological discovery, enhancing drug development, making clinical trial processes more efficient, all the way through the actual delivery of health care and the way we run our health care delivery system,” he said.

What ethical integration looks like

Some speakers underscored a simple concept: Focus on the user — in this case, the patient or the physician — and all else will follow. “It’s putting patients at the center of everything that we do,” said Lisa Lehmann, MD, PhD, director of bioethics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “We need to be thinking about their needs and priorities.”

From left: Moderator Mohana Ravindranath of STAT News; Jessica Mega; Peter Lee of Microsoft Research; and Sylvia Plevritis, professor of biomedical data science, discuss the role of AI in medical research. Steve Fisch

Speakers on one panel — which included Lehmann, Stanford Medicine bioethicist Mildred Cho , PhD, and Michael Howell, MD, chief clinical officer at Google — pointed to the complex nature of a hospital system, highlighting the need to understand the purpose of any intervention before implementing it and to ensure that all systems developed are inclusive, with input from the populations it’s meant to help.

One key to that is transparency — being explicit about where the data used to train the algorithm came from, what the algorithm was originally intended for and whether future patient data will continue to help the algorithm learn, among other factors.

“Trying to predict ethical problems before they become consequential [means] finding a perfect sweet spot of knowing enough about the technology that you can make some ascertainment of it, but getting to it before [an issue] spreads further,” said Danton Char , MD, associate professor of pediatric anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine. One of the key steps, he said, is to identify all the stakeholders who could be impacted by a technology and take note of how they would want those questions answered for themselves.

Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, president of the American Medical Association, discussed four drivers of adoption for any digital health tool, including those powered by AI. Does it work? Does it work in my institution? Who pays for it? Who is liable?

Michael Pfeffer , MD, chief information officer for Stanford Health Care, highlighted a recent example in which many of those questions were tested with care providers at Stanford Hospital. Clinicians were offered assistance from a large language model that drafts initial notes to patient inbox messages. While the drafts weren’t perfect, the clinicians who helped develop the technology reported that the model lightened their workload.

“There are three big things that we’ve been focusing on: safety, efficacy and inclusion. We’re physicians. We take this oath to ‘do no harm,’” said Nina Vasan , MD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, who joined a panel with Char and Pfeffer. “That needs to be the first way that we’re assessing any of these tools.”

Nigam Shah , MBBS, PhD, professor of medicine and of biomedical data sciences, kicked off a discussion with a jarring statistic, although he gave the audience fair warning. “I speak in bullet points and numbers, and sometimes they tend to be very direct,” he said.

To Shah, the success of AI hinges on our ability to scale it. “Doing the science right for one model takes about 10 years, and if every one of the 123 fellowship and residency programs wanted to test and deploy one model at that level of rigor, with our current ways of organizing work and [testing] it at every one of our sites to make sure it works properly, it would be $138 billion,” Shah said. “We can’t afford it. So, we have to find a way to scale, and we have to scale doing good science. The skills for rigor reside in one place, and the skills for scale reside in another, and hence, we’re going to need these kinds of partnerships.”

Associate dean Euan Ashley and Mildred Cho (at front table) attend the RAISE Health Symposium. Steve Fisch

The way to get there, according to a number of speakers at the symposium, is public-private partnership, such as that being modeled through the recent White House Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence and the Coalition for Health AI , or CHAI.

“The public-private partnerships [with] the most potential are [between] academia, the private sector and the public sector,” said Laura Adams, a senior advisor at the National Academy of Medicine. The government can bring public credibility, academic medical centers can bring legitimacy, and the technical expertise and compute time can come from the private sector, she noted. “All of us are better than any one of us, and we’re recognizing…that we don’t have a prayer of reaching the potential of [AI] unless we understand how to interact with each other.”

Innovating in AI, filling gaps

AI is also making an impact in research, whether scientists are using it to probe the dogma of biology, predict new synthetic molecular sequences and structures to underpin emerging therapeutics, or even to help them summarize or write scientific papers, several speakers said.

“There’s an opportunity to see the unknown,” said Jessica Mega , MD, a cardiologist at Stanford Medicine and co-founder of Alphabet’s Verily. Mega pointed to hyperspectral imaging, which captures features of an image that are invisible to the human eye. The idea is to use AI to detect patterns, for example, in pathology slides, unseen by humans that are indicative of disease. “I encourage people to push for the unknown. I think everyone here knows someone who is suffering from a health condition that needs something beyond what we can offer today,” Mega said.

There was also a consensus among panelists that AI systems will provide new means of identifying and combating biased decision making, whether it’s made by humans or AI, and opportunities to figure out where that bias is coming from.

“Health is more than health care,” was a statement echoed by multiple panelists. The speakers stressed that researchers often overlook social determinants of health — such as socioeconomic status, ZIP codes, education level, and race and ethnicity — when they are collecting inclusive data and enrolling participants for studies. “AI is only going to be as good as the data that the models are trained on,” said Michelle Williams , ScD, a professor of epidemiology at Harvard University and a visiting professor of epidemiology and population health at Stanford Medicine. “If we are looking for improving health [and] decreasing disparities, we’re going to have to make sure that we are collecting high-quality data on human behaviors, as well as the social and physical environment.”

Natalie Pageler , MD, clinical professor of pediatrics and of medicine, shared that cancer data aggregates often exclude data from pregnant people, creating inherent biases in models and exacerbating an existing gap in health care.

As with any emerging technology, there are ways that AI can make things better and ways it can make things worse, said David Magnus , PhD, professor of pediatrics and of medicine. The risk, Magnus said, is that AI systems learn about inequitable health outcomes driven by social determinants of health and reinforce them through their outputs. “AI is a mirror that reflects the society that we’re in,” he said. “I’m hopeful that every time we get an opportunity to shine a light on a problem — hold up that mirror to ourselves — it will be a spur for things to get better.”

If you weren’t able to attend the RAISE Health symposium, recordings of the sessions can be found here .

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

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Being a 'weekend warrior' could be as good for brain health as exercising throughout the week

by Matthew Ahmadi and Emmanuel Stamatakis, The Conversation

With the responsibilities of adulthood, free time can be a rare commodity. Many of us find ourselves asking, "I barely have time to cook dinner. How can I find time to exercise regularly during the week?"

The health benefits of exercise—which include reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and dementia —can seem out of reach due to the pressures of work and life.

But a new study published in the journal Nature Aging offers some good news for people who struggle to fit regular exercise into their weekday schedules.

The findings suggest " weekend warriors "—those who get most of their exercise on the weekend —may enjoy the same brain health and mental health benefits as those who exercise regularly throughout the week.

What the study did

The research team, from China, analyzed data from more than 75,000 people from the UK Biobank . This is a large cohort study tracking the health of about half a million people in the United Kingdom. More than 100,000 of them wore wearable activity trackers. The average age of participants in this study was 62.

Participants provided data from wrist-worn wearable devices to track their physical activity patterns over a period of seven days. They were then categorized into three groups:

inactive: people who were not meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week
regularly active: those meeting the guidelines with activity spread throughout the week

"weekend warriors": people meeting the guidelines by accumulating more than 50% of their activity across one to two days (this was not necessarily Saturday and Sunday, but any one or two days of the week).

The researchers followed up with participants for a median period of 8.4 years. They used GP records, hospitalization data and death records to track the onset of neurological diseases (dementia, stroke and Parkinson's disease) as well as psychological disorders (including depression and anxiety).

The researchers adjusted for several key lifestyle and health factors that could affect these outcomes. These factors included age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption , diet and history of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and cancer.

Weekend warriors reap big rewards

Among the roughly 75,500 participants, about 24,300 were classified as inactive, 21,200 as regularly active and 30,000 as weekend warriors.

The results showed that, compared to inactive adults, weekend warriors had a 26% lower risk of developing dementia, a 21% lower risk of stroke and a 45% lower risk of Parkinson's disease. Their risk was 40% and 37% lower for depression and anxiety respectively compared to the inactive group. All these figures in the weekend warrior group were comparable to outcomes for those who were regularly active.

The protective associations against depression and anxiety were consistent across age groups, both under and over 65. However, the reduced risks for dementia, stroke and Parkinson's disease were particularly pronounced in people over 65. This finding reflects the significant benefits of physical activity for older adults, who are at higher risk of these conditions.

There's more than one way to get the benefits

What if weekends are off-limits for exercise due to work, family duties or other commitments? Fortunately, the researchers explored different patterns of the weekend warrior lifestyle.

They found that as long as people accumulated the majority of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on any one or two days of the week—even if these weren't consecutive days—they achieved similar health benefits.

In a previous study , also using UK Biobank data, researchers similarly found people who do most of their exercise across one or two days see similar benefits for heart health as those whose physical activity is spread more evenly across the week.

And if traditional gym-based exercise isn't your thing, you're still in luck. The study used activity trackers that monitored all types of activities. So regardless of how you accumulate your moderate-to-vigorous activity, this study suggests you'll reap the health benefits.

This aligns with a growing body of research that shows that whether it's short bursts of daily activities like stair climbing or household chores or going for a walk at the park, or longer sessions of running or gym workouts, the health benefits are there for everyone.

Some caveats to consider

The researchers accounted for various lifestyle and health factors. However, it's still possible other factors could have influenced some of the associations.

Another limitation is that the study couldn't assess how changes in physical activity over time might impact brain health. Previous research has shown that even inactive adults who increase their activity levels can experience immediate health benefits.

Nonetheless, the findings add to a substantial body of evidence supporting the brain health benefits and overall health benefits of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity—on whatever days of the week you can fit it in.

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