DR. DUANE L. OSBORNE, MD

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This study looked at how feeling less satisfied in important areas of life, like belonging and control, affects people's belief in conspiracy theories over three years in New Zealand. Researchers found that individuals with unmet psychological needs were more likely to believe in conspiracy theories; specifically, increases in feelings of lack of control and belonging led to higher conspiracy beliefs. This matters because it highlights that addressing these psychological needs could potentially reduce such beliefs in society. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and community leaders aiming to improve psychological well-being and reduce conspiracy beliefs among individuals.

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This study looked at how the well-being of heterosexual people compared to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority (LGB+) individuals changed in New Zealand from 2009 to 2022. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 73,000 adults and found that well-being differences remained consistent, with young LGB+ women and men reporting the lowest levels of psychological and social well-being. This is important because it shows that even with increased rights for LGB+ individuals, their mental health and social experiences haven't improved significantly. Who this helps: This helps LGB+ individuals and mental health professionals working to support them.

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This study examined how increasing gender equality affects the way people justify existing social systems, especially in terms of beliefs about inequality. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 44,000 women over 14 years and found that while beliefs against equality generally lead to greater support for the current system, higher gender equality weakened this connection. This is important because it shows that as society becomes more equal, even those who support equality may still justify the status quo. Who this helps: This helps women and advocates for gender equality.

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This study looked at how sexual prejudice and sexist attitudes affect people's support for marriage equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The researchers analyzed data from over 24,000 straight men and women from 2014 to 2017 and found that those with higher sexual prejudice were less supportive of marriage equality, especially among men. This finding is important because it shows that negative attitudes can undermine equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people. Who this helps: This helps LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocates fighting for equal rights.

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This study reviewed how different obesity treatment methods, including lifestyle changes, surgery, and medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, affect mental health. It found that lifestyle changes generally improve mental health, while surgery can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in the short term, despite concerns over increased suicidality in some long-term studies. Overall, most obesity treatments appear to be safe for mental health, but more long-term research is needed, especially for GLP-1 medications. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with obesity by highlighting treatment options that also support mental well-being.

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This study looked at how feelings of unfairness, or relative deprivation, among New Zealand Europeans relate to their denial of colonial injustices. Researchers gathered information from 26,759 adults over seven years and found that while feelings of unfairness relate to denying the impact of colonialism, they don't actually cause it. This matters because it shows that denial of historical injustices is more complex than just feeling deprived. Who this helps: This helps researchers and policymakers understand the attitudes of settler populations regarding colonial histories.

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This study examined the effectiveness of using a single cutoff level of 10 μg/g for faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) testing to detect colorectal cancer in patients being urgently referred for evaluation. The researchers found that the success of this test greatly depended on the patient's age; for instance, in those under 40 years old, the number of patients needed to scope to find one cancer was as high as 68 at the 10 μg/g threshold, with a cancer detection rate of less than 3%. This shows that using a one-size-fits-all approach is not efficient and highlights the need for different f-Hb thresholds based on age and risk factors to improve cancer detection rates. Who this helps: This helps doctors in accurately diagnosing colorectal cancer in patients.

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This study looked at how attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community have changed between different age groups and genders from 2014 to 2024. It found that older people and men tend to have more sexual prejudice, but over time, both older and younger groups showed a decrease in such prejudice. This is important because it shows that societal attitudes can change and improve over time, highlighting the influence of the social environment on people's views. Who this helps: This benefits LGBTQIA+ individuals by promoting a more inclusive society.

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This study looked at how people’s feelings of social support from others affect their mental health over time, focusing on differences between men and women. Researchers found that feeling more supported by others can lower stress and anxiety for both genders, but for men, feeling distressed actually decreases their perception of social support more than it helps. This is particularly true for older, New Zealand European, and heterosexual men, highlighting a cycle where their mental health issues reduce how much support they believe they have. Who this helps: This information benefits mental health professionals and supports targeted interventions for men facing psychological distress.

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Researchers looked at how people's feelings of deprivation, or lack of resources compared to others, change as they age. They studied 58,878 adults over ten years and found that individual feelings of deprivation typically decrease as people grow older, while group-based feelings of deprivation increase until middle age and then decline in later years. Importantly, they discovered that these feelings differ among ethnic groups, highlighting how race can influence perceptions of disadvantage over time. Who this helps: This information benefits researchers and policymakers aiming to understand and address issues related to inequality and resource access among different age and ethnic groups.

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This study looked at how denying historical injustices and excluding Indigenous culture affects people's attitudes toward policies supporting biculturalism in New Zealand. The researchers found that when individuals hold negative views about history or Indigenous culture, they are more likely to oppose bicultural policies. Specifically, as these negative views increase, opposition to bicultural policies also rises, creating a cycle where each issue reinforces the other. Who this helps: This research benefits policymakers and advocates for Indigenous rights by highlighting the need to address historical injustices to support bicultural policies effectively.

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This study looked at how different people imagine a better future and what influences their attitudes toward change. Researchers found that among 509 participants, those who were focused on creating change described a more hopeful and fair future, while others had either a dystopian view filled with hopelessness or an ambivalent stance with mixed feelings about social change. This matters because these distinct views affect people's willingness to push for changes in society. Who this helps: This helps activists, policymakers, and community leaders understand different public perspectives and motivations for social change.

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This study looked at how people’s beliefs in anti-immigration conspiracy theories relate to their willingness to take action against immigration and their views on democracy. Researchers found that in 21 countries, around 4,353 people who believed their government was unfairly using immigration to change the population were more likely to support actions against immigration and criticize democratic ideals. Interestingly, while wealthier countries had less of a link between these beliefs and violent action, more democratic countries showed a stronger connection to conventional opposition against immigration, which could threaten the inclusiveness of democracy. Who this helps: This research can help policymakers and community leaders understand the social dynamics that influence anti-immigration sentiments and actions.

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This study explored the experiences and opinions of various groups involved with patching therapy for lazy eye, including health professionals, parents, and patients. The survey found that 54.4% of health professionals believe patching is more effective on weekdays and at school, while past patients (52.4%) felt that using 'force' was an effective way to encourage patching, a viewpoint not shared by most adults. These findings are important because they highlight significant differences in how different people perceive patching barriers, which can help shape future support and education efforts around this treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, parents, and healthcare providers involved in the treatment of amblyopia.

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This study looked at how feeling economically disadvantaged compared to others affects emotional well-being and physical health. Researchers followed over 58,000 adults for nine years and found that those who felt relatively deprived had lower levels of gratitude, meaning in life, and belonging. Notably, feeling less belonging also contributed to poorer physical health. Who this helps: This benefits individuals feeling economically disadvantaged, as well as healthcare providers who support their mental and physical health.

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This study looked at how people feel deprived compared to others over time, analyzing data from 75,073 people collected from 2011 to 2023. The researchers found two main groups: 90.5% of participants felt content with low levels of deprivation, while 9.5% felt deprived, with their sense of relative deprivation within their group increasing over time. Understanding these differences matters because it highlights how perceptions of deprivation can affect people's well-being and social dynamics. Who this helps: This helps patients, policymakers, and researchers interested in social well-being.

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This study looked at how White men in the U.S. feel about discrimination between 2014 and 2023. Most White men (about 83%) said they felt little to no discrimination, but a smaller group (around 9%) felt increasingly discriminated against over time. Understanding these perceptions is important because they can affect mental health and hinder efforts towards social progress. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and mental health professionals understand the experiences of White men regarding discrimination.

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This study looked at how people's income affects their well-being, specifically through their feelings of relative deprivation—the sense that they are worse off compared to others. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 adults over a 10-year period and found that when a person's income increases, their feelings of relative deprivation decrease, which in turn leads to an increase in their overall well-being. This matters because it highlights the importance of how people view their financial situation compared to others, not just the money they have. Who this helps: This helps patients by providing insights into how income affects their mental health and well-being.

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The Optimise Study examined how people in specific groups in Victoria, Australia, experienced feelings of isolation, quarantine, and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It involved around 1,000 adults who provided monthly surveys and kept daily diaries for up to 24 months, helping researchers gather important data on changing attitudes and behaviors related to the pandemic. This study is vital because it helps understand the impact of COVID-19 on various communities, aiding the development of better public health policies. Who this helps: This helps patients, public health officials, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how people's political beliefs relate to their understanding of politics in 45 different countries, involving over 63,000 people. The researchers found that those with moderate left- or right-wing views tend to know more about politics than those on the extremes or in the center. This matters because it challenges the common belief that politically extreme individuals are the most informed, implying that political knowledge varies in more complex ways than previously thought. Who this helps: This helps voters, educators, and political analysts.

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This research studied how people’s belief in conspiracy theories influences their support for extreme political movements, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic and election protests. The findings showed that when individuals strongly believed in these conspiracies, they were more likely to engage in protests against lockdowns and election outcomes; for example, people whose beliefs changed positively also showed increased support for anti-lockdown protests. This matters because it highlights how false beliefs can drive people toward collective actions that challenge government authority, depending on whether that authority supports or opposes their beliefs. Who this helps: This helps patients, voters, and policymakers understand the impact of misinformation on public behavior.

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Researchers studied how different hair types and cultural practices affect the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD), a common skin condition. They found that traditional shampoos and topical treatments often harm hair health and do not fit well with various hair care routines. The newly FDA-approved roflumilast 0.3% foam is a better option as it is gentle on hair and works for everyone, including those with curly or coiled hair. Who this helps: This helps patients with seborrheic dermatitis, especially those with diverse hair types and cultural hair care practices.

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This study looked at how neck exercises affect pain sensitivity in adults suffering from chronic neck pain. It found that specific neck exercises, especially progressive resistance training combined with graded physical training, helped improve pain sensitivity significantly over time. For short-term relief, fixed resistance training also showed positive results. This is important because it offers clear guidance on effective exercises for managing chronic neck pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic neck pain and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined whether a test called the ELISpot assay can track changes in the immune systems of mice suffering from sepsis, a severe infection that impairs immunity. Researchers found that sepsis reduced both the innate and adaptive immune responses, but ELISpot was effective at measuring these changes and could also show how different immune drug treatments, like dexamethasone and IL-7, improved immunity. This matters because understanding immune changes can help develop better therapies for people with sepsis. Who this helps: This helps patients with sepsis by leading to improved treatment options.

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This study looked at a suicide prevention service launched for young people in Melbourne during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 91 participants, those who used the service showed significant reductions in suicide risk and psychological distress after three months, along with better quality of life and less need for hospital care. However, some participants felt the program ended too soon and lacked ongoing support. Who this helps: This benefits young people at risk of suicide and their families.

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This study looked at how people’s sense of ethnic identity changes throughout their lives, analyzing data from over 58,000 people in New Zealand, including both majority and Indigenous minority groups. Researchers found that these changes are influenced by normal aging, the historical context of people’s formative years, and societal changes happening at specific times. Understanding how ethnic identity shifts over time helps highlight how personal and societal factors impact people's sense of belonging, which is important for fostering community and individual well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities understand the importance of ethnic identity in personal development.

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This study looked at how involving community members in the review of COVID-19 research reports affected the information shared with decision-makers. Researchers found that adding insights from a Community Engagement Group improved reports by including a wider range of community perspectives and highlighting important issues faced by different groups. For example, the contributions helped identify unique community concerns and offered potential solutions for addressing COVID-19 challenges. Who this helps: This benefits both patients and policy-makers by ensuring that health policies reflect the needs of the community.

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This study looked at how being humble affects the well-being and trust in police among immigrants in New Zealand. Researchers tracked 14,864 immigrants and found that higher humility is linked to greater life satisfaction and trust in law enforcement over time. However, in situations marked by high religious discrimination, the link between humility and trust in police was slightly weaker. This matters because it shows that humility can be a key factor in improving the happiness and social trust of immigrants in a diverse society. Who this helps: This helps immigrants and policymakers focused on social integration.

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This study looked at how to better include people from different cultural and language backgrounds in COVID-19 health research in Victoria, Australia. By adapting their methods to make research more accessible, researchers could gather diverse perspectives and found that, while many CALD communities experienced disadvantages, some trends were surprising. This is important because it ensures that public health measures address the actual needs of all communities, not just those who speak English. Who this helps: This helps patients from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

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This study looks at why authoritarian attitudes are on the rise and what effects they have on society. Researchers found that viewing the world as dangerous can lead people to embrace authoritarianism, and this mindset negatively impacts relationships between different groups and general attitudes in society. Understanding these psychological factors is important because it can help us address issues related to personal freedoms and societal conflicts. Who this helps: This benefits both individuals affected by authoritarian policies and those working to promote civil rights and liberties.

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The study examined whether children can accurately measure their own vision at home using a tablet-based test, without needing help from a professional. Researchers tested 42 children and found that the results from parents or caregivers using the test were less accurate than those taken by trained orthoptists, with scores of 0.300 logMAR for parents compared to 0.155 logMAR for orthoptists. This matters because while home testing can give families more information about their child’s vision, the current method used by parents isn’t reliable enough for important clinical decisions. Who this helps: This helps parents and children who need regular eye assessments.

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This study looked at how members of ethnic minority groups perceive discrimination based on their friendships with people from their own and other groups. The research, involving nearly 6,000 participants, found that staying friends with other disadvantaged group members made people more likely to adopt similar views of perceived discrimination over time, rather than being influenced by contact with more privileged groups. This is important because it shows that feelings of discrimination can be shaped by social circles, impacting community mindset and support systems. Who this helps: This benefits ethnic minority group members who want to understand how their social connections influence their views on discrimination.

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This study looked at the differences in COVID-19 death rates among African American populations compared to other racial and ethnic groups. It found that even though overall COVID-19 death rates are decreasing, African Americans still face higher rates of infection and mortality, highlighting ongoing health disparities. This matters because it shows the need for new strategies to protect and improve the health of these communities, ensuring they receive the same level of care and support as others. Who this helps: This helps African American communities and health care providers aiming to reduce health disparities.

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This study looked at how the immune system changes in response to sepsis, a severe infection, using a specific test called the ELISpot assay. Researchers found that as sepsis progressed, both types of immunity—innate and adaptive—decreased significantly, but the ELISpot test could also detect improvements when certain immune-modulating treatments like dexamethasone and IL-7 were given. Specifically, the test provided detailed information on these changes, which could help guide new treatments for sepsis. Who this helps: This benefits patients with sepsis and doctors treating them.