School of Population and Public Health

Indigenous people face higher risk of transportation injuries in British Columbia

Indigenous people in British Columbia suffered transportation-related injuries at a rate 1.89 times higher than the province’s total population between 1991 and 2010, a new University of B.C. study has found.

Jan 31, 2018

Experts available on extended parental leave

UBC experts are available to discuss the new 18-month parental leave that goes into effect on Dec. 3.

Nov 9, 2017

A lodgepole pine in the foreground with spruce forest in the background.

New tool maps nature across Vancouver to boost mental health

With nearly a third of Canadians experiencing mental illness during their lifetimes, researchers and urban planners have been looking at ways to incorporate natural spaces that promote mental wellbeing into designs for healthier cities.

Sep 27, 2017

Every person counts in effort to reduce HIV infection

A recent study that reveals the most accurate estimate of the number of Metro Vancouver men who have sex with men (MSM) is providing a better understanding of the scope of HIV among this at-risk population.

Aug 14, 2017

UBC experts on national housing report

The federal government is expected to release its housing report on Nov. 22, which is also National Housing Day. UBC experts are available to comment.

Nov 21, 2016

One in three B.C. children start kindergarten vulnerable

In B.C., approximately 14,000 kindergarten students start school vulnerable in at least one area that is critical to their healthy development, according to a new UBC report.

Oct 26, 2016

Bike trips up, car use down along Vancouver greenway

The two-kilometre Comox-Helmcken Greenway in downtown Vancouver cost more than $5 million and took two years to complete, but the time and expense were worth it, according to a UBC study.

Sep 13, 2016

Streetcar tracks increase risk of bike crashes: UBC and Ryerson study

One-third of bike crashes in Toronto’s downtown involved the city’s streetcar tracks, according to a new study out of UBC and Ryerson University that suggests that separated bike routes could reduce risk to cyclists.

Jul 26, 2016

Half of patients with depression are inadequately treated

New UBC research shows that about 50 per cent of British Columbians with depression are not receiving even the most basic level of care.

Jul 14, 2016

People in hotter, poorer neighbourhoods at higher risk of death during extreme heat

In Vancouver, heat exposure and social vulnerability can be a lethal combination.

Jun 28, 2016

Stress contagion possible amongst students and teachers: UBC study

Teacher burnout and student stress may be linked, according to a UBC study.

Jun 27, 2016

Canada spends over $400 million on medicine that harms seniors

Canada spends more than $400 million annually on drugs prescribed to seniors even though the medicines should be avoided for older patients, according to new UBC research.

Jun 22, 2016

Genome sequencing helps determine end of tuberculosis outbreak

Using genome sequencing, researchers from UBC and the Imperial College in London, now have the ability to determine when a tuberculosis outbreak is over.

Jun 14, 2016

Elderly women more likely to be overprescribed prescription drugs: UBC study

Nearly one in three B.C. women over age 65 received inappropriate prescription medicines in 2013, according to a UBC study.

May 5, 2016

Lesbian, gay, bisexual Canadians report higher rates of mental health issues

Gay, lesbian and bisexual Canadians experience more mood and anxiety disorders than other Canadians, and they are more likely to turn to heavy drinking.

Mar 18, 2016

Poor air quality kills 5.5 million worldwide annually

New research shows that more than 5.5 million people die prematurely every year due to household and outdoor air pollution. More than half of deaths occur in two of the world’s fastest growing economies, China and India.

Feb 12, 2016

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy linked with asthma risk

Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of six, according to new UBC research.

Feb 9, 2016

Nurse caring about old woman lying in bed

UBC study: Reduce hospital readmissions to lower health care costs

Finding ways to lower readmission rates for patients discharged from hospital could reduce unnecessary health-care spending and improve patient care, according to UBC research.

Jan 28, 2016

Healthy relationships key to child well-being: UBC study

Children’s relationships with peers and adults have a greater impact on their well–being than socio-economic status, according to new UBC research.

Dec 4, 2015

Opioid overdoses linked to higher prescription rates in B.C.

Strong painkillers known as prescription opioids appear to be overprescribed in some regions of B.C., resulting in higher rates of overdose and death, according to a new study from UBC.

Oct 28, 2015