Research In Action

Read our latest roundup of notable child injury prevention news articles from August 2024.

Mental Health Impact of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies

Several studies published in the last month demonstrated that local and state bans on gender-affirming care or policies on restricting bathroom use or sports participation are associated with negative mental health for trans adolescents and adults. One study published in JAMA Network Open reports that while the vast majority (86%) of the 800 transgender participants screened positive for symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who were concerned about their rights being taken away had an even higher odds of both depression and anxiety. In a different survey of over 18,000 LGBTQ+ youth, among those at schools with a high number of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, more than half seriously considered suicide in the past year.  Finally, another study of over 92,000 high school students in Wisconsin found that trans students reported a higher risk of being bullied and of skipping school due to feeling unsafe. 

Behavioral Economics and Distracted Driving

The University of Pennsylvania's Dr. M. Kit Delgado recently published research that shows how behavioral economics can be leveraged to reduce distracted driving due to handheld phone usage. 

U.S. Drunk Driving Limits- Too High?

This New York Times article shares how the national drunk driving limit was established and how some states are starting to take action to lower it. 

Unintended Effects of Mushroom Edibles

Mushroom edibles can be risky due to varying levels and types of ingredients that may or may not be regulated. The result is landing users in the hospital. 

Narcan Access on College Campuses

Opioid deaths on college campuses underscore the need for easy access to Narcan and training among young adults on campus.