Childhood weight tied to timing of puberty
New Kaiser Permanente study is the largest and most racially and ethnically diverse to date to show an association between early obesity and puberty onset in boys and girls.
Kaiser Permanente
Division of Research Spotlight
The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research conducts, publishes, and disseminates epidemiologic and health services research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and society at large. We seek to understand the determinants of illness and well-being, and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. Currently, DOR’s 550-plus staff is working on more than 350 epidemiological and health services research projects.
Online quiz can help parents assess if their teen has a substance use problem
An analysis by Kaiser Permanente researchers suggests there may be clues in a child’s medical history about their risk for a substance use problem. The investigators used that research and input from parents to develop a free online risk prediction tool that anyone can use.
Diverse new class of postdoctoral fellows adds to research strength
The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research postdoctoral research program drew one of its largest-ever classes of fellows this year, building the strength of DOR's research portfolio. Seven fellows cover fields from diet to dementia, cancer to clinical informatics, to women's and children's health, and more.
Cannabis use by pregnant women increased during pandemic
A Kaiser Permanente analysis of more than 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California finds a 25% increase in the rate of cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began in spring 2020.
Raising awareness about early puberty
KP Research Radio talks to Ai Kubo, PhD, MPH, about her research into why girls are starting puberty earlier than they have in the past, risks associated with early puberty — and potential interventions.
Teens who stop taking ADHD medication at adulthood more prone to health, social problems
Teens diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often don’t take their medication regularly, and new Kaiser Permanente research finds the problem gets worse when they hit adulthood. The study also related non-adherence to ADHD medication with some negative health and social outcomes.
Healthy lifestyle linked to lower risk of preterm birth
A combination of 3 healthy lifestyle factors is associated with a 70% lower risk of preterm birth, according to an analysis of data from a Kaiser Permanente study involving nearly 2,500 pregnant women in Northern California.
Pediatricians at Kaiser Permanente find advantages to video visits with children, families
Parents, children, and pediatricians with Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) have found advantages to home-based video medical visits, which have increased markedly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic
Girls who do not live with both parents more likely to start puberty early
New study by research scientist Ai Kubo, MPH, PhD, adds to the evidence suggesting a link between early life family structure and onset of puberty.
Clinicians need to build bridges to transition care for young adults with autism
Young people with autism use more health care services and need assistance transitioning from pediatric to adult medical care, according to 2 new studies by researchers with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.
