Neighborhood green space tied to lower health care costs
New Kaiser Permanente research finds health care system costs were lower for people who live in greener areas.
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.
Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infections are not explained by social risk factors
New Kaiser Permanente study suggests working and living conditions may be key contributors to disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in communities of color.
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.
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.
Pandemic increased mail order pharmacy use by people with diabetes, but racial disparities persist
Kaiser Permanente study finds less use among Black, Hispanic, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients compared to white and Asian patients.
Long-term exposure to air pollution increases risk of dying from heart disease and stroke
New study is first to quantify and compare the effects of long-term exposure to small particle pollution on risk for different types of cardiovascular disease.
Gaining insight into medically complex patients
New Kaiser Permanente study aims to help providers improve the health of patients most likely to sustain high medical costs, frequently use the emergency department, or need to be hospitalized.
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.
Women with colorectal cancer fare better if they have social support
New research from Kaiser Permanente finds that post-menopausal women with colorectal cancer were more likely to die from their disease or from any cause if they had low social support before diagnosis.
Large study links genetic marker of aging to greater neighborhood deprivation
Genetics research suggests that longer telomeres — the “end caps” of DNA that keep strands of chromosomes from unraveling — mean more years of healthy life ahead.
