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 600-plus staff is working on more than 580 epidemiological and health services research projects.
Alcohol Consumption May Increase Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Post-menopausal and overweight women may be most susceptible (Oakland, Calif. – December 10, 2009) Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages (at least three to four drinks per week, no matter the type of alcohol) is associated with a 30 percent increased…
Breastfeeding A Child May Protect Women from Metabolic Syndrome, A Condition Linked to Diabetes and Heart Disease in Women
December 3, 2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – Breastfeeding a child may lower a woman’s risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease and diabetes in women, according to a Kaiser Permanente study that appears online in Diabetes: The…
Workplace BPA Exposure Increases Risk of Male Sexual Dysfunction, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds
First human study to measure effects of BPA on male reproductive system November 11, 2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – High levels of workplace exposure to Bisphenol-A may increase the risk of reduced sexual function in men, according to a Kaiser Permanente…
Common Antiretroviral Therapy Drug (Tenofovir) Associated With Decline of Renal Function
Commonly used tenofovir, a nucleootide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is associated with declines in renal function, according to researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, CA. The study appears in the current…
Kaiser Permanente, UCSF awarded $25 million from NIH
100,000 Kaiser Permanente members who have donated DNA for research into the genetic and environmental causes of disease to be studied October 12, 2009 (Oakland/San Francisco, Calif.) – The Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health (RPGEH) and…
National Institutes of Health Awards More Than $54 Million to Kaiser Permanente to Conduct Health Research
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will support research in numerous health areas, from genotyping 100,000 members’ DNA Samples to conducting comparative effectiveness research on colon cancer treatments October 12, 2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – As part of the $5 billion…
New Assessment Quantifies Risks and Benefits of Warfarin Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
Kaiser Permanente, Mass General Study Finds Benefits Strongest for Oldest Patients and others at High Stroke Risk Warfarin therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation – the most common type of significant heart rhythm disorder – appears to be most beneficial…
Antioxidants Not Associated With Increased Melanoma Risk
Chicago -- Antioxidant supplements do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of melanoma, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. A recent randomized trial of antioxidants for…
High Cholesterol in Midlife Raises Risk of Late-life Dementia, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds
August 4, 2009 (Oakland, Calif.) – Elevated cholesterol levels in midlife – even levels considered only borderline elevated – significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia later in life, according to a new study by researchers at…
Workplace E-Mail Intervention Program Helps People Sit Less and Eat Better, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds
May 19, 2009 (OAKLAND, Calif.) – A behavioral intervention program delivered by e-mail is an effective way to significantly improve diet and physical activity by helping people move more, sit less, and make healthier food choices, according to a Kaiser…
