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. DOR’s 600-plus staff is currently working on more than 580 epidemiological and health services research projects. Read our story or watch our video of how it all began and learn even more from our interactive anniversary timeline.

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Uniform, National Measures Should Define HIV and AIDS Care

OAKLAND, Calif. – To improve the quality of HIV care and treatment nationwide, 17 measures such as screening and prevention for infections and monitoring of antiretroviral therapy should be adopted uniformly, according a work group led by a Kaiser Permanente…

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woman and femail doctor

New Research Finds Girls Are Starting Puberty Early

Oakland, Calif. (August 9, 2010) -- Girls are starting puberty early, according to new research from the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers (BCERCs). More girls are experiencing the onset of breast development at age 7 and 8, compared…

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child reading

Combination MMRV Vaccine Associated with Two-Fold Risk of Febrile Seizures Compared with Separate MMR & Varicella Vaccines

Electronic Health Records Study of 459,000 Children Sparked New CDC Recommendations Oakland, Calif. – The combination vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) is associated with double the risk of febrile seizures for 1- to 2-year-old children compared with…

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Man and woman visiting doctor

Heart Attacks Declined 24 Percent in Kaiser Permanente Northern California Since 2000

Study of 46,000 Patients Shows More Serious Heart Attacks Also Declined By Much More Video Oakland, Calif. – Heart attacks declined by 24 percent within a large, ethnically diverse, community-based population since 2000, and the relative incidence of serious heart…

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Limited Health Literacy Increases Safety Risks for Patients with Diabetes

People with diabetes who have limited health literacy are at higher risk for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in…

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Two prescription bottles

Medications that Reduce the Production of Stomach Acid May Increase Hip Fractures

Oakland, CA – Commonly used medications for decreasing stomach acid are associated with an increased risk of hip fracture, according to Kaiser Permanente Researchers. The study, the first major evaluation of this question in the United States and the largest…

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Woman pouring coffee

Coffee Drinking and Caffeine Associated with Reduced Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Rhythm Disturbances

While it is not proven that coffee is protective, it is unlikely that moderate caffeine intake increases arrhythmia risk, Kaiser Permanente study finds SAN FRANCISCO — Coffee drinkers may be less likely to be hospitalized for heart rhythm disturbances, according…

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Woman wearing breast cancer pin

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…

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Mother breastfeeding

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…

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young male and female

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…

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