#Publichealthpolicy

A new snapshot of Gen Z family planning finds young adults are delaying parenthood into their late 20s and, worryingly, a significant share are relying on the withdrawal or “pull-out” method as a primary form of birth control. The findings, drawn from a survey by pregnancy test brand First Response and women’s media platform Her Campus and reported by the New York Post, underscore a generational rethinking of when to have children — and a risk calculus around contraception that health experts say could backfire. For Thailand, where the birth rate has plunged to historic lows, the mix of delayed childbearing and inconsistent contraceptive protection holds lessons for sex education, public health, and demographic policy.

Alarming new research reveals that Generation Z adults are increasingly delaying parenthood while simultaneously relying on ineffective contraceptive methods, creating a perfect storm of reproductive health risks that could significantly impact Thailand’s already plummeting birth rates. A comprehensive survey conducted by pregnancy test manufacturer First Response in collaboration with women’s media platform Her Campus discovered that nearly 37% of young adults favor the withdrawal or “pull-out” method as their primary contraceptive approach, despite medical evidence showing this technique fails for approximately one in five couples annually. These findings arrive at a critical moment for Thailand, where birth rates have collapsed to historic lows below population replacement levels, requiring urgent attention to both reproductive health education and family planning support systems.

A new study highlights a troubling trend among Gen Z: many are delaying parenthood while relying on withdrawal as a primary contraceptive. This method has a documented failure rate of about 20-22 percent with typical use, raising the risk of unintended pregnancies in the interim. In Thailand, where birth rates have fallen to historic lows, the findings underscore an urgent need for stronger reproductive health education and accessible family planning services.

A new study from a leading U.S. university raises questions about brown rice as a health choice for Thai readers. Published in Risk Analysis, the research shows brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients but also contains more arsenic, including the more toxic inorganic form, than white rice. The findings call for careful consideration of both nutrition and safety, especially for children and infants who consume more rice relative to body weight.

In the latest startling revelation about brown rice’s complex nutritional profile, a study from Michigan State University has unveiled that while brown rice boasts higher nutritional value, it also contains more arsenic than its white counterpart. This finding, published in the prestigious journal Risk Analysis, emphasizes the nuanced considerations that Thai consumers should weigh when choosing rice for their diets.

Rice, a staple in Thai cuisine, is often viewed through the lens of health-conscious eating, and brown rice is traditionally celebrated for its superior fiber and nutrient content. However, the Michigan State study highlights a critical trade-off: brown rice’s higher levels of arsenic, including inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic compared to what is found in white rice. This revelation is particularly concerning when considering young children and infants, who may consume relatively more rice in proportion to their body weight than adults.

A fresh report from Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics shows that 32% of the population reports anxiety symptoms. The release, timed with World Health Day, also reveals a clear gender gap: 38.2% of women are affected versus 24.7% of men. For more severe anxiety, the gap remains, with 14.1% of women affected compared with 6.2% of men.

Data from the 2024 Income and Living Conditions Survey (ICOR) underscore the need for targeted mental health support across age groups. Older adults show higher vulnerability, while education appears protective, with higher education linked to lower anxiety levels.

A new study funded by a major health institute confirms a clear rural-urban divide in cardiovascular health, driven largely by social and economic factors. The research finds higher rates of heart disease and related risk factors in rural areas, with rural adults showing about 7% prevalence versus 4% in urban settings. The gap also appears in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, and is especially evident among adults aged 20 to 39.

A regional reflection on involuntary hospitalization in New York City is prompting Thai health officials to re-examine how to balance individual rights with public safety. Bangkok and other cities are weighing legal provisions, service capacity, and culturally sensitive care as they plan a humane, effective mental health system.

In New York, the mayor’s administration has pressed for involuntary hospitalization to connect people in mental health crises with treatment, even when there is no consent. Critics caution that the policy may not reliably improve outcomes and could produce unintended effects. A 2024 city study found gaps: many people removed from street homelessness were not admitted for inpatient care, and follow-up support varied. A council review also highlighted racial disparities, noting Black residents represented a disproportionate share of those removed from the streets.