65 datasets found
  1. y

    US Health Care Inflation Rate

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated Sep 11, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). US Health Care Inflation Rate [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_health_care_inflation_rate
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 11, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Mar 31, 1938 - Aug 31, 2025
    Area covered
    United States
    Variables measured
    US Health Care Inflation Rate
    Description

    View monthly updates and historical trends for US Health Care Inflation Rate. from United States. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Track economic data …

  2. Inflation rate for medical care costs in the U.S. 2000-2023

    • statista.com
    Updated Dec 1, 2023
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2023). Inflation rate for medical care costs in the U.S. 2000-2023 [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1337585/medical-care-price-inflation-rate-in-the-us/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Dec 1, 2023
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Time period covered
    Aug 2000 - Aug 2023
    Area covered
    United States
    Description

    The annual price of medical care in the U.S. decreased by one percent in the past 12 months which ended in August 2023, a significant decrease from the previous year. Over the provided time interval, medical care costs increased at an average inflation rate of 3.5 percent. This statistic shows the annual inflation rate of medical care prices in the U.S. from 2000 to 2023.

  3. F

    Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care in U.S. City...

    • fred.stlouisfed.org
    json
    Updated Sep 11, 2025
    + more versions
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    (2025). Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care in U.S. City Average [Dataset]. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIMEDSL
    Explore at:
    jsonAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 11, 2025
    License

    https://fred.stlouisfed.org/legal/#copyright-public-domainhttps://fred.stlouisfed.org/legal/#copyright-public-domain

    Area covered
    United States
    Description

    Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care in U.S. City Average (CPIMEDSL) from Jan 1947 to Aug 2025 about medical, urban, consumer, CPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

  4. Medical cost inflation GCC 2019-2024, by country

    • statista.com
    Updated Jul 10, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2025). Medical cost inflation GCC 2019-2024, by country [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1379477/gcc-medical-cost-inflation-by-country/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Jul 10, 2025
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Area covered
    MENA
    Description

    Between 2019 and 2024, United Arab Emirates observed net inflation of medical costs at the rate of **** percent, which was the highest among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The lowest health inflation rate was reported in Oman at *** percent.

  5. Inflation rate for medical care costs in the U.S. in 2023, by category

    • statista.com
    Updated Sep 6, 2023
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2023). Inflation rate for medical care costs in the U.S. in 2023, by category [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1337650/medical-care-cost-inflation-rate-in-the-us/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Sep 6, 2023
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Time period covered
    Jun 2022 - Jun 2023
    Area covered
    United States
    Description

    In June 2023, the cost of inpatient hospital services in the United States had increased by 3.7 percent in comparison to June 2022. On the other hand, health insurance costs had decreased by roughly 25 percent compared to the previous year. This statistic shows the current inflation rate of medical care price in the U.S. in June 2023, by category.

  6. CPI inflation rate for health in the UK 2000-2025

    • statista.com
    Updated Jul 16, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2025). CPI inflation rate for health in the UK 2000-2025 [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/621969/health-inflation-rate-uk/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Jul 16, 2025
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Area covered
    United Kingdom
    Description

    The inflation rate in the health sector of the United Kingdom was ****percent in the second quarter of 2025, which was above the overall inflation rate for that quarter.

  7. Average medical inflation in India 2018-2023

    • statista.com
    Updated Jul 9, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2025). Average medical inflation in India 2018-2023 [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1466124/india-average-medical-inflation/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Jul 9, 2025
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Area covered
    India
    Description

    In financial year 2022, the cost of healthcare goods and services, also known as medical inflation, reached approximately **** percent in India. This figure was significantly higher than the general inflation rate in the country. In fiscal year 2023, medical inflation is forecasted to decrease to **** percent.

  8. CPI for health in the UK 2000-2025

    • statista.com
    Updated Jul 18, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2025). CPI for health in the UK 2000-2025 [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/286386/health-consumer-price-index-uk/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Jul 18, 2025
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Area covered
    United Kingdom
    Description

    In the second quarter of 2025, the Consumer Price Index for health products and services in the United Kingdom was 139.4, indicating that, compared with 2015, prices in this sector have increased by 39.4 percent, compared with 38.5 percent for overall prices.

  9. y

    Turkey Inflation Rate: Health

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated Sep 17, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Eurostat (2025). Turkey Inflation Rate: Health [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/turkey_inflation_rate_health
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 17, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    Eurostat
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Jan 31, 1997 - Aug 31, 2025
    Area covered
    Türkiye
    Variables measured
    Turkey Inflation Rate: Health
    Description

    View monthly updates and historical trends for Turkey Inflation Rate: Health. Source: Eurostat. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

  10. D

    Health and Medical Insurance Market Report | Global Forecast From 2025 To...

    • dataintelo.com
    csv, pdf, pptx
    Updated Sep 22, 2024
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Dataintelo (2024). Health and Medical Insurance Market Report | Global Forecast From 2025 To 2033 [Dataset]. https://dataintelo.com/report/health-and-medical-insurance-market
    Explore at:
    pdf, csv, pptxAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 22, 2024
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Dataintelo
    License

    https://dataintelo.com/privacy-and-policyhttps://dataintelo.com/privacy-and-policy

    Time period covered
    2024 - 2032
    Area covered
    Global
    Description

    Health and Medical Insurance Market Outlook



    The global health and medical insurance market size was valued at approximately $2.8 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $4.5 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period. This robust growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including rising healthcare costs, increasing awareness about the importance of health insurance, and an aging global population. The market's expansion is further supported by technological advancements that streamline the insurance process and enhance customer experience.



    One of the primary growth drivers in this market is the escalating cost of healthcare services worldwide. Medical inflation is outpacing general inflation, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for individuals. This has created a significant demand for health and medical insurance as a financial safety net. Furthermore, advancements in medical technology and the introduction of new treatment methods are contributing to higher healthcare costs, which in turn boosts the demand for insurance coverage. Governments and private entities are increasingly collaborating to make health insurance more accessible and affordable, thus driving market growth.



    Another crucial factor contributing to the market's growth is the increasing awareness and understanding of health insurance benefits among the global population. With the proliferation of information through digital media and government initiatives, more people are becoming aware of the financial and health security that insurance provides. Educational campaigns and policy reforms are playing a pivotal role in educating the masses about the necessity of health insurance, thereby leading to higher enrollment rates. Additionally, employers are also recognizing the importance of offering health benefits to their employees, which further adds to the market's growth.



    The aging global population is another significant driver for the health and medical insurance market. As the population ages, the prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for long-term care increase. Older adults are more likely to require frequent medical attention, making health insurance a crucial component of their financial planning. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced in developed countries, but emerging markets are also beginning to experience similar trends. Consequently, insurance providers are developing specialized products to cater to the needs of an aging population, thereby expanding their customer base.



    Regionally, the market growth is expected to vary significantly. North America currently dominates the market, thanks to high healthcare costs, comprehensive insurance plans, and government mandates like the Affordable Care Act. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This can be attributed to improving economic conditions, increased healthcare spending, and growing awareness about health insurance. Countries like China and India are implementing extensive healthcare reforms, making insurance more accessible to their vast populations. Europe and Latin America are also expected to show steady growth, supported by government initiatives and increasing private sector participation.



    Type Analysis



    The health and medical insurance market can be segmented by type into individual health insurance, family health insurance, critical illness insurance, and others. Individual health insurance plans are designed to cover a single person, offering customized coverage based on personal health needs. This segment is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of self-employed individuals and freelancers who require personal health coverage. Additionally, the rise in single-person households is contributing to the demand for individual health insurance plans.



    Family health insurance plans cover the entire family under a single policy. These plans are becoming increasingly popular as they offer comprehensive coverage for all family members, often at a lower cost compared to purchasing individual policies for each member. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of family health insurance plans are driving their adoption, especially among young families who are looking to secure their health future. Moreover, insurers are offering flexible plans that can be tailored to meet the specific health needs of families, further boosting this segment.



    Critical illness insurance is another vital segment

  11. y

    Denmark Inflation Rate: Health

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated Sep 17, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Eurostat (2025). Denmark Inflation Rate: Health [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/denmark_inflation_rate_health
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 17, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    Eurostat
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Jan 31, 1997 - Aug 31, 2025
    Area covered
    Denmark
    Variables measured
    Denmark Inflation Rate: Health
    Description

    View monthly updates and historical trends for Denmark Inflation Rate: Health. Source: Eurostat. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

  12. y

    Germany Inflation Rate: Health

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated Sep 17, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Eurostat (2025). Germany Inflation Rate: Health [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/germany_inflation_rate_health
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 17, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    Eurostat
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Jan 31, 1997 - Aug 31, 2025
    Area covered
    Germany
    Variables measured
    Germany Inflation Rate: Health
    Description

    View monthly updates and historical trends for Germany Inflation Rate: Health. Source: Eurostat. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

  13. y

    US PCE Health Care Inflation Rate

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated Sep 25, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025). US PCE Health Care Inflation Rate [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_pce_health_care_inflation_rate
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 25, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    Bureau of Economic Analysis
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Jun 30, 1959 - Jun 30, 2025
    Area covered
    United States
    Variables measured
    US PCE Health Care Inflation Rate
    Description

    View quarterly updates and historical trends for US PCE Health Care Inflation Rate. from United States. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis. Track economi…

  14. F

    Producer Price Index by Industry: Medical Equipment and Supplies...

    • fred.stlouisfed.org
    json
    Updated Sep 10, 2025
    + more versions
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    (2025). Producer Price Index by Industry: Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing [Dataset]. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCU33913391
    Explore at:
    jsonAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 10, 2025
    License

    https://fred.stlouisfed.org/legal/#copyright-public-domainhttps://fred.stlouisfed.org/legal/#copyright-public-domain

    Description

    Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (PCU33913391) from Dec 2003 to Aug 2025 about medical, supplies, equipment, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

  15. y

    US Producer Price Index: Medical Equipment & Supplies Manufacturing

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated May 15, 2025
    + more versions
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). US Producer Price Index: Medical Equipment & Supplies Manufacturing [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_producer_price_index_medical_equipment_and_supplies_manufacturing_yearly
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    May 15, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Dec 31, 2004 - Dec 31, 2024
    Area covered
    United States
    Variables measured
    US Producer Price Index: Medical Equipment & Supplies Manufacturing
    Description

    View yearly updates and historical trends for US Producer Price Index: Medical Equipment & Supplies Manufacturing. from United States. Source: Bureau of L…

  16. y

    China Health Care Inflation Rate

    • ycharts.com
    html
    Updated Sep 10, 2025
    + more versions
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    National Bureau of Statistics of China (2025). China Health Care Inflation Rate [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/china_health_care_inflation_rate
    Explore at:
    htmlAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Sep 10, 2025
    Dataset provided by
    YCharts
    Authors
    National Bureau of Statistics of China
    License

    https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

    Time period covered
    Jan 31, 1995 - Aug 31, 2025
    Area covered
    China
    Variables measured
    China Health Care Inflation Rate
    Description

    View monthly updates and historical trends for China Health Care Inflation Rate. Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China. Track economic data with …

  17. D

    Medical Inflation Devices Market Report | Global Forecast From 2025 To 2033

    • dataintelo.com
    csv, pdf, pptx
    Updated Dec 3, 2024
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Dataintelo (2024). Medical Inflation Devices Market Report | Global Forecast From 2025 To 2033 [Dataset]. https://dataintelo.com/report/global-medical-inflation-devices-market
    Explore at:
    csv, pptx, pdfAvailable download formats
    Dataset updated
    Dec 3, 2024
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Dataintelo
    License

    https://dataintelo.com/privacy-and-policyhttps://dataintelo.com/privacy-and-policy

    Time period covered
    2024 - 2032
    Area covered
    Global
    Description

    Medical Inflation Devices Market Outlook



    The global medical inflation devices market size was estimated at USD 600 million in 2023 and is projected to reach approximately USD 1,100 million by 2032, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% over the forecast period. This significant growth trajectory is fueled by various factors including the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in medical technology, and the rising demand for minimally invasive procedures. The surge in healthcare spending across developing regions and the continuous innovations in medical devices also contribute to the expansion of this market. As medical procedures increasingly rely on precision devices, the demand for reliable inflation devices in healthcare settings is anticipated to grow steadily.



    A primary growth factor in the medical inflation devices market is the rising prevalence of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, which necessitates the use of inflation devices in procedures such as angioplasty and endoscopy. As the global population ages, the incidence of these conditions is expected to increase, thereby driving the demand for such medical devices. Furthermore, the growing awareness and adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques have significantly bolstered the utilization of inflation devices, as these procedures often require precise control and inflation of medical balloons or other instruments. Technological advancements leading to the development of more sophisticated and user-friendly inflation devices are also contributing to broader adoption across diverse medical practices.



    Another crucial factor influencing market growth is the burgeoning healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets, which is facilitating improved access to advanced medical treatments. Countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America, in particular, are seeing significant investments in healthcare facilities, thus expanding the market for medical inflation devices. Governments and private entities are increasingly focusing on upgrading medical facilities and introducing state-of-the-art medical equipment, which indirectly supports the growth of the inflation devices market. Additionally, the growing number of ambulatory surgical centers and specialty clinics further boosts the demand for these devices, as they strive to offer comprehensive and efficient patient care.



    Moreover, the market is benefitting from the continuous research and development efforts aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of medical inflation devices. This is leading to the introduction of innovative products that cater to a wider range of applications and medical conditions. Enhanced features such as precise pressure control, digital displays, and ergonomic designs are making these devices more appealing to healthcare professionals. Additionally, regulatory approvals and support for innovative medical devices are facilitating faster market entry and adoption of new inflation devices, thereby supporting market growth.



    Product Type Analysis



    The medical inflation devices market is segmented into various product types, namely balloon inflation devices, syringe inflation devices, and others. Balloon inflation devices hold a substantial share in this segment, primarily due to their extensive use in cardiovascular procedures such as angioplasty. These devices are critical in ensuring precise control over balloon expansion, which is crucial for successful outcomes in surgical interventions. The demand for balloon inflation devices is further bolstered by advancements in catheter technology and rising patient preference for minimally invasive procedures, which often rely on balloon-based interventions.



    Syringe inflation devices also form a significant component of the market, offering versatility and precision in a variety of medical settings. These devices are commonly used in procedures requiring accurate pressure management, such as in endoscopic surgeries and certain radiological interventions. The design improvements focusing on ease of use and enhanced safety features are making syringe inflation devices increasingly popular among healthcare providers. Their ability to provide controlled and gradual inflation makes them suitable for delicate procedures, contributing to their growing demand across diverse medical specializations.



    The 'others' category in this segment includes novel and hybrid inflation devices that cater to specialized procedures and emerging medical techniques. As medical technology continues to advance, there is a growing trend towards developing devices t

  18. CPI inflation rate for health in Ireland 2019-2025

    • statista.com
    Updated Jul 10, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2025). CPI inflation rate for health in Ireland 2019-2025 [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1362175/health-inflation-rate-ireland/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Jul 10, 2025
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Time period covered
    Jan 2019 - Jun 2025
    Area covered
    Ireland, Ireland
    Description

    The inflation rate for health in the Republic of Ireland in June 2025 was 2.7 percent, up from 2.8 percent in the previous month.

  19. Inflation rate for health in the EU 1997-2025

    • statista.com
    Updated Feb 25, 2025
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    Statista (2025). Inflation rate for health in the EU 1997-2025 [Dataset]. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1286647/eu-health-inflation-rate/
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Feb 25, 2025
    Dataset authored and provided by
    Statistahttp://statista.com/
    Time period covered
    Jan 1997 - Jan 2025
    Area covered
    European Union
    Description

    The inflation rate for health in the European Union was 3.8 percent in January 2025, representing a decline from its peak of 5 percent in August 2023. During January, the inflation rate for the EU economy as a whole was 2.8 percent.

  20. m

    TCI Cost Comparisons Against General Inflation and Healthcare Inflation

    • data.mendeley.com
    Updated Dec 29, 2023
    Share
    FacebookFacebook
    TwitterTwitter
    Email
    Click to copy link
    Link copied
    Close
    Cite
    David Xiang (2023). TCI Cost Comparisons Against General Inflation and Healthcare Inflation [Dataset]. http://doi.org/10.17632/7ys8k34nk7.1
    Explore at:
    Dataset updated
    Dec 29, 2023
    Authors
    David Xiang
    License

    Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
    License information was derived automatically

    Description

    These are graphical summaries comparing price change against inflation over the cumulative period from 2017 to 2020. We took the 2017 prices for all the drug formulations, calculated based on inflation what the price would be (using both the general inflation rate and healthcare inflation rate) and plotted the actual prices on the same graph. We performed this for both the copay prices and the AWP, using inflation data based off the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to perform our calculations.

Share
FacebookFacebook
TwitterTwitter
Email
Click to copy link
Link copied
Close
Cite
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). US Health Care Inflation Rate [Dataset]. https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_health_care_inflation_rate

US Health Care Inflation Rate

Explore at:
17 scholarly articles cite this dataset (View in Google Scholar)
htmlAvailable download formats
Dataset updated
Sep 11, 2025
Dataset provided by
YCharts
Authors
Bureau of Labor Statistics
License

https://www.ycharts.com/termshttps://www.ycharts.com/terms

Time period covered
Mar 31, 1938 - Aug 31, 2025
Area covered
United States
Variables measured
US Health Care Inflation Rate
Description

View monthly updates and historical trends for US Health Care Inflation Rate. from United States. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Track economic data …

Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu