Cycle Of Poverty Research Articles

The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on brain, behaviour, and development: a unified framework.

In this article, we, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview and unified framework of the impact of poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the brain and behaviour. While there are many studies on the impact of low SES on the brain (including cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and even neurotransmitters) and behaviours (including educational attainment, language development, development of psychopathological disorders), prior studies did not integrate behavioural, educational, and neural findings in one framework. Here, we argue that the impact of poverty and low SES on the brain and behaviour are interrelated. Specifically, based on prior studies, due to a lack of resources, poverty and low SES are associated with poor nutrition, high levels of stress in caregivers and their children, and exposure to socio-environmental hazards. These psychological and physical injuries impact the normal development of several brain areas and neurotransmitters. Impaired functioning of the amygdala can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders, while impaired hippocampus and cortex functions are associated with a delay in learning and language development as well as poor academic performance. This in turn perpetuates poverty in children, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and psychological/physical impairments. In addition to providing economic aid to economically disadvantaged families, interventions should aim to tackle neural abnormalities caused by poverty and low SES in early childhood. Importantly, acknowledging brain abnormalities due to poverty in early childhood can help increase economic equity. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive list of future studies to help understand the impact of poverty on the brain.

Use of antimicrobials and other medical products in an ethnic minority context of South-Central Vietnam: A qualitative study of vulnerability.

Despite the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), evidence on the use and quality of medicines at community level is limited, particularly in impoverished, rural areas where prevalence of (bacterial) infections is high. To better understand the processes that drive vulnerability to AMR' effects, this study aimed to assess social factors underpinning access to-and use of-medical products and healthcare, among people from the Raglai ethnic minority in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. We conducted ethnographic research in eight villages in 2018-2019, using interviewing and participant observation methods for data collection. Different types of informants (including community members and healthcare providers) were selected using purposive sampling strategies and analysis was retroductive. Our findings show that, despite the existence of a government-funded health insurance scheme, Raglai people's flexible therapeutic itineraries did not systematically start with formal healthcare. Different types of care (private/informal, public, shamanic) were combined in parallel or in alternation, determined by distance to the provider, cost, workload, perceived diagnostic capacity, perceived severity and aetiology of the illness, and trust in the provider. Available medicines were often tablets dispensed in plastic bags containing labelled tablets, unlabelled tablets (in bulk) or tablets ground to powder. Treatment was often considered effective when it relieved symptoms, which led to abandonment of the treatment course. When symptoms did not speedily abate, the illness aetiology would be reinterpreted, and "stronger" medicines would be sought. The precarious socio-economic status of some Raglai drove them in cycles of severe poverty when additional unforeseen factors such as illness, animal disease or loss of crops arose, hampering access to (in)formal healthcare providers and/or appropriate diagnosis and treatment. We conclude that Raglai communities are structurally unable to buffer themselves against the threat and consequences of AMR. Despite this vulnerability, they are among the least targeted by efforts to optimize antibiotic use, which are concentrated in secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities targeted at urban populations.

Mission Shakti: A Silent Revolution In Odisha

Women empowerment through Self-Help Groups has emerged as a potent force for fostering socio- economic development worldwide. SHGs serve as a platform for women to come together, pool resources, and engage in collective decision making, thereby enhancing their socio-economic status and agency. Through SHGs, women gain access to financial services, acquire entrepreneurial skills, and develop a supportive network, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization.

Donation Campaign

In today's dynamic world, community development stands as a cornerstone for societal progress. However, numerous communities around the globe face various challenges hindering their growth and well-being. In response, our project aims to launch a donation campaign focused on addressing these challenges and fostering sustainable development within underserved communities. Through strategic planning and community engagement, we aspire to make a meaningful impact and create positive change on a grassroots level. The donation campaign seeks to address pressing issues such as poverty, education gaps, healthcare deficiencies, and environmental degradation within marginalized communities. By providing targeted assistance and resources, we aim to uplift these communities and empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty. The primary objective of the campaign is to mobilize resources and support from individuals, businesses, and organizations to fund initiatives that promote community development. These initiatives include but are not limited to providing access to education, healthcare services, clean water, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and environmental conservation efforts. Our campaign targets individuals and entities passionate about social impactand community development. This includes philanthropists, corporate entities with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, foundations, and individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of others. The campaign will employ a multi-faceted approach, utilizing various communication channels such as social media, traditional media, community events, and partnerships with local organizations to raise awareness and solicit donations. We will also leverage technology to facilitate easy and secure donation processes, ensuring transparency and accountability. The campaign will be executed in phases, starting with a comprehensive needs assessment to identify priority areas within target communities. Following this, fundraising activities will be initiated, alongside community engagement efforts to ensure buy-in and participation from local stakeholders. Funds raised will be allocated towards implementing sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of each community. Our donation campaign for community development represents a concerted effort to address systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. By harnessing the collective power of donors and stakeholders, we aim to foster inclusive growth and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Join us in making a meaningful difference and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Role of Women's Empowerment in Improving the Nutritional Status of Children Under Five Years of Age: An Insight From the National Family Health Survey-5.

Background Childhood malnutrition remains a global concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and is known to create an intergenerational cycle of illness and poverty. Women's empowerment has gained global recognition as a potential catalyst for improving child nutrition. The objective of this research was to investigate the association between women's empowerment factors and the nutritional status of children under five years of age. Methods The study used data from the National Family Health Survey-5, conducted in India between 2019 and 2021 by the International Institute of Population Sciences, Mumbai. A weighted sample of 29,491 mother-child pairs was analyzed. The odds ratio for women's empowerment and sociodemographic factors associated with the nutritional status of children under five years of age was calculated using Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Results The study foundthat the sex of the child (OR = 1.066, 95% CI: 1.017 to 1.117; p-value: 0.008), birth order (OR = 0.824, 95% CI: 0.780 to 0.871; p-value < 0.001), education of the mother (OR = 1.356, 95% CI: 1.255 to 1.464; p-value < 0.001), education of the father (OR = 1.227, 95% CI: 1.140 to 1.320; p-value < 0.001), having a bank or savings account that she uses (OR = 1.151, 95% CI: 1.084 to 1.221; p-value < 0.001), having a mobile phone that she uses (OR = 1.184, 95% CI: 1.125 to 1.246; p-value < 0.001), and wealth index (OR = 1.597, 95% CI: 1.514 to 1.684; p-value < 0.001) were significant predictors of undernutrition in children under the age of five (U5). Conclusion Women's empowerment factors play a significant role in improving childhood nutrition. In the study, male sex, higher birth order, lower parental education, poor wealth index, maternal lack ofaccess to a bank or a savings account, and lack of mobile phone ownership were found to besignificant predictors of undernutrition in children U5. The findings underscore the importance of family planning, financial inclusion, access to mobile phones, and higher education for women as important factors that can help improve the nutritional status of children under five years of age. Policymakers can utilize these insights to make targeted strategies for women's empowerment, thus improving the nutritional status of children. However, being a secondary data analysis, our research is constrained by the variables available in the dataset. Further research is required to better comprehend the complex relationship between women empowerment and child nutrition.

Potential of Social Protection Policy Interventions for Breaking Poverty Cycle in Tanzania

Potential of Social Protection Policy Interventions for Breaking Poverty Cycle in Tanzania

Unveiling and modelling: Land degradation, poverty nexus in Nigeria's semi-arid (jigawa state) using cloud-based geospatial data

Land degradation and multidimensional poverty represent global challenges whose interconnected dynamics are poorly understood and hinder effective interventions. The aim of this study was to address these issues by integrating the RULSE model, the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Using high-resolution geospatial data from Sentinel-2 via the Google Earth Engine, land-use changes were identified as indicators of degradation, with VCI critical for assessing vegetation health. A holistic poverty assessment using MPI data from the Nigerian National Bureau found strong evidence of land degradation in these regions, with approximately 60–75% experiencing multidimensional poverty. Spatial overlap highlights the close connection between severe land degradation and high multidimensional poverty rates. The correlation analysis provided insights into the relationships between land degradation variables (vegetation status, soil loss, and digital elevation) and poverty patterns (population dynamics). This study highlights how soil erosion negatively impacts agriculture and perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty. This study illuminates the complex relationship between land degradation and poverty, and argues for further exploration, technological integration, and a nuanced understanding of the components of poverty. Advanced assessments can guide targeted policies and interventions to break the cycle of land degradation and poverty.

The Impact of Poverty in Indonesia on Education

Poverty is a serious problem that Indonesia still faces. One of the concerning impacts in Indonesia is limited access to education. Economic inequality is one of the main factors in influencing poverty in Indonesia which hinders growth and affects consumption and demand. It also highlights the important role of education quality in influencing poverty status. Low access to and quality of education in poor areas are barriers to achieving social mobility and better economic opportunities. This study aims to explain the impact and cycle of poverty and how factors such as limited access to education, low levels of education, and limited access to health services can influence poverty. The research method uses a literature study approach, the data is then analyzed using qualitative methods. It can be concluded that this research provides a comprehensive picture of the problem of poverty in Indonesia, its impact, influencing factors, and steps that can be taken to overcome it. With the cooperation of various sectors and high awareness, it is hoped that efforts to reduce poverty can be successful and create a more inclusive and quality society in Indonesia.

Understanding the Determinants of Poverty in Brazil: A Household Level Analysis

ABSTRACT: This study aims to comprehensively examine the determinants of household poverty in Brazil, placing a specific emphasis on the heads of households as the primary unit of analysis. Household poverty is a critical and multifaceted issue in developing countries, a reality that holds true for Brazil as well. Understanding the intricate web of factors that contribute to household poverty is of paramount importance to policymakers, researchers, and advocates dedicated to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development. Household poverty remains a persistent challenge in Brazil, with far-reaching social and economic consequences. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to identify the factors that contribute to poverty among households, particularly those led by individuals who are the primary income earners. These households often face unique economic and social challenges that demand targeted interventions. To analyze household poverty determinants, this study utilizes data from the "Pesquisa Nacional por Amostras de Domicílios Contínua" (Continuous National Household Sample Survey) (PNADC). The dataset provides comprehensive information on the individual characteristics of the household head and household-level attributes, offering a nuanced view of the factors at play. A probit model is employed to estimate the probability of a household head experiencing poverty, allowing for a examination of various factors. The research findings reveal several significant determinants of household poverty in Brazil. Firstly, households led by men are found to be less likely to be in a situation of poverty, shedding light on gender-related disparities in income and opportunities. Secondly, households with heads who have attained higher levels of education exhibit a lower probability of being in poverty, underscoring the importance of education as a pathway out of poverty. Moreover, urban households are found to be less prone to poverty compared to their rural counterparts, since households led by individuals who work in agricultural-related activities are more likely to experience poverty. This emphasizes the need for targeted rural development strategies. Additionally, households located in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil face a higher likelihood of poverty, possibly due to regional economic disparities that require specific policy attention. These findings have important policy implications for poverty alleviation efforts in Brazil. Policymakers should consider targeted interventions that focus on improving access to education, particularly in regions with higher poverty rates, as education is a powerful tool for poverty reduction. Efforts to promote gender equality and enhance economic opportunities in rural areas are also essential to address the diverse causes of poverty. Additionally, regional disparities in poverty should be addressed through comprehensive regional development initiatives that take into account the unique challenges faced by different areas of the country. Our results also highlight the importance of community-specific social programs, including conditional-cash transfers and incentives for childhood education, which can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty in Brazil's diverse communities.

Preprimary and Primary Education in India

The primary education objectives include developing basic literacy and numeracy skills fostering socialization and nurturing love for learning. It aims to prepare students for further education and life long learning. The near universalization of primary schooling is one of the great global achievements of past decades. In the early 1950s, 50% of primary school-aged children worldwide were out of school. Today, that figure stands at 11% Still, the most marginalized children remain cut off from primary education – deprived of their right to develop foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills. An estimated 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries are now unable to understand a simple written text. In low-income countries, only two thirds of children are estimated to complete primary school. Inequitable access exists across other divides: Children living in emergency and fragile settings, including refugee children, have fewer chances to complete primary school. Gender also plays a role, as girls who grow up in poor households are more likely than their male peers to have never attended or to have dropped out of primary school. Even for students in school, far too many are not learning the critical foundational skills (literacy and numeracy, but also digital and transferrable skills) they need to thrive. Primary education forms the bedrock of development. It is in primary school that children learn foundational skills that prepare them for life, work and active citizenship. Quality education empowers children and young people, safeguards their health and well-being, and breaks cycles of poverty.

Mental Illness Leading to Homelessness in Adolescents and Reintegration with Families: A Case Series of Three Adolescent Girls

Individuals with poor mental health often find themselves vulnerable to a myriad of factors such as poverty, social disadvantage, lower level of education, abuse, and personal vulnerability. For these reasons, they struggle to secure stable housing, which leads to a cycle of persistent poverty. In this background, we present a series of three adolescents who succumbed to homelessness due to their mental illnesses and subsequent social situations. The three adolescent girls were rescued by child welfare committees with the help of police and brought to the hospital. The challenges faced by the treating team included a lack of caregivers, difficulty in ruling out any sexual abuse, dealing with different jurisdictions, financial limitations of parents to travel long distances, COVID restrictions across states, and mental illness of patient impairing capacity. This also delayed their rehabilitation and prolonged hospital stay. We can conclude that clinicians should focus on stopping the vicious cycle at the earliest so that the long‐term consequences of mental illness, as well as homelessness, can be avoided. The current imperative is to establish a secure setting for children while also facilitating early detection and intervention for mental health issues, with a particular focus on homeless children.

“I Really Wanted to Further My Education but That Wasn’t Possible”: Out of School Experiences of Youth with Disabilities in Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa

ABSTRACT Leaving school prematurely can have lifelong repercussions, and further entrench inequity and cycles of poverty faced by youth with disabilities on the African continent. This manuscript shares the experiences of youth with disabilities in Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa who left education sooner than desired. It highlights the barriers leading to these educational inequalities, and facilitators that created necessary access and support systems. Method: This was a participatory research study with youth with disabilities implemented in three sites, namely, Ethiopia, Ghana and South Africa. This sample size for this paper was a total of 41 participants, which included males and females between 14–35 years of age, who self-identified as having a motor, communication, vision, and/or hearing impairment. Seven focus groups across the three sites were held. Results: Our analysis identified three key themes related to educational experiences: social environment, physical environment, and managing health challenges. Conclusion: The interdependence of relationships and support facilitated participation and inclusion in the education systems. We have framed recommendations using a feminist ethics of care, as it relates to attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness, and integrity.

Gender perspective on the determinants of health outcomes in selected Southern African countries

Recurring global health concerns such as the COVID-19 pandemic served as perfect examples of the "health is wealth" discussion and contributed to a growing understanding of the strong relationships between multiple risks to global socioeconomic success and poor health. Another development is the inclusion of gender-specific health goals in the SDGs which have highlighted the critical role of women’s health in attaining global health and ending the cycle of poverty. This study aims at examining factors influencing women's health in two Southern African countries namely South Africa and Eswatini affected by a significant burden of disease. The regression outcomes show that female economic participation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), female education, teenage pregnancy, income and urbanization have varying effects on female health outcomes in both countries using gender specific socioeconomic factors within the framework of Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). This research engages policy makers and strategists in the health sector on the need to address gender disparities in formulating health policies. Moreover, policies and strategies aimed at fostering better health outcomes by solving national priority health challenges in particular the HIV/AIDS epidemic and health-risk behaviours should be prioritized.

Causes of Poverty among Genders in Micro and Small Scale Enterprises in Jalingo, Nigeria

Ending poverty is a key issue of discussion in the world and the first goal of the seventeen sustainable development goals. Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, yet her people are severely improvised, trapped in vicious cycle of poverty. High levels of poverty among genders have been found to be detrimental to people’s well-being and economic growth. Previous studies on microcredit were mostly in relation to economic growth with little attention on poverty and genders. This study fills this gap by investigating the relationship between micro-credit and Poverty among genders of micro and small-scale entrepreneurs. The simple unifying neoclassical scarcity-driven poverty theoretical framework and cross-sectional survey research design were adopted. Data analysis was based on the questionnaires retrieved from 186 and 726 small and micro entrepreneurs, a total of 912 obtained from the 229 and 794 samples determined by the Cochran’s simple random sampling formula. The Probit and regression models were estimated using the Maximum Likelihood and Ordinary Least Square techniques respectively. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the demographic features of the respondents. The heteroskedasticity robust standard analysis was done and statistical significance at p? 0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 40 years and 63% were with formal education. The FGT poverty rate, depth and severity are 61.95%, 24.67% and 12.92% respectively, while the SST poverty rate is 32.68% and the Gini coefficient is 35.63%, indicating high poverty level of Poverty among the entrepreneurs. Probit results show that respondents who obtain micro-credit from deposit money banks (DMBs), microfinance banks, and relatives are less likely to be poor, with 16.9%, 11.8%, and 6.8% probabilities respectively. Also, respondents with monthly (43.88%), quarterly (48.56%), and yearly (37.08%) access to microcredi

Protocol for spatial prediction of soil transmitted helminth prevalence in the Western Pacific region using a meta-analytical approach

BackgroundSoil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are estimated to impact 24% of the world’s population and are responsible for chronic and debilitating morbidity. Disadvantaged communities are among the worst affected and are further marginalized as infection prevalence fuels the poverty cycle. Ambitious targets have been set to eliminate STH infections, but accurate epidemiological data will be required to inform appropriate interventions. This paper details the protocol for an analysis that aims to produce spatial prediction mapping of STH prevalence in the Western Pacific Region (WPR).MethodsThe protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The study design will combine the principles of systematic review, meta-analysis, and geospatial analysis. Systematic searches will be undertaken in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Embase, and Web of Science for studies undertaken post 2000, to identify surveys that enable the prevalence of human STH infection within the WPR to be calculated. Covariate data for multivariable analysis will be obtained from publicly accessible sources. Survey data will be geolocated, and STH prevalence and covariates will be linked to produce a spatially referenced dataset for analysis. Bayesian model-based geostatistics will be used to generate spatially continuous estimates of STH prevalence mapped to a resolution of 1 km2. A separate geospatial model will be constructed for each STH species. Predictions of prevalence will be made for unsampled locations and maps will be overlaid for each STH species to obtain co-endemicity maps.DiscussionThis protocol facilitates study replication and may be applied to other infectious diseases or alternate geographies. Results of the subsequent analysis will identify geographies with high STH prevalence’s and can be used to inform resource allocation in combating this neglected tropical disease.Trial registrationOpen Science Framework: osf.io/qmxcj.

"Gender-Based Water Violence": Cross-Cultural Evidence for Severe Harm Associated With Water Insecurity for Women and Girls.

We examined how study participants in Indonesia and Peru viewed the relationship between water insecurity and women's health via thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups. Participants reported that water insecurity led to vaginal infections, miscarriage, premature births, uterine prolapse, poor nutrition, restricted economic opportunities, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Participants in both countries stated that extreme burdens associated with water insecurity should be categorized as violence. Based on these findings, we developed the concept of "gender-based water violence," defined as the spectrum of stressors associated with water insecurity that are so severe as to threaten human health and well-being, particularly that of women and girls.

Food Security: A Key Component in Promoting Public Health and Nutrition

Food insecurity is a significant issue in public health, with individuals and households experiencing insufficient access to food necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The objective of this article is to explore the role of food security as a critical element in promoting public health and nutrition. This article was written using a qualitative method through a literature review study. Adequate nutrient intake is essential for good health and optimal performance in all areas of life. Inadequate access to nutritious food can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. Food insecurity and poor health can create a cycle of poverty and contribute to health disparities within communities. Additionally, food security and mental health are closely related, and a lack of access to affordable and nutritious food can lead to poorer mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Addressing food insecurity prevents public health crises and contributes to health disparities. Food security is essential for promoting public health and preventing malnutrition. It ensures adequate nutrient intake, enhancing performance and productivity. Addressing food insecurity is crucial for improving overall well-being and promoting a healthier future for individuals and communities.

Actor-agency and institutional complexity: multinational corporations’ strategies to combat the framework convention on tobacco control in Brazil

Purpose This study aims to analyse the strategic moves used by major tobacco corporations to thwart the ratification of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a detailed historical case study spanning 1988–2005 and encompassing the period leading up to Brazil’s FCTC ratification. The authors collected qualitative data from various sources to triangulate and develop a comprehensive historical account. Findings The historical analysis identified three distinct phases. First, the acquisition of a Brazilian cigarette factory, Souza Cruz, by British American Tobacco dramatically altered power dynamics, strengthening the position of the tobacco industry. The second phase regards the era of dictatorship and the efforts of various actors advocating against smoking and the tobacco industry. The third phase involved Brazil’s re-democratisation and the challenges of securing FCTC ratification, during which fierce industry opposition had to be overcome. Throughout these phases, the authors identified four key strategies used by multinational corporations (MNCs) in Brazil to uphold unsustainable practices and products that contradicted public interests instead of reforming them: shaping collective memory, dissimulation, re-presentation and redirecting attention. Originality/value This study contributes to critical international business research on emerging economies by examining how Brazil’s position in the global capitalist system has influenced its dependency and how MNCs produce and maintain cycles of poverty and unsustainable practices through the exploitation of power dynamics within the country.

Poverty Reduction and Determinants of Health

ABSTRACT Poverty is a contributor to poor health yet it can be challenging to break the cycle of poverty. We analyzed the characteristics of 2,981 CirclesUSA program participants. Of the 2,981 who were screened at program intake, 12.8% achieved success. Participants were more likely to drop out if they had children at home and/or were experiencing generational poverty. Participants with full time employment, stable housing, access to transportation, who experienced situational poverty, held a degree or who were without children at home were more successful. The CirclesUSA approach to poverty is an effective peer coaching model.

Stopping the Vicious Cycle: Equitable Enforcement Strategies to Achieve Safe, Stable, and Accessible Housing for People with Disabilities.

Policy Points People with disabilities experience a vicious cycle of poverty, poor health, and marginalization partly because of the inequitable implementation and enforcement of laws, including underenforcement of civil rights and housing laws and overenforcement of punitive nuisance and criminal laws. Inequitable enforcement reflects policy choices that prioritize powerful entities (e.g., landlords, developers) to the detriment of people who experience intersectional structural discrimination based on, for example, race, disability, and income. Equitable enforcement, a process of ensuring compliance with the law while considering and minimizing harms to marginalized people, can promote health and disability justice by increasing access to safe, stable, and accessible housing.