Decline In Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

“Losers” in the Age of Democratization

Studies have shown that socialization under communist rule is related to pro-authoritarian tendencies. This article argues that such tendencies are largely facilitated by “transitional legacies”—the enduring effects of life experiences following the regime change that occurred in post-communist countries. A sharp decline in socioeconomic status among the privileged class under the former regime strongly predicts anti-democratic and pro-authoritarian attitudes in the contemporary period. Conversely, those who have managed to maintain their statuses exhibit no significant opposition to democratic values. Using the data from the Life in Transition Survey (LiTS), this study demonstrates that across post-Soviet countries, the attitudes of these “losers” are remarkably consistent, irrespective of their current regime types.

Poor maternal mental health is associated with a low degree of proactive control in refugee children.

This study assesses the development of proactive control strategies in 100 Syrian refugee families (394 individuals) with 6- to 18-year-old children currently living in Turkish communities. The results demonstrate that children's age and their mothers' post-traumatic stress symptoms were associated with the degree of proactive control in their children, with worse mental health being associated with a larger reliance on reactive control and lesser reliance on proactive, future-oriented, control (measured via d' in the AX-CPT task). None of the following factors contributed to children's performance: fathers' experience with post-traumatic stress, parents' exposure to potentially traumatic war-related events, perceived discrimination, a decline in socio-economic status, religious beliefs, parents' proactive control strategies, or the education or gender of the children themselves. The association between mothers' mental health and proactive control strategies in children was large (in terms of effect size), suggesting that supporting mothers' mental health might have clear effects on the development of their children.

Social determinants of health of Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

The main aim of the study was to investigate the social determinants of health in the Ukrainian female refugee sample in the Czech Republic. The results showed that some determinants of health like financial difficulties and socioeconomic status decline during forced migration, inaccessibility of healthcare services, health deterioration, the presence of chronic diseases, limitation in daily activity due to ill health, experienced discrimination in host country, lack of a person to share personal feelings and issues were significantly associated with poor self-reported physical health status.

Analisis Sikap Wirausaha Terhadap Perubahan Status Sosial Ekonomi Dimasa Pandemi Covid-19: Sebuah Tinjauan Pustaka

Covid-19 pandemic has become a massive crisis not only in health sector because it has an impact on all sides of life so that it has became the attention of countries in the world today. Covid-19 is a virus that has never been detected before in humans caused by Sars-CoV-2 virus. This pandemic has forced the Indonesian government to implement social restrictions to prevent the increasing number of Covid-19 patients. This has resulted in the disruption of several activities in various fields, especially in the economic sector as well as business actors, both macro and micro. The study carried out in the preparation of the results of this study refers to 8 most recent articles in 2020-2021 which discuss the problems that are currently happening, related to entrepreneurial attitudes towards the decline in socio-economic status using Systematic Literature Review method. The review process of these 8 articles is classified into 2 sub-topic groups. Based on the studies, the results show that entrepreneurial attitudes in responding to the decline in socioeconomic status during the Covid-19 pandemic need to be emphasized by making business adjustments such as adjusting the type of product and market will and also having to be technologically proficient by using various digital platforms such as e-commerce of online application.

The changing profile of obstructive sleep apnea: long term trends in characteristics of patients presenting for diagnostic polysomnography.

IntroductionWe aimed to analyze long-term trends in characteristics of patients undergoing diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) and subsequently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to inform delivery of sleep services.Material and MethodsWe studied 24,510 consecutive patients undergoing PSG at a tertiary-care sleep service between 1989 and 2013. OSA was defined by an apnea hypopnea index (AHI)≥ 5 events/hour. Changes to hypopnea definition and flow sensing techniques in 2002 created two distinct AHI scoring periods: American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA) 1989 - July 2002 and American Academy of Sleep Medicine (Chicago) from August 2002.ResultsOver 23.5 years there was a steady increase in proportion of females (15% to 45%), small increases in average age and BMI, and a small decline in socioeconomic status in the overall group. AHI varied between scoring periods both overall [ASDA 10.8/h (3.2-29.6), Chicago 24.3/h (11.8-48.1)] and in the large subgroup (80.7%) diagnosed with OSA [ASDA 20.7/h (10.6-44.1), Chicago 27.4/h (14.8-51.5)]. OSA diagnosis rates increased in the Chicago period (ASDA 66%, Chicago 91%). Increases in AHI and proportion diagnosed appeared better explained by changes in scoring methods than key OSA risk factors.ConclusionTemporal increases in proportion of females and decreases in socioeconomic status of people undergoing PSG may reflect greater community awareness of sleep disorders. Temporal increases in age and obesity are consistent with secular trends. Changes in scoring methods have major impacts on OSA diagnosis and judgement of disease severity, with important implications for contemporary resourcing of sleep services and interpretation of historical OSA data.

Illicit drugs and the decline of the middle class

Abstract Empirical evidence for the U.S. suggests that illicit consumption of opioids increases in association with socio-economic deprivation of the middle-class. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we set up a task-based labor market model with endogenous mental health status and a health care system. The decline of tasks that were historically performed by the middle class and the associated decline in socio-economic status increases the share of mentally distressed middle class workers. Mentally distressed workers can mitigate their hardships by the intake of illicit drugs or by consuming health goods. We argue that explaining the rise in illicit drug use among the U.S. middle class requires an interaction of socio-economic decline and falling opioid prices, i.e. one factor in isolation is insufficient. Our analysis also points to a central role of the health care system. Extending mental health care could motivate the mentally distressed to abstain from illicit drug consumption.

Illicit Drugs and the Decline of the Middle Class

Empirical evidence for the U.S. suggests that illicit consumption of opioids increases in association with socio-economic deprivation of the middle-class. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we set up a task-based labor market model with endogenous mental health status and a health care system. The decline of tasks that were historically performed by the middle class and the associated decline in socio-economic status increases the share of mentally distressed middle class workers. Mentally distressed workers can mitigate their hardships by the intake of illicit drugs or by consuming health goods. We argue that explaining the rise in illicit drug use among the U.S. middle class requires an interaction of socio-economic decline and falling opioid prices, i.e. one factor in isolation is insufficient. Our analysis also points to a central role of the health care system. Extending mental health care could motivate the mentally distressed to abstain from illicit drug consumption.

Is Cannabis Harmless? Focus on Brain Function.

The degree to which cannabis use causes long term harm to mental functioning is contentious. To determine the evidence for residual and long term effects of cannabis use on mental functions. Comprehensively review human studies addressing detrimental effects on human mental and life functioning. Heavy use causes immediate effects on perception, mood and sedation, but also deficits in cognitive ability. But cessation following heavy use has withdrawal effects and is associated with residual effects on cognition that may last for several weeks. Heavy use also raises the risk of impoverishment of life outcomes and a decline in socioeconomic status as well as the risk of mental health problems. Young age at the start of heavy cannabis use causes a risk of lifelong detrimental effects, and as a worst case together with genetic vulnerability exacerbate a predisposition to schizophrenia. Heavy regular use of cannabis that begins in adolescence heightens the risk of longterm impairment of life and mental functioning.

The impact of depressive and bipolar symptoms on socioeconomic status, core symptoms, function and severity of fibromyalgia.

To evaluate the prevalence of depressive and bipolar symptoms in a cohort of consecutive fibromyalgia (FM) patients seen in a tertiary care center and to determine the relationship between depressive and manic symptoms with FM symptoms, socioeconomic status, severity and function. Three hundred and five FM patients were enrolled; demographic, clinical and questionnaire data were collected. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), manic symptoms by the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ). The FM cohort had the following characteristics: age 43.53 (11.7) years; 86.5% white; 82.7% female; PHQ-9≥10, 59.7%, mean 11.9 (7.3); no depression 11.4%, mild 29.1%, moderate 27.5%, moderate severe 17.7%, severe 14%; anxiety 41.6%; 21.3% had either an MDQ score ≥7 and/or reported a past diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD). Increasing levels of depression severity, as well as a positive screen for BD were significantly associated with increasing prevalence and severity of FM symptoms, longer duration of morning stiffness, and increased severity of FM. Increasing levels of depression were significantly associated with increase in prevalence of reported past sexual abuse, and a decline in socioeconomic status, including higher disability and unemployment rates. Patients with severe FM disease activity, high load of symptoms, prolonged morning stiffness, increased disability, lower socioeconomic status and those who take a lot of medications for FM should be evaluated for depressive and manic symptoms.

Precariousness and Quality of Life—a Qualitative Perspective on Quality of Life of Households in Precarious Prosperity in Switzerland and Spain

Households’ resources and constraints are key components of quality of life (QOL). QOL also depends on how these are evaluated. In times of crisis one expects subjective wellbeing and quality of life to decline. We argue that the quality of life depends on objective living conditions, their subjective evaluation and the ability to maintain or improve the situation of “embedded individuals”. This ability, in turn, depends on the opportunities provided by the state, labour markets, families and communities. We analyse qualitative interviews (2008–2010) with around 25 households in precarious prosperity in two cities (Pamplona, Spain and Lausanne, Switzerland) to elaborate their QOL. Few sampled Swiss households witnessed a decline in socio-economic status, contrary to the Spanish. Domains important to these households for QOL varied according to the opportunity structures: in the Spanish sample QOL was related to the opportunities for income, work, and security to plan ahead; in the Swiss sample to health, work-life balance and loneliness. In both samples, QOL varied according to scope of agency, people’s position within the life course, the households’ past experiences, current situation and future perspectives. Lack of future perspectives and opportunities lowered QOL; reframing, adaption and accepting the situation sometimes moderated QOL. We conclude that apart from living conditions and/or subjective wellbeing, households’ agency within opportunity structures is a promising direction for further research in QOL.

Improved employment and education outcomes in households of HIV-infected adults with high CD4 cell counts: evidence from a community health campaign in Uganda.

There is limited evidence on the association between socioeconomic outcomes and CD4 counts in populations that include HIV-infected adults who have high CD4 counts or have not been diagnosed. We examined this association among adults in a rural Ugandan parish. A community health campaign offering diagnostic and treatment services for HIV and other diseases was conducted with Ministry of Health support. Data on campaign participants' education and employment were collected and a detailed household socioeconomic survey was conducted among a subset of participants. Regression analyses were used to assess relationships between CD4 count and employment and education outcomes. A total of 2323 adults (74% of the community) participated in the campaign; 179 of 2282 (7.8%) tested HIV-positive and 46% were newly diagnosed. Among HIV-infected adults not on antiretroviral therapy (ART), those with CD4 at least 500 worked 6.9 more days/month (P < 0.01; 39% more) and 2.5 more h per day (P < 0.05, 44% more) than those with CD4 less than 200. These effects were not significantly different from the effects for those with CD4 350-499. Children aged 6-11 years in households of adults with CD4 at least 350 did not have significantly different school enrollment rates than children in households of adults with CD4 less than 350, but differences were larger among children aged 12-18 years. Outcomes of HIV-infected adults with CD4 at least 350 were better than those of adults with CD4 less than 200 and resembled those of HIV-uninfected adults. The results suggest that early ART initiation may generate economic benefits by preventing a decline in socioeconomic status, but further research is needed to determine the CD4 threshold at which these benefits would be largest.

Časoprostorové a infrastrukturní aspekty procesu sociální exkluze

Researchers who have studied the living conditions of Roma (Gypsy) communities since the collapse of state socialism in Eastern Europe tend to emphasise two dimensions of the growing degree of social exclusion of the Roma: the economic dimension (the decline in socio-economic status) and the spatial dimension (the growing levels of residential segregation). This article aims to study how spatial exclusion and involuntary residential segregation ‘function’, that is, how they operate on the social micro level as a ‘generator’ of social and economic disadvantage. Certain types of objective obstacles arise in the living environment of excluded people and they continuously have to overcome these obstacles on an everyday basis. The author analyses how spatial exclusion acts on the excluded by requiring relatively high expenditures of money and time for them to overcome exclusion. He then examines the infrastructural dimensions of spatial exclusion, describing infrastructural exclusion as a dimension of disadvantage in which the excluded have limited access to infrastructures and through them resources otherwise commonly accessible in the dominant socio-economic system. Access to these infrastructures and resources can be regarded as an indicator of social integration and as an essential precondition for equal and meaningful social and economic participation in the life of the dominant socio-economic system. In conclusion, the author discusses the conflicting or almost contradictory relationship between the generation of spatial and infrastructural exclusion on the one hand and social integration projects on the other.

The economic impact of HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality on households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The present study investigates whether the household-level economic impact of an adult AIDS death is different from that of death from another cause. The data come from cross-sectional post-mortem interviews (verbal autopsies) with relatives or primary caregivers of deceased adults randomly selected from deaths recorded in an ongoing burial surveillance in Addis Ababa. Our analyses consist of three parts. First, we assess the sociodemographic risk factors for AIDS mortality. Subsequently, we reverse the causal order of this relationship and carry out an analysis of the effect of AIDS mortality on the subjective experience of change in the household's financial situation following the death of a household member. Finally, we quantify the direct and indirect costs of illness and death on the household. Results indicate that households experiencing an HIV/AIDS death are poorer than those experiencing a non-HIV/AIDS death. In addition, poorer households experience a greater decline in socioeconomic status following death of a household member. AIDS mortality has more detrimental effects on the household economic status than deaths due to other causes. While the difference between AIDS and non-AIDS mortality in terms of direct costs is minimal, the indirect cost of an AIDS death per household exceeds that of non-AIDS death by 58%. In conclusion, poor households are more likely to experience an AIDS death and in turn are more vulnerable to the socioeconomic impact of death. Therefore, it is justifiable to target HIV-impact mitigation programs on poorer households.

Nutritional Status of Mentally Disabled Children in Egypt

Introduction: Mental disability can interfere with education and scholastic achievement. It can lead to school dropout and minimize opportunities to participate in the labor force. Moreover, disabilities affect the overall health and psychological state of the individuals. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of mentally disabled children in Egypt on the basis of anthropometric indicators and laboratory data. Subjects and Methods: Across sectional study was conducted on 639 mentally disable children aged 6-<14 years (422males and 217females), from urban areas. They were classified into two age groups (6-<11& 11-<14 years). The following variables were determined using Z score indicator of weight for age, height for age and weight for height. Also, body mass index, mid arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness percentiles were determined. Laboratory investigation including blood hemoglobin concentration and plasma levels of vitamin A and α- tocopherol as well as plasma zinc, copper and magnesium concentration were estimated. Results: Prevalence of underweight was 14.1% by Wt/age Z score. Stunting was estimated among 33.5% with significantly higher prevalence in older children. Muscle &fat depletion was detected in 30.2%, with significantly higher prevalence among males than females. Depleted fat store was detected in 14.7% of children. Wasting was documented in 14.1% of children by BMI percentile, and was significantly higher among males than females. No significant difference was detected between male and female handicapped children regarding mean blood hemoglobin values as well as mean plasma levels of the measured vitamins and minerals, except for mean plasma zinc level. The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was higher in males (41.5%) than females (37.1%). Deficiency of α- tocopherol was more prevalent than that of vitamin A. The overall prevalence of deficiency of zinc, magnesium and copper was 1.8%, 40%, and 25.3% respectively. The decline in anthropometric measurements was associated with the decline in socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Malnutrition as revealed by anthropometric variables and micronutrient deficiency occurs with a high prevalence among mentally disabled children and almost increased with age and low socioeconomic level.

Nutritional Status of Mentally Disabled Children in Egypt

Introduction: Mental disability can interfere with education and scholastic achievement. It can lead to school dropout and minimize opportunities to participate in the labor force. Moreover, disabilities affect the overall health and psychological state of the individuals. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of mentally disabled children in Egypt on the basis of anthropometric indicators and laboratory data. Subjects and Methods: Across sectional study was conducted on 639 mentally disable children aged 6-<14 years (422males and 217females), from urban areas. They were classified into two age groups (6-<11& 11-<14 years). The following variables were determined using Z score indicator of weight for age, height for age and weight for height. Also, body mass index, mid arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness percentiles were determined. Laboratory investigation including blood hemoglobin concentration and plasma levels of vitamin A and α- tocopherol as well as plasma zinc, copper and magnesium concentration were estimated. Results: Prevalence of underweight was 14.1% by Wt/age Z score. Stunting was estimated among 33.5% with significantly higher prevalence in older children. Muscle &fat depletion was detected in 30.2%, with significantly higher prevalence among males than females. Depleted fat store was detected in 14.7% of children. Wasting was documented in 14.1% of children by BMI percentile, and was significantly higher among males than females. No significant difference was detected between male and female handicapped children regarding mean blood hemoglobin values as well as mean plasma levels of the measured vitamins and minerals, except for mean plasma zinc level. The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was higher in males (41.5%) than females (37.1%). Deficiency of α- tocopherol was more prevalent than that of vitamin A. The overall prevalence of deficiency of zinc, magnesium and copper was 1.8%, 40%, and 25.3% respectively. The decline in anthropometric measurements was associated with the decline in socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Malnutrition as revealed by anthropometric variables and micronutrient deficiency occurs with a high prevalence among mentally disabled children and almost increased with age and low socioeconomic level.

Childhood sexual abuse and later psychological problems: neither necessary, sufficient nor acting alone

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the relationships between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse development factors and a range of adverse adult psychological and socioeconomic outcomes. Postal questionnaires were sent to a random community sample of women with a screen included for CSA. Two hundred and fifty‐four women who reported CSA were interviewed as well as an equal‐sized control group with no CSA. A range of negative outcomes in adulthood were more likely to occur in women reporting CSA compared with controls. These outcomes included psychiatric disorder, lowered self‐esteem, deliberate self‐harm, increased sexual problems, adolescent pregnancy, difficulties in intimate relationships, decline in socioeconomic status and increased likelihood of separation or divorce. The results after logistic regression modelling demonstrated that a variety of childhood risk factors such as poor parental mental health, relationship to parents and being physically punished as well as CSA contributed to negative adult outcomes. The precise patterns varied for each negative outcome. It was concluded that CSA is best conceptualised as a non‐specific risk factor for a wide range of adverse psychological and social adult outcomes. It is frequently found in families which have other risk factors for adverse outcomes. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

Compounding of Premigration Trauma and Postmigration Stress in Asylum Seekers

Unauthorized immigrants arriving in Western countries increasingly are being subjected to stringent restrictions while their residency claims are assessed. The present study was an investigation of premigration exposure to organized violence and post-migration stressors in 40 individuals seeking asylum who were attending a community welfare center in Sydney, Australia. Almost 80% reported exposure to premigration trauma such as witnessing murders, having their lives threatened, being separated from family members, and brainwashing; 25% had been tortured. Asylum seekers reported a marked decline in socioeconomic status. Common ongoing sources of severe stress included fears of being repatriated, barriers to work and social services, separation from family, and issues related to the process of pursuing refugee claims. More than one third had problems obtaining health services in Australia—the same number who reported similar difficulties in their home countries. Although based on a selective and culturally heterogeneous sample, the results suggest that salient aspects of the asylum-seeking process may compound the stressors suffered by an already traumatized group.

The effect of child sexual abuse on social, interpersonal and sexual function in adult life.

The association was examined between reporting child sexual abuse (CSA) and a range of social, interpersonal and sexual difficulties in adult life. A random sample of 2250 women were posted a questionnaire exploring a range of abuse experiences. All 248 reporting CSA were invited for interview, together with an equal number of controls. At interview a detailed inquiry was made into the CSA and into current interpersonal, social and sexual function. Significant associations emerged between reporting CSA and a decline in socioeconomic status, increased sexual problems, and the disruption of intimate relationships by difficulties with trust as well as a propensity to perceive their partners as uncaring and overcontrolling. CSA was more common in those from disturbed and disrupted families and in those who also reported physical and emotional abuse. This explained part, but not all, of the apparent association between CSA and negative outcomes. Those reporting CSA are more likely to suffer social, interpersonal and sexual difficulties in adult life.

Trends in Labor Market Position for Puerto Ricans on the Mainland: 1970-1987

Social and economic indicators for the Puerto Rican population on the US mainland showed continued decline in status during the 1970s and early 1980s. Using data from the 1970 and 1980 census and the 1987 Current Population Sun'ey, this article presents and discusses the trends behind the shift in the position of Puerto Ricans. Changes in labor force participation, employment, and average earnings for Puerto Rican males and females during the 1970s and the 1980s are discussed with attention to nativity and gentder differentials. Results show that the decline in socioeconomic status is not a untiversal trend within the Puerto Ricati population. Those born in Puerto Rico, males, those without high school education, and those above age 55 seem to face a critical situation. The experience of Puerto Rican males is different from that of females in that tltey continue to exhibit declining rates of labor force participation. On the other hand, there has been an increase in the representation of Puerto Ricans in the professional occupations. Structural changes in the economy have contributed to polarize the Puerto Rican labor force into skilled and nonskilled groups with the latter group rapidly withdrawing from the labor force.