Economic Strata Research Articles

Climate change and lethal violence: a global analysis

Purpose The study aims to uncover the relationship between rising temperatures, increased greenhouse gas emissions and the prevalence of lethal violence, encompassing suicides and homicides. It also sought to identify how climate change affects different economic strata in countries, notably in high and middle-income nations, and across Asia and Africa. Design/methodology/approach This study rigorously explored the link between global climate change and lethal violence across 201 countries from 1970 to 2020. Climate change was measured using annual surface temperature fluctuations and greenhouse gas emissions, while lethal violence was estimated using data on suicides and homicides. Findings The analysis revealed significant positive associations between escalating temperatures, heightened greenhouse gas emissions and lethal violence. These connections were evident across different economic levels and geographic regions in Asia and Africa. Originality/value This study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to combat human-induced climate change and mitigate its extensive negative impacts on society, particularly its association with increased violent behavior.

A Practitioner’s Guide to the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, and Implications for the Advanced, Accelerated, High Potential, and Gifted Literacy Learner

This is the first of a two-part series that will support an understanding of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan (ICLP) and its use in districts and schools with an asset-based mindset of flexibility and local autonomy. The ICLP was crafted and designed as a core literacy initiative. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), with support and input from educators across the state, used the outline and guidelines of Illinois Public Act 103-0402, including directives that support the differentiation of literacy instruction in a no one-size-fits-all philosophy of literacy instruction. After an overview that includes highlights of the ICLP, the instructional focus for this series will be on how the population of advanced, accelerated, high potential, or gifted literacy learners, who are present in all demographics and economic strata, have a home in the ILCP through the Goals, Values, and Seven Competencies of Literacy.

Improving accessibility to radiotherapy services in Cali, Colombia: cross-sectional equity analyses using open data and big data travel times from 2020

In this study, we evaluated and forecasted the cumulative opportunities for residents to access radiotherapy services in Cali, Colombia, while accounting for traffic congestion, using a new people-centred methodology with an equity focus. Furthermore, we identified 1–2 optimal locations where new services would maximise accessibility. We utilised open data and publicly available big data. Cali is one of South America's cities most impacted by traffic congestion.Methodology: Using a people-centred approach, we tested a web-based digital platform developed through an iterative participatory design. The platform integrates open data, including the location of radiotherapy services, the disaggregated sociodemographic microdata for the population and places of residence, and big data for travel times from Google Distance Matrix API. We used genetic algorithms to identify optimal locations for new services. We predicted accessibility cumulative opportunities (ACO) for traffic ranging from peak congestion to free-flow conditions with hourly assessments for 6–12 July 2020 and 23–29 November 2020. The interactive digital platform is openly available.Primary and secondary outcomes: We present descriptive statistics and population distribution heatmaps based on 20-min accessibility cumulative opportunities (ACO) isochrones for car journeys. There is no set national or international standard for these travel time thresholds. Most key informants found the 20-min threshold reasonable. These isochrones connect the population-weighted centroid of the traffic analysis zone at the place of residence to the corresponding zone of the radiotherapy service with the shortest travel time under varying traffic conditions ranging from free-flow to peak-traffic congestion levels. Additionally, we conducted a time-series bivariate analysis to assess geographical accessibility based on economic stratum. We identify 1–2 optimal locations where new services would maximize the 20-min ACO during peak-traffic congestion.Results: Traffic congestion significantly diminished accessibility to radiotherapy services, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. For instance, urban 20-min ACO by car dropped from 91% of Cali’s urban population within a 20-min journey to the service during free-flow traffic to 31% during peak traffic for the week of 6–12 July 2020. Percentages represent the population within a 20-min journey by car from their residence to a radiotherapy service. Specific ethnic groups, individuals with lower educational attainment, and residents on the outskirts of Cali experienced disproportionate effects, with accessibility decreasing to 11% during peak traffic compared to 81% during free-flow traffic for low-income households. We predict that strategically adding sufficient services in 1–2 locations in eastern Cali would notably enhance accessibility and reduce inequities. The recommended locations for new services remained consistent in both of our measurements.These findings underscore the significance of prioritising equity and comprehensive care in healthcare accessibility. They also offer a practical approach to optimising service locations to mitigate disparities. Expanding this approach to encompass other transportation modes, services, and cities, or updating measurements, is feasible and affordable. The new approach and data are particularly relevant for planning authorities and urban development actors.

Do floods widen the economic disparity gap?

Floods exacerbate economic inequality, disproportionately affecting the poor in flood-prone areas while the rich in non-flood-prone regions continue to prosper. While this trend was illustrated conceptually and qualitatively, this study offers the first quantitative evidence that floods widen the economic disparity gap between the rich and poor in flooded and non-flooded areas. Using Household Interview Survey (HIS) data, we analyze the floods of Thailand's Chao Phraya River in 2011 and 2021 to measure the economic impact on households. The economic gap between the non-flooded rich and flooded poor widened from 38,539 Baht in 2011 to 104,897 Baht in 2021, a 2.7-fold increase. Surprisingly, the poor in our study differed from the hypothesis in that there was still improving economic growth, albeit small. Floods decrease the poor's ability to accumulate wealth – 9.2%, as opposed to 60.7% for the rich – although their impact on widening disparity for households of the same economic stratum was far greater for the poor (widened 18×) than for the rich (widened 4.7×). Finally, we propose ‘net total cash’ as a better measure of economic change compared to ‘income’ or ‘expenditure’, minimizing external influences like the COVID-19 pandemic, which in 2021 caused income to plummet and expenditure to rise.

Rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injury: Israeli and South African perspectives.

Rehabilitation for patients sustaining isolated and multiple musculoskeletal injuries due to trauma remains a mainstay of recovery. There are a wide variety of systems in place to manage the rehabilitation process. This article describes the post-traumatic rehabilitation procedures from 2 member countries of the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association, Israel and South Africa. The systems are reflective of the clear differences between these 2 countries with vastly different economic strata and health care systems. In Israel, the rehabilitation programs and resources are most likely the result of the mature social support systems and the trauma experience. In South Africa, the programs are reflective of a two-tier health care system, with patients exposed to varying levels of rehabilitation resources.

Analysis Of Food Security, Social Health, Environmental And Household Food Security On Stunting Incidence Of Children Aged 12-59 Months In Coastal Households In Bengkulu Province

The natural wealth of coastal areas is not accompanied by the welfare of the people who occupy a lower economic stratum than other land communities, including in fulfilling nutrition. The study aims to analyze the influence of food security and social, health, environmental and household food security factors on the incidence of stunting in children aged 12-59 months in coastal households in Bengkulu Province. The research methodology used a mixed approach, between quantitative and qualitative. Data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study results showed that the policy aspect significantly affected food security (β=0.085; t=1.979; and p-value < 0.05) but is non-significant on stunting. There was a significant positive effect of health on food security with a value of β=0.237, value t = 7.157, and p-value <0.05. Health had no significant effect on stunting with a value of β=-0.040, value t = 0.963, and p-value > 0.05. Environmental aspects had a substantial adverse impact on food security (β=-0.492; t=12.846; and p-value <0.05) and a significant positive effect on stunting (β=0.155; t=2.781; and p-value < 0.05). The social aspect had a non-significant relationship with both food security and stunting. Food security was significantly related to stunting (β=0.441; t=7.971; and p-value <0.05). The research conclusion is that food security had a significant favorable association with stunting.

Disparities in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and cardiometabolic conditions in low and lower middle-income countries: a systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019

ObjectiveMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and cardiometabolic conditions affect populations across economic strata. Nevertheless, there are limited epidemiological studies addressing these diseases in low (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (lower MICs). Therefore, an analysis of the trend of MASLD and cardiometabolic conditions in these countries is necessary. MethodsFrom 2000 to 2019, jointpoint regression analysis was employed to calculate the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for cardiometabolic conditions including MASLD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia (DLP), hypertension (HTN), obesity, peripheral artery disease (PAD), atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL), ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and chronic kidney disease from HTN and T2DM, in LICs and lower MICs (according to the World Bank Classification 2019) using the Global Burden of Disease 2019 data. ResultsAmong the eleven cardiometabolic conditions, MASLD (533.65 million), T2DM (162.96 million), and IHD (76.81 million) had the highest prevalence in LICs and Lower MICs in 2019. MASLD represented the largest proportion of global prevalence in these countries (43 %). From 2000 to 2019, mortality in LICs and lower MICs increased in all cardiometabolic conditions, with obesity-related mortality having the highest increase (+134 %). During this timeframe, there were increased age-standardized death rates (ASDR) from obesity, PAD, and AF/AFL. From all conditions, the DALYs-to-prevalence ratio was higher in LICs and lower MICs than the global average. ConclusionThe burden of MASLD and cardiometabolic conditions is increasing worldwide, with LICs and lower MICs experiencing higher (DALYs) disability per prevalence. As these conditions are preventable, counteracting these trends requires not only the modification of ongoing actions but also the strategizing of immediate interventions.

Factors Affecting Domestic Violence against Rural Educated and Uneducated Women in Bangladesh: A Sociological Analysis

All societal and economic strata are negatively impacted by the problem of domestic violence. Although the government of Bangladesh is making efforts to address the problem of domestic violence, the nation is ranked fourth worldwide for violence against women. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the pattern and causes of domestic violence against rural educated and uneducated women in Bagerhat district of Bangladesh. In this study, district and upazila were selected purposively whereas union, village and respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Using random sample procedures, a total of 100 rural women were chosen. The data was analyzed using tabular, graphical, and descriptive statistics. It is found from the socioeconomic analysis of the study that the mean age of the rural women in the study area is 29.05 years. In terms of educational status, it is seen that 13% respondents had primary education while 19% had secondary education with the average years of schooling of women is 6.23 years. It is observed that 35% women were housewife, 15% were NGO worker and10% health worker. Findings of the study reveal that husband was the main culprit for committing domestic violence against women in 64% cases while sister-in-law are responsible for committing violence in 16% cases. Findings of the study indicate that 28% educated women experienced physical violence whereas 78% uneducated women experienced physical violence in their life. In case of women affected by psychological violence, it is seen that 58% educated women affected by psychological violence while 64% uneducated women affected by physical torture violence. In terms of women affected by economic violence, it is seen that uneducated women (86%) are more affected than educated women (42%). Result of the study shows that 38% educated women and 56% uneducated women believe that poverty is responsible for committing domestic violence against women. Considering media violence as a cause of domestic violence, it is observed that 56% educated women and 55% uneducated women believe media violence is responsible for domestic violence against women. In addition, 57% educated women and 59% uneducated women believe that marital conflict is a main factor which are contributing domestic violence against women.

The influence of mobile money services on customers in the Bolgatanga municipality, Ghana

Mobile telecommunications can help low-income countries improve their fixed-line and internet infrastructures. Mobile phones boost information availability, reduce search costs, facilitate supply coordination, and benefit low-income people. Mobile banking, often known as m-money, uses mobile networks to allow account balance queries and money transfers without the use of physical infrastructure. Ghanaians strongly prefer mobile money transfer services because of their low cost and accessibility across all economic strata. These simple and dependable services are suitable for clients who have little financial means, as most Ghanaians do. There has been very little empirical research into the benefits and challenges of mobile money services. Because of a paucity of data at the individual level, research into the penetration of financial services in low-income countries such as Ghana is limited. This study looks at both the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile money services. The study analyzed data from a mobile money survey using Partial Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This evidence supports the hypothesis that benefits will increase customer sentiment, while restrictions will decrease patronage. The researchers will conduct additional research into the theoretical and practical implications of mobile money systems' benefits and drawbacks for consumers. It supports the hypothesis that advantages improve consumers' perceptions, while impediments reduce patronage. Additional research will consider both the theoretical and practical implications of mobile money systems' benefits and challenges for users.

Unveiling Socioeconomic Disparities: Understanding Pregnancy Awareness and Family Well-being among Middle-Late Adolescent Mothers across Diverse Socioeconomic Strata in Urban Manila, Philippines

This research study examines the real-life experiences of adolescent mothers within the age group of 13-17 years old (middle adolescence) to 18-21 years old (late adolescence), coming from middle and low socioeconomic backgrounds. Using different qualitative research techniques, this study aims to uncover unique obstacles, coping strategies, and support networks encountered by teenage mothers from different economic strata. A total of 6 teenage mothers from middle-class (n=3) and low-income (n=3) settings is conducted to gather their stories and perspectives. Thematic analysis is employed to discern common threads and distinctions between the two groups, creating themes to categorize the similarities between their responses. The outcomes of this inquiry offer valuable insights into how socioeconomic status intersects with teenage parenthood, underscoring four significant factors that emerged through the data analysis: Support Systems, Educational and Career Trajectory, Family Dynamics and Expectations, and Awareness and Perception. Having identified these themes can design a path towards creating customized interventions and support mechanisms for both vulnerable demographics while advocating for more inclusive and educational programs in raising awareness and removing the stereotypes about teenage pregnancy. For future researchers interested in studying the real-life experiences of adolescent mothers from different economic backgrounds, it is essential to consider the myriad of factors that shape their lives. These factors include race, culture, and geographical location, all of which intersect with their socioeconomic status to influence their experiences.

Human Development Index- A Critical Review of India

One indicator of a nation's level of development and well-being is the Human Development Index (HDI). Its use in India has drawn criticism, meanwhile, as it fails to appropriately capture the heterogeneous socioeconomic environment of the nation. The one-size-fits-all methodology of the index frequently overlooks differences between rural and urban locations as well as across various social and economic strata. It also falls short of capturing important facets of human development, like underprivileged communities' empowerment, high-quality education, and access to healthcare. The one-size-fits-all methodology of the HDI frequently overlooks the distinctive local and regional factors that influence the lived experiences of the Indian populace. The reliability and accessibility of the data are crucial to the HDI's computation, and they can

Economic, infrastructural and psychological challenges faced by the students of Assam: a study during COVID-19 pandemic

A pandemic like the COVID-19 has caught everyone off-guard. The economy is in tatters, and the loopholes in the system are getting exposed. The education sector is no exception, especially in a developing country like India. With millions of students in India, the lockdown will have many unforeseen impacts. Moreover, the parents would be reluctant to send their wards to study even after the pandemic, and the actual effect of a lag in learning would be visible only in the long run. The necessity of e-learning in academia was felt only when the pandemic hit. The lack of ICT infrastructure and the absence of tech-savvy teachers have made studies an absolute roller-coaster ride for students. Apart from this, the already existing disparity between students from different economic strata would very likely broaden. Homebound is another factor affecting the students’ psychology towards study. This paper ventures into the problems faced by the students, especially from economic, infrastructural and psychological factors, ranging from primary to University level. It also attempts to segregate the students based on location and financial condition and understand the specific hindrances they face. Case studies from various locations of Assam provide a cluster of stories that would act as an index in developing the system when time is ‘conducive’.

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING TAX COMPLIANCE AND FINANCIAL REGULATION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various domains, including tax compliance and financial regulation. This review explores the pivotal role of AI in enhancing these critical aspects of governance and economic stability. In the realm of tax compliance, AI-driven solutions offer unprecedented opportunities for governments to streamline tax administration processes, detect non-compliance, and mitigate tax evasion. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast volumes of financial data with remarkable speed and accuracy, identifying patterns indicative of tax fraud or evasion. Furthermore, AI-powered predictive analytics enable tax authorities to anticipate taxpayer behavior and allocate resources effectively for enforcement purposes. By leveraging AI, governments can enhance revenue collection efficiency while minimizing compliance burdens on taxpayers. In financial regulation, AI technologies play a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing compliance with complex regulatory frameworks. With the exponential growth of financial transactions and the increasing sophistication of financial instruments, traditional regulatory mechanisms often struggle to keep pace. AI systems equipped with natural language processing capabilities can sift through immense volumes of regulatory documents and financial data to identify potential violations and assess systemic risks. Moreover, AI-based risk assessment models enable regulators to proactively identify emerging threats to financial stability, thereby facilitating timely interventions to prevent crises. However, the integration of AI in tax compliance and financial regulation also presents challenges and ethical considerations. The reliance on algorithmic decision-making raises concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and bias mitigation. Moreover, the proliferation of AI-driven solutions may exacerbate existing socio-economic disparities, as access to advanced technology remains uneven across jurisdictions and economic strata. While AI holds immense promise for enhancing tax compliance and financial regulation, its implementation must be accompanied by robust governance frameworks and ethical guidelines. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, regulators, and technology developers are essential to harnessing the full potential of AI while safeguarding against unintended consequences. Through responsible deployment and continuous refinement, AI can serve as a powerful tool in promoting fiscal transparency, regulatory effectiveness, and economic resilience.
 Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Tax, Financial, Compliance, Regulation, Review.

Navigating Livelihood Challenges: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Socioeconomic Landscape in Rural Bangladesh during COVID-19 and post-COVID Era

The worldwide emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems but has also laid bare the stark disparities within societies. Among those disproportionately affected are the marginalized and vulnerable populations, who face unique challenges in the wake of this unprecedented health crisis. In the context of Bangladesh, a country with diverse communities and economic strata, the effects of COVID-19 on marginalized people have been profound, encompassing health, economic, educational, and social dimensions. The objective of this study is to explore these impacts. The result shows that 60% of marginal people have received the vaccine whereas 40% of marginal people have not yet received the vaccine. This study demonstrates that 76% of marginal people have taken debt during the covid-19. Among them, 13% could not repay their loans. By examining the multifaceted dimensions of the pandemic’s impact, this abstract contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized populations in the context of a global health crisis and calls attention to the need for targeted interventions and support in the post-COVID era.

Socialization of the Dangers of Drugs and Drug Crime Patterns to High School Students as an Effort to Make Teenagers Clean from Drugs in Pelalawan Regency

The use of narcotics and illegal drugs (narcotics) among teenagers is considered to be caused by several things, including because Indonesia is located between three continents and considering the development of science and technology, the influence of globalization, very advanced transportation flows and rapid technological developments. very sophisticated as a target dynamic for illicit drug trafficking. Drug abuse and illicit trafficking is an increasingly widespread, complex and complicated problem faced by the Indonesian people recently, because it can cause various negative impacts, especially among the younger generation, such as health problems, social and economic problems, and also politics. Drugs have a very broad negative impact both physically, psychologically, economically, socially, culturally, on defense and security, and others. Those who use drugs will feel dependent after continuous use. The drug problem in Indonesia is still something that is urgent and complex. In the last decade this problem has become widespread. This is proven by the significant increase in the number of drug abusers or addicts, along with the increasing disclosure of drug crime cases with increasingly diverse patterns and increasingly massive syndicate networks. The impact of drug abuse not only threatens the survival and future of the abuser, but also the future of the nation and state, regardless of social, economic strata, age or level of education. Various efforts to overcome the growth of drug addicts have been made, but have been hampered by weak laws.

Forest Product Preference and Timber Subsidies: Unveiling Economic Differences in Forests of Eastern Mid-hill

The preferences of forest users regarding forest products are shaped by diverse socio-economic conditions, contributing to a complex preference-policy nexus. However, the factors influencing these preferences remain puzzling. This study aimed to analyze the preferences for forest products and assess the relevance of price subsidies across different economic strata (i.e., rich, medium, poor, and ultra-poor) based on cases from four community forests. The study employed stratified random sampling and well-being rankings to explore the socio-economic dynamics in community forests. Our findings revealed significant variations in forest product preferences among economic classes, with the wealthier class favoring timber, the medium preferring fuel wood, and the poorest class striving for fodder. Despite efforts to implement price subsidies, they proved ineffective, as the discounted timber rates failed to attract households with lower income. Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of community forestry, this study recommends initiating discussions among policymakers to develop policies that facilitate a fair distribution system. One practical solution suggested is to reconsider the current subsidized price differences between wealth groups. By addressing these issues, community forestry can achieve a more equitable and sustainable approach.

A Comparative Analysis of Entrepreneurship-contributions to Women's Well-being and Sustainability: A Case Study of India and Tunisia

Entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a pivotal force driving profitable growth and sustainability. It serves as a notable avenue for enhancing female participation across various economic strata. In recent years, scholarly attention on women entrepreneurs has burgeoned, challenging the traditionally male-centric discourse within entrepreneurship literature. Female entrepreneurship assumes a crucial role in fostering economic development and sustainability. This study contributes to the expanding body of literature on women's entrepreneurship by providing a theoretical framework elucidating the contemporary status of women entrepreneurs in India and Tunisia.
 Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, utilizing surveys and focus group discussions to gather data. The sample comprised 160 participants, including 80 women entrepreneurs and 80 non-entrepreneurs from both India and Tunisia. Analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS and MS Excel.
 The findings underscore that women entrepreneurs exhibit enhanced well-being compared to their non-entrepreneurial counterparts. This underscores the significance of well-being not only in the development of women entrepreneurs but also in fostering societal sustainability. The implications of the study extend to providing evidence-based recommendations for advancing women's entrepreneurship in India and Tunisia. Key recommendations include governmental involvement in alleviating challenges impeding women in business and facilitating funding opportunities to ensure sustained business growth.

Assessment of Drug Usage Pattern among Bronchial Asthma Patients in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Tamilnadu: A Cross-sectional Study.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small airways. Chronic inflammation often causes hyper responsiveness of airways with wheezing, breathing difficulty, cough and chest tightness. The present study aimed to evaluate the drug usage pattern of anti-asthma drugs among asthma patients. The present study was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study carried out among 422 outpatients being treated at the respiratory medicine department, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. Data regarding the prescribing indicators and patient indicators were collected from the patients' prescription slips and entered in the preformed proforma. Prescribing indicators were taken into consideration in evaluating the rationality of prescriptions. In the present study, 49% of patients were between the age group of 20-40 years. Genderwise distribution showed 58.05% of males and 41.95% of females. A family history of asthma was seen in 68% of the study population. The present study reported smoking among 51% and tobacco chewing in 21% of the study population. Low economic strata were observed in 77.9% of the study population. According to asthma grading, 65.8% were in the mild intermittent, and 25% were in the mild persistent group. Patients were on β2 agonists (35.4%) and corticosteroids (32%). The most commonly used fixed drug combination was a short-acting β2 agonist with corticosteroid (40.5%). A total of 68% of drugs were used by the inhalational route and 29% by the oral route. The findings showed that, the most frequently prescribed drug was a short-acting β2 agonist with corticosteroid in a fixed-dose combination via inhalational route.

Association between Socioeconomic Factors, Food Insecurity, and Dietary Patterns of Adolescents: A Latent Class Analysis.

Socioeconomic factors and food insecurity play a fundamental role in the food choices of adolescents, and in addition to influencing access to food, they also have significant effects on dietary patterns. The objectives of this study were to identify the dietary patterns of adolescents through the application of latent class analysis and to evaluate their association with socioeconomic variables and food insecurity. This cross-sectional study was conducted with adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years from public schools. Latent class analysis was used to identify the dietary patterns. Associations between socioeconomic factors, food insecurity and dietary patterns were assessed using multinomial logistic regression (odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI)). Among the 1215 participants in the study, four dietary patterns were identified: "Mixed", "Low consumption", "Prudent" and "Diverse". A "Diverse" dietary pattern was associated with a lower economic stratum (OR:2.02; CI:1.26-3.24). There was no association between food insecurity and identified dietary patterns. These results highlight the importance of promoting healthy eating in this age group at all socioeconomic levels, especially the lowest level.

Clean energy use and subjective and objective health outcomes in rural China

This study analyses the impact of clean energy use on rural residents' subjective health outcomes (self-reported health status, health change, and discomfort) and objective health outcomes (bronchitis, asthma, medical expenditure, and fitness expenditure). Using an inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment estimator and the 2018 China Family Panel Studies data, we address the selection bias associated with clean energy use and estimate the treatment effects. The empirical results show that farmers using clean energy (liquid gas, natural gas, methane, solar energy, or electricity) as the primary cooking fuel report improved health, a lower probability of physical discomfort, and higher fitness expenditures than non-users. Clean energy use does not significantly affect self-reported health, the probability of having bronchitis and asthma, or medical expenditures. The health effects of clean energy use on men differ from those on women; they also vary across different economic strata. We also find that farmers’ decisions to use clean energy are positively associated with their educational level, household income, whether they rent farmland, and their happiness levels but are negatively related to their age, family size, whether they own real estate, and the ratio of elders in their household.