Access To Finance Research Articles

Patient Financial Well-Being and Access to Cancer Treatment During Wartime

PURPOSE The high cost of cancer care is a barrier to treatment.,We explored the impact of patient-reported financial well-being on access to cancer care during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine has universal health insurance (UHC) that covers most cancer care costs. METHODS Cancer patients receiving treatment at public cancer centers in Cherkasy, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Kharkiv (the city closest to the front lines) filled out surveys in October 2023. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Squared test, and Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS 522 patients filled out surveys, including 329 (63%) women. 214 (41%) were from Kyiv, 141 (27%) from regional centers, 167 (32%) from small towns/villages. 177 (34%) reported having money only for food, 183 (35%) for basic necessities, 131 (25%) for everything needed but not savings, and 26 (5%) were able to make savings. Among 522, 240 (46%) received all diagnostic procedures through UHC, 224 (43%) paid for some and 57 (11%) paid for all aspects of diagnosis. Official payments were most common for CT (73%), MRI (72%), PET-CT (44%), and biopsy (31%). Around half of patients had all treatment covered through UHC in case of chemotherapy (318 (61%)), radiotherapy (256 (49%)) and surgery (245 (47%)). Official payments were made most often for surgery (188 (36%)), radiotherapy (130 (25%)), and chemotherapy (120 (23%)). The most frequent official or unofficial payments for surgery were made in Kharkiv (55% vs. 41-50%, p < 0.05). Among 201 (39%) who paid for treatment, 64 (32%) bought surgical instruments, 58 (29%) bought cancer medicines, and 20 (10%) paid to avoid waiting for treatment. There were no significant differences in wait times for diagnosis and treatment were observed based on financial status (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Reported financial well-being did not impact wait times for cancer care in Ukraine in the setting of UHC, even in times of war. In Kharkiv, the proximity of wartime hostilities resulted in increased out-of-pocket payments for treatment. Future research should describe strategies for overcoming barriers to access in the setting of limited resources and also evaluate the quality of cancer care against existing guidelines.

Understanding Barriers to Financial Access: Insights from Bank Pricing Data

Understanding Barriers to Financial Access: Insights from Bank Pricing Data

Inklusi Keuangan dan Pemberdayaan Ekonomi: Evaluasi Efektivitas Produk Keuangan Syariah dalam Meningkatkan Akses Keuangan bagi Masyarakat Marginal

Financial inclusion and economic empowerment have become major focal points in efforts to improve financial access for marginalized communities. This is particularly crucial in the current global context where economic inequality and access to financial services remain serious issues. This article aims to evaluate the role of Shariah-compliant financial products in supporting financial inclusion and economic empowerment among marginalized groups. The literature review method used in this article provides a strong foundation for collecting and analyzing various related articles, including policy reviews and market analyses. Through in-depth review, this article illustrates that Shariah-compliant financial products have significant potential to provide more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable solutions in enhancing financial access for marginalized communities. Key factors such as trust, understanding of Shariah principles, and supportive regulations are also emphasized as essential elements in strengthening the effectiveness of these financial products. Additionally, the implications of the findings in this article are crucial in providing guidance for stakeholders, regulators, and financial practitioners. By understanding the potential and advantages of Shariah-compliant financial products, stakeholders can develop more effective strategies to improve financial inclusion and economic empowerment among marginalized communities. Thus, this article not only provides insights but also offers a clear direction for further steps in strengthening financial access for all layers of society, while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Status of Research Funding in Nepal: A Scoping Review.

With the rapid advancement of health delivery, there has been a renewed interest in conducting research among healthcare professionals in Nepal. However, concern is there regarding availability of funds and mechanisms of awarding. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the available evidence regarding the evolution and current status of health research funding in Nepal and to highlight gaps and areas for future research. We searched three databases for empirical papers and several gray literature. Our search, conducted between March and April 2024 yielded 76 documents of which 30 that met the selection criteria were included in the scoping review. Almost all studies identified lack of funding as a deterrent to research. We found a paucity of research focusing on the role of researchers in funding decision-making. Our findings revealed that there are 12 national and four international organizations providing funds for research. University Grant Commission is the largest funder from Nepal whereas the Research Council of Norway is the biggest international funder. There were certain barriers and facilitators for obtaining funds identified by this scoping review. Further efforts are needed to increase the amount and availability of funds in Nepal to enable high-quality research.

OBSTACLES FACED BY PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN IMPLEMENTING STEM EDUCATION: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Societies are empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. The need for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; STEM education is a multifaceted concept that plays an important role in preparing students in a complex and technology-driven world. Despite numerous benefits, certain obstacles exist that impede its effective implementation and widespread adaptation. The current qualitative research was structured to explore the obstacles faced by teachers in implementing STEM education in Kasur, Punjab-Pakistan. The authors conducted an interview protocol from randomly selected 20 teachers working in public sector schools. The results of the thematic analysis confirm that the struggle to implement STEM education schools’ councils’ poor involvement, low availability of computers and internet, lack of teachers’ training, poor application of innovative teaching methods, deficiency of science teachers, non-availability of STEM curriculum, administration constraints, availability of funds and laboratories were the main hurdles faced by teachers in implementing STEM education. It is recommended based on the findings that the School Education Department; SED hires science teachers, establishes laboratories, conducts teachers’ training, and invests a handsome amount to fulfill the deficiency of STEM hurdles, a cause for concern.

Financial Literacy, Financial Access, and Small Business Performance in Secondi-Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana: The Mediating Effect of Financial Capability

Financial Literacy, Financial Access, and Small Business Performance in Secondi-Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana: The Mediating Effect of Financial Capability

Financial Inclusion in Muslim-Majority Countries: Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges Through Islamic Lending

This study explores the impact of Islamic loans on promoting financial inclusion and addressing socio-economic issues in Muslim-majority countries. It compares Islamic loans with other financial instruments to demonstrate their contribution to creating an inclusive financial system.The research analyzes the challenges associated with using Islamic loans to enhance financial inclusiveness and mitigate economic and social challenges. The research explores the unique characteristics of Islamic loans and their impact on financial accessibility, savings, credit availability, and comprehensive banking services through a comparative descriptive methodology, including a literature review and data analysis. The study's findings reveal that Islamic finance presents opportunities for financial inclusion. However, there are several obstacles that need to be addressed, including regulatory and legal frameworks, scalability issues, global integration, public awareness, and technical accessibility. To promote the adoption of Islamic finance and advance financial inclusion, collaboration among regulatory bodies, financial institutions, legislators, and the public is crucial. Further research and the development of effective strategies are necessary to promote financial inclusion in the Islamic economy.

Influence of Financial Access on Performance of SMEs of Fish Trading along Lake Victoria Region Kenya

Purpose: Examine the effect of access to finance on performance of small and medium enterprise of fish trading along Lake Victoria region Kenya. Methodology/Approach: The study was anchored on positivism philosophy while credit rationing theory was used as a guide to the study. Mixed design was used. Target population of 4,500 respondents with a sample size 173 of traders was selected using the Yamane formula. Questionnaire as data collection instrument. The study data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics which include mean and mode. Descriptive statistics was computed to summarize data before regression analyses. This was presented using tables. Findings: Simple linear regression results showed financial access had a significant effect on performance of SMEs of fish trading along Lake Victoria region (Coefficient of correlation 0.403, p=0.000<.005, t=5.499). The study rejected the null hypothesis. Implications: The study recommends that business owners should seek funding inclusion to enable performance.

STUDENTS SAFE ROOM IMPLEMENTATION AND GIRLS ATTENDANCE RATE IN DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA A CASE OF KIREHE DISTRICT

Background: The research assessed the influence of female students safe room implementation and the retention rate of girls in secondary schools in Rwanda, in the Kirehe district. Specifically, the research identified factors that offer female students safe room implementation in public secondary schools in Kirehe District, evaluated the level of retention rate of girls in secondary school that is due to female student safe room implementation in public secondary schools in Kirehe District, and determined the influence of female students safe room implementation on the retention rate of girls in secondary schools in Rwanda in the Kirehe district. The sample size was 182, which included 89 pupils, 67 instructors, and three principals. To triangulate the data, primary sources were acquired utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods. Materials and Methods: To generate a sample population from the respondents, this study employed purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods. In data gathering and analysis, the study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in tandem. Content analysis aided qualitative data analysis, while quantitative data was presented using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlational and regression analysis) in the statistical package for social sciences. Results: For the first objective, results indicate that 89.9% strongly agreed that the availability of physical facilities, 96.6% strongly agreed that the presence of female counsellors and guidance, 93.3% strongly agreed that the availability of funding affects girls rent rates, 77.5% strongly agreed that the availability of cleaning supplies and restrooms, and 95.5% strongly agreed that the availability of girls at schools is a factor that ensures safe room implementation. For the second objective, 84.3% strongly agreed that the high girls retention rate was 88.8%. Strongly agreed that the low girls dropout was 67.4%. Strongly agreed that high level of exam performance and 83.7% Strongly agreed that a large number of female students attend the class. Results on the influence of female students safe room implementation on the retention rate of girls in secondary schools in Rwanda, in the Kirehe district. The study found a strong positive relationship between the adequacy of physical facilities and high girl retention rates, with a high number of female students attending classes. The presence of female counsellors and guidance also positively impacted retention rates and completion rates. The availability of cleaning materials and restrooms also had a significant impact on retention rates and completion rates, with a high attractiveness rate. Conclusion: These findings suggest that enhancing physical facilities can improve student outcomes and were positively and statistically correlated since most of their level of significance was more than 0.05 in association with girls retention rates in public secondary schools in Kirehe District, Rwanda. Recommended that Reconsidering concluding remarks from the study findings and information, it was argued that the author attempted to make some recommendations for the study. The Rwandan government recommended providing enough resources and materials to support the implementation of girls safe rooms in all schools and encouraging parents to be aware of their children by giving them hygiene materials. In order to stop the spread of sickness, the head teacher and staff teacher at the school must collaborate to ensure that the rooms are used efficiently and that the students are active in cleaning up the hygienic items once they have finished using them.

The urgency of implementation SAK EP in replacing SAK ETAP in savings and loan cooperatives

Savings and Loans Cooperatives (KSP) play an important role in the community’s economy, especially in providing financial access to their members. However, in man- aging their finances, many KSPs still use the Entity Without Public Accountability Financial Accounting System (SAK ETAP). This Community Service aims to ana- lyze the urgency of implementing Financial Accounting Standards for Fund Manage- ment Entities (SAK EP) as a replacement for SAK ETAP in the KSP context. The community service method is carried out through socialization, training and direct assistance to KSP administrators and members in implementing SAK EP. Com- munity Service Results show that the implementation of SAK EP in KSP provides significant benefits, including increased transparency, accountability and reliability of financial information. The use of SAK EP also helps KSP in meeting regulatory requirements and increasing the trust of members and external parties such as banks and the government. Apart from that, this community service also strengthens un- derstanding and accounting skills for KSP administrators and members, which in turn can improve the quality of financial management and overall KSP business growth. This community service emphasizes the urgency of implementing SAK EP in replacing SAK ETAP in KSP as an important step towards better financial gov- ernance, which has a positive impact on the economic growth of society as a whole.

Examining the Interconnections among ICT, Education, and Unemployment Evidence from Selected Asian Economies

Purpose of the research: This study investigates the influence of education and information communication technology (ICT) on economic growth and development in selected Asian countries, with a focus on reducing unemployment rates. Design/methodology: Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, the research analyses the relationship between unemployment rates and key independent variables such as secondary education, ICT index, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, and inflation. Results/findings: The findings highlight the significant impact of secondary education, ICT, FDI, economic growth, and inflation on reducing unemployment levels in the selected Asian countries. The study emphasizes the importance of government initiatives to provide free higher education and expand financial debt facilities to boost per capita income and stimulate economic growth. Practical Implications and Conclusions: The research underscores the critical role of education, ICT, and economic policies in addressing unemployment challenges and fostering sustainable development in Asian economies. It recommends prioritizing investments in education and technology infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance financial accessibility and ICT utilization to combat unemployment effectively.

Finance and Output Volatity During The Global Financial Crisis

This paper assesses the effectiveness of financial depth and financial inclusion in the mitigation of output volatility during the 2008-2010 Global Financial Crisis. The paper also evaluates whether finance is more effective in countries with more developed financial systems, higher levels of economic developments, sounder banking systems, and better political stability. Employing a cross-sectional dataset covering more than 100 countries, our results indicate the ability of finance in subduing output volatility during the crisis. Our evidence is also concrete in suggesting the success of finance in reducing output volatility in more financially developed, advanced, and politically stable countries. However, the evidence is unclear on whether finance is beneficial for countries characterized by low, intermediate, or high banking stability. In addition to these findings, the preponderance of evidence tends to suggest the better ability of financial usage as compared to financial access in mitigating aggregate fluctuations during the crisis. Finally, our additional analysis reveals that finance functions well in stabilizing output when output volatility is high.

Financial accessibility in Southern Russia: A study of digitalization and regional differences

Subject. The article addresses the effectiveness of digital innovations in financial inclusion in the Southern Federal District of Russia. Objectives. The aim is to assess the impact of digitalization on the process of financial inclusion in Southern Russia. Methods. The study rests on the analysis of secondary data obtained from the Bank of Russia and regional financial institutions. These included quantitative data on the spread of banking networks, financial inclusion indices, and the adoption of digital financial services in Southern Russia. Furthermore, I conducted a survey of existing literature on financial inclusion and digitalization to provide context and theoretical background. I also applied descriptive statistical methods to identify and analyze patterns and trends in the data, and comparative analysis to assess regional differences in financial inclusion and digitalization in Southern Russia. Results. The study revealed significant regional differences in the availability of digital financial services. The survey found a growing trend towards the adoption of digital payment methods, with a marked increase in the use of payment cards and mobile banking services. However, the pace of digitalization was uneven across regions, influenced by factors such as demographic structure, economic development, and cultural practices. Conclusions. A customized approach that takes into account the unique socio-economic characteristics of each region is critical to bridging the digital divide in financial services. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between digitalization and financial inclusion in a region with diverse socioeconomic conditions, provides insight for policymakers and financial institutions on how to design strategies for inclusive and sustainable financial development.

EVALUASI PELAKSANAAN PROGRAM KESEHATAN DAN KESELAMATAN KERJA DI RUMAH SAKIT UMUM DAERAH TIDAR KOTA MAGELANG

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the Occupational Health Safety program at the Tidar Regional General Hospital, Magelang City, to analyze the constraints that caused the implementation of the Occupational Health Safety program at the Tidar Regional General Hospital, Magelang City to be not optimal, to formulate efforts to overcome the obstacles. Obstacles that arise in the implementation of the Occupational Health safety program at the Tidar Regional General Hospital, Magelang City. As a result, the implementation of SMK3 (K3 Management System) at the Tidar Hospital in Magelang City has been implemented according to applicable regulatory standards and especially Permenkes No. 66 of 2016 regarding SMK3 in Hospitals which consists of K3RS Policy Determination, K3RS Planning, K3RS Plan Implementation, K3RS Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, and K3RS Performance Review and Improvement, but it is still not optimal marked by several activities that have not been implemented properly and are still happening K3 incident. Efforts to overcome the obstacles that arise in the implementation of the Occupational Health safety program at the Tidar Regional General Hospital, Magelang City, include conducting socialization and training on OHS, socializing regularly to all employees/staff about the importance of reporting any work accident incidents at Tidar Hospital, the availability of appropriate funds for the implementation of SMK3 at Tidar Hospital, the management needs to determine sufficient human resources in the OHS Committee so that the implementation can run smoothly, provide increased competition in the OHS field for Tidar Hospital employees, Magelang City, hold a Meeting/safety toolbox induction at the start of work.

Effect of Education Level, Personal Income, and Accessibility of Banking Services on Personal Financial Management among Working Women in West Java

This quantitative study examines the influence of education level, personal income, and accessibility of banking services on personal financial management practices among working women in West Java, Indonesia. Data were collected from a sample of 180 working women using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) 3. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between education level, personal income, accessibility of banking services, and personal financial management practices. Moreover, banking services accessibility partially mediates the relationships between education level and personal financial management and between personal income and personal financial management. These results underscore the importance of financial literacy, economic empowerment, and access to formal financial services in fostering financial well-being among working women in West Java. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors influencing personal financial management and informs evidence-based interventions to promote financial inclusion and gender equity in the region.

Trans Student Discrimination, College Access, and Finances: A Critical Quantitative Analysis

This study explores and examines the differences in financial resources and access to college between transgender and cisgender students. Using a quantitative criticalist lens, the authors analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Education High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS:09) and found that while trans and cisgender students attend college at similar rates, trans students were more likely to experience discrimination in and drop out of high school. Further, trans students were more likely to take out loans, have lower incomes, and be less able to pay an unexpected $500 expense compared to their cisgender peers. The article closes with recommendations to researchers, policymakers, and leaders in education.

The Impact of Mentorship and Funding Support on Stimulating Entrepreneurship Motivation among Family Members

This study investigates and assesses factors that influence entrepreneur’s motivationto start up a project and explores government support programs. A study model wasdeveloped, and a quantitative approach was used for this purpose to collect data frompotential entrepreneurs among family members. Two influential factors were used in thestudy that would impact entrepreneur’s motivation which are mentoring and funding support.This study is based on the expectancy theory to investigate impact on entrepreneur’smotivation. A simple random sampling approach was used on the targeted population andstudy results were tested to determine their validity. The findings show that the existenceof mentorship and accessible funding support have a favorable relationship and remarkableimpact on motivation of entrepreneurs especially in the early stages of the project. Thestudy indicates that entrepreneur’s ideas and goals would not be achieved without properfunding. Potential entrepreneurs may not be able to start their own business people andface the risks in the absence of financial support. It is critical to enhance the understandingof potential entrepreneurs in the early stages on how such substantial efforts might benefittheir entrepreneurial journeys. The study suggests focusing on mentorship and funding supportprograms to stimulate potential entrepreneurs in Bahrain. This step can attract andincrease investment in the market and contribute to economic growth of the country.

Customers’ blockchain adoption and suppliers’ provision of trade credit: A pre-registered report

China gravitates strongly towards a digitized economy. Given that many Chinese firms heavily rely on informal financing access, such as trade credit, we seek to investigate whether and how this increasing digitization, particularly blockchain technology, impacts suppliers' trade credit provision. We argue that if blockchains facilitate information transparency and corporate profitability, suppliers should be incentivized to grant more trade credit to customers using blockchain technology. Otherwise, suppliers should have reservations about providing trade credits to firms that have adopted blockchain technology if it increases the likelihood of illegal activities and poses information leakage risk from cyberattacks. As a further analysis, to the extent that blockchain technology may impact customers' credit quality, we explore the effects of customers' blockchain usage on suppliers' receivable financing through securitization. Overall, this study aims to investigate the potential association between blockchain technology and supply chain financing in China.

Accelerated farmland bird population declines in European countries after their recent EU accession

Agricultural intensification is a major driver of global biodiversity loss. In Europe, intensification progressed over the 20th century and was accelerated by instruments of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries standing outside the EU until the beginning of the 21st century employed less intensive farming and are considered one of the continent's farmland biodiversity strongholds. Their recent EU accession might be either viewed as a threat to farmland biodiversity due to the availability of funds to increase agricultural production or as an opportunity to implement conservation measures aimed to preserve biodiversity. Here we assessed these possibilities using long-term monitoring data on farmland bird populations in seven CEE countries. We tested whether mean relative abundance and population trends changed after countries' EU accession, and whether such changes also occurred in agricultural management and conservation measures. Both agricultural intensity and spending for agri-environmental and climatic schemes increased when the CEE countries joined the EU. At the same time, farmland bird populations started to decline and their relative abundance was lower after than before EU accession. In addition, increases in fertilizer application were negatively associated with annual changes in relative farmland bird population sizes, indicating a negative impact of intensive agriculture. Taken together, these results indicate that despite the great power of the EU's environmental legislation to improve the population status of species at risk, this does not apply to farmland birds. In their case, the adverse impacts of agricultural intensification most likely overrode the possible benefits of conservation measures. To secure this region as one of the continent's farmland biodiversity strongholds, policy and management actions are urgently needed.

A Comprehensive Study of UPI and Modern Digital Financial Transactions

Our project researches into the world of digital finance, focusing on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and modern financial transactions. As technology advances, traditional financial methods are evolving, making way for innovative platforms like UPI. Our study aims to thoroughly understand UPI and its implications for today's financial landscape. Through careful research, we explore the fundamental workings of UPI, its structure, and its role in facilitating smooth transactions between individuals and groups. We also investigate the security measures embedded within UPI to ensure the safety of user data and transactions. Moreover, our project researches into the broader realm of digital financial transactions, encompassing various digital payment platforms. We analyze the advantages and challenges posed by these platforms and their impact on financial accessibility and inclusion. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical examples, our study provides valuable insights into UPI and modern digital transactions. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of how these technologies are shaping the future of financial services and driving economic progress.