Financial Struggles Research Articles

Impacts of livelihood assets on hydropower displacees’ livelihood strategies: Insights from the Tanahu hydropower project in Nepal

Examination of livelihood assets is crucial for displaced people as it informs effective resource allocation and support. This study investigates the livelihood decisions of households displaced by Nepal's Tanahu Hydropower Project using multinomial logistic regression to evaluate how different assets affect their choices. Data were obtained using questionnaires, with a total of 185 questionnaires used for the analysis in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. This study finds that physical assets substantially influence livelihood strategies, promoting diversification and nonfarming activities. Interestingly, social assets have a negative impact, whereas natural, financial, and human assets exert no significant effect. The study highlights the community's focus on economic stability, balancing immediate financial needs with long-term goals such as children's education. However, it reveals ongoing financial struggles, with an average daily income of only 1.962 USD and many households remaining in poverty, particularly those dependent on farming. The study also reflects on the mixed perceptions toward government policies, influenced by factors such as skill gaps and family aspirations. These findings provide essential insights for targeted support and resource allocation to displaced populations.

Food consumption patterns, seasonal dietary diversity, and factors affecting food intake in rural Eastern Uganda: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study

This mixed-methods cross-sectional study examines food consumption patterns, dietary diversity, and factors affecting food intake and malnutrition in the rural Mbale District in Eastern Uganda, during both wet and dry seasons. Participants (n = 100; 66% females) completed a food frequency questionnaire identifying foods and beverages consumed in the preceding 12 months. Individual interviews (n = 8) were conducted with key workers. Analysis of seventeen food items revealed seasonal variations in carbohydrate and protein sources. During the dry season, staples like matooke (mashed boiled plantains) and sweet and Irish potatoes were affected, while protein-rich foods such as beans and groundnuts saw increased consumption in the wet season. Fruit and vegetable intake also rose during the wet season. The main causes of malnutrition that emerged from the interviews were the lack of knowledge about food and nutrition, financial struggles, climate impact, and cultural beliefs. The last theme covered strategies to combat malnutrition. Although carbohydrate intake remains consistent throughout seasons due to reliance on posho (maize flour porridge) and cassava, variations in the number of meals and protein sources, particularly beans and groundnuts, were observed. Both of these, being the primary protein sources in rural households' diets, are highly susceptible to climate fluctuations. This may pose significant implications for food security, as heightened climate instability may impede their production. Solutions to combat malnutrition discussed by the interviewees include education, employment, family planning, and healthcare improvements. Professionals emphasise the need for comprehensive approaches to address these complex issues. In addition, data on food consumption during the dry and wet seasons should be collected as a difference in food consumption during the seasons may become more prominent with the need to implement tailored interventions.

THE RISE AND FALL OF WORKING STUDENTS AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The researchers aim to identify the different underlying struggles to the working students when the covid-19 became a pandemic that resulted into lockdowns and shutdown of different educational institution. Qualitative approach is being used in this research in which involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It is applicable to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research. We have ten (10) participants which are all qualified to be one. We the researchers formulated an virtual interview anchored on the research questions. We gathered themes, and sub-themes through Thematic Content Analysis which assist the descriptive qualitative data presentation. The two major themes are the struggles of the working students and coping mechanisms. The sub-themes are financial struggle, time management, resilient working student, personal strength, and family as a support network. Majority of the respondents had experienced financial and time management struggle during the covid-19 pandemic. The majority of them also reiterated that their source of motivation is their family. With all the challenges they have encountered, they remained motivated through the help of their different support system like their family. Hence, the study demonstrates the struggles as part of the process of a working student. KEYWORDS: the rise and fal, working students, amidst covid-19 pandemic

College for All and the Struggles to Make It Work: Community College Student Feedback Data on Obstacles to College Completion

Background/Context: There is a misalignment in contemporary society between the assumption that all high school graduates can and should attend college and the lack of funding and support to make that happen. This is especially apparent at community colleges that enroll disproportionally low-income students, who deal with a variety of obstacles including a lack of family support, academic issues, and financial struggles. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study: The aim of this project is to better understand the life circumstances that contribute to students dropping out of community college before completing a degree. Research Design: I surveyed community college students on precollege planning, in-college experiences, and reasons for leaving before earning a degree. I assessed the associations of these circumstances with dropping out, using Pearson Chi-square tests, and applied logistic regressions. Conclusion/Recommendations: Students who dropped out of college were less likely to discuss their college plans with their parents; they struggled academically and financially and found themselves isolated and without assistance more often than those who stayed.

Vaccine Uptake and Intentions: Insights from a Texas Survey on Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Decisions.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines depends on widespread vaccine uptake. Employing a telephone-administered weighted survey with 19,502 participants, we examined the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in Texas. We used multiple regression analysis with LASSO-selected variables to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intentions to receive the vaccine among the unvaccinated. The prevalence of unvaccinated individuals (22%) was higher among those aged 18-39, males, White respondents, English speakers, uninsured individuals, those facing financial challenges, and individuals expressing no concern about contracting the illness. In a fully adjusted regression model, higher odds of being unvaccinated were observed among males (aOR 1.11), the uninsured (aOR 1.38), smokers (aOR 1.56), and those facing financial struggles (aOR 1.62). Conversely, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics were less likely to be unvaccinated compared to Whites. Among the unvaccinated, factors associated with stronger intent to receive the vaccine included age (over 65 years), Black and Hispanic ethnicity, and perceived risk of infection. Hispanic individuals, the uninsured, those covered by public insurance, and those facing financial challenges were more likely to encounter barriers to vaccine receipt. These findings underscore the importance of devising tailored strategies, emphasizing nuanced approaches that account for demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal factors in vaccine distribution and public health interventions.

Navigating Financial Struggle: The Ripple Effect of Inflation Rates on Working Students

Navigating Financial Struggle: The Ripple Effect of Inflation Rates on Working Students

Unveiling Complexity: Factors Influencing Women’s Involvement in Crime

This research explores various elements that impact and shape women’s the participation of women in criminal activities. Despite the traditional perception that it is men who mainly commit crimes, in recent years, the active role of women in various legal acts has been increasingly recognized. This paper aims to unfold the complex web of influences that shape women’s pathways to criminal behavior, focusing on both individual and social factors. The study focuses on examining socio-economic factors that have a central influence on women’s involvement in crime. Economic inequalities, limited job opportunities and financial struggles often push women into illegal activities to survive or strengthen their economic influences. Additionally, the paper focusses on the effects of educational background, employment status, and income level on women’s susceptibility to criminal temptations, emphasizing the relationship between economic stability and criminal involvement. Moving towards economic dimensions, this study also examines the psychological factors that contribute to women’s participation in crime. Psychological vulnerabilities resulting from trauma, abuse, mental health disorders and substance abuse create pathways to crime. The research paper also examines the impact of adverse childhood experiences, mental health challenges, and criminal trajectories, shedding light on the co-relation between psychological well-being and criminal propensities. Further, familial and social influences are explored to unfold their role in shaping women’s criminal trajectories. Family dysfunction, exposure to criminal role models, and peer pressure can significantly influence an individual’s likelihood of being engaged in criminal activities. This study explores the complexities of family structures, social networks and community environments and highlights their profound influence on the development of women’s perceptions, choices and behaviors related to crime. Moreover, this study also analyzes legal and systematic factors and emphasizes how institutional biases, discriminatory practices and inadequate support systems influence women’s involvement in crime. The paper critically assesses the role of criminal justice systems, law enforcement practices, and access to legal resources in preventing or promoting women’s criminal behavior. Through a combined analysis of these various factors affecting women’s criminality, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the reasons that affect the women’s involvement in criminal activities. By elucidating these complex factors, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders, can develop more targeted interventions, support systems and policies that address the root causes women’s criminal behavior and reduce the risks associated with their involvement in crime.

Thorns of Failures: Views of Non-Passers of Criminology Board Examination

Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) records show that the national passing percentage in the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) is deteriorating. The number of unlicensed Criminology graduates throughout the country is increasing. This study explored the lived experiences of non-passers of the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) through a qualitative research method. The informants of this study were 10 board exam flunkers throughout the Province of Cebu. Four informants were used for the in-depth interview, and six were used for the focus group discussion. Eight (8) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants before, during, and after the board exam. For the positive experiences, four (4) themes were developed, namely: Take a Trip Down Memory Lane, Licensure Examination: The Main Event, Acceptance and Moving Forward and Contingency Plan: Look for a Job. For the negative experiences, four (4) themes were formulated, namely: The Chronicles of Review, Test Anxiety: The Feeling of Taking the Licensure Examination, Board Exam Result: A Flunker’s Nightmare and Mission Unsuccessful. For the plights of the informants before, during, and after taking the licensure examination, eight (8) emergent themes were formulated, namely: Procrastination and Idleness, Indiscretion of Reviewees, Financial Struggle: A Dilemma to Board Exam Takers, Family Problems: A Heavy Load to Carry, The Answer Sheet: A Fragile Piece of Paper, Bad Luck: In the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time, Examinee’s Inability to Comprehend Questions: A Tough Assignment, The Fallen Leaves, and Disappointments and Failure to Meet Expectations: Adding Insult to Injury. For the reasons of the informants for not retaking the exam, two (2) themes were developed, namely: Age Limit in the Tri-Bureau: Crashing the Flunker’s Aspirations and Making a Fresh Start.

A caregivers' perspective on social reintegration and stigma of childhood cancer survivors in Kenya.

Childhood cancer survivors' social reintegration may be hampered in low and middle-income countries. The nature and extent of social challenges and prejudices that survivors encounter in such settings are largely unknown. This study explores caregivers' perspectives on social reintegration and stigmatization of Kenyan childhood cancer survivors. Caretakers of childhood cancer survivors (<18years) were interviewed using mixed-methods questionnaires during home or clinic visits between 2021 and 2022. Stigma was assessed with an adjusted Social Impact Scale and risk factors were investigated. Caretakers of 54 survivors (median age 11years) were interviewed. Families' income (93%) decreased since start of treatment. Caretakers (44%) often lost their jobs. Financial struggles (88%) were a burden that provoked conflicts within communities (31%). School fees for siblings became unaffordable (52%). Families received negative responses (26%) and were left or avoided (13%) by community members after cancer disclosure. Survivors and families were discriminated against because the child was perceived fragile, and cancer was considered fatal, contagious, or witchcraft. Survivors repeated school levels (58%) and were excluded from school activities (19%) or bullied (13%). Performance limitations of daily activities (p=0.019), male sex (p=0.032), solid tumors (p=0.056) and a short time since treatment completion (p=0.047) were associated with increased stigma. Caretakers recommended educational programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about cancer treatment and curability. Childhood cancer survivors and their families experienced difficulties with re-entry and stigmatization in society. Increasing cancer and survivorship awareness in schools and communities should facilitate social reintegration and prevent stigmatization.

Breast cancer care crisis in India: the hidden financial struggles beyond free treatment

Breast cancer care crisis in India: the hidden financial struggles beyond free treatment

Covid-19 restrictions and transport sector in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights from Douala City, Cameroon

The transportation industry is a key player in shaping today’s economy and society, but the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 drastically reduced services as governments implemented containment measures which drastically reduced services offered by transportation systems. Developed countries are already analyzing the pandemic's impact on transportation and proposing sustainable solutions. However, little is known about how developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with high urban population densities and unique mobility patterns, have responded. This study focuses on Cameroon, specifically Douala city, to examine the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on mobility patterns, transport operators, and provide recommendations to transport authorities in responding to future pandemics in the region. Interviews with 190 key informants, including taxi, bus drivers, and bike riders revealed a significant decrease in passenger demand, lower occupancy rates, reduced intra-urban and inter-urban mobility, and financial struggles for drivers, leading to layoffs. The study underscores the need for collaboration among stakeholders in the transport sector, involving public transport operators, government agents, policy makers, and the civil society in decision-making to create sustainable solutions for future pandemics.

Experience of people living with leprosy at leprosy settlements in Nigeria

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Nigeria achieved the national leprosy elimination target of less than 1/10,000 population in 1998, factors such as culture, behavioural patterns and social determinants, among others, continue to contribute to an increase in leprosy cases and a poor state of living for individuals with leprosy in Nigeria. This study delves into the experiences of individuals residing in leprosy settlements in Nigeria.MethodsThis study employed a community‐based cross‐sectional design, utilizing a concurrent mixed‐methods approach for comprehensive data collection. Questionnaires, focus groups and interviews are conducted simultaneously. The research involves participants from seven leprosy communities across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones and Federal Capital Territory. Qualitative methods, including 14 focus group discussions and 6 key informant interviews, are complemented by quantitative questionnaires, engaging residents, leaders and nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives. Respondents comprised 35 leprosy patients, 21 family members, 7 community leaders, 7 settlement officers and 2 organizational heads involved in leprosy control.ResultsThe results indicate significant access to healthcare (93.7%) and interest in self‐care practices (95.2%), with a considerable proportion (74.6%) receiving free healthcare. Interview data underscore the limited government support, with NGOs and partners assuming a more substantial role. Qualitative insights from persons living with leprosy highlight financial struggles, stigmatization and substandard living conditions in settlements, exacerbated by limited government funding. This reliance on private and NGOs is further compounded by declining funding, hindering individuals’ ability to start businesses and provide self‐care.ConclusionThis study underscores the pressing need for increased government support, funding and better living conditions for individuals affected by leprosy in Nigeria. It highlights the significance of education, awareness campaigns and human rights promotion to combat stigma and enhance the quality of life for those living with leprosy. Moreover, the study advocates for the reintegration of affected individuals into their communities to foster societal inclusion and well‐being.

Career decisions in artistic professions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany—an experimental study

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the professional situation in artistic professions. Repeated lockdowns resulted in the cancellation of cultural events and exacerbated economic challenges, depriving artists and people working in the culture industry of their primary source of income. Such drastic conditions could lead to important professional decisions, including career changes. This study aimed to determine the factors that could influence career decisions among artistic professionals during a second pandemic lockdown period in Germany. To examine whether health concerns or financial struggles are more important in shaping artistic professionals’ decisions to change or stay in their profession, a vignette experiment was conducted in an online survey (n = 788) in the winter of 2020–2021. In the experiment’s 2*3-factorial randomised design, all respondents were asked to put themselves in the role of artists and make decisions about career changes under different income conditions or with different health prospects. The vignette experiment revealed that income losses related to career changes decreased the willingness to change careers, whereas health prospects (hypothetical differences in vaccine efficacy) did not affect the decisions. In addition, other variables were found to explain career decisions; female gender and signs of a depressive disorder were associated with greater willingness for career turnover, whereas a higher educational level and status of earning one’s livelihood in the culture industry were associated with a diminished tendency for career turnover. The latter impact factor was interpreted as a kind of “don´t give up effect” that is particularly observable among artistic professionals.

Struggling financially but feeling good? Exploring the well-being of early-stage entrepreneurs

Purpose Many individuals start a new firm each year, mainly intending to become independent or improve their financial situation. For most of them, the first years of operations mean a substantial investment of time, effort and money with highly insecure outcomes. This study aims to explore how entrepreneurs running new firms perform financially compared with the established ones and how this situation influences their well-being. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was completed in 2021 and 2022 by a representative sample of N = 1136 solo self-employed and microentrepreneurs in the Czech Republic, with dependent self-employed excluded. This study used multiple regressions for data analysis. Findings Early-stage entrepreneurs are less satisfied with their financial situation, have lower disposable income and report more significant financial problems than their established counterparts. The situation is even worse for the subsample of startups. However, this study also finds they do not have lower well-being than established entrepreneurs. While a worse financial situation is generally negatively related to well-being, being a startup founder moderates this link. Startup founders can maintain a good level of well-being even in financial struggles. Practical implications The results suggest that policies should focus on reducing the costs related to start-up activities. Further, policy support should not be restricted to new technological firms. Startups from all fields should be eligible to receive support, provided that they meet the milestones of their development. For entrepreneurship education, this study‘s results support action-oriented approaches that help build entrepreneurs’ self-efficacy while making them aware of cognitive biases common in entrepreneurship. This study also underscores that effectuation or lean startup approaches help entrepreneurs develop their startups efficiently and not deprive themselves of resources because of their unjustified overconfidence. Originality/value This study contributes to a better understanding of the financial situation and well-being of founders of new firms and, specifically, startups. The personal financial situation of startup founders has been a largely underexplored issue. Compared with other entrepreneurs, this study finds that startup founders are, as individuals, in the worst financial situation. Their well-being remains, however, on a comparable level with that of other entrepreneurs.

A Case of Parenting Students: Experiences of Financial Struggles and Support in South African Public Universities

A Case of Parenting Students: Experiences of Financial Struggles and Support in South African Public Universities

Next-generation leadership for sustainability and avoidance of closure in private Madaris in Bangsamoro autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao

This study comprehensively analyzes the Madrasah educational landscape, examining demographic profiles, leadership practices, sustainability commitment, contributions, and challenges and opportunities within these institutions. The research reveals a diverse and dynamic scenario influenced by varied factors. The Demographic Profile illustrates a versatile distribution across designations, education levels, gender, service years, and student enrollment, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Madrasah roles. School Directors predominate, underscoring the need for adaptable leadership. Educational Attainment shows a rich academic environment with a prevalence of Bachelor's Degrees and variability from higher qualifications, contributing to a nuanced educational setting. Gender Distribution demonstrates near-equal representation, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and gender balance within Madrasahs. Years in Service identifies a prevalent service duration of "11-20 Years," indicating an experienced workforce. Several student analyses highlight the variability in student populations, with a mean count of 5, signifying diverse institution sizes. Leadership Practices emphasize next-generation qualities like Islamic values, bilingual proficiency, and ethical decision-making. Consensus on visionary, adaptable, inclusive, and ethically grounded leadership underscores their significance. Sustainability and Institutional Viability reveal a varied commitment, urging increased dedication. Contributions to sustainability show diverse effectiveness levels. Challenges include financial struggles, resource inadequacy, enrollment fluctuations, and socio-cultural factors. Opportunities encompass continuous learning, financial support, collaboration, and addressing enrollment challenges. The study stresses the need for effective leadership, financial stability, and collaboration, urging a comprehensive approach to sustainable Madrasah education. Findings form a robust foundation for future research and interventions, guiding enhancements in sustainability, overcoming challenges, and fostering continuous improvement.

Elon Musk’s Purchase of Twitter and its Financial Implications

Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter has made its loud debut, but ever since the acquisition, Musk appears to have only reported bad news about the company, and at one point he even hinted at bankruptcy. Through examining different sources such as current literature, news reports, and Musk's tweets, this study investigates the implications of Musk's changes to the company following his acquisition and how they may have contributed to Twitter's financial problems. It was discovered that Musk's acquisition was accompanied by a large debt as well as a number of bills that he has yet to pay, which is expected to cause backlash if left unchecked. The primary cause of the problem was identified as a mass exodus of advertisers, which led to a plunge in the company's main revenue source. This is a result of the loosening of content moderation and the new Twitter Blue, which made the platform more disorderly and unappealing to advertisers. This study aims to clear up some confusion around the reasons behind Twitter's post-acquisition financial struggles and provide further insights on how the company can recover its profitability.

The Mission of Johann Jakob Kurz von Senftenau to Constantinople (1623 – 1624) and the Challenges for the Habsburg Diplomats on the Bosphorus after the Long Turkish War

Lasting for over a decade, the Long Turkish war (1593–1606) temporarily disrupted the diplomatic contacts between Habsburgs and Ottomans. Like any other agreement between Vienna and Istanbul, the peace treaty of Zsitvatorok (1606) left various controversial questions unresolved and provided further issues to negotiate. The present article aims at outlining and analyzing the main challenges the Habsburgs diplomats in Istanbul were faced with during the first two decades after the reestablishment of permanent diplomatic contacts (1608) following the end of the Long Turkish war. The study focuses on the diplomatic mission of Johann Jakob Kurz von Senftenau (1623 – 1624). The choice to examine this particular mission in detail is due both to the good volume of preserved archival documents on its progress, and to the fact that it is among the lesser-known Habsburg embassies in Constantinople from the beginning of XVII century. Along with the ever ongoing negotiations of disputable articles of the peace agreements, rebuilding the intelligence network, and organizing save transportation of the diplomatic correspondence to the Imperial court in Vienna emerge as tasks of primary importance. The financial struggles in times of inflation and the frequent change of Ottoman rulers also stand out as main challenges for the Habsburg diplomats to handle.

Financialization and assetization: Assets as sites of financial power struggles

Despite significant overlap, scholarship often distinguishes the concepts of financialization and assetization. While there are historical, ontological and conceptual reasons for this distinction, we argue that this may limit both perspectives’ analytical potential. In this paper, we develop a shared research agenda that brings together analytical strengths and core insights of both perspectives. We propose to use three notions of financial power developed in financialization scholarship – instrumental, structural and infrastructural power – and apply them to different sites of power struggles that are linked to the asset form: the challenge to create durable returns, the challenge to calculate and distribute risks, and the distribution of wider societal power relations linked to the control of larger asset classes. We illustrate the proposed perspective in three vignettes on topics pertinent to scholars working within both strands of literature: green and impact assets, asset management and housing.

Experiences of School Leaders in Managing Entrepreneurial Behavior of Teachers: A Case Study

This study investigates the experiences of school leaders in managing the entrepreneurial behavior of teachers, particularly in the context of the Philippines, where inadequate compensation drives educators to engage in income-generating activities. The research employs a qualitative case study approach, utilizing interviews with eight school principals to explore their challenges, coping mechanisms, and insights. Findings reveal three primary themes: balancing professional ethics with economic realities, leadership challenges in school management, and the impact on educational quality. School leaders face significant dilemmas as they strive to uphold professional standards while empathizing with teachers’ financial struggles. Strategies employed include balancing empathy and professionalism, adaptive policy implementation, and collaborative problem-solving for sustainable solutions. The study underscores the need for balancing policy compliance and empathy, proactive leadership and communication, and address