High-income Earners Research Articles

Association between Social Demographic Factors and Health Literacy in Jordan

The study highlights that low health literacy is a serious global health threat, causing health problem denial, poor communication with healthcare providers, and widening disparities. It aims to investigate how income, education, and socio-economic status affect health literacy levels. The study conducted an occasional design using quantitative data. This study was conducted using a structured questionnaire to obtain information from 413 randomly selected Ammani residents The questions were designed to assess the impact of health literacy level. The study's quantitative results show that socio-economic factors are the reasons for the health literacy among Amman residents, based on the 413 sample. Although gender only shows little differences, age, income, and education greatly affect health literacy, with those aged 30-60, higher income earners, and people with higher education levels having better understanding. It is necessary to design health literacy interventions for different demographic groups so as to eliminate the disparities and to get the so desired health outcomes. This study assesses the association between social demographic factors and health literacy in Jordan and found the level of literacy affected by social and economic factors, but in varying proportions for each topic with some recommendations.

소비자의 제품안전 불신과 안전정보 불신 영향 요인 구조분석

In this study, in a situation where consumer distrust in product safety and product safety information is growing, first, factors affecting consumer competency and consumer distrust in product safety and safety information were investigated using regression analysis. Second, three purchasing behavior characteristics of consumers related to new technology products (following others, leading purchasing, unplanned purchasing) are used as independent variables, two consumer capabilities (purchasing competency, information competency) are used as parameters, and product safety A structural model was set up with consumer distrust of product safety information and consumer distrust as dependent variables, and the relationship between these variables was investigated through covariate structural analysis. The main results of this study can be summarized in five points. First, when simply comparing the average score out of 5, the level of consumer distrust in product safety information was found to be higher than the level of consumer distrust in product safety. Second, looking at the results of the regression analysis in detail, it was found that the purchasing ability of consumers was higher the younger they were, the more employed, college graduates, high-income earners, and the more active their safety-seeking behavior was. Consumers' safety information competency was found to be higher the older they were and the more active their safety-seeking behavior was. Third, as a result of regression analysis, consumer distrust in product safety was found to be high among women, married people, and college graduates. Meanwhile, consumer distrust in product safety information was found to be higher among women, married people, employed people, college graduates, and those with more active safety-seeking behavior. Ultimately, this tells them that efforts are needed to reduce their distrust of product safety and product safety information. Fourth, as a result of covariate structure analysis, it was found that following others and unplanned purchases had a negative effect on consumers' purchasing capabilities, but did not affect information capabilities. Meanwhile, while forward purchasing propensity did not affect consumers' purchasing capabilities, it was found to have a positive effect on safety information capabilities.

Financial Literacy of the Undergraduate Students at the College of Hilly Region in Nepal: A Case of Okhaldunga Campus

This study aims to evaluate the status of financial literacy of the undergraduate students of the campus situated in a hilly region of Nepal taking into consideration of 108 students as the convenient sample respondents among from the 459 students studying at the Okaldhunga Campus, Okaldhunga. The data collected through face-to-face manner and structured Google form of questionnaire and analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics indicates that the undergraduate students did not differ by gender in respect to their level of financial knowledge. However, younger, higher-income earners, and management students demonstrated comparatively higher level of financial knowledge than their counterparts. In terms of financial behavior, respondents predominantly adopt moderate spending habits and prioritize saving for future security, commonly depositing savings into bank accounts and using additional income for fixed deposits. Most respondents track their expenses at least occasionally, with the primary motivation for saving being to create a safety net for emergencies. Regarding financial influence, many students rely on family and social media for guidance on managing their money, and parents are often the primary decision[1]makers for finances in many households.

Lipid profile and anthropometry indices of franchised fast-food consumers in South Western states in Nigeria

Background: Franchised fast foods are known for their unique tastes as it contains a number of spices that makes it delicious. Daily busy schedules have made consumption of franchised fast foods (FFFs) an easy option and control of our food choices even at home. Objective: This research investigated the lipid profile and anthropometric indices of consumers of franchised fast foods (FFFs) in South-Western States in Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in South-West Nigeria and comprised three states: Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun. 300 respondents were recruited from ten (10) purposively selected fast-food outlets in Ikeja, Abeokuta and Ibadan cities, Nigeria. Standardized method for assessing plasma lipid profile was used. A well-structured and pretested questionnaire was used for the survey. The statistical analysis was done using 95% confidence interval and an error percentage of 5%. Results: The major consumers of FFFs are single, younger adults, educated, and relatively high-income earners. Majority of male (39% and 23%) and females (33% and 41%) have excellent and good health status respectively. Significant association was observed between BMI and HDL-C (p=0.009) of male, and Significant differences existed among the BMI and all lipid profiles of female respondents (p<0.050). Conclusion: The study conclude that both genders are at risk of age-related NCDs in the future due to inadequate physical activity and dependence on FFFs. The consumption of FFFs is common among young people, high-income earners and educated people.

A cross-sectional study on domestic use of biomass fuel and the prevalence of respiratory illnesses in a rural community in Thaba-Tseka district of Lesotho

The domestic utilization of biomass fuel for purposes such as cooking, space heating, and water heating has been linked to a number of respiratory ailments, particularly when burned inefficiently. However, there is an existing knowledge gap on the impact of this practice on the health of Basotho. This study aims to explore the impact of biomass fuels use on the prevalence of respiratory illnesses among residents of two rural communities in Thaba-Tseka. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire, to assess the correlation between biomass fuel use and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases. Data were collected from 326 randomly selected individuals aged 18 and above. The major source of fuel energy used was firewood (39.6 %), followed by paraffin (29.1 %) and animal dung (15.6 %). The most prevalent respiratory symptom reported was cough, among 27.6 % of participants (n = 326), followed by sneezing (n = 326, 23.0 %), and fever (n = 326, 17.5 %). The lowest prevalent respiratory disease was pneumonia (0.9 %) while lung cancer was not reported. The reporting of respiratory symptoms and diseases was most prevalent in January. A greater prevalence of cough was reported by participants with a higher level of education (r (5) = 1.746, p = 0.008). More male participants reported to have tuberculosis (7.8 %) compared to females (3 %) (r (1) = 3.809, p = 0.051). Asthma was noted to be more prevalent among high income earners (r (3) = 8.169, p = 0.043) and those reported to have an employment (r (1) = 4.277, p = 0.039). Surprisingly, there was no association between respiratory diseases and symptoms, and the type of domestic fuel used. In the rural communities of Thaba-Tseka, about 4 in 10 Basotho rural communities, relied on firewood for cooking, space heating and water heating. Respiratory symptoms and diseases were observed mostly in the month of January. Several factors, including education level, marital status, gender, and income level, were significantly associated with specific respiratory symptoms and diseases. Targeted public health interventions are urgently needed to mitigate respiratory symptoms and diseases in the rural communities of Lesotho. More focus should be directed to health behavioral change and provision of improved stoves for exposure reduction of biomass emissions.

Characteristics of the participants in mass sporting events in Vietnam

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of athletes and spectators at mass sports competitions, focusing on aspects such as quantity, age, gender, educational level, occupation, and income to provide a comprehensive demographic overview. The study employed a sociological survey method, sampling 10 localities out of 63 provinces and cities across Vietnam. The survey included 520 spectators (Group 1) and 220 athletes (Group 2), resulting in a total sample size of 740 participants. The results are illustrated using graphical representations. The majority of spectators at mass sport events are aged 23 to under 60, whereas athletes show a more even age distribution, indicating lower student participation in spectating. Men significantly outnumber women. Most participants hold high school or university degrees, with the largest group being unskilled workers. Students, freelancers, and retirees are more evenly distributed. Professional field participants make up 35.5% of the total. Income-wise, most participants are middle to high-income earners, with nearly half earning between 5 and 10 million VND per month, and 42.3% earning over 10 million VND. Low-income and very high-income individuals are mostly spectators, while medium to high-income individuals are more likely to be athletes.

Changes in male permanent contraception as partner access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) increases: an analysis of the National Survey for Family Growth, 2006-2010 versus 2017-2019.

Male permanent contraception (PC), that is, vasectomy, is an effective way of preventing pregnancy. In the United States, male PC use has historically been concentrated among higher-educated/higher-income males of White race. In the last decade, use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) has increased dramatically. We sought to understand how sociodemographic patterns of male PC have changed in the context of rising LARC use. We examined the nationally representative male public use files of the National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG) across five survey waves. Our outcome was primary contraceptive use at last sexual encounter within 12 months. Using four-way multinomial logistic regressions (male PC, female PC, LARC, lower-efficacy methods), we compared sociodemographic factors predictive of male PC use versus reported partner LARC use between 2006-2010 (early) and 2017-2019 (recent) waves. We included 15 964 participants. From 2006 to 2019, there were absolute declines in male PC from 8.0% to 6.8%, while male-reported partner LARC use increased three-fold, from 3.4% to 11.0%. Among the highest economic strata, use of LARC converged with male PC. In adjusted analyses, high income significantly associated with male PC use in the early wave (OR 4.6 (1.4, 14.8)), but no longer in the recent wave (OR 0.9 (0.2, 4.2)). Marital status remained a significant but declining predictor of male PC across survey waves, and instead, by 2019, number of children newly emerged as the strongest predictor of male PC use. Sociodemographic variables associated with vasectomy use are evolving, especially among high-income earners.

Top income inequality and tax policy

Abstract The share of pre-tax income flowing to the top of the UK income distribution increased continually and substantially in the three decades leading up to the financial crisis, but has changed little since 2013. Using microdata sampled from UK tax records, we describe the nature of top incomes in the UK and how they are taxed. We show that wage income is the dominant source of pre-tax income, even for highest-income 0.1% of UK adults. However, ‘active’ business income—derived from self-employment or closely-held incorporated businesses—is considerably more important for the top 1% than for those with lower incomes. High-income wage earners work disproportionately in financial services. The high-income self-employed are predominately working in partnerships in professions such as accountancy and legal services. Overall, UK income taxes are progressive: average tax rates rise with income. Taxes on top incomes have been increased since 2010, with the result that the post-tax share of income flowing to the top has fallen. But average tax rates vary significantly within the top and depend on how income is received. Incomes from business ownership and investment are taxed at lower rates than employment income. We discuss options for reforming the taxation of top incomes.

Sustainable consumption futures: according to whom?

This article aims to uncover diverse perspectives regarding what sustainable consumption is and should be in the future. We draw upon and combine critical futures studies with recognitional justice. Futures studies enables inclusive approaches and divergence from current narratives of the future that are perceived as dominant. Recognitional justice allows for reflection upon who is usually not in the room when consumption futures are discussed. The article analyzes sustainable consumption-futures workshops held with four groups in Sweden. The first was with partners in a research program focusing on sustainable consumption. The second workshop enlisted elderly rural retirees, the third newly-arrived women from Syria and Eritrea, and the fourth high-income earners. A variety of traits in the discussions were noticeably influenced by the local context and backgrounds of the participants. Several issues brought up in the discussions dealt with issues that are on the political agenda in Sweden, such as circulating materials and more information and knowledge. There were also matters not on the political agenda such as eating a vegetarian diet, reducing consumption, and spending less time working. In addition, the newly-arrived women and, to some extent, the retirees, framed peace and ending the use of weapons as a vital element in sustainable consumption. This diversity and divergence highlights that, if it is to become relevant and inclusive, both research and policy need to recognize a multitude of perspectives and incorporate the distribution of power and critical futures perspectives to navigate a pathway toward consumption that is just and sustainable.

Digitalization and the Emerging Risk of Delinquency Among Emerging Adults Raised in a Wired World

Globally, the digital age has immensely contributed to the evolution and emergence of delinquency and social problems among emerging adults. As excellent as the tremendous benefits that technology has afforded these generations of youths raised in a wired world, some have decided to engage in the dark side of computer technology. The main aim of the study is to explore the how problematic internet use can influence development of delinquent behaviour among emerging adults in higher school of learning. It also explored the role of household financial capabilities of the emerging adults. The study adopted convenient sampling method to select n=386; (50.5% males and 49.5% females) who were aged between 16-27 years from University of Lagos. This cross-sectional study administered standardized instruments to examine the variables (Problematic internet use questionnaire, Disciplinary and delinquent behaviour survey) Result showed no significant difference between problematic internet use and emerging adult delinquency (t(384) = -1.29 P> .05), also, no significant difference between the delinquency of participants from high or low income earners, t(373) = -1.93, P> .05). Therefore, it is expedient to develop safety guidelines that will serve as interplay between digitalization and delinquency in which emerging adults must exercise restraint and broader range of delinquency can be confirmed among other samples.

Digitalization and Retirement Contribution Behavior: Evidence from Administrative Data

Abstract Retirement savings decisions are increasingly mediated by digital technologies that promise to help individuals plan adequately for their retirement. We exploit a natural experiment to show that introducing a digital pension application increases the probability of making a voluntary retirement contribution by 1.8 percentage points, from an average pretreatment contribution rate of 2.8%. Men and higher-income earners are more likely to respond to the app introduction. We then leverage a field experiment to show that using the app affects contribution behavior mainly through reducing the “hassle” costs of making contributions, rather than by providing information on the associated tax savings.

Change in work arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic: A large shift to remote and hybrid work

With two repeated cross-sectional datasets collected in Southern California, we investigate changes in work arrangement and commute trip generation across four timepoints before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: fall 2019 (recalled in fall 2020 retrospectively); fall 2020 and summer 2021 (reported at the moment); and summer 2022 (an expectation as of summer 2021 for a near future prospectively). Our results highlight a large shift from physical commutes to exclusively/predominantly remote work for many workers in fall 2020, followed by a transition towards hybrid work (combining in-person work and remote work) in summer 2021. The adoption of remote/hybrid work varied considerably across different types of workers and sociodemographic groups, prominently driven by high-income earners, highly educated individuals, urban residents, full-time workers, and those with white-collar, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and government jobs. As the pandemic subsides, many workers have returned to physical commutes for some of their workdays, but the prevalence of remote/hybrid work is expected to endure into the future. These findings confirm oft-discussed trends and anecdotal evidence in the study region. However, the study provides rigorous quantitative evidence into reasons behind these observations and heterogeneity across groups. We also suggest forward-looking policies to promote transportation equity, reimagine transportation options, and support public transit to adapt to the evolving travel patterns in the post-pandemic society.

Intention of filing tax claims for religious donations: Results from a Muslim American survey

AbstractThis study examined the intention to claim exemption for zakat and other monetary donations on the annual tax return among US Muslims. We used a survey of 575 Muslims living in the United States to test several exploratory hypotheses. Our statistical results suggest that after controlling for other demographic differences, (1) respondents who identified as non‐Sunni (as opposed to Sunni) Muslims, had medium or high (as opposed to low) income, and those who believed that Covid‐19 is a Zakat‐eligible cause had higher odds of claiming an exemption for their Zakat donations; and (2) permanent residents (as opposed to US citizens), high (as opposed to low) income earners, non‐faith‐based donors, and those who believed that Covid‐19 is a Zakat‐eligible cause had higher odds of claiming exemption for their non‐Zakat monetary donations. Implications are discussed.

Telecommuting and Travel Behaviour: A Survey of White-Collar Employees in Adelaide, Australia

COVID-19 prompted a significant number of employees to shift to remote work for the first time, potentially reshaping future work patterns. This study examines the post-COVID impacts on telecommuting, commuting behaviour, travel activities, and lifestyles in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. A multivariate nominal logistic regression analysis of 305 post-restriction survey responses revealed that home distance from the CBD, industry, occupation, and income significantly influence post-COVID telecommuting trends. Individuals living over 20 kilometres from the CBD, those in professional or managerial roles, and higher-income earners (>125k) are more prone to regular telecommuting, highlighting the impact of commute lengths, job flexibility, and financial resources on the ability to work remotely. The study revealed a higher adoption of telecommuting post-COVID, with more individuals working from home and telecommuting more often each week. This led to reduced usage of private cars and public transport, indicating a decrease in overall travel frequency. Respondents also adopted flexible work schedules, resulting in fewer peak-hour commutes, which would have resulted in lower congestion and emissions and led to more sustainable travel practices. The study also investigated future telecommuting perspectives, revealing a preference for remote work 3–4 days a week. Some respondents who initially could not telecommute have since considered it feasible and want to adopt it. Notably, about 25% of respondents would even change jobs for flexible, home-based work arrangements. The study’s results suggest that remote work frequency may influence individuals’ future house location preferences. These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable transport and urban planning considerations in the post-COVID era.

Racial and sociodemographic distribution of colorectal cancer screening in Canada: A cross-sectional study.

To assess the racial and sociodemographic distribution of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in Canada, identify disparities, and evaluate the potential predictors and barriers to CRC screening. Data from the 2017 cycle of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were analyzed, focusing on individuals aged 50-74years. CRC screening participation rates were evaluated at both national and provincial levels and across various sociodemographic characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify predictors and barriers to CRC screening. Of the 56,950 respondents to the 2017 CCHS, 41.7% (n = 23,727) were between 50 and 74years of age. The overall CRC screening participation rate was 59.8%, with provinces like Alberta and Manitoba achieving rates of 65.7% and 66.5%, respectively. Significant disparities were observed across socioeconomic, geographical, and racial or ethnic groups. Notably, older adults [AOR 2.41, 95% CI 2.06‒2.83], higher income earners [AOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.77‒2.24], and non-smokers [AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.55‒2.0] had higher odds of screening, while immigrants and minority ethnic groups, especially South-East Asians [AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29‒0.78] and South Asians [AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44‒0.95], had lower odds of being up to date with CRC screening. A significant portion of unscreened individuals cited their healthcare provider's perception of the test as unnecessary. While there is promising progress in CRC screening participation rates across Canada, significant disparities persist. Addressing these disparities is crucial for public health. Efforts should focus on enhancing public awareness, facilitating accessibility, and ensuring cultural appropriateness of CRC screening initiatives.

Tax Amnesties: Trends and Implication for Taxpayers’ Compliance. A Literature Review

The focus of this paper is to conduct a literature review on tax amnesties and the factors which are necessary for its effective implementation for compliance. The study employed a library based research design which involves desk-review of extant literature. The literature review shows much research attention given to the issue, though the findings are mixed and quite inconclusive. The review also brings up a few issues which are seen as probable weaknesses or inconsistencies in tax amnesty research looking from a tax compliance perspective. First, while there is evidence regarding success of tax amnesties in the developed world, empirical proof on the progress made in developing countries are scarce. Second, although the concept of tax amnesty has been extensively examined in the tax literature, only a few studies have used an experimental approach to examine the long run effect of tax amnesty on voluntary tax compliance. Third, there is still no clear unanimity in the literature regarding how social and psychological factors such as political trust, political will, perceived corruption, and perceptions of justice and punishment objectives influence the implementation of tax amnesties. Finally, the study observes that in tax amnesty research there is always the tendency for majority of prior studies to assume homogeneity in level of compliance whereas significant differences may exist in the degree of compliance between high and low income earners. The study therefore concludes that there is the need for future empirical studies to address these weaknesses and inconsistencies.

State Taxation of Nonresident Income and the Location of Work

Prior studies show that taxes matter for the residential locations of high-income earners. But states raise a significant share of revenue from nonresidents. Using variation in state tax rates, we provide causal evidence on the effect of the net-of-tax rate on the location of labor supply for professional golfers. State taxes induce high-income earners to shift employment to low-tax states without a residence change. The elasticity of working in a state is 0.34 and, consistent with the superstar phenomenon, increases with earnings. Our results suggest a novel margin of mobility responses for top earners: the spatial relocation of labor supply by nonresidents. (JEL H71, H73, J22, J44, J61, R23, Z22)

Inspirational Influence of Nature in Architectural Design – A Review on the Scope of Application in Nigeria Housing Policy

The growing need for housing and infrastructural development is depleting and transforming green spaces to built environment. This transformation is altering the functioning of the natural processes that sustain life. However, conservation strategies through the science of biomimetic architecture show how nature offers the best ideas for regenerative infrastructural designs that humans can incorporate in planning. These natural forms of life provide insight on how designing housing and public infrastructures can promote efficiency in energy savings, waste management, nutrient provision, water management, adaptation to local condition, accommodating ecological hazards, sustaining the wellbeing of the occupants and reducing the frequency of visiting the natural capital. In Nigeria, housing policy programmes have primarily been focusing on ensuring affordable and available housing for all Nigerians. However, while the policy is being challenged in achieving its primary objective, it lacks biomimetic design in its elements, and ecological hazards (floods and erosion) are degrading/or destroying existing infrastructures in some Nigerian communities. Consequently, there is a need to integrate biomimetic designs in Nigeria housing policy and programme so as to capture the philosophy that a house is not only limited in providing shelter for humans, but also how the design of the house integrates into the natural functioning of the environment in resource provision, energy savings and environmental sustenance. The application of this approach can be achieved through the inclusion of biomimetic design incentives in building permit approval process to manage externalities associated with the infrastructure, while also taking into cognisance the housing needs of the poor, and the huge infrastructural investments of high income earners and the public. This approach will reshape consumption behaviour; develops a built environment that integrates and functions without resistance with its local condition in resource provision, waste management for its occupants, and enhance sustainability of resources base.

The redistributive effect of the Hungarian flat tax and family allowance system

AbstractThe study examines the income redistribution effects of the Hungarian flat-tax and the recently introduced family allowance scheme. They were done on the basis of people's individual data for 2007, 2011 and 2020, which yields more accurate estimates than the previous studies based on aggregate or survey data. Between 2011 and 2013, progressive taxation was abolished, and a flat income tax was introduced, along with a substantial widening of pre-existing family tax allowances. We find that the tax reform has favoured high-income earners and taxpayers with children, while the main losers were low-income and/or childless workers. While the share of family tax allowances is somewhat lower for the high-income deciles, this effect is in practice negligible, therefore the income tax system can still be considered flat. The family tax allowance scheme favours wealthy families with many children over low-income families with fewer or no children. The biggest winners of the scheme are the taxpayers in the top income decile with three or more children: these 22,000 taxpayers (that is, 2% of all recipients) receive 10% of the total amount of the family tax allowance, and almost a third of the credit allocated to families with three or more children.

Sequence analysis of sickness absence and disability pension days in 2012–2018 among privately employed white-collar workers in Sweden: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to explore sequences of sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) days from 2012 to 2018 among privately employed white-collar workers.DesignA 7-year prospective cohort...