High-income Groups Research Articles

Food insecurity is associated with poor mental health and health risk behaviors in Czechia

Abstract Background Food insecurity (FI) is one of social determinants of health and a profound public health concern because it leads to malnutrition and hence poor health. COVID-19 impacted people disproportionately and exacerbated preexisting social and health inequalities. The aim of this study was to understand how socioeconomic and health conditions affected one’s FI in Czechia during the pandemic using a representative panel of Czech adults from a longitudinal survey, Life During the Pandemic collected in October 2022 as part of a Czech longitudinal survey. Methods A study sample of 1,499 respondents was included in our multiple logistic regression models. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires PHQ-2 and DAG-2. Results Approximately one third of the study sample (32.4%) reported being food insecure. In the fully-adjusted model, adults with depressive symptoms (OR 2.37, CI 1.49, 5.02), problems with sleeping (OR 2.20, CI 1.64, 2.96), smoking habit (OR 2.27, CI 1.68, 3.07), lower fruit and vegetable consumption (OR 1.50, CI 1.04, 2.17) had greater odds of experiencing FI. The lowest income group was associated with 6.2 times greater odds of reporting FI as compared to the high-income group (CI 3.96, 9.67). Lower education attainment also had higher odds of experiencing FI (OR 2.15, CI 1.40, 3.31). Anxiety was not a significant predictor for FI. Conclusions Our study highlights that food insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms, poor quality of sleep and lower consumption of fruit and vegetables among adults. Food insecurity was also evident among lower income and lower education attainment. Funding source This study was supported by The Charles University Grant Agency (GA UK). Key messages • Our study suggests that adults with poor mental health and diet quality experience food insecurity. • Given the established link between a balanced diet and mental well-being, interventions should encompass not only food security but also the quality of dietary intake.

Effects of COVID-19 on flex route transit utilization: An interrupted time series analysis

The COVID-19 outbreak has exerted serious effects on the transportation system, especially public transport. Flex route transit (FRT), one of public transport, has shown significant advantages in transporting passengers during COVID-19 due to its high flexibility and relatively large cabin spaces. This study aims to estimate the effects of the lockdown and first lockdown ease on FRT utilization through interrupted time series analysis. A survey was conducted in Beijing to collect data regarding the daily FRT utilization of individuals, spanning from December 2019 to May 2020. Results indicated that FRT utilization was immediately reduced during the lockdown, and a decreased trend was observed. After the first lockdown ease was rolled out, FRT utilization showed a rising level and trend. Private car owners showed a lower dependence on FRT than non-car owners. The level of income exerted varying effects in a wide range of periods. FRT utilization among the higher income group was more likely to take effect than the lower income group. The study yields various policy implications for FRT operations during COVID-19 or other pandemics.

National trends in adolescents’ mental health by income level in South Korea, pre– and post–COVID–19, 2006–2022

Despite the significant impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on various factors related to adolescent mental health problems such as stress, sadness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, research on this topic has been insufficient to date. This study is based on the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web–based Survey from 2006 to 2022. We analyzed the mental health problems of adolescents based on questionnaires with medical interviews, within five income groups and compared them with several risk factors. A total of 1,138,804 participants were included in this study, with a mean age (SD) of 15.01 (0.75) years. Of these, 587,256 were male (51.57%). In 2022, the recent period from the study, the weighted prevalence of stress in highest income group was 40.07% (95% CI, 38.67–41.48), sadness was 28.15% (26.82–29.48), suicidal ideation was 13.92% (12.87–14.97), and suicide attempts was 3.42% (2.90–3.93) while the weighted prevalence of stress in lowest income group was 62.77% (59.42–66.13), sadness was 46.83% (43.32–50.34), suicidal ideation was 31.70% (28.44–34.96), and suicide attempts was 10.45% (8.46–12.45). Lower income groups showed a higher proportion with several risk factors. Overall proportion had decreased until the onset of the pandemic. However, a significant increase has been found during the COVID–19 pandemic. Our study showed an association between household income level and the prevalence of mental illness in adolescents. Furthermore, the COVID–19 pandemic has exacerbated mental illness among adolescents from low household income level, underscoring the necessity for heightened public attention and measures targeted at this demographic.

Parents' income has influence on levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of junior high school student

This study aims to determine physical activity (PA level) and sedentary behavior (SB level) in students with various parents' income levels. This study used a cross-sectional design. The subjects used in this study were 900 students from 10 schools and ten cities in East Java, Indonesia. Data on students' parents' income were grouped into five categories based on their income level (very low: n = 360; low: n = 231; medium: n = 123; high: n = 79; very high: n = 107). The research instruments used were the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ) to measure the level of physical activity (PA level) and the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ) to measure the level of sedentary behavior (SB level). The results of the Mann-Whitney statistical test showed significant differences in PA level and SB level between the very low-income group of parents and the low, medium, high, and very high-income groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the higher the level of parental income, the better the students' physical activity, and the lower their sedentary behaviour. Keywords: Family monthly income, physical activity, sedentary behavior, junior high school student

Overnutrition among the School Students in Dhaka City: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The study focuses on childhood obesity and its rise due to fast food and reduced physical activity.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the nutritional assessment, knowledge, attitude and practice of English medium School students aged 11-15 years in Dhaka city. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 280 school students with anthropometric measurement and using a semi-structured questionnaire with the permission of the student’s guardian/s. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in this study found 51.43% where 11.43% were obese and 40.0% were overweight. The students have eaten pizza, burger and pastry according to 20%, 28% and 15% respectively at their tiffin time. About 68% respondents have not played any outdoor games (only computer games regularly). 61% normal BMI students did physical activity regularly and 91% risk BMI respondents didn’t physical activity regularly. The energy intake in last 24 hours of respondents according to their BMI also is statistically significant (p<0.01); the average energy intake of 49% male of normal BMI respondent was about 1576 kJ and the average energy intake of 48% female of normal BMI respondent was about 1455 kJ. On the other hand, the average energy intake of 51% male of risk BMI respondent was about 1819 kJ and the average energy intake of 52% female of risk BMI respondent was about 1707 kJ. Conclusion: Overweight/obesity is a public-health concern among English medium school students, especially in high-income group in Dhaka. From the key finding of the current study, awareness program regarding overweight or obesity along with prevention measures were particularly focus on the English medium school students from their school as well as their family. Keywords: Obesity, Overweight, BMI, Energy Intake, Food consumption, Nutritional value.

Influencer Marketing in Kerala’s Food Industry: The Power of Storytelling

This study delves into the impact of storytelling in influencer marketing within Kerala's food industry, specifically focusing on its influence on consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions. With the increasing prevalence of social media, food influencers play a crucial role in shaping consumer behaviour by sharing authentic and relatable stories that resonate with their followers. The main objectives are to investigate the factors that drive consumer engagement with food influencers and to analyze the storytelling techniques utilized by influencers themselves. To achieve these goals, a mixed-methods approach is used, which involves gathering quantitative data through surveys targeting both consumers and influencers in Kerala. Statistical tools and econometric models are then applied to analyze the data, revealing significant trends and correlations between storytelling and consumer behaviour. Descriptive statistics offer insights into the demographics of consumers and influencers, while cross-tabulation and chi-square tests are used to examine the relationships between categorical variables. Additionally, logistic regression analysis is conducted to assess the impact of trust in storytelling on purchasing behavior. The findings underscore the crucial role of storytelling in building trust and engagement among consumers, particularly among higher-income groups and younger demographics who are influenced by authentic narratives. Furthermore, influencers with extensive experience employ storytelling techniques to enhance their effectiveness and engagement metrics. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for businesses and marketers in the food industry, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in influencer marketing strategies. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of influencer marketing in the food sector, offering a framework for future studies on the interaction between storytelling, consumer engagement, and brand loyalty in the digital age. Keywords:Influencer Marketing, Storytelling, Consumer Behavior, Food Industry, Engagement

Income and education disparities in childhood malnutrition: a multi-country decomposition analysis

IntroductionChildhood malnutrition is a complex issue with a range of contributing factors. The consequences of malnutrition are severe, particularly for children. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to inequality gaps in childhood malnutrition. Our study provides insights into modifiable elements to inform interventions targeted at distinct contexts and populations to improve child nutrition.MethodsThis study utilized data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 27 countries. First, the risk differences (RDs) between the prevalence of childhood malnutrition among the determinant variables, household income, and maternal education categories were calculated. The Blinder‒Oaxaca decomposition was subsequently used to determine the extent to which the difference in childhood malnutrition prevalence between low-income and high-income groups and maternal education levels results from the contributory effects of the explanatory variables: child and maternal individual-level compositional factors.ResultsWe examined data from 138,782 children in 27 countries from 2015 to 2020. The prevalence of childhood malnutrition (10.5%) varied across countries, ranging from 6.5% in Burundi to 29.5% in Timor Leste. On average, the prevalence of childhood malnutrition was 11.0% in low-income households and 10.7% among mothers without education. Some nations had pro-low-income (i.e., malnutrition concentrated among children from poor households) or pro-no-maternal education (i.e., malnutrition concentrated among children from mothers with no formal education) inequality in childhood malnutrition, but most did not. We found a complex interplay of compositional effects, such as the child’s age, maternal education, maternal health behavior, and place of residence, that influence the inequality in childhood malnutrition rates across 10 pro-low-income countries. In addition, we also found that a complex mix of compositional effects, such as the household wealth index, maternal health behavior, and maternal age, contribute to childhood malnutrition inequality between educated and uneducated mothers across the 7 pro-no maternal education countries.ConclusionThe prevalence of childhood malnutrition varies among low-income, high-income, and no maternal education-maternal education groups. This study highlights the need for a country-specific approach to addressing childhood malnutrition, with policies and interventions tailored to each country’s specific context.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Long COVID Among Adults in South Korea.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of long COVID in a community-based representative sample of patients with COVID-19 aged 19-64 years. A total of 975 participants completed online or telephone surveys at 1 and 3 months post-diagnosis, covering persistent symptoms, daily activity limitations, vaccination status, and underlying diseases. Long COVID, as defined by the WHO criteria, had a prevalence of 19.7-24.9% in females and 12.7% in males. Logistic regression revealed that the odds of having long COVID symptoms were higher among females compared to males (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.53-3.87), and higher in those aged ≥ 30 years compared to those aged 19-29 years: 30-39 years (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.59-5.33), 40-49 years (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.51-4.89), and 50-64 years (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10-3.49). Additionally, patients with underlying diseases had higher odds of long COVID symptoms compared to those without underlying diseases (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.24-2.64). Among those with long COVID, 54.2% experienced daily activity limitations, and 40.6% received treatment. Furthermore, lower income groups faced greater daily activity limitations but had similar treatment rates to higher income groups. These findings emphasize the need for interest in and the development of programs to support these low-income populations.

Energy sufficiency and recognition justice: a study of household consumption

The energy ‘crisis’ in Switzerland during the winter of 2022–23 highlighted the need to integrate the idea of sufficiency into previously efficiency-focused discourses and policies. A mixed-methods approach was used to explore emerging sufficiency practices and energy justice. Qualitative interviews (n = 28) with a diverse range of households and building management companies (‘régies’) in Geneva, as well as a quantitative online survey, were undertaken in 2023. It was found that different measures and recommendations did lead to efforts to reduce energy consumption, but also revealed flaws as practices typically lacked an energy justice perspective. Important discrepancies occurred between low- and high-income groups, tenants and owners, inhabitants of houses and apartments. These included a misrecognition of some residents’ vulnerabilities, their limited agency and a lack of acknowledgment of differentiated responsibilities. This led to a negative impact on the implementation of sufficiency. Some residents were marginalised: feeling anxious, disregarded, powerless, belittled and hence excluded from collective sufficiency efforts. Policy relevance Policies and strategies for the implementation of energy sufficiency measures will not be effective unless they include energy justice issues. If sufficiency policies and strategies are to be effective, they must account for differing housing, tenure, socio-economic conditions, capabilities and tackle recognition-based injustices. Decision-making spaces and processes need to become more inclusive, particularly to represent more vulnerable people, include a broader range of the socio-economic population and account for differing responsibilities.

Health disparities in the risk of severe acidosis: real-world evidence from the All of Us cohort.

To assess the health disparities across social determinants of health (SDoH) domains for the risk of severe acidosis independent of demographical and clinical factors. A retrospective case-control study (n = 13310, 1:4 matching) is performed using electronic health records (EHRs), SDoH surveys, and genomics data from the All of Us participants. The propensity score matching controls confounding effects due to EHR data availability. Conditional logistic regressions are used to estimate odds ratios describing associations between SDoHs and the risk of acidosis events, adjusted for demographic features, and clinical conditions. Those with employer-provided insurance and those with Medicaid plans show dramatically different risks [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.761 vs 1.41]. Low-income groups demonstrate higher risk (household income less than $25k, AOR: 1.3-1.57) than high-income groups ($100-$200k, AOR: 0.597-0.867). Other high-risk factors include impaired mobility (AOR: 1.32), unemployment (AOR: 1.32), renters (AOR: 1.41), other non-house-owners (AOR: 1.7), and house instability (AOR: 1.25). Education was negatively associated with acidosis risk. Our work provides real-world evidence of the comprehensive health disparities due to socioeconomic and behavioral contributors in a cohort enriched in minority groups or underrepresented populations. SDoHs are strongly associated with systematic health disparities in the risk of severe metabolic acidosis. Types of health insurance, household income levels, housing status and stability, employment status, educational level, and mobility disability play significant roles after being adjusted for demographic features and clinical conditions. Comprehensive solutions are needed to improve equity in healthcare and reduce the risk of severe acidosis.

Socioeconomic disparities and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Although socioeconomic status (SES) is considered a risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), few studies have examined this association. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and trends of CCVDs across different SES groups over a 12-year period in a representative Korean population. We analysed 47 745 economically active adults aged ≥30 and <65 years from 97 622 patients in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-18), where a new independent sample of the population was examined each year. We categorised the participants into four groups based on education level and income. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and CCVD, including angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke, was analysed at four-year intervals. Average age, urban residence, white-collar occupation, and body mass index >30 increased, whereas CCVD prevalence did not change significantly (P = 0.410) over the study period. Low education (odds ratio (OR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.47, P < 0.001) and low income (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.02-1.28, P = 0.017) were significant determinants of CCVD in addition to existing traditional risk factors. CCVD prevalence was significantly higher in both the low-education and low-income groups compared to the high-education and high-income groups every four years, with no significant change in this gap over the study period (P = 0.239). Despite the increase in the elderly population and the prevalence of obesity, the incidence of CCVDs in Korea has remained unchanged. Individuals with low education or low income had a significantly higher prevalence of CCVD, with the lowest SES group, defined by both low education and low income, consistently having the highest prevalence of CCVDs.

Long-run measurement of income-related inequalities in health care under universal coverage: evidence from longitudinal analysis in Korea

BackgroundMany countries have sought to promote well-being for their entire populations through the implementation of universal health coverage (UHC). To identify the extent to which UHC has been attained, it is necessary to evaluate equity of access to use of needed care and the cost burden of health services for the country’s entire population. This study considers income-related inequalities in health care utilization and spending in a long-term perspective for the case of the Republic of Korea.MethodsExploiting longitudinal data from a nationally representative health survey from 2008 to 2018, this study investigates how income-related inequalities in health care in Korea have varied over time and examines the extent to which need and non-need factors contribute those inequalities, using an in‐depth decomposition analysis, allowing for heterogeneous responses across income groups.ResultsThe empirical results show that overall health care utilization is disproportionately concentrated among the poor over both the short and long run. Income-group differences and non-need determinants, such as marital status and private health insurance, make larger pro-poor contributions to inequality in inpatient care use, while chronic disease prevalence greatly pushes outpatient care utilization in a pro-poor direction. The results regarding inpatient care expenses indicate a similar pattern of pro-poor bias. Long-run inequality favors the better-off in terms of outpatient care expenses, where the contribution of income-group differences has the largest impact.ConclusionMy findings suggest that it is important for health care policy in Korea to focus on improvements in the health status and well-being of low-income groups, as poor people are likely to be in poorer health. Non-need contributors could worsen pro-poor inequalities if the economic disparity across households were to increase due to the demographic transition. Higher spending on inpatient care may be a heavier financial burden for low-income people. Additional supportive measures should be provided to prevent them from suffering economic hardship. By contrast, people in high-income groups may spend most on costly services in outpatient care, including uninsured services, with the help of private health insurance. Nevertheless, the expansion of income disparity should be alleviated even from a health care policy perspective.

Sustainable Consumption and Residents’ Happiness: An Empirical Analysis Based on the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS2021)

Sustainable consumption is a fundamental driver for implementing sustainable development strategies and is crucial in advancing Chinese-style modernization. Utilizing data from the Chinese General Social Survey 2021 (CGSS2021), this study examines the relationship between sustainable consumption and residents’ happiness, classifying its effects into growth and sustainability. The study results show that (1) sustainable consumption positively influences residents’ happiness. (2) Regionally, in the central and western regions, sustainable consumption significantly enhances residents’ happiness, with the sustainable effect surpassing the growth effect. In contrast, in the eastern region, sustainable consumption alone does not substantially improve residents’ happiness; instead, the growth effect predominates. (3) From an urban–rural perspective, sustainable consumption notably impacts happiness in rural areas. In contrast, urban areas primarily benefit from the growth effect of sustainable consumption, with the sustainable effect being less significant. (4) From an age-related perspective, different factors predominantly influence the happiness of various age groups. For young people, health plays a crucial role in their overall happiness. In contrast, middle-aged groups place more importance on their marital status, while older people are primarily concerned with housing conditions. (5) Income analysis shows that income increases substantially impact the happiness of high-income groups compared to low-income groups. Based on these insights, we recommend enhancing education and guidance on sustainable consumption, implementing regionally differentiated policies, increasing support for green consumption in rural areas, developing age-specific policies, and addressing income disparities. These measures can enhance the residents’ happiness more effectively and contribute to sustainable societal development.

Prevalence and factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in Malaysia: a population-based study comparing 2016 and 2022

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses substantial health risks to both mothers and infants. Malaysia exhibits a heightened prevalence of GDM.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of GDM between 2016 and 2022 and its determining factors.MethodsThe data analysed in this study were derived from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2016 and 2022, a nationwide study employing a two-stage stratified random sampling design in Malaysia. Changes in the prevalence were compared between data from NHMS 2016 and 2022, while factors were evaluated based on data from NHMS 2022. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 27.ResultsThe prevalence of GDM increased from 12.5% in 2016 to 27.1% in 2022. In both years, the prevalence was highest among those aged 44–49 years, those of Indian ethnicity, those in higher income groups and those with higher education levels. Advanced maternal age, high body mass index (BMI) and hypertension were associated with a greater risk of GDM.ConclusionThe prevalence of GDM among the Malaysian population doubled from 2016 to 2022. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted programs for expectant mothers in high-risk groups to mitigate the incidence of GDM and its associated morbidities.

Impact of household income on survival in solid malignancies with synchronous brain metastases: A population-based study.

142 Background: Solid malignancies presenting with brain metastasis at the initial diagnosis usually carry a poor prognosis. Increased incidence of brain metastasis can be attributed to the advancements in neuroimaging techniques and improvements in the treatment of solid malignancies. The role of socioeconomic factors in cancer survival is being increasingly recognized. In this study, we analyzed the effect of median household income on survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with brain metastasis at the time of diagnosis of primary malignancies from 2010 to 2020. Methods: We analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program 17 registry (November 2022 submission) database for four primary sites of cancers based on their high propensity to develop brain metastases- Lung and/or Bronchus, Breast, Kidney and/or Renal Pelvis, and Melanoma. Patients with a median household income (MHHI) greater than 75,000 per year were classified as a high-income group, whereas those less than 75,000 per year were low-income. Patients diagnosed with malignancy during autopsy or via death certificate and with incomplete data were excluded. Kaplan-Meier method was used for 2-year survival rates and overall survival analyses. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR). Results: A total of 66493 patients were identified across the four primary sites of tumors. Lung and/or bronchus tumors comprised most of the cases (n = 58,324). 25337 patients were in the high-income group, and 41156 patients comprised the low-income group. Median survival in the low-income group was 4 months, and in the high-income group was 5 months, with a 2-year survival rate of 11% and 18% respectively. Patients in the high-income group had better survival outcomes than the low-income [HR:0.88, 95% CI:0.86-0.90, p&lt;0.001]. Additionally, the high-income group had 19% higher odds of receiving chemotherapy [OR:1.19, 95% CI:1.16-1.23, p&lt;0.0001]. Amongst the cancer subgroups, household income did not have a significant effect on survival in patients with kidney and/or renal pelvis tumors [HR:0.97, 95% CI:0.88-1.06, p=0.5]. The 2-year survival rates are outlined (Table). Conclusions: Our analysis highlights a modest improvement in survival in the patient population with higher median household income. This difference could be attributed to the greater accessibility to treatment modalities and other resources for patients with higher household incomes. Further studies are needed to address socioeconomic disparities in survival for patients with solid malignancies having synchronous brain metastases. 2-year survival rates (95% CI). Cancer Groups Low-income High-income Combined Cancers 11% (11-12%) 18% (18-19%) Lung and/or Bronchus 10% (10-11%) 17% (17-18%) Breast 27% (25-29%) 34% (31-37%) Melanoma 19% (17-21%) 23% (20-25%) Kidney and/or Renal Pelvis 15% (13-17%) 18% (15-21%)

Relationship between socioeconomic status and stroke: an observational and network Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundThe relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and stroke remains controversial, and the underlying mediator is unclear. This study aimed to assess the causal relationship of SES with stroke and its subtypes and to identify potential modifiable risk factors responsible for this relationship. MethodsThe study included 372,437 participants from the UK Biobank. Over an average period of 12.13 years, 6,457 individuals (2.7%) were recorded as having experienced a stroke. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the relationship between SES (average annual household income before tax and age at the end of full-time education) and stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to assess the causal relationship between SES and stroke and its subtypes. Furthermore, network MR was utilized to evaluate the potential mediating role of modifiable risk factors for stroke in this causal relationship. ResultsAfter adjusting for factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, health status, and past medical history, participants in the second highest income group showed the lowest risk of stroke, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.780 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.702–0.866), and for ischemic stroke, the HR was 0.701 (95% CI: 0.618–0.795). Those who completed full-time education at the latest age group(>18 years) had the lowest risk of stroke (HR: 0.906, 95% CI: 0.830–0.988) and ischemic stroke (HR: 0.897, 95% CI: 0.811–0.992). MR analysis showed that higher income and education were both associated with a lower risk of stroke (income: inverse-variance-weighted odds ratio [ORIVW] =0.796, 95% CI: 0.675–0.940, education: ORIVW = 0.631, 95% CI: 0.557–0.716) and ischemic stroke (income: ORIVW = 0.813, 95% CI: 0.684–0.966, education: ORIVW = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.559–0.735). Additionally, hypertension had the highest mediating effect on this relationship. It accounted for 57.12% of the effect of income on stroke, 51.24% on ischemic stroke, and 27% and 24% for education. ConclusionHigher SES was associated with a lower risk of stroke and ischemic stroke, and hypertension had the highest mediating effect on this causal relationship. The results have significant public health implications, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to reduce the risk of stroke in low SES populations.

ANALYSING FACTORS INFLUENCING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION BY UNORGANIZED RETAILERS USING UTAUT 2 FRAMEWORK

The swift progress of technology has greatly altered the worldwide retail environment, but its implementation among loosely organised retailers, especially in developing markets such as India, has not been thoroughly investigated. This paper examines the determinants of technology adoption among unorganised merchants in Kolkata using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) paradigm. The main objective of the study is to examine the influence of Perceived Value (PV) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) on the implementation of technology in this industry. The study employed a quantitative empirical approach, gathering data from 698 participants using standardised questionnaires. The data underwent analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and the Tukey HSD Post Hoc Test statistical tests. The results demonstrate that both perceived value (PV) and perceived ease of use (PEU) have a substantial impact on the adoption of technology. Specifically, higher-income groups tend to see more value and ease in utilising technology. The findings offer important perspectives for policymakers, technology suppliers, and retail groups to formulate focused approaches that promote the digitisation of unorganised retail, ultimately improving operational effectiveness and competitiveness. The present study enhances the overall comprehension of digital inclusion within the retail sector and its capacity to stimulate economic development.

Does greater filial piety bring more gender income advantages? Exploring the influence of traditional Chinese filial piety on the gender wage gap

PurposeBased on traditional Chinese filial piety, this article examines the impacts and mechanisms of the two-dimensional filial piety concept “Qinqin – Zunzun” on gender wages in China via China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) conducted in 2014 and 2018.Design/methodology/approachThis article construct regression models to examine the relationship between filial piety concepts and wages. Also, it uses unconditional quantile regression and decomposition to explore the impact of filial piety concepts on the wage gap.FindingsIt is found that: (1) The effects of two-dimensional filial piety are heterogeneous in terms of gender. Specifically, authoritarian filial piety significantly suppresses individual wages and has a stronger suppressive effect on women’s wages, whereas affinity filial piety significantly enhances individual wages without gender heterogeneity; (2) Parents' time support in the intergenerational exchange model is a crucial mechanism by which filial piety affects wages, exhibiting significant gender heterogeneity; (3) Regarding wage distribution, authoritarian filial piety mainly widens the gender income gap in the low and middle income-groups, while affinity filial piety narrows the gender wage gap by “raising the floor”, with its converging effect being most significant in the middle and high-income groups. This article deepens the understanding of the gender wage gap and intergenerational income mobility, providing policy references for better utilizing the social governance function of culture.Originality/valueThe article deepens the understanding and mechanisms of the gender wage gap and inter-generational income mobility, providing policy reference for better utilizing the social governance function of culture.

Impact of Energy Crises on Income Inequality: An Application of Piketty’s Hypothesis to Pakistan

In Pakistan, the majority of people have access to energy supplies. However, people who are underprivileged, below the extreme poverty line, or part of the middle class often spend disproportionate portions of their income on energy supplies and services, to some extent because of higher upfront prices for energy supplies, expensive products, and expensive imported appliances. The nonavailability of low-cost energy supplies is mainly affecting underdeveloped regions that have mostly low-income households. We used the dynamic ordinary least squares method to look at the impact of the energy crisis on income inequality from 1997 to 2021. The results show that the energy crisis exacerbates income inequality as low-income groups end up spending more significant shares of their income on energy products, supplies, and services than higher-income groups. Fair and equal access to energy supplies and services is less likely to reduce income inequality if prices are not cost-efficient. Cautious deliberation regarding the structure of energy tariffs is inevitable; at the same time, safety nets and social security programs for the poorest groups need to be expanded. At this stage, the aim is to target energy prices that will achieve the objectives of reducing polarity and increasing real income.

Flexibility justice: Exploring the relationship between electrical vehicle charging behaviors, demand flexibility and psychological factors

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the landscape of energy consumption. While the technical and economic dimensions of EV adoption are increasingly well understood, the aspect of justice in demand flexibility remains underexplored. This study examines the complex relationship between flexibility in EV charging behaviors and the influence of socio-psychological and justice factors. We explore a range of demographic and social-psychological variables including charging anxiety, environmental concerns, perceived cost-saving perception, perceived privacy, and trust in utility providers. Our results reveal that these variables positively influence the changes in charging habits, including time-shifting and load-reduction. This study also uncovers disparities in charging behavior adjustments across various demographics groups. For instance, White respondents are more likely to charge their EVs during off-peak hours than their non-White counterparts and homeowners show a greater intention to reduce EV charging load during peak hours compared to renters. Additionally, high-income individuals exhibit a stronger willingness to shift charging times to off-peak, with White respondents within the high-income group being the most likely to reduce the amount of charging load during peak hours. Conversely, low-income White respondents are less inclined to make such adjustments. These disparities are likely tied to socioeconomic status, as more vulnerable groups often face greater constraints in adjusting their schedules. Therefore, it is imperative that policies prioritize flexibility justice by addressing the specific needs and behaviors of vulnerable groups, aiming to mitigate the additional burdens resulting from their limited flexibility.