Household Budget Survey Research Articles

Global Multi-Regional Input-Output methodology reveals lower energy footprint in an alternative community project

Identifying the energy needs of citizens and taking into account different lifestyles and patterns of consumption is a first step for a global transformation towards renewable, fair and democratic energy systems. Currently, Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) is the most widely used metric of energy consumption, which only includes the energy consumed within a country. This research addresses an alternative indicator, Total Primary Energy Footprint (TPEF), which also includes the energy embedded in imported goods and services. The research is innovative in its pioneering combination of a Global Multi-Regional Input-Output (GMRIO) methodology with household budget surveys (HBS) and consumption to production sectorial bridge matrices to calculate TPEF at a small community level. Errekaleor, the largest off-grid alternative intentional community located in Basque Country, Spain, was taken as a case study. The results show, firstly, that alternative communal living can reduce energy consumption. In terms of the specific case study, even if direct residential energy consumption (4.46 MWh·cap −1 ·yr −1 ) was shown to be 32 % and 15 % higher in Errekaleor as compared with Basque and Spanish averages, a TPEF of 31.10 MWh·cap −1 ·yr −1 per capita was determined for the community, 24 % and 14 % below the regional and national averages. Secondly, the relevance of indirect energy embedded in acquired goods and services in determining consumption-based energy use was shown. This accounts for 80.7 % of total consumption in Spain, 74.9 % in the Basque Country, and 66.3 % in Errekaleor. Within Errekaleor, individual arrangements impacted significantly, as people living in families have 33.5 % smaller energy footprints (28.45 MWh·cap −1 ·yr −1 ) than individuals living alone (42.79 MWh·cap −1 ·yr −1 ), who have a TPEF above the Basque average. Thus, the combination of GMRIO and HBS in the analyzed bottom-up case study made an important contribution in terms of clarifying the existing debate about the relative energy efficiency of alternative communities.

Inequalities in food acquisition according to the social profiles of the head of households in Brazil.

Brazil is characterized by strong social inequalities and differences in access to quality food and sufficient quantities of it, which represent a violation of the human right to adequate food. The aim was to assess food expenditures according to the social profiles of the head of the households. Data from the cross-sectional Brazilian Household Budget Survey (2017/2018) were used with a nationally representative sample of household survey participants (n=52,917). Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) to assess the association of different social profiles with the acquisition of food. The profile characterized by woman self-classified as white, with a higher education, which characteristics were positively and significantly associated with more acquisition of fruits (PR=1.22; CI95% 1.09-1.36) and vegetables and greens (PR=1.24; CI95% 1.09-1.41). Black women with low education levels showed a negative association with the consumption of soda (PR=0.53; CI95% 0.45-0.62), and prepared food (PR=0.52; CI95% 0.37-0.74). The results reveal great inequalities in the purchase of food between the social profiles of the heads of the family.

Red and Processed Meat Consumption in Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the quantity and frequency of meat consumption, especially of red and processed meat, in Poland. The amount of meat consumed was assessed using data from household budget surveys undertaken in 2000, 2010, and 2020. The frequency of consumption was assessed using Food Propensity Questionnaire data from 1831 adults in 2019–2020. Poles consumed 1.35 kg of unprocessed red meat and 1.96 kg of total processed meat per person per month in 2020. The consumption of red meat was lower than in the two previous decades; the consumption of processed meat fluctuated. Pork was the most commonly consumed red meat: 40% of adults consumed pork 2–3 times a week. Beef and other unprocessed red meat were most often consumed less than once a month (29.1%). Processed meat was often consumed: 37.8% of adults ate cold cuts, and 34.9% ate sausages and bacon 2–3 times a week. The consumption of red and processed meat in Poland was high and frequent. In particular, the consumption of processed meat exceeded the recommendations and might increase the risk of chronic diseases. It is necessary to implement activities aimed at reducing the consumption of red and processed meat in Poland.

Shadow of single-family homes: Analysis of the determinants of Polish households’ energy-related CO2 emissions

This study is inspired by the ongoing worldwide discussion about the ecological consequences of single-family versus multifamily living and the urgent need to reduce excessive energy consumption in Europe. Poland provides an appropriate country to study the determinants of household energy-related CO2 emissions due to predominant single-family housing and coal-based energy generation.Our goal is to investigate factors that impact CO2 emissions in Polish households. Using quantile regression and controlling for household income, building characteristics, energy poverty, and overcrowding burden, we examine the emissions in detached, semi-detached houses and blocks of flats. We derive data from household energy consumption and household budget surveys collected in 2018 by Statistics Poland. To model CO2 emissions, we use quantile regression, which allows capturing the difference in parameters between quantiles.Our findings support the idea that living in single-family buildings is at odds with climate mitigation goals. Households that possess large properties emit more compared to inhabitants of blocks. The impact of single-family buildings measured by quantile regression coefficients grows from about 728 to 4931 kg of CO2 in 0.05 and 0.95 percentile of CO2 distribution. Targeting overcrowded and energy-poor households is essential to ensure a good quality of life and optimized housing choices.

Empirical best prediction of small area bivariate parameters

AbstractThis paper introduces empirical best predictors of small area bivariate parameters, like ratios of sums or sums of ratios, by assuming that the target unit‐level vector follows a bivariate nested error regression model. The corresponding means squared errors are estimated by parametric bootstrap. Several simulation experiments empirically study the behavior of the introduced statistical methodology. An application to real data from the Spanish household budget survey gives estimators of ratios of food household expenditures by provinces.

The Economics of Shadow Economy in Health: The Case of Greek Physicians Sector

The article attempts to measure and report the extent and magnitude of shadow economy in Greek physicians’ sector. Tax evasion of self-employed doctors as well as informal payments to doctors in public health structures are identified as the two main parameters of shadow economy in this sector. This research attempts to create a standard multidimensional methodological model of approach and analysis of the shadow economy in physicians’ sector. This multidimensional model applied in Greece includes two phases of development of the research tools used. In the first phase, the level of tax evasion of self-employed doctors was assessed with a specific innovative methodology based on the following. Household expenditures for services of private doctors for the period 2011–2017 were analysed using data from the annual ‘Household Budget Survey-(HBS)’ of the Greek Statistical Authority and were compared with the financial data of the ‘Statistical Business Register-(SBR)’, which is updated with data from the Hellenic Tax Authority. In the second phase, the amount of ‘informal payments’ to doctors of the public sector was determined for the period 2011–2017. The survey made use of the HBS data on household expenditure for public care, which were compared with the revenue of public hospitals from private patients.

Modeling Participation and Consumption in the Greek Interurban Public Transportation Market

This article investigates the Greek household travel demand for domestic interurban public transportation using cross-sectional micro-data from a countrywide Household Budget Survey. A number of limited dependent variable models, including the Heckit, Two-Part, and Double-Hurdle models, are implemented to jointly estimate the probability of selecting a specific mode and the amount of using it. The results provide useful insight into the existence of feedback relationships between the decision-making mechanisms of mode selection and amount of usage, and they demonstrate the predominant effect of income on the demand for coaches, railways, airplanes, and coast-wise sea ferries.

Factors Affecting Household Expenditures on Education: A Heckman Sample Selection Application for Turkey

Education is undoubtedly one of the most important elements for the development levels of countries and societies. It is also one of the essential requirements in today's world. Education is a key element of an individual’s initial and later social development, therefore development across countries. Today, in most developed countries, the state spends a large amount of fund for education. Households, as well as governments, spend a lot on education. In this study, the expenses for the education of households in Turkey were discussed, and the effect of socio-demographic and economic factors on these expenditures was examined. For this purpose, the data set obtained from the 2019 Household Budget Survey published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) was analyzed with the Heckman sample selection model. According to the analysis results, the fact that the head of the household is male in a family, his age, and being married had a negative effect on education expenditures. Education expenses were positively affected by household income, population, the number of technological devices, and the employment of the head of the family. In addition, the structure of the household, the presence of individuals who smoke, go to the cinema, and do sports also affected household education expenditures.

Türkiye’de Eğitimin Gelir Dağılımı Üzerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi (2003-2018)

Income distribution in a country cannot have absolute equality for various reasons. One of the main reasons for this can be shown as the differences between the education levels and abilities of the citizens. There are inequalities between the income distributions of the countries due to the differences in the abilities of the people. Eliminating this inequality in income distribution ensures a fair distribution of income within the country. Education is an important tool in the development of people's abilities, knowledge and skills. Therefore, one of the factors shaping income distribution is education. In the 2003-2018 data set revealed by the TUIK (Turkish Statistical Institute) Household Budget Survey data obtained, the Gini coefficient showing the income distribution inequality in Turkey gradually decreases, and the income distribution inequality between education levels is quite high. It has been found that the inequality between the incomes of people with the same education level is in the range of 10-15%, and in Theil Index, the inequality in the income distribution depends on the education level at a value varying between 86% and 89%. The level of education that disrupts inequality changes according to years, and it is observed that it is generally seen in high school and below. In this context, it has been suggested that the pyramid shape showing the education levels should be corrected, policies aiming to expand education should be developed, countries should increase their education levels within the scope of compulsory education, facilitate the provision of training through various institutions or organizations, and support the contribution of the knowledge and skills to be gained through education to economic growth.

Discrepancies between two long-term dietary datasets in the United Kingdom (UK)

Background: Studying dietary trends can help monitor progress towards healthier and more sustainable diets but longitudinal data are often confounded by lack of standardized methods. Two main data sources areused for longitudinal analysis of diets: food balance sheets on food supply (FBS) and household budget surveys on food purchased (HBS). Methods: We used UK longitudinal dietary data on food supply, provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (FAO-FBS, 1961-2018), and food purchases, provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (Defra-HBS, 1942-2018). We assessed how trends in dietary change per capita compared between FAO-FBS and Defra-HBS for calories, meat and fish, nuts and pulses, and dairy, and how disparities have changed over time. Results:Estimates made by FAO-FBS were significantly higher (p<0.001) than Defra-HBS for calorie intake and all food types, except nuts and pulses which weresignificantly lower (p<0.001). These differences are partly due toinclusion of retail waste in FAO-FBS data and under-reporting in Defra-HBS data. The disparities between the two datasets increased over time for calories, meat and dairy; did not change for fish; and decreased for nuts and pulses. Between 1961 and 2018, both FAO-FBS and Defra-FBS showed an increase in meat intake (+11.5% and +1.4%, respectively) and a decrease in fish (-3.3% and -3.2%, respectively) and dairy intake (-11.2% and -22.4%). Temporal trends did not agree between the two datasets for calories, and nuts and pulses. Conclusions: Our finding raises questions over the robustness of both data sources for monitoring UK dietary change, especially when used for evidence-based decision making around health, climate change and sustainability.

Assessing Dietary Intakes from Household Budget Survey in Armenia, 2008-2019.

Household budget surveys are used regularly to estimate dietary intakes. The study aims to assess the trends in food consumption and nutrient intake, according to 14 dietary indicators from household budget surveys in Armenia. Data on food consumption was obtained from Armenian Integrated Living Conditions Surveys, 2008–2019. The results indicate that the consumption of all types of foods, including plant-origin has decreased, whereas the consumption of foods of animal origin has mostly stayed stable. Over time, the energy and macronutrient intakes of Armenians have decreased, while the contribution of each food group to total energy and nutrient intake has not changed. More than 50% of total energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake is attributable to cereals and bakery products. The population is characterized by macronutrient variations; the amounts of energy and carbohydrate intake are below the recommended values set by WHO/FAO, total fat intake is at the highest recommended level, while the amount of protein exceeds the threshold. Based on the findings there is an urgent need to increase awareness of nutritional requirements and a need to change widespread dietary practices, such as irregular meal intake and omission of breakfast.

A comprehensive database of declared high-intensity sweeteners in Brazilian commercial products and updated exposure assessment

Government regulatory actions and public policies to reduce sugar consumption were recently implemented in Brazil. To evaluate their potential impact on the supply of products containing high-intensity sweeteners (HIS) and on dietary exposure to these substances, this study aimed to create a comprehensive database on HIS declared in Brazilian commercial products and estimate their intake through consumption of these products. The occurrence of HIS was evaluated through labeling information of 1869 commercial products available in the Brazilian market, collected between January 2021 and August 2021, and the daily intake was estimated for eight HIS (acesulfame K, advantame, aspartame, cyclamate, steviol glycosides, neotame, saccharin and sucralose) using a deterministic approach by multiplying the maximum permitted levels of HIS in foods and beverages by the consumption data of these products. The consumption data were obtained from the report of Household Budget Survey (POF/IBGE), conducted from 2017 to 2018 through a 24-hour dietary recall applied to 46,164 individuals aged 10 years and over, which included only average data (i.e. average consumption for the general population or subgroups). The most frequent HIS in the investigated products were sucralose (26.8 %; n = 938) and acesulfame K (21.7 %; n = 759), and although the combination of sweeteners is a common practice in the food industry, there was a predominance of only one substance in the investigated products (46.7 %; n = 873). The estimated intake of HIS for average consumers was below the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and does not suggest a toxicological concern. A similar scenario was observed for high consumers, except for cyclamate and steviol glycosides, which corresponded to 144 % and 131 % of their respective ADIs in the general population. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive database on HIS in Brazil and the most recent exposure assessment performed nationally.

Shocks, socio-economic status, and food security across Kenya: policy implications for achieving the Zero Hunger goal

This study assessed the association between shocks, socio-economic factors, and household food security across Kenya, and provided policy implications for achieving the Zero Hunger goal at national and local levels in Kenya. We analysed the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey 2015–16 data for 24 000 households by employing regression models. Our multiple findings show that: (a) half of the surveyed population across Kenya were food insecure; (b) large disparities in food security status exist across the country; (c) demographics (e.g. gender, urban areas), and other socio-economic aspects (e.g. education, income, remittances), positively influence food security; and (d) social and economic shocks negatively influence food security. In summary, the food security status in Kenya is not satisfactory. Our findings suggest that, in general, achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) Zero Hunger goal by 2030 will likely remain challenging for Kenya. Ultimately, a redoubling of efforts is required to achieve SDG 10 (reducing inequality) to ensure no one is left behind. Further, the findings could be useful in the formulation and implementation of national and regional policies for achieving the Zero Hunger goal by 2030 in Kenya.

Discrepancies between two long-term dietary datasets in the United Kingdom (UK)

Background: Studying dietary trends can help monitor progress towards healthier and more sustainable diets but longitudinal data are often confounded by lack of standardized methods. Two main data sources are used for longitudinal analysis of diets: food balance sheets on food supply (FBS) and household budget surveys on food purchased (HBS). Methods: We used UK longitudinal dietary data on food supply, provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (FAO-FBS, 1961-2018), and food purchases, provided by Defra (Defra-HBS, 1942-2018). We assessed how trends in dietary change per capita compared between FAO-FBS and Defra-HBS for calories, meat and fish, nuts and pulses, and dairy, and how disparities have changed over time. Results: FAO-FBS estimates were significantly higher (p<0.001) than Defra-HBS for calorie intake and all food types, except nuts and pulses which were significantly lower (p<0.001). These differences are partly due to inclusion of retail waste in FAO-FBS data and under-reporting in Defra- HBS data. The disparities between the two datasets increased over time for calories, meat and dairy; did not change for fish; and decreased for nuts and pulses . Between 1961 and 2018, both FAO-FBS and Defra-FBS showed an increase in meat intake (+11.5% and +1.4%, respectively) and a decrease in fish (-3.3% and -3.2%, respectively) and dairy intake (-11.2% and -22.4%). Temporal trends did not agree between the two datasets for calories, and nuts and pulses. Conclusions: Our finding raises questions over the robustness of both data sources for monitoring UK dietary change, especially when used for evidence-based decision making around health, climate change and sustainability.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among non-refugees and refugees in Kenya.

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (which we define as refusal to be vaccinated when asked, resulting in delayed or non- vaccination) are poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa and among refugees, particularly in Kenya. Using survey data from wave five (March to June 2021) of the Kenya Rapid Response Phone Survey (RRPS), a household survey representative of the population of Kenya, we estimated the self-reported rates and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among non-refugees and refugees in Kenya. Non-refugee households were recruited through sampling of the 2015/16 Kenya Household Budget Survey and random digit dialing. Refugee households were recruited through random sampling of registered refugees. Binary response questions on misinformation and information were transformed into a scale. We performed a weighted (to be representative of the overall population of Kenya) multivariable logistic regression including interactions for refugee status, with the main outcome being if the respondent self-reported that they would not take the COVID-19 vaccine if available at no cost. We calculated the marginal effects of the various factors in the model. The weighted univariate analysis estimated that 18.0% of non-refugees and 7.0% of refugees surveyed in Kenya would not take the COVID-19 vaccine if offered at no cost. Adjusted, refugee status was associated with a -13.1[95%CI:-17.5,-8.7] percentage point difference (ppd) in vaccine hesitancy. For the both refugees and non-refugees, having education beyond the primary level, having symptoms of COVID-19, avoiding handshakes, and washing hands more often were also associated with a reduction in vaccine hesitancy. Also for both, having used the internet in the past three months was associated with a 8.1[1.4,14.7] ppd increase in vaccine hesitancy; and disagreeing that the government could be trusted in responding to COVID-19 was associated with a 25.9[14.2,37.5]ppd increase in vaccine hesitancy. There were significant interactions between refugee status and some variables (geography, food security, trust in the Kenyan government's response to COVID-19, knowing somebody with COVID-19, internet use, and TV ownership). These relationships between refugee status and certain variables suggest that programming between refugees and non-refugees be differentiated and specific to the contextual needs of each group.

Three decades of household food availability according to NOVA - Brazil, 1987-2018.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo evaluate the trend of household food acquisition according to the NOVA classification in Brazil between 1987–1988 and 2017–2018.METHODSWe used household food acquisition data from five editions of the Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares (Household Budget Surveys), conducted by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), in the years 1987–1988, 1995–1996, 2002–2003, 2008–2009, and 2017–2018. All reported foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification. The household availability of food groups and subgroups was expressed through their share (%) in total calories, for all Brazilian families, by household situation (urban or rural), for each of the five geographic regions of the country, by fifths of the household income per capita distribution (2002–2003, 2008–2009 and 2017–2018 surveys), and for the 11 main urban regions of the country (1987–1988, 1995–1996, 2002–2003, 2008–2009 and 2017–2018 surveys). Linear regression models were used to assess the trend of increasing or decreasing food purchases.RESULTSThe diet of the Brazilian population is still composed predominantly of foods in natura or minimally processed and processed culinary ingredients. However, our findings point to trends of increasing share of ultra-processed foods in the diet. This increase of 0.4 percentage points per year between 2002 and 2009 slowed down to 0.2 percentage points between 2008 and 2018. The consumption of ultra-processed food was higher among households with higher income, in the South and Southeast regions, in urban areas, and in metropolitan regions.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate an increase in the share of ultra-processed foods in the diet of Brazilians. This is a worrisome scenario, since the consumption of such foods is associated with the development of diseases and the loss of nutritional quality of the diet.

Space heating preferences in households: Nested logit model approach in Turkey

Turkish economy with its robust growth performance over the last few decades has brought on the agenda the energy deficit problem together with ever-rising foreign account deficits. Since almost 80% of the energy demand is met through imported fossil resources. In this perspective, household fuel choice is crucial, since it makes up a substantial part of total energy demand. Furthermore, traditional fuels are important sources of indoor air pollution and related health hazards. For this reason, in this study the cross-sectional data obtained from the Household Budget Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute, containing a total of 47,573 households, is used. Multinomial Probit and Nested Logit models are utilized to determine the factors affecting Turkish household heating preferences. According to estimations, dwelling characteristics such as type, age, size and heating system of dwellings are generally found to be an important predictors of fuel choice. Moreover, household characteristics, such as income, education level, spending and saving habits, household size, employment status, marital status, and credit card ownership are generally found to be statistically significant factors. Finally, it is suggested that government support is important for a smooth transition from traditional fuels to modern fuels.

Acquisition of food for away-from-home consumption in Brazil between 2002 and 2018.

The aim of the study was to assess the evolution of food acquisition for away from home consumption in Brazil from 2002 to 2018. The trend of food purchases for out-of-home consumption in Brazil was evaluated by comparing food purchase data from the Household Budget Surveys (HBS) of 2002-2003, 2008-2009, and 2017-2018. The frequency of food acquisition was estimated according to sociodemographic variables and the mean cost. In 2002-2003, the frequency of purchase of food for out-of-home consumption was 35.2% (95%CI: 34.4-35.9), increasing to 41.2% (95%CI: 40.4-42.0) in 2008-2009, followed by a decline in 2017-2018 (32.3%; 95%CI: 31.7-32.9). A declining trend was observed in the frequency of purchases of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks and fast foods maintained the frequency between the last two surveys. Spending on this type of food increased between 2002-2003 and 2008-2009, while the mean value of this type of expenditure was maintained between 2008-2009 and 2017-2018. Brazilians increased food purchases for out-of-home consumption between 2002-2003 and 2008-2009, declining in 2017-2018. A consistent fall in the purchase of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks was observed over time, while the group of meals grew significantly.

IS INCOME INEQUALITY IN BULGARIA UNDERESTIMATED IN SURVEY DATA?

The present study analyses wage income inequality in Bulgaria during the period 2010-2019, using data from the National Revenue Agency (NRA) on the actual incurred income of taxpayers and survey data on wage income from the Household Budget Survey of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Key indicators of income inequality are derived under both approaches, which are compared and evaluated through descriptive analysis. The NSI survey data permanently underestimates the level of income and inequality in its distribution, as evidenced by the Gini coefficient, the decile and percentile ratios, as well as other indicators based on them.

HOUSING CONDITIONS OF HOUSEHOLDS OF FARMERS IN 2005-2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the housing conditions of farmers’ households against the background of all households in Poland and their changes after Poland’s accession to the European Union. The assessment was based on one-dimensional objective indicators of the standard of housing use, equipment with technical and sanitary facilities and basic consumer goods, as well as a multidimensional synthetic assessment using the TOPSIS method. Individual unidentifiable data from the Household Budget Survey of the Central Statistical Office from 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 served as a data source. It turned out that, at the beginning of the study period, the housing situation of farmer households was favourable only in terms of such indicators of the standard of housing used as housing area per person and burden on household budgets from the cost of housing maintenance and energy sources. On the other hand, the saturation with selected durable goods and the equipment of dwellings with technical and sanitary facilities was relatively low. This contributed to the low synthetic rating of housing conditions in 2005. However, during 2005-2020, a rapid improvement in the scores of these indicators was observed the fastest among all socioeconomic groups. These dynamic changes resulted in a high score for the housing conditions of agricultural households in 2020.