Household Consumption Research Articles

The impact of household digital transformation on household energy efficiency: Empirical evidence from Chinese households.

Carbon emissions from household consumption are an important part of global energy consumption, and household digital transformation is vital for realizing green and low-carbon development. Using data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey, this study empirically examines the effect of household digital transformation on household energy efficiency. The results show that household digital transformation significantly improves household energy efficiency across all quantiles. This effect varies by consumption type, with the most pronounced improvements in food, housing, and other consumption categories. The impact is stronger for households with elderly members. Per capita household income and education level serve as important mediating and moderating mechanisms, respectively. Unlike previous macro-level studies, this research provides micro-evidence on the impact of household digital transformation on energy efficiency, explores the underlying mechanisms through income and education effects, and examines heterogeneous impacts across different consumption types and household characteristics. These findings offer important policy implications for leveraging digital transformation to enhance household energy efficiency and promote sustainable development.

Human Development On The Educational Dimension in East Kutai Regency

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a key metric for measuring achievement in improving human well-being. Various factors, such as economic growth and household expenditure, can have an impact on education's human development dimension. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of economic expansion on household expenditure and human development in terms of schooling. The data analysis technique employs Multiple Regression with SmartPLS SEM (Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modeling) software. According to the study's findings, economic growth has a significant effect on household spending, but not on human development in the educational dimension, household spending has a significant impact on economic development in the educational dimension, and household spending can mediate the influence of economic growth on human development in the educational dimension in East Kutai. Finally, it is vital to boost economic growth based on the agricultural sector, which can improve the welfare of the community, hence increasing human development in the educational dimension in East Kutai Regency.

Effect of digital financial inclusion on household consumption in ECOWAS countries

Effect of digital financial inclusion on household consumption in ECOWAS countries

Preferensi Belanja Konsumen Pasar Tradisional dan Pasar Modern di Kota Banjarmasin (Studi Kasus Pasar Kuripan dan Minimarket)

The research aims to identify the characteristics of respondents and consumer households and their shopping preferences at Kuripan Market and minimarkets (Indomaret and Alfamart). The research uses quantitative descriptive analysis. The number of households within a 500 meter radius of the Kuripan Market location reached 348 households. The minimum sample is 78 households. Data collection techniques through closed interviews in questionnaires. The research results show that around 70% of respondents prefer to shop at Kuripan Market, while 30% choose minimarkets. The main reason for choosing Kuripan Market is the availability of fresh fish, vegetables and fruit, as well as bargaining. On the other hand, 39% of respondents chose to shop at Indomaret, while 48% chose Alfamart. The main reasons for shopping at minimarkets are closer distance, more affordable prices, a more complete selection of goods, as well as cleanliness and comfort.

Impacts of Household Consumption on Economic Growth

Impacts of Household Consumption on Economic Growth

Non-communicable diseases related multimorbidity, catastrophic health expenditure, and associated factors in Ernakulam district

BackgroundMultimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, has emerged as a significant public health challenge with profound economic implications, exerting substantial strain on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) related multimorbidity, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), and associated factors among adults aged ≥40 years in Ernakulam district.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 individuals aged ≥40 years using population probability sampling. The tools used were the Multimorbidity Assessment Questionnaire for Primary Care (MAQ-PC), the WHO STEPS Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which assessed non-communicable diseases, diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and depression. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire collected data on health and household expenditures. Multimorbidity was defined as having two or more self-reported NCDs, and CHE was identified when health costs exceeded 10% of a household’s expenditure in the past month. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to find independent predictors of multimorbidity and CHE.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 60.02 ± 10 years. The prevalence of NCD multimorbidity was 42.6% (95% CI: 37.9–47.3%). The most common dyad was diabetes and hypertension (24.5, 95% CI: 20.4–28.6%). Higher odds of multimorbidity were observed in those aged ≥60 years (aOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.95–4.73), unmarried/widowed/divorced (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.28–3.63), unemployed (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14–2.87), and tobacco users (aOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.85–7.48). Approximately 32.4% (95% CI: 25.5–39.3%) of households incurred catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) by treating adults with multimorbidity. Age ≥ 60 (aOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.99–5.77) and use of outpatient services (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.01–8.32) were independently associated with higher odds of CHE. IP services and each additional morbidity add ₹22,082.37 (β = 0.557, p < 0.001, 95% CI: ₹17,139.88– ₹27,024.86) and ₹1,278.75 (β = 0.128, p = 0.044, 95%CI: ₹35.58–₹2,521.92) to healthcare costs, respectively.ConclusionThe high prevalence of multimorbidity and associated CHE among individuals over 60 years highlights the urgent need for the National Programme for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to prioritise multimorbidity and its management, especially above 60 years within this age group.

Groundwater Quality of the Lower Rio Bravo Aquifer in the Northern Zone of Tamaulipas

Objective: The main objective is to evaluate the quality of groundwater used by the population of the ejidos of Reynosa, Tamaulipas. These wells are used for domestic consumption in rural households and for irrigation of sorghum crops in rainfed agriculture systems. Theoretical Framework: Water supply sources in the northern region of Tamaulipas are experiencing a progressive depletion due to the scarcity of rainfall and the high temperatures characteristic of the region. This challenge is compounded by population growth, which has increased the demand for water. One possible solution to this problem is the exploitation of groundwater resources. However, monitoring activities on the quality of this resource are sporadic, with records dating back to 2006, and in the municipalities of Reynosa and Río Bravo there is almost no culture within the framework of good management practices for sustainable development in the use of groundwater in the lower Río Bravo basin. Method: The approach for the analysis of water quality is carried out in wells located in the northern region of the municipalities of Reynosa and Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, through the linkage with the president of Rural Development District 156 to take samples in wells that are mostly used to supply water to crops and, in some cases, for cleaning activities in farms. Specifically, a detailed physicochemical analysis of the water resource is carried out with the purpose of issuing an opinion on its quality, which will make it possible to determine its potential uses and establish guidelines for sustainable and adequate management in its exploitation. Results and Discussion: In the northern region of the state of Tamaulipas, the use of land for agriculture and the exploitation of the oil industry has been constantly punished. It is a latent fact that agricultural activity represents a significant risk of salinization and groundwater contamination due to the intensive use of agrochemicals. This risk is exacerbated by urban growth, which contributes to water resource contamination through industrial discharges and bacteriological contamination from inadequate wastewater management in population centers. These activities are the main sources of deterioration of groundwater quality and have worsened over time. In addition, the geological context of the region, characterized by stratigraphic formations with natural salinity, further contributes to the complexity of this problem. Research Implications: The results obtained in the development of the project highlight the need for continuous monitoring of economic activities and population growth in the region, to avoid contamination of the aquifer to such levels that for a possible use, specific techniques would have to be implemented that would increase the cost of the water resource, as well as its disposal. Originality/Value: The study of water quality in the aquifer of Río Bravo in the northern region of Mexico represents a considerable challenge, since it is an area affected by problems of insecurity, which makes sampling difficult. However, safe and reliable access to farms and ranches in the area was possible with the cooperation of their owners. This made it possible to carry out adequate sampling and obtain accurate in situ parameters, guaranteeing the veracity of the data obtained.

Assessing the Monetary Value and Environmental Impact of Household Food Waste in Italy

Household food waste accounts for a significant share of total food waste. In 2022, around 1.05 billion tons of food waste were generated—60% of which came from households. In the EU, households generate 54% of the total food waste. In Italy, according to a former diary study, avoidable household food waste accounts for 529.9 g per capita per week. Building on this data, this study assesses the monetary value of food waste at the household level in 6 provinces across the country, considering the prices of food items recorded by the Italian Observatory of market prices. Moreover, the environmental impacts of household food waste (greenhouse gas emissions, water consumed, and land used) were investigated based on existing data from well-grounded scientific literature. The results show that the monetary value of food waste ranges from EUR 357.43 to EUR 404.62 per household per year, corresponding to 5–7% of the average household expenditure for food. The environmental impacts per household per year account for 149 kgCO2eq, which contributes to climate change. In addition, household food waste is responsible for 303,498 L of water consumed and 1426 m2 of land used. The results of this study can be integrated into National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), to integrate food waste reduction into energy savings and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.

Consumption Dynamics in Mixed-Income Neighborhoods with Connected Households

AbstractWe investigate the dynamics of household consumption in a setting in which households are connected across income classes. Low- and high-income households form preferences endogenously, conditional on their own and their neighbor’s past consumption. The modeling effort relies on a stochastic dynamic model of interdependent consumer choice in which the demand for commodities evolves according to a non-linear difference equation with stochastic initial states. The analysis targets a region of the parameter space that corresponds to salient features of a mixed-income neighborhood in which households are connected. Standard methods of asymptotic analysis of dynamic systems (e.g. bifurcation analysis) are combined with numerical simulation, statistical modelling of extreme events and statistical estimation techniques to investigate the dynamics. From the mathematical point of view, our analysis reveals the existence of intricate bifurcation pattern, coexistence of multiple attractors, complex basins and long transients. The essential economic finding states that key features of household consumption vary significantly in the influence the high-income households exert on the preference formation of the low-income households. In particular, we find that the prevalence of long transients, i.e. long waiting times before convergence to asymptotic states occur, is inversely related to the type of connectedness considered. We demonstrate that the dynamics of the consumption trajectory evolving over an extended time period before it settles on long-run simple consumption pattern, may not at all be captured by an asymptotic state. Thus, policies targeting the economies in mixed-income neighborhoods that are solely based on information about long-run consumption states, might trigger unwanted, unanticipated effects.

Contextual Perspective on Climate-Related Shocks, Coping Strategies and Household Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Trends and Insights

Contextual Perspective on Climate-Related Shocks, Coping Strategies and Household Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Trends and Insights

Assessing food consumed away from home in low-and middle-income countries by developing specific modules for household surveys: Experimental evidence from Vietnam and Burkina Faso.

In a world rapidly transitioning, food consumption away from home is rising, therefore representing an increasing share of individual's diet. Food consumed away from home negatively impacts diet, nutritional status and consequently has detrimental effects on health. In some contexts, where individual level dietary intake surveys are not regularly conducted, this behavior is not well documented leading to a gap of knowledge. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate in Burkina Faso and Vietnam specific modules that could be added to Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys that are usually regularly conducted worldwide, in order to document the economic and nutritional importance of food consumption away from home. In each country, two survey modules, one long (100 food items) and one short (30 food items) were developed, to measure individual-level food consumption away from home over the last 7 days. The modules were relatively validated in comparison with data from three non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls conducted over the same 7-days period. The validation was conducted in different settings (urban, peri-urban and rural) in Burkina Faso (n = 924) and Vietnam (n = 918). In both countries, a good concordance between the 24-hour dietary recalls and the modules in their ability to identify a person as having consumed food away from home (>77%) was found. However, in both countries, both modules underestimate the mean energy intake coming from foods consumed away from home (from 122 to 408 kcal) while they overestimate the budget allocated to it (from -0.07 to -0.29 USD/day). None of developed food away from home modules were considered as valid. There is a need for the international community to continue to work on developing and validating tools capable to estimate nutritional intakes related to food consumption away from home and that could be added to regular national household-level surveys.

Impact of adjusted fertility policies on household consumption patterns in China

China's fertility policy adjustments have impacted family fertility decisions but have not reversed the declining birth rate, with economic pressures playing a significant role. This study utilized data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and treated the implementation of China's "two-child" policy as a natural experiment. Using a propensity score matching-difference-in-differences model, the study analyzed data from four periods before and after the policy change to examine how having underage children and additional children affects household consumption behavior. The results indicate that household consumption increases with the number of children, as families with newborns experience higher overall consumption levels. The addition of a second child amplifies this effect, but per capita consumption expenditure decreases as family size grows. Differences in consumption patterns were observed between families with an additional first child and those with a second child. Furthermore, the impact of additional children on household consumption varies significantly depending on the family's education level. The study suggests that the government should design differentiated fertility policies tailored to family characteristics to reduce economic and childcare pressures and create a more supportive environment for family decision-making.

Thermostat standardization, technology trends, future considerations: Expert interviews

Thermostats dictate the majority of energy consumption in households across North America. Despite this, there are minimal requirements for interface configuration or usability. Furthermore, thermostats have developed into highly sophisticated, multi-modal consumer devices, integrating smart technology and complex automated features. A comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges for new, complex thermostat features, as well advisement for the way forward, is unclear. This paper addresses this gap and establishes a harmonized expert opinion through a series of semi-structured interviews. Twenty-five interviewees from private/public industries and academia, with an average of 21 years of experience related to heating/cooling engineering, share their expert opinions for thermostat standardization, technology trends, and future considerations. Overall, experts agree that some degree of standardization is required to improve thermostat usability and put forward critical elements for a standard. Experts offer suggestions for the adoption of smart technology, including demand response programs, automated setbacks, and integration with smartphones/smart homes. Results are supplemented by an AI-generated affinity diagramming exercise and contextualized with a characterization of sixty EnergyStar certified smart thermostats.

Enhancing energy system efficiency through power flow redistribution and storage solutions

Abstract Today, new innovative technologies are widely used in all fields. The energy sector is certainly not an exception, especially in matters of efficient storage and use of electricity. There are many scientific developments in this field. Some of them are at the stage of theoretical development, while others are already in the form of working prototypes. Energy storage technologies store the excess power that occurs in the system when the consumption of electricity is at a minimum, and transmits the stored electricity to the system in the modes of maximum consumption. These technologies not only ensure the continuity of electricity, but also guarantee the energy security of the system. It can quickly provide the system with the necessary power even in various emergency situations that may occur at power stations. It also allows to adjust generation schedules of electricity produced by renewable energy sources that change dramatically due to weather. Energy storage systems are also useful for consumers - through them it will be possible to maintain stable electricity prices within the general network or to ensure individual flexibility and independence of consumption in households.

The Impact of Criminal Financial Sanctions: A Multistate Analysis of Survey and Administrative Data

We estimate the impact of financial sanctions in the US criminal justice system, leveraging nine natural experiments in a regression discontinuity design framework across a diverse range of enforcement levels ($17–$6,000) and institutional environments. We leverage survey and administrative data to consider a variety of short- and long-term outcomes, including employment, recidivism, household expenditures, and other self-reported measures of well-being. We find robust evidence of precise null effects, including ruling out long-run impacts larger than −$391–$142 in annual earnings and −0.001–0.01 in annual convictions, with no corresponding payment increases despite salient and heterogeneous enforcement mechanisms. (JEL G51, H76, J31, K14, K41, K42)

The distributional effects of rural electrification on household welfare: Evidence from Senegal

This study uses a cross-sectional dataset of 3215 rural Senegalese households from the 2018/19 Harmonized Survey on Households Living Standards to assess the distributional household welfare effects of electricity access. The paper conducts separate analyses for both on-grid and off-grid electricity access and uses an array of empirical strategies to compute the relevant effects. We find that household access to grid electricity is associated with increased food and non-food expenditures, while off-grid solar electricity is only associated with increased levels of the latter. In addition, access to grid electricity appears to impact household expenditures more than solar electricity, with the off-grid effect not detected at the top end of the non-food expenditure distribution. In contrast, on-grid electricity has a greater welfare impact on higher-income households. The results further suggest that access to solar electricity can reduce inequality in total non-food household expenditures more than on-grid electricity. The findings encourage consideration of policies designed to extend solar energy to the more remote rural areas to reduce inequality.

Determination of Iodine Concentration in Commonly Consumed Salt and Its Potential Impact on Household Consumers: An Examination and Assessment of Consumed Salt

ABSTRACTIntroductionIodine deficiency disorder (IDD) can lead to health issues as it is necessary for metabolic functions. This study investigated the iodine content of commonly consumed salt and the potential impact on daily iodine requirements and IDDs.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was employed using multistage cluster sampling among 240 households, dividing them into eight clusters from four stratified areas. The sampled salts were analyzed using the World Health Organization's iodometric titration method.ResultsThe study revealed that most salt samples from the studied brands had an iodine content within the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) recommended range of 20–50 ppm, with two exceptions. The study found that most socioeconomic groups in cities, towns, and semirural areas meet their daily iodine requirements at over 100%. At the same time, many rural homes, regardless of income, fail to meet these requirements. However, the study found iodized salt in 97.9% of all surveyed households. Although 48.3% of unions, that is, rural respondents, was knowledgeable about the existence of iodized salt, 66.7% of respondents was not aware of the health benefits of iodized salt. Surprisingly, 63.3% of the town's household members and 61.7% of the rural population still consume raw salt. Additionally, 79.6% of individuals reported having no IDDs. However, only 44.2% of thyroid patients used iodine supplements.ConclusionAlthough salt usage and consumption practices are satisfactory, there are still a few concerns about the 100% iodization of branded and raw salts. As a result, many households need help to satisfy their daily iodine requirements.

Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation strategies in China's municipal solid waste sector under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

With the continuous increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by MSW treatment have gradually become an important environmental concern. This study developed a comprehensive ten-factor analysis framework using the generalized Divisia index method (GDIM) to decompose the driving factors of GHG emissions from MSW sectors in China and its 31 provinces from 2010 to 2022, including population, economy, consumption, and waste generation. The heterogeneity of factor contributions was discussed from both temporal and spatial perspectives to propose mitigation strategies for provincial MSW sectors. The results indicated the following: (1) GHG emissions from the MSW sector increased from 2010 to 2019, followed by a 20.7% decrease from 2019 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regionally, emissions were greater in the eastern provinces than in the central and western provinces. (2) The main positive contributors to the increase in GHG emissions were the consumption expenditure of urban households (HCE, 27.61 MtCO2e) and GDP (25.71 MtCO2e). GHG emissions per HCE (-27.31 MtCO2e) and GHG emissions per GDP (-25.45 MtCO2e) were the main factors for emission reduction. (3) The contributions of ten driving factors to each province varied significantly across different periods, with the negative effect of emission reduction factors increasing under the impact of the pandemic. The findings of this study can support policymakers in developing differentiated mitigation strategies at the provincial level to promote the sustainable transformation of waste management in China.

Climate Crisis on Energy Bills: Who Bears the Greater Burden of Extreme Weather Events?

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events driven by global climate change poses a critical threat to energy system vulnerability and household energy security. Using meteorological data from NOAA and Chinese weather stations (2012-2022), this study examines the impact of extreme climate risks on household energy poverty. Our findings reveal two significant transmission channels: infrastructure disruption and price fluctuation. Extreme weather events compromise energy infrastructure stability and cause supply interruptions, while temperature extremes trigger energy price volatility and increase household expenditure burdens. We further find that regions with weak infrastructure, areas prone to natural disasters, and low-income households are particularly vulnerable to these impacts. These findings suggest that climate change may exacerbate social inequality through energy poverty channels.

Empirical Study on Consumption Pattern of Poultry Meat in Srinagar City

The consumption pattern of chicken has witnessed significant changes over the years, reflecting shifting preferences, dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors. With an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are opting for chicken as a healthier alternative to red meat. In India, the meat products sector witnessed remarkable growth, with the Gross Value Added (GVA) surpassing INR 3 trillion in 2021. The market is projected to expand further at a CAGR of 9.2%, reaching INR 3133.41 billion by 2028, driven by the escalating demand for protein-rich foods. Notably, the poultry business is thriving in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir, contributing significantly to this growth. This study delves into the consumption patterns of poultry meat among residents of Srinagar city, focusing on Groups- Government Employees, Private Employees, and Self-Employed individuals. Utilizing a stratified sampling technique, the research ensures representation from diverse employment sectors. The survey, encompassing 152 respondents, revealed that majority (67.8%) consumed poultry on weekly basis, with an average monthly household consumption of 7.20 kilograms, translating to a monthly expenditure of Rs 1052.63 on poultry. The study identified broiler chicken as the preferred type . Interestingly, demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, and education level demonstrated no significant impact on poultry consumption, while household size, employment nature, number of earners, and income exhibited notable associations. Regarding consumer preferences, internal factor smell and freshness was found to be the most influential while among external factors, affordability had the greatest impact on consumer preference. Overall, internal factors had a higher influence on consumer preference, with a total mean rating of 3.5184, compared to external factors, with a total mean rating of 3.3509. Recognizing substantial impact of internal factors on consumer preference, processing companies should prioritize aligning products with these preferences through market research, innovation, quality assurance, and heightened consumer education.