Sample Of Households Research Articles

Agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus and household income diversification: Experiences from selected villages of West Bengal, India

CONTEXTThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the livelihoods of rural households, especially in developing countries. The reverse migrated workers faced the most economic crisis. They have created additional pressure on local resources and opportunities to maintain their livelihood. In this connection the agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus plays a significant role by providing them livelihood opportunities. OBJECTIVESThis paper attempts to understand the resource use patterns during the post-COVID period, and analyse the impact of agriculture-livestock-forest nexus on household income diversification and poverty reduction. METHODSThe present study uses a novel approach to fulfil the objectives of the study. A well-designed survey was conducted to collect the necessary primary data from sixteen sample villages of West Bengal, India. The scientific design of the survey and data collection procedure is maintained. Moreover, geospatial techniques are used to examine the land use and land cover patterns of the study areas. The econometric models are estimated to inspect the role of agriculture-livestock-forest nexus and household characteristics on household level income diversification and the reduction of poverty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur analysis reveals that a significant number of the sample households depend on agriculture, livestock and forestry to maintain their livelihoods. The reverse migration of workforce has created additional pressure on these activities. This is mainly due to non-availability of other non-farm employment opportunities locally. The analysis of econometric models shows that while engagement in different activities of the primary sector makes income diversified, it is more so when the households possess necessary technologies, skills and financial supports. All of these are crucial given that income diversification helps households to overcome of poverty. SIGNIFICANCEThe intricate web of the agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus serves as a critical source of livelihood for a substantial number of households, yet the challenges and opportunities it presents necessitate targeted policy interventions. Enabling technology transfer, fostering skill development, and extending financial support emerge as key measures to diversify rural livelihoods, thereby fostering sustainable rural development and poverty reduction in the post-pandemic landscape. The integration of socioeconomic data and geospatial satellite information offers an invaluable basis for formulating effective policy strategies in this evolving era.

Quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions of New Zealand households’ food purchases: An analysis by sociodemographic variables

New Zealand has committed to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) from 2005 levels by 2030. Dietary changes within New Zealand could simultaneously improve population health and contribute towards the nation’s emissions reduction target, as agricultural emissions are estimated to account for half of New Zealand’s GHGEs(1). This research aimed to quantify the GHGEs associated with household purchases of major food groups in New Zealand and identify the sociodemographic characteristics that are associated with per capita household dietary emissions. Household dietary emissions were estimated using the NielsenIQ Homescan(R) consumer panel — a large sample of households within New Zealand who report purchasing data of take-home food and beverages. The sample is nationally representative in terms of broad geographical regions and selected key demographic characteristics. Carbon emission estimates were assigned to 1,908,485 total food and beverage purchases from 1,775 households over one year (2019) using a process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) dataset initially constructed in the United Kingdom (UK) and adapted for New Zealand(2). This LCA dataset contains estimates of greenhouse gas emissions generated over the life cycle of the production of food products from the following stages: farming and processing, transit packaging, consumer packaging, transport, warehouse and distribution, refrigeration, and overheads. Greenhouse gas emissions are expressed in kg of carbon dioxide equivalents per kg of food product over a 100-year time horizon. Total emissions from purchases of major food groups were then estimated. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationships between household variables and per capita dietary emissions. Overall purchases of red and processed meat (35%) and dairy products (19%) were responsible for the greatest proportion of emissions. The age group of the primary household shopper as well as household size were predictors of per capita dietary emissions — households with primary shoppers > 65 years had, on average, 33% (95% CI: 20% to 49%) higher per capita dietary emissions, compared to households with primary shoppers 34 years; and every additional household member was associated with, on average, 11% (95% CI: 9% to 13%) lower per capita dietary emissions. We have shown in this large representative sample of New Zealand households that purchases of just two food groups — red and processed meat, and dairy — were responsible for approximately half of dietary greenhouse gas emissions. Larger households had lower per capita dietary greenhouse gas emissions, and older shoppers had relatively higher greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst similar associations have been reported elsewhere more research is needed to confirm these latter findings. With enhanced understanding of the observed association between age of a household’s primary shopper and per capita dietary emissions, interventions may be devised that encourage shoppers to purchase lower-emitting foods, particularly less meat and dairy.

Small-scale egg and orange-fleshed sweet potato production and utilisation in selected communities in Ghana: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundNutrition-related exposures during the first 1,000 days of life are a predictor of health outcomes later in life. World Vision Ghana’s ‘Improved Feeding practices for the 1,000 days’ (IFP) project aimed to improve dietary practices of women and children utilising an integrated intervention approach including nutrition, health, and agriculture strategies.ObjectiveThis paper reports on the production and utilisation of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) and eggs for improving diets of women in reproductive age and young children during the first 1,000 days of life.MethodsPrimary data from Kassena-Nankana West (KNW), Sekyere East (SE) and Kintampo South (KS) districts were triangulated with project routine data for this analysis. Univariate analyses of quantitative data from baseline and implementation monitoring data were conducted to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of beneficiaries, inputs disbursed, outputs produced, and utilisation of the food commodities. Qualitative interviews from 61 participants were transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed; these were triangulated with the quantitative data to capture main themes and findings.ResultsOFSP and egg production and consumption increased annually across beneficiary communities. In 2021, 100% of OFSP produced was consumed in KS; in SE, 95.0% was consumed and 5.0% lost to post-harvest losses. In 2022, 90% OFSP produced in KNW was consumed and 9.0% sold. In KS, 90.3% was consumed and 9.0% sold. In SE, 82.3% was consumed and 17.1% sold. Egg production at the end of the first production year (2022) was 18,720 crates in KNW, 19,680 crates in KS and 40,128 crates in SE. Egg consumption in sample households was less than 10% in 2022 and showed a decreased trend in the first half of 2023. In SE and KS, egg and OFSP production, respectively, increased, exponentially; sale for income was the most common mode of utilisation in eggs but OFSP was consumed in these districts. In KNW, climate, irrigation and socio-cultural barriers hindered the maximal production and utility of the produce, which was not observed in SE and KS, which did not have any of these identified barriers. Reported unintended benefits of production and utilisation included increased household income, food security, and availability of organic manure as a side-product of poultry.ConclusionsThe IFP project resulted in increased household level production, use and distribution of Eggs and OFSP across the three focal districts. Similar settings may benefit from this intervention by adapting the strategies to become easier for beneficiaries to better cope with likely potential barriers such as poultry mortality and water scarcity.

Histoplasma seropositivity and environmental risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region, The Gambia: A cross-sectional study

Robust surveillance of Histoplasma species is warranted in endemic regions, including investigation of community-level transmission dynamics. This cross-sectional study explored anti-Histoplasma antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region (URR), The Gambia.Study participants were recruited (December 2022–March 2023) by random household sampling across 12 Enumeration Areas (EAs) of URR. A questionnaire and clinical examination were performed; exploring demographic, clinical and environmental risk factors for Histoplasma exposure. One venous blood sample per participant was subject to IMMY Latex Agglutination Histoplasma test to determine presence of a recent IgM response to Histoplasma. Seropositivity risk factors were explored by multi-level, multivariable logistic regression analysis.The study population (n = 298) aged 5–83 years, demonstrated a positively skewed age distribution and comprised 55.4% females. An apparent seroprevalence of 18.8% (n = 56/298, 95% CI 14.5–23.7%) was measured using the LAT. A multivariable model demonstrated increased odds of Histoplasma seropositivity amongst female participants (OR = 2.41 95% CI 1.14–5.10); and participants reporting involvement in animal manure management (OR = 4.21 95% CI 1.38–12.90), and management of domestic animals inside the compound at night during the dry season (OR = 10.72 95% CI 2.02–56.83). Increasing age (OR = 0.96 95% CI 0.93–0.98) was associated with decreased odds of seropositivity. Clustering at EA level was responsible for 17.2% of seropositivity variance.The study indicates frequent recent Histoplasma exposure and presents plausible demographic and environmental risk factors for seropositivity. Histoplasma spp. characterisation at this human-animal-environment interface is warranted, to determine public health implications of environmental reservoirs in The Gambia.The study was supported by Wellcome Trust (206,638/Z/17/Z to CES) and a University of Liverpool-funded PhD studentship (to TRC).

Diarrhea Case Surveillance in the Enterics for Global Health Shigella Surveillance Study: Epidemiologic Methods.

Shigella is a leading cause of acute watery diarrhea, dysentery, and diarrhea-attributed linear growth faltering, a precursor to stunting and lifelong morbidity. Several promising Shigella vaccines are in development and field efficacy trials will require a consortium of potential vaccine trial sites with up-to-date Shigella diarrhea incidence data. The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study will employ facility-based enrollment of diarrhea cases aged 6-35 months with 3 months of follow-up to establish incidence rates and document clinical, anthropometric, and financial consequences of Shigella diarrhea at 7 country sites (Mali, Kenya, The Gambia, Malawi, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Peru). Over a 24-month period between 2022 and 2024, the EFGH study aims to enroll 9800 children (1400 per country site) between 6 and 35 months of age who present to local health facilities with diarrhea. Shigella species (spp.) will be identified and serotyped from rectal swabs by conventional microbiologic methods and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Shigella spp. isolates will undergo serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Incorporating population and healthcare utilization estimates from contemporaneous household sampling in the catchment areas of enrollment facilities, we will estimate Shigella diarrhea incidence rates. This multicountry surveillance network will provide key incidence data needed to design Shigella vaccine trials and strengthen readiness for potential trial implementation. Data collected in EFGH will inform policy makers about the relative importance of this vaccine-preventable disease, accelerating the time to vaccine availability and uptake among children in high-burden settings.

Neurocognitive profiles in a community sample of children & adolescents: sociodemographic, behavioral and emotional correlates

ObjectivesWe aim to investigate the association between cognitive profiles of children and adolescents, classified using latent class analysis and emotional, behavioral and sociodemographic factors in a community-based sample of children and adolescents.MethodsThe sample consists of 161 participants recruited from a nationally representative household sample of 1517 children and adolescents who participated in a national mental health survey. Participants and their parents completed the following scales: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. Participants were then administered a battery of cognitive tests from the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Battery as well as the Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability.ResultsLatent class analysis showed a 2-class model that was stable and had good entropy (0.837). Class 1 included 58 participants (36.0%), and Class 2 included 103 participants (64.0%). Participants belonging to Class 1 performed better than those in Class 2 on all cognitive tasks. Chances for belonging to a specific Class varied based on different sociodemographic, behavioral and emotional factors: older participants with higher Intellectual Quotient, higher parental educational level, lower reported hyperactivity and better-reported mood were more likely to belong to Class 1.ConclusionOur results show a tight correlation between different emotional, behavioral and sociodemographic variables on one hand and cognitive functioning in children and adolescents on the other hand. This supports the continuous need for an integrative approach when building norms for cognitive tests that account at the least for all these variables.

Abstract 842: Maize consumption and circulating aflatoxin B1 levels in Mexican adults

Abstract Objective: To estimate the impact of maize consumption on aflatoxin B1 [AFB1] levels, a potent carcinogen, in Mexican adults living in south and eastern Mexico. Methods: Study participants were women and men ≥40 years of age living in five high hepatocellular carcinoma burden states who participated in Mexico’s 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey, a stratified, multi-stage, and cluster survey probability sampling household survey that is representative of the Mexican population. We estimated the consumption of maize intake in grams per day using a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with a time reference of the previous seven days. We determined circulating AFB1-albumin lysine adduct [AFB1-lys] levels in serum using liquid chromatography. Guided by subject-matter knowledge we fit multivariable linear regression models that considered the survey design and included age, sex, residence, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, and foods known to be contaminated with aflatoxins including peanuts, rice, dried chili, milk, and cheese. Results: Among the 915 participants, median maize consumption was 307 grams per day [Q1-Q3: 165 - 554]. Maize tortillas contributed 80% of the total maize consumption. The median maize tortillas consumption was 252 grams per day [Q1-Q3: 120 - 462], approximately 8 tortillas per day. Prevalence of AFB1-lys detection was 92% and median levels were 0.127 pg/µL [Q1-Q3: 0.052 - 0.449]. After adjusting for factors that may affect aflatoxin levels, for every 100 grams of maize consumption AFB1-lys levels were 7.4% [β: 0.071, 95% CI: 0.030 - 0.112] higher. And for every tortilla consumed [30 g of maize], we observed a 2.0% [β: 0.020, 95% CI: 0.006 - 0.034] higher level of circulating AFB1-lys. Conclusion: These findings indicate that maize and maize tortillas may be an important source of AFB1 exposure in the Mexican population. Mexico requires effective public health interventions to mitigate exposure to AFB1. Citation Format: Martin Lajous, Obed Solis-Martinez, Adriana Monge, John Groopman, Katherine A. McGlynn, Martin Romero, Carolina Batis, Hector Lamadrid-Figeuroa, Horacio Riojas-Rodriguez. Maize consumption and circulating aflatoxin B1 levels in Mexican adults [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 842.

Correlates of mental disorder and harmful substance use in an indigenous Australian urban sample: an analysis of data from the Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey.

Limited data exists on the relationship between sociodemographic and cultural variables and the prevalence of specific mental and substance use disorders (MSDs) among Indigenous Australians, using diagnostic prevalence data. This paper utilises data from the Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey (QUIMHS), a population-level diagnostic mental health survey, to identify socioeconomic and cultural correlates of psychological distress and specific MSDs in an urban Indigenous Australian sample. Using a mixture of household sampling (door-knocking) and snowball sampling (promotion of the survey in the community), 406 participants aged 18 to 89 were recruited across key locations in Southeast Queensland. The study investigated various demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors as predictors of psychological distress (measured by the Kessler-5) and MSD diagnoses (utilising the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, CIDI 3.0) using a series of univariate logistic regressions. Individuals in unstable housing (homeless, sleeping rough) and those reporting financial distress were more likely to experience an MSD in the past 12 months and throughout their lifetime. Individuals reporting lower levels of connection and belonging, limited participation in cultural events, and lower empowerment were more likely to have a lifetime mental disorder. This data emphasises the importance of addressing systemic and social determinants of health when designing and delivering community mental health services and underscores the need for holistic approaches when working with Indigenous communities.

Partnership Dynamics of LGB People and Heterosexuals: Patterns of First Partnership Formation and First Cohabitation

In this study we examine partnership dynamics among people with different sexual orientations in Germany. More specifically, we explore the process of first partnership formation and first cohabitation among men and women who self-identify as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Given the various discriminations against same-sex lifestyles, and the limited opportunities to meet potential partners, we assume that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people form partnerships later in life and less frequently than heterosexuals. We further expect that the constantly improving social and legal climate for sexual minorities will lead to a reduction in differences in partnership behaviour by sexual orientation. We use retrospectively reported partnership biographies from the German Socio-Economic Panel, which was supplemented in 2019 with a boost sample of sexual and gender minority households. Using discrete-time event history models, we analyse nearly 15,000 episodes of being single and nearly 20,000 episodes of living without a partner in the household. Around 4.5% of these episodes are from people who self-identify as LGB. The results clearly show that patterns of partnership and coresidential union formation differ by sexual orientation. People with a homosexual orientation—and to a lesser extent people with a bisexual orientation—are less likely to enter into a first partnership and a first cohabitation than people with a heterosexual orientation. Significant changes occur across cohorts: LGB people from younger birth cohorts enter (cohabiting) partnerships much earlier and more frequently than those from older cohorts. Thus, the union formation patterns of LGB and straight people have converged slightly.

Consumers’ perception of piped water supply and their willingness to pay for improved water supply: evidence from an Eastern Indian state

ABSTRACT The objectives of the study are to analyse the perception of consumers on piped water supply, the consumers’ willingness to pay for improved water supply, and the factors that affect it. The sample unit is the consumer household of the public health divisions. The sample size is 181. A multistage random sampling procedure was adopted to choose the sample household. Descriptive statistics and structural equation models are used to analyse the data. This study found that consumer satisfaction is influenced by water supply quantity, pressure, timing, and visual aspects. The main factors causing interruptions include pipeline breakage, cyclone impact, summer water depletion, construction work, motor damage, and reservoir cleaning. Households are not well-informed about advance payment, its benefits, and the proper procedure for obtaining a receipt. Household income, education, satisfaction with water quality, the period of the service association, supply water price, and sufficiency of water during summer directly affect consumers’ willingness to pay. Discontent with appearance and taste affects quality dissatisfaction and indirectly willingness to pay.

Lead occurrence in North Carolina well water: importance of sampling representation and collection techniques

Private wells often lack centralized oversight, drinking water quality standards, and consistent testing methodologies. For lead in well water, the lack of standardized data collection methods can impact reported measurements, which can misinform health risks. Here, we conducted a targeted community science testing of 1143 wells across 17 counties in North Carolina (USA) and compared results to state testing data primarily associated with new well construction compiled in the NCWELL database. The goal of our study was to explore the impacts of sampling methodology and household representation on estimated lead exposures and subsequent health risks. At the household scale, we illustrated how sampling and analytical techniques impact lead measurements. The community science testing first draw samples (characterizing drinking water) had a 90th percentile lead value of 12.8 μg l−1 while the NCWELL database flushed samples (characterizing groundwater) had a value below the reporting level of 5 μg l−1. As lead was associated with the corrosion of premise plumbing, flushing prior to collection substantially reduced lead concentrations. At the community scale, we examined how the lack of representation based on household demographics and well construction characteristics impacted the knowledge of lead and blood lead level (BLL) occurrence. When simulating representative demographics of the well populations, we observed that the 90th percentile lead level could differ by up to 6 μg l−1, resulting in communities being above the USEPA action level. This translated to a 1.0–1.3 μg dl−1 difference in predicted geometric mean BLL among infants consuming reconstituted formula. Further, inclusion of less common well construction types also increased lead in water occurrence. Overall, under- and overestimations of lead concentrations associated with differences in sampling techniques and sample representation can misinform conclusions about risks of elevated BLLs associated with drinking water from private wells which may hinder investigations of waterborne lead exposure.

The association between unhealthy dietary behaviors and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): No evidence in support of the self-selection hypothesis

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants tend to have unhealthier dietary consumption compared to eligible non-participants. It has been suggested, though never empirically tested, that individuals who enroll in SNAP may have unhealthy diets prior to program participation. Using a longitudinal cohort study design, we examined the association between low-income adults' SNAP participation status and prior dietary behaviors to test the argument that individuals with unhealthier dietary consumption self-select into SNAP. A sample of households from predominantly lower-income cities were surveyed at baseline (T1) and 2–4 years later (T2). The main analyses were restricted to adults who did not participate in SNAP at T1 and with household income <200% of the federal poverty line (n = 170) at both T1 and T2. Participants were grouped into two categories, based on their SNAP participation at T2; (a) Non-participants (n = 132): no SNAP participation at T1 or T2, and (b) T2 SNAP participants (n = 38): SNAP participation at T2 but not T1. Daily consumption frequency of whole fruits, fruit juice, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and energy dense snacks were measured through self-reports. To observe dietary differences between the two groups prior to SNAP participation, T1 behaviors were compared. There were no significant differences in dietary behaviors at T1 (prior to SNAP participation) between non-participants and T2 participants, providing no evidence of self-selection of individuals with unhealthier dietary consumption into SNAP among our study sample. Improvements in SNAP participants’ diets may benefit from focusing on policy changes that encourage healthy dietary habits during participation in the program.

The influence of seasonality and multiple water source use on household water service levels

Universal access to safely managed drinking water (SMDW) is important for human health, well-being, and development. It is reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. In rural areas of low- and middle-income countries, 1.9 billion people lack access to SMDW. Multiple water source use and seasonal source switching may negate health and development gains from SMDW. Hence, achieving SDG 6 requires a better understanding of how these factors relate to household service levels. We explored this using data from 37,105 household surveys and 6395 household drinking water samples collected from rural areas of 14 low- and middle-income countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe). A different primary water source was used in the rainy and dry seasons by 10% of households; seasonal source switching was most common in Kenyan households (29%) and least common in Zambian households (3%). Twenty-three percent of households used a secondary water source, and 37% of these secondary sources were unimproved (e.g., unprotected dug wells and surface water). Sixty-nine percent of household water samples contained E. coli. In 11 of 14 countries studied, fecally contaminated water was the water service parameter preventing households from having SMDW free from fecal contamination at the point of use. Overall, 7% of households had access to SMDW free from contamination at the point of use. Our results confirm that the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP) substantively overstate the population benefiting from safely managed drinking water, and their reporting statistics should be interpreted with caution. Seasonal source switching and secondary water source use have an important influence in some countries and should be accounted for in monitoring and programming activities.

Assessment of the Factors Affecting Rural Households Savings: The Case of Wolaita Sodo Zuriya District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Region Ethiopia

With a 95% response rate, the study’s primary goal was to evaluate the factors affecting rural households in Sodo Zuriya Woreda of Wolaita Sodo Zone, SNNP Regional State, out of the estimated 208,595 total households. To do this, a multistage sampling method was used to generate survey data from 384 sampled households using a structured questionnaire administered in-person. The study’s descriptive frequency data, which were obtained using SPSS 20. Version, indicate that 78.4% of sample households overall had saved at the time of the survey, with 51.8% of them doing so in cash and 38.5% doing so in official financial institutions. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis’s findings indicate that women are less likely than men to save money; married couples save more than single people do; farm size can have a significant and positive impact on rural households’ ability to save money; households with larger land plots save more money overall; and there is a highly significant negative overall effect of formal financial institution distance on savings. These results lead to the conclusion that the aforementioned study area parameters affect households’ savings practices in one way or another. Based on these results, financial institutions should offer saving services by opening outlets &amp; sub-branches reasonably close to rural families’ residences in order to encourage rural households’ savings and increase agricultural output through income diversification.

Household food waste in Surakarta City, Indonesia: Quantity, global warming potential (GWP), and management

Households represent one of the main contributors to food waste in urban areas. Surakarta is one of the cities in Indonesia where a significant portion of household food waste is disposed of in landfill sites. The piles of food waste can become an environmental issue if left unmanaged, as they generate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The aim of this research is to determine the quantity, emission estimations, and management of household food waste in Surakarta City. A total of 151 household samples had their food waste collected over a period of 7 days. The method for measuring the quantity of food waste involved direct measurements using a scale, calculating food waste emissions using the GWP formula, and collecting management data through a questionnaire. The research results indicate that, on average, households dispose of 0.499 kg/week of food waste and estimate food waste emissions to be 0.789 kg CO2e/week. In addition to being discarded, some food waste is managed as animal feed and fertilizer. Implementing proper and sustainable management can lead to a reduction in the quantity of food waste sent to landfills.

Understanding the Determinants of Poverty in Brazil: A Household Level Analysis

ABSTRACT: This study aims to comprehensively examine the determinants of household poverty in Brazil, placing a specific emphasis on the heads of households as the primary unit of analysis. Household poverty is a critical and multifaceted issue in developing countries, a reality that holds true for Brazil as well. Understanding the intricate web of factors that contribute to household poverty is of paramount importance to policymakers, researchers, and advocates dedicated to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development. Household poverty remains a persistent challenge in Brazil, with far-reaching social and economic consequences. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to identify the factors that contribute to poverty among households, particularly those led by individuals who are the primary income earners. These households often face unique economic and social challenges that demand targeted interventions. To analyze household poverty determinants, this study utilizes data from the "Pesquisa Nacional por Amostras de Domicílios Contínua" (Continuous National Household Sample Survey) (PNADC). The dataset provides comprehensive information on the individual characteristics of the household head and household-level attributes, offering a nuanced view of the factors at play. A probit model is employed to estimate the probability of a household head experiencing poverty, allowing for a examination of various factors. The research findings reveal several significant determinants of household poverty in Brazil. Firstly, households led by men are found to be less likely to be in a situation of poverty, shedding light on gender-related disparities in income and opportunities. Secondly, households with heads who have attained higher levels of education exhibit a lower probability of being in poverty, underscoring the importance of education as a pathway out of poverty. Moreover, urban households are found to be less prone to poverty compared to their rural counterparts, since households led by individuals who work in agricultural-related activities are more likely to experience poverty. This emphasizes the need for targeted rural development strategies. Additionally, households located in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil face a higher likelihood of poverty, possibly due to regional economic disparities that require specific policy attention. These findings have important policy implications for poverty alleviation efforts in Brazil. Policymakers should consider targeted interventions that focus on improving access to education, particularly in regions with higher poverty rates, as education is a powerful tool for poverty reduction. Efforts to promote gender equality and enhance economic opportunities in rural areas are also essential to address the diverse causes of poverty. Additionally, regional disparities in poverty should be addressed through comprehensive regional development initiatives that take into account the unique challenges faced by different areas of the country. Our results also highlight the importance of community-specific social programs, including conditional-cash transfers and incentives for childhood education, which can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty in Brazil's diverse communities.

Subjective indicators of fuel poverty in Zarqa Governorate, Jordan

Fuel poverty is a pressing global issue for households, particularly low-income ones. This study employs a subjective approach to examine fuel poverty in Jordan. Analyzing data from a survey of 490 participants in Zarqa Governorate, it evaluates the main determinants of subjective fuel poverty. The survey was conducted over 1 month, from March 10 to April 10, 2022. Findings reveal that the sample households experience challenges related to fuel poverty. The modeling of subjective indicators indicates an association between income level and the probability of being in arrears with utility bills. Moreover, the results highlight issues such as an inability to maintain adequate summer and winter temperatures and the presence of leaks, damp, and rot. In light of these findings, policy interventions should focus on enhancing energy efficiency and supporting vulnerable low-income households, particularly those in rural areas.

BURDEN OF TUBERCULOSIS IN INDIA: INFORMATION FROM NFHS-5

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease and is caused by germ (bacterium) called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Transmission of tuberculosis is mainly through air by inhalation of infected droplet nuclei, which are discharged in the air when a patient with untreated sputum positive tuberculosis (TB) coughs or sneezes. Other modifier of the risk of disease are age, with greater risk during infancy and adolescence, and gender, with young women more likely to develop disease soon after infection. This article reports a self-reported levels and socioeconomic patterns in the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) cases in India, based on information collected under the National Family Health Survey-Round 5 (NFHS-5, 2019–21). The prevalence of TB in various characteristics of households along with Rural-Urban break-up is studied and it is seen that the prevalence of TB is 1% at India level. The prevalence of TB is higher in Rural areas as compare to Urban areas. The percentage distribution of sample households by with TB patients are also influenced by other socio-economic characteristics. KEYWORDS: Tuberculosis, NFHS-5, Households

Combining social protection interventions for better food security: Evidence from female-headed households in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia introduced its flagship poverty-targeted social protection program, the Productive safety net program (PSNP), in 2005 and Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) in 2011. Although both programs operate in several districts with some overlaps, evidence is scarce on how these large-scale programs jointly affect the food security of vulnerable groups. This study examines the impacts of a combination of these programs on food security outcomes among female-headed households in a chronically food-insecure and drought-prone district. Cross-sectional data were collected from 365 female-headed households selected through multi-stage sampling technique and analyzed using Inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) strategy to assess the effect of the programs on food security. The results show that while 63.6% of sample households are enrolled in CBHI and 48.8% are beneficiaries of PSNP's conditional cash transfer (CCT) component, membership in both social protection programs was 38.9%. The IPWRA analysis finds that inclusion in the CCT combined with CBHI, on average, increased dietary diversity score by 0.918 (95% CI 0.779-1.057) and food consumption score by 0.576 (95% CI 0.464-0.688). It also reduced household food insecurity access scale by 8.658 (95% CI -9.775 - -7.541). In all assessments, a combination of CBHI and CCT always produced results of a larger magnitude than each of CBHI and CCT alone. The findings provide evidence of the potentials of integrating social protection programs to increase food security outcomes among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in a developing country. In addition, the results have also useful implications to achieve sustainable development goals related to ending hunger and achieving food security among vulnerable groups.

Urinary and household chemical exposures in pet dogs with urothelial cell carcinoma.

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) has been linked to environmental chemical exposures in people, but these risk factors are not well understood in dogs with UCC. We hypothesised that household chemical exposures contribute to the risk of UCC in pet dogs. This prospective cross-sectional case-control study included 37 dogs with UCC and 37 unaffected breed-, sex-, and age-matched controls. Dog owners completed an environmental questionnaire and household samples were collected and analysed for arsenic (in tap water and room dust) and acrolein (in room air). Urine samples from UCC dogs, control dogs, and consenting owners were analysed for inorganic arsenic species, the acrolein metabolite 3-HPMA, and the phenoxy herbicide 2,4-D. Public data on chlorination byproducts (total trihalomethanes) in municipal drinking water were also compared between case and control households. Dogs with UCC were more likely to swim in a pool (15.2%) compared with control dogs (0%) (OR 1.69, 95% CI = 1.69-∞; p = .02). Dogs with UCC also had more than 4-fold higher reported municipal water concentrations of chlorination byproducts (median 28.0 ppb) compared with controls (median 6.9 ppb; p < .0001). Dust arsenic concentrations were unexpectedly lower in case households (median 0.277 ng/cm2) compared with control households (median 0.401 ng/cm2; p = .0002). Other outcomes were not significantly different between groups. These data suggest that dog owners, especially those of breeds known to be at higher risk for UCC, consider limiting access to swimming pools and installing water filtration units that remove total trihalomethanes.