Households In City Research Articles

Discover the determining factors of the use of mangrove forests conservation behaviors

Mangrove forests are one of the most important habitats in the world and one of the most beautiful manifestations of nature. They are also among the oldest living creatures on the planet. Mangrove forests can sequester huge amounts of greenhouse gases, protect lives from floods and purify water, but in recent years they have been threatened with extinction and destruction. Studies show that in some countries, including Iran, more than 40% of mangrove forests have disappeared. This is why it is so important to protect the remaining mangroves. In this regard, the main objective of this research was to identify the determining factors for the use of mangrove forest conservation measures in Iran. This study used the theory of values, beliefs and norms (VBN) as the theoretical framework. The study used a survey questionnaire and structural equation modeling (SEM). It focused on all rural households in Minab city (southern Iran). The results showed that VBN can explain 69.4% of the variance in mangrove forest protection behavior. The results of SEM showed that the variables were egoistic value (EV), altruistic value (AV), biospheric value (BV), ecological paradigm (NEP), awareness of consequences (AC), attribution of responsibility (AR) and personal norms (PN) have a significant impact on the adoption of mangrove forest conservation behaviors. From a practical perspective, this study provides a logical rationale for using VBN in the application of forest conservation behaviors. The results of this study can help policy makers encourage rural households to adopt safe and environmentally friendly behaviors.

Adoption of Rooftop Solar Power as an Energy Option: A Household Level Study in Pune Smart City

Power generation using fossil fuels on a large scale contributes to global greenhouse gases and, therefore, impacts climate change. Renewable energy sources like solar power are needed to overcome such adverse impacts. Solar energy has received attention in the recent years due to both technological improvements resulting in cost reductions as well as the government policy push for renewable energy development and utilization. This research concerns with the adoption of rooftop solar power as an energy option at household level in the context of smart cities. We conducted a questionnaire survey on a sample of resident households in Pune smart city and analysed various parameters concerning households’ adoption. It has been found that the respondents are less willing to adopt rooftop solar power option for the lack of awareness of energy conservation and climate change issues, lack of financial incentives for the adoption and concern for operational issues that arise after the adoption; the respondents who are aware are more likely to adopt it in a timeframe of 1–3 years. Statistical analysis of various important relationships may be useful for future research on household adoption of renewable energy options, such as rooftop solar power.

Mexico city’s decline in per capita domestic water use: a comprehensive spatial-temporal study

ABSTRACT Facing the growing challenges in water supply in urban areas, characterized by high demand and water scarcity, Mexico City, with its high population density and limited water resources, exemplifies the challenges in ensuring equitable management and water supply in complex urban environments. This study combines GIS tools, statistical analysis and spatial regression to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in per capita water consumption in Mexico City households between 2010 and 2019. The results show a 40% decrease in average consumption and a spatial reconfiguration that reflects an increase in inequalities in access to drinking water. The influence of five key factors in the reconfiguration is identified: intermittent supply, economic income, water feasibility, households without piped water, and an increase in dwellings. The findings are essential for developing equitable and effective water policies, emphasizing the need to address inequalities in water access in urban planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dimensions of Housing Deprivation in Poland: A Rural-Urban Perspective

The paper focuses on severe housing deprivation and its components—overcrowding and housing conditions problems. It is based on the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) 2019 survey data. The paper analyzes this data on households in Poland—a country with significant problems in terms of housing deprivation. Three dimensions of housing deprivation are examined: experiencing only overcrowding, experiencing only housing conditions problems, and being severely housing deprived. The study aims to investigate three-dimensional housing deprivation depending on the urbanization level of living places and other socioeconomic characteristics of Polish households. The multinomial logit model was used to assess relative risk ratios for explanatory variables to achieve these purposes. It was found that some socioeconomic characteristics significantly influenced one dimension but not another. Moreover, the relative risk ratios for given characteristics sometimes are greater than one for a particular dimension and less than one for another. Specifically, a significant difference in housing conditions problems between households living in towns and rural areas was found. However, there are no significant differences in overcrowding and severe housing deprivation, given that all other explanatory variables are fixed. Furthermore, considering the relative risk as a ratio of the probability of experiencing the given dimension of housing deprivation and the probability of not being housing deprived at all, households in cities compared with rural households were more likely to be overcrowded and to experience severe housing deprivation but less likely to have housing conditions problems.

Factors influencing willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services among households in urban cities in Uganda: empirical evidence from Lira City

Waste management in Lira City, Uganda faces significant challenges, particularly in the area of waste collection. Pollution and health risks from uncollected waste are rampant, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. This persistent problem demands urgent attention and effective solutions to improve waste collection and safeguard the well-being of the community and the natural surroundings. This study aimed to assess households’ willingness to pay for improved waste collection services, examine their waste management practices, and identify influencing factors. We employed a multistage sampling technique to randomly select 585 household heads and conducted key informant interviews with city officials and private waste collectors. Data analysis was conducted with STATA 17 and results showed that 48.12% of households were willing to pay an average of UGX 3012 ($0.84) per month for better services. Factors including education level, occupation, distance to waste collection sites, and environmental awareness significantly influenced this willingness. The study highlights a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of efficient solid waste management practices and concludes that enhancing public awareness is crucial for improving environmental health and safety in Lira City.

Intention to buy biodegradable trash bags: Research on households in Ho Chi Minh City

Most of the plastic waste polluting rivers and seas in Vietnam is single-use plastic items, of which plastic trash bags account for a large proportion. This study was conducted to determine the influence of subject norm, environmentally friendly product orientation, and knowledge about environmentally friendly products on intention to purchase biodegradable trash bags under the mediating effect of attitude toward environmentally friendly products. To achieve the research objectives, the author surveyed 449 Ho Chi Minh City households. Additionally, a structured interview questionnaire and the easy non-probability sampling approach were used to perform the survey. The data was analyzed using the SmartPLS 4.0 program. The results show that subject norm, environmentally friendly product orientation, and knowledge about environmentally friendly products all positively and significantly influence attitudes toward environmentally friendly products; attitudes toward environmentally friendly products also positively and significantly influence intentions to buy biodegradable trash bags; and attitudes toward environmentally friendly products act as a mediating factor in the relationship between subject norm, environmentally friendly product orientation, knowledge about environmentally friendly products, and intentions to purchase biodegradable trash bags. The research's consequences will are anticipated to help businesses develop sensible business plans.

Influence of ventilation and air filtration system on indoor air quality within a residential apartment in Hanoi, Vietnam

Most households in major cities in Vietnam use air conditioning equipment for better indoor thermal comfort. However, to save electricity cost, the houses’ rooms are often closed when the air conditioner is running. This habit causes the raising of indoor CO2 concentration especially during the sleep night time. Therefore, mechanical ventilation is recommended to provide fresh air in. However, high polluted particle outdoor will follow outdoor air to get in the room. To comprehensively solving the above issues, the combination of central ventilation and air purification system have been applied. Their influence on indoor air quality within a residential apartment were tested and evaluated in this study. When the central ventilation and air filtration system was operated, not only indoor CO2 concentrations but also indoor PM2.5 concentrations were reduced significantly compared to those when the system was turn off. On the other hand, the study also found that the air purification capacity of the ventilation and filtration system was strongly depend on the air flow of the system, it increased when raising the air flow going through the system.

Examining the decline of urban green spaces in Gweru City, Zimbabwe: a factor analysis approach

ABSTRACT The demand for urban green spaces (UGS) has been remarkably increasing in Zimbabwe in recent years. This study examines the key drivers of the depletion of UGS in Gweru City from households’ perspectives from 2000 to 2019. Key drivers differ geographically in space and time; hence, there is a need to solicit the views of households. To achieve this, the researcher gathered data from Gweru City households using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed using articles on the deterioration of UGS found in reputable databases such as Scopus. A total of 1990 households were involved in this survey. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to derive the key drivers of the extinction of green spaces in the city. The results showed that human activities, administrative deficiencies, and geological influence are the key drivers of the demise of urban green spaces in Gweru City. These results support other studies carried out across the globe on the possible drivers of green areas in most cities. The results will assist responsible authorities in developing effective by-laws that aim to protect UGS in Gweru City. Residents should establish and manage UGS in the cities.

A surge in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort in Mexico City.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused tremendous loss of life and health but has also greatly disrupted the world economy. The impact of this disruption has been especially harsh in urban settings of developing countries. We estimated the impact of the pandemic on the occurrence of food insecurity in a cohort of women living in Mexico City, and the socioeconomic characteristics associated with food insecurity severity. We analyzed data longitudinally from 685 women in the Mexico City-based ELEMENT cohort. Food insecurity at the household level was gathered using the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale and measured in-person during 2015 to 2019 before the pandemic and by telephone during 2020-2021, in the midst of the pandemic. Fluctuations in the average of food insecurity as a function of calendar time were modeled using kernel-weighted local polynomial regression. Fixed and random-effects ordinal logistic regression models of food insecurity were fitted, with timing of data collection (pre-pandemic vs. during pandemic) as the main predictor. Food insecurity (at any level) increased from 41.6% during the pre-pandemic period to 53.8% in the pandemic stage. This increase was higher in the combined severe-moderate food insecurity levels: from 1.6% pre-pandemic to 16.8% during the pandemic. The odds of severe food insecurity were 3.4 times higher during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels (p<0.01). Socioeconomic status quintile (Q) was significantly related to food insecurity (Q2 OR = 0.35 p<0.1, Q3 OR = 0.48 p = 0.014, Q4 OR = 0.24 p<0.01, and Q5 OR = 0.17 p<0.01), as well as lack of access to social security (OR = 1.69, p = 0.01), and schooling (OR = 0.37, p<0.01). Food insecurity increased in Mexico City households in the ELEMENT cohort as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results contribute to the body of evidence suggesting that governments should implement well-designed, focalized programs in the context of economic crisis such as the one caused by COVID-19 to prevent families from the expected adverse health and well-being consequences associated to food insecurity, especially for the most vulnerable.

Beyond ownership: assessing diverse housing typologies and policy interventions for affordable housing in Dilla, Ethiopia

This research addresses global housing crisis, a secondary city of Dilla in Ethiopia as a case study. This study seeks to fill the empirical knowledge gap in popular housing typologies and tenure types in urban development in the Global South outside metropolitan areas. Drawing from an in-depth study of 18 households, the focus is on housing choices of middle- and low-income households in a secondary city of Dilla, Ethiopia. Such cities so far have been less in the focus of researchers, compared to capital regions. The studied housing types are tenures of homeownership, private rental and a rent-free model as housing types, with informal arrangements playing a role in the last two types. Our study underlines the necessity of not only acknowledging, repairing and formalizing the existing semi- and informal housing developments but also of proactively planning for peripheral housing developments and future expansion, a strategy with broader applicability to the region and the Global South. Such anticipating measures include the development of water and energy infrastructure, land earmarking for much-needed public rental housing, and the establishment of robust tenant rights through legislative foresight.

Exploring the Consequences of Land Expropriation on the Food Security of Peri-urban Indigenous Communities in Addis Ababa

Abstract Rapid urbanization in Ethiopia, driven by the government's efforts to modernize and diversify the economy, has led to significant land expropriation in the capital city of Addis Ababa and its surrounding areas. This process has resulted in the displacement of peri-urban indigenous communities, particularly in the Addis Ababa and Sheger cities in Oromia region. This study investigates the socio-economic, cultural, and policy implications of land acquisition on these communities. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of a survey of 223 evicted households in Lemmi Kura Sub city of Addis Ababa, we examine the consequences of land dispossession, including loss of livelihood, food insecurity, and inadequate compensation and rehabilitation measures. We also explore potential mitigation strategies, such as sustainable urban planning, land use management, and strengthening community resilience. Our findings highlight the urgent need for inclusive policies that prioritize the rights and well-being of marginalized communities while promoting sustainable urban development.

Utilization of non-timber forest products as alternative sources of food and income in the highland regions of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

In developing countries, studies on sustainable preservation of forests (including non-timber forest products NTFPs) have been poorly carried out for promoting alternative income generating activities (IGA) to alleviate pressure on praised resources by local communities living close by protected areas. This study aimed at (1) inventorying NTFPs exploited by local communities around the Kahuzi Biega National Park (KBNP), (2) assessing their therapeutic values and nutritional contributions, and (3) analyzing their rural and urban market values to determine their potential as alternative income sources as well as the major constraints in their exploitation. Individual interviews were conducted with 790 rural and urban households in Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, and Bukavu City, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) coupled with focus group discussions with key stakeholders around KBNP. Street vendors, restaurants, hotels, and market owners were also interviewed on uses, awareness of the nutritional and therapeutic values, and factors hindering NTFPs wide use in Bukavu urban environments. Physicochemical analyses were also conducted on main NTFPs to determine their nutritional values. Results showed that local populations around KBNP exploit at least 55 NTFPs, mainly for self-consumption as food, feed, and medicine. NTFPs represent the second most important income source around KBNP, accounting for 23.3 % of total households’ income after agriculture that generates 25.7 % of total households’ income. Income from NTFP trade was primarily used for food supply (29 %), investment in small businesses (19.6 %), children's education (17.7 %), and healthcare expenses (5.1 %). These NTFPs had varying nutritional values (in terms of proximate composition, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds). Solanum nigrum (24.9 %), Termitomyces robustus (18.0 %), Amaranthus viridis (17.6 %), and Piper nigrum (16.9 %) are valuable sources of proteins while Zingiber officinale (25.5 %), T. robustus (15.4 %) and P. nigrum (14.3 %) are rich in dietary fibres. Piper nigrum (37.0 and 128.3 mg/kg) and Basella alba (35.1 and 108.7 mg/kg) had the highest zinc and iron contents, respectively. Some of the most nutritious NTFPs, such as S. nigrum, Dioscorea spp., and P. nigrum had high contents in anti-nutritional elements and should be processed properly to maximize bioavailability. Besides, NTFPs created employment opportunities for collectors, vendors, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants both in rural and urban areas. Though varying with rural communities, the main challenges in the NTFP value chain were low market values (48.6 %), short shelf life (22.5 %), and excessive taxation (19.1 %) while in urban areas, seasonality (36.9 %), scarcity (17.7 %), and prohibiting high prices (17.7 %) were the major limiting factors. This study highlights the significant role played by NTFPs in providing healthy and nutritious food and income for households surrounding the KBNP, and thus emphasizes the necessity for their promotion as alternative income sources and healthy diets to alleviate poverty and hidden hunger around the KBNP.

Deprivation and Its Association with Child Health and Nutrition in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area of Uganda

African cities are experiencing increasing living standard disparities with limited evidence of intra-urban health disparities. Using data from the 2006–2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys, we employed the UN-Habitat definition to examine slum-like household conditions in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). Subsequently, we developed a slum-like severity index and assessed its association with under-5 common morbidities and healthcare access. We also assessed the characteristics of people in slum-like household conditions. We identified five slum-like conditions: substandard housing conditions, limited water access, overcrowding, unclean cooking fuel, and limited toilet access. By 2016, 67% of GKMA households were classified as slum-like conditions, including 31% in severe conditions. Limited toilet access, overcrowding, and limited water access were the main forms of deprivation.Living in slum-like household conditions correlated with lower education levels, youth status, unprofessional jobs, and marriage. Compared to neighboring Kampala city urban outskirts, Kampala city households had lower slum-like prevalence. Children in GKMA living in slum-like household conditions were more likely to experience diarrhea (moderate: OR = 1.21[95% CI: 1.05–1.39], severe: OR = 1.47 [95% CI: 1.27–1.7]); fever (moderate: OR = 2.67 [95% CI: 1.23–5.8], severe: OR = 3.09 [95% CI: 1.63–5.85]); anemia (moderate: OR = 1.18 [95% CI: 0.88–1.58], severe: OR = 1.44 [95% CI: 1.11–1.86]); and stunting (moderate: OR = 1.23 [95% CI: 1.23–1.25], severe: OR = 1.40 [95% CI: 1.41–1.47]) compared to those living in less slum-like conditions. However, seeking treatment for fever was less likely in slum-like household conditions, and the association of slum-like household conditions with diarrhea was insignificant. These findings underscore the precarious urban living conditions and the need for targeted health interventions addressing the social determinants of health in urban settings.

Lithic tool provisioning in the western Aztec provinces: A view from Calixtlahuaca

AbstractWe describe an analysis of the flaked stone tools recovered from households in the Postclassic central Mexican city of Calixtlahuaca (a.d.1130–1530). Most artifacts are obsidian and represent the blade-core technology, but biface and bipolar artifacts are also represented. Even though household residents were involved in limited biface and bipolar reduction, it appears that the city did not have any resident blade producers. This finding is at odds with the views of many archaeologists, who tend to associate craft production with the emergence of complex Mesoamerican urban centers. We examine the technologies from temporally distinct Calixtlahuacan household assemblages. We discuss why the quantity and quality artifacts associated with blade production are not consistent with resident blade making in the city. Finally, we examine four models for blade provisioning: (1) whole-blade trade, (2) processed-blade trade, (3) long-distance itinerant craftsmen, and (4) local, hinterland-based craftsmen. Evaluating how the Calixtlahuacans got their flaked stone tools has important implications for the comparative understanding of the organization and scale of economic provisioning systems in Postclassic central Mexico. This analysis supports new inferences about the nature of commercial networks that supplied the Toluca Valley prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the sixteenth century.

Investigating the temporal dynamics of sub-micron particles and particle-bound transition metals in indoor air of a metropolitan city.

The present study portrays an association between particle-bound transition metals and children's health. The indoor air quality of the urban metropolitan city households was monitored for four PM sizes, namely PM1.0-2.5, PM0.50-1.0, PM0.25-0.50 and PM<0.25, in major seasons observed in the city; summer and winter. Further transition/heavy metals, viz. Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, were analysed in PM1-2.5 samples. In order to evaluate the effect, health risk assessment was performed using mathematical and computational model for assessing dermal exposure and dose estimation (multiple path particle dosimetry model version3.0). The study principally targeted the children aged 2-15years for the health risk assessment. According to the results, for the largest particle size i.e. PM1.0-2.5 the highest deposition was in the head region (49.1%) followed by pulmonary (43.6%) and tracheobronchial region (7.2%), whereas, for the smallest particle size i.e. PM<0.25 the highest deposition was obtained in the pulmonary region (73.0%) followed by the head (13.6%) and TB region (13.2%). Also, the most imperilled group of children with highest dose accumulation was found to be children aged 8-9years for all particle sizes. Moreover, the dermal exposure dose as evaluated was found to be preeminent for Ni, Zn and Pb. Besides, seasonal variation gesticulated towards elevated concentrations in winter relative to the summer season. Altogether, the study will provide a conception to the researchers in the fields mounting season-specific guidelines and mitigation approaches. Conclusively, the study commends future work focussing on defining the effects of other chemical components on particles and associated transition metal composition along with proper extenuation of the same.

Efektivitas Media Promosi Kesehatan Tentang Perilaku Hidup Bersih Dan Sehat (PHBS)

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) are all health behaviors carried out out of personal awareness so that the family and all its members are able to help themselves in the health sector and have an active role in community activities. The main goal of the PHBS movement is to improve the quality of health through an awareness-raising process which is the beginning of the contribution of individuals in living a clean and healthy daily life. the average percentage of PHBS in Surabaya city households is 75.07%, this figure has reached the target of PHBS in East Java province households of 53%, however, there is still the lowest working area of ​​the health center, namely the Krembangan Selatan health center with a percentage of 48%. . This type of research is Literature Review or literature review. Literature review is what the author does by searching various sources related to a particular topic which can be obtained from various sources such as journals, archive books, articles, the internet, or other documents that are revered. the provision of knowledge through counseling and training with a combination of Leaflet media is very influential on changes in knowledge. there is a positive and significant effectiveness of animaker-based animated videos on clean and healthy living behavior. It can be seen and proven from the results of the Pearson correlation coefficient at a significance level of 5% or 0.05, namely: 0.538. One effort that can be done is to provide counseling through health promotion media that is used so that it is easy to understand and interesting to look at, and can relate to the level of target knowledge.

Nutritional composition and mineral profile of leaves of Moringa oleifera provenances grown in Gaborone, Botswana

Although Moringa is an important vegetable crop elsewhere, its nutritional and non-food uses are not widely known in Botswana community. This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and mineral contents of leaves of Moringa oleifera trees grown in Gaborone, Botswana. The leaf samples were collected from Moringa trees grown in the backyards of six different households in Gaborone city. They were dried separately at 55 ºC for 24 h and then ground to obtain a powder for analysis. The data on the proximate composition of the Moringa samples were subjected to Analysis of Variance to determine statistical differences among the mean values. The overall mean values of moisture, fat, protein, ash, fiber and total available carbohydrates of the leaves were 6.93 ± 0.16, 7.78 ± 0.13, 27.1 ± 0.43, 7.34 ± 0.31, 9.1 ± 1 and 46.5 ± 3%, respectively. The Moringa leaves contained average values of 520 ± 96.0, 7.7 ± 1.3, 30.1 ± 15.5, 0.8 ± 0.1, 82.6 ± 6.4, 1.7 ± 0.2, 1.6 ± 0.2 and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/100g of Calcium, Iron, Sodium, Zinc, Magnesium, Aluminum, Manganese and Chromium, respectively. Significant differences were observed for moisture, fat, protein and ash contents among the six Moringa samples. The results showed that the leaves are rich in nutrients, particularly with high amounts of protein and ash. This suggests that Moringa leaf could serve as an important protein and mineral supplement in the diet and can be consumed as a vegetable in Botswana. The difference in composition observed between the Moringa leaf samples suggests a possible genotypic difference between the Moringa trees used in this experiment. Thus, there is a need for further study to verify this.Graphical

Measuring Housing Affordability in the Philippines

This study evaluates housing affordability using other methods beyond the standard 30 percent income benchmark. By employing the Housing Affordability Index, which considers median family income and average housing prices, the authors find that most Filipino households are income-constrained in purchasing homes. Using the residual income method alongside the 30 percent income standard reveals that the latter overestimates affordability for poorer households, with housing stress particularly evident among low-income groups. The study highlights that socialized and economic housing projects are increasingly situated on the urban fringes, limiting housing options for low- and middle-income households in cities. With residential prices outpacing income growth, the government faces two key objectives: improving housing conditions for poor and vulnerable households and curbing speculative increases in property prices. Proposed solutions include innovative housing interventions and regulatory measures to control property market speculation and ensure affordability.

Determinants of catastrophic costs among households affected by multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam: a prospective cohort study

Background Globally, most people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and their households experience catastrophic costs of illness, diagnosis, and care. However, the factors associated with experiencing catastrophic costs are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with catastrophic costs incurrence among MDR-TB-affected households in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam.Methods Between October 2020 and April 2022, data were collected using a locally-adapted, longitudinal WHO TB Patient Cost Survey in ten districts of HCMC. Ninety-four people with MDR-TB being treated with a nine-month TB regimen were surveyed at three time points: after two weeks of treatment initiation, completion of the intensive phase and the end of the treatment (approximately five and 10 months post-treatment initiation respectively). The catastrophic costs threshold was defined as total TB-related costs exceeding 20% of annual pre-TB household income. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with experiencing catastrophic costs. A sensitivity analysis examined the prevalence of catastrophic costs using alternative thresholds and cost estimation approaches.Results Most participants (81/93 [87%]) experienced catastrophic costs despite the majority 86/93 (93%) receiving economic support through existing social protection schemes. Among participant households experiencing and not experiencing catastrophic costs, median household income was similar before MDR-TB treatment. However, by the end of MDR-TB treatment, median household income was lower (258 [IQR: 0–516] USD vs. 656 [IQR: 462–989] USD; p = 0.003), and median income loss was higher (2838 [IQR: 1548–5418] USD vs. 301 [IQR: 0–824] USD; p < 0.001) amongst the participant households who experienced catastrophic costs. Being the household’s primary income earner before MDR-TB treatment (aOR = 11.2 [95% CI: 1.6–80.5]), having a lower educational level (aOR = 22.3 [95% CI: 1.5–344.1]) and becoming unemployed at the beginning of MDR-TB treatment (aOR = 35.6 [95% CI: 2.7–470.3]) were associated with experiencing catastrophic costs.ConclusionDespite good social protection coverage, most people with MDR-TB in HCMC experienced catastrophic costs. Incurrence of catastrophic costs was independently associated with being the household’s primary income earner or being unemployed. Revision and expansion of strategies to mitigate TB-related catastrophic costs, in particular avoiding unemployment and income loss, are urgently required.

Economic implications of autonomous adaptation of firms and households in a resource-rich coastal city

Climate change intensifies the likelihood of extreme flood events worldwide, amplifying the potential for compound flooding. This evolving scenario represents an escalating risk, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive climate change adaptation strategies across society. Vital to effective response are models that evaluate damages, costs, and benefits of adaptation strategies, encompassing non-linearities and feedback between anthropogenic and natural systems. While flood risk modeling has progressed, limitations endure, including inadequate stakeholder representation and indirect risks such as business interruption and diminished tax revenues. To address these gaps, we propose an innovative version of the Climate-economy Regional Agent-Based model that integrates a dynamic, rapidly expanding agglomeration economy populated by interacting households and firms with extreme flood events. Through this approach, feedback loops and cascading effects generated by flood shocks are delineated within a socio-economic system of boundedly-rational agents. By leveraging extensive behavioral data, our model incorporates a risk layering strategy encompassing bottom-up and top-down adaptation, spanning individual risk reduction to insurance. Calibrated to resemble a research-rich coastal megacity in China, our model demonstrates how synergistic adaptation actions at all levels effectively combat the mounting climate threat. Crucially, the integration of localized risk management with top-down approaches offers explicit avenues to address both direct and indirect risks, providing significant insights for constructing climate-resilient societies.