Community Household Research Articles

Flood stressors and mental distress among community-dwelling adults in Ghana: a mediation model of flood-risk perceptions

ABSTRACT Extant research has linked flooding with mental distress (MD) among flood-prone populations, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain largely unknown. This paper examines the association of flood stressors with MD among households in flood-prone communities in Ghana and estimates whether flood risk perceptions mediated the association. The study involved 767 household heads aged ≥20 years [mean = 47.3 ± 13.7); males = 61.4%]. Flood stressors were assessed using a 15-item Flood Stress-related Scale, while the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to assess MD. Linear regression-based mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro was performed to assess the indirect effect of flood stressors with MD through flood risk perceptions. After adjusting for potential confounders, flood stressors were significantly linked with higher risks of MD (β = .060-.080, p < .001). The mediation and bootstrapping analyses suggested that flood health risk perception partially mediated and accounted for 26.7% of the relationship between flood stressors and MD (direct effect: β = .060, Boots 95%CI: .041-.079; indirect effect: β = .022, Boots 95%CI: .015-.031; total effect: β = .082, Boots 95%CI: .063-.101). The link between flood stressors and MD risk is explained partially by flood health risk perception. Knowledge of households' flood risk perception is therefore critical for effectively managing the effects of flood stressors on MD.

The needs and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control in southern Tanzania

BackgroundMalaria disproportionately affects low-income households in rural communities where poor housing is common. Despite evidence that well-constructed and mosquito-proofed houses can reduce malaria risk, housing improvement is rarely included in malaria control toolboxes. This study assessed the need, magnitude, and opportunities for housing improvement to control malaria in rural Tanzania.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted in 19 villages across four district councils in southern Tanzania. A structured survey was administered to 1292 community members to assess need, perceptions, and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control. Direct observations of 802 houses and surrounding environments were done to identify the actual needs and opportunities, and to validate the survey findings. A market survey was done to assess availability and cost of resources and services necessary for mosquito-proofing homes. Focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders to explore insights on the potential and challenges of housing improvement as a malaria intervention.ResultsCompared to other methods for malaria control, housing improvement was among the best understood and most preferred by community members. Of the 735 survey respondents who needed housing improvements, a majority needed window screening (91.1%), repairs of holes in walls (79.4%), door covers (41.6%), closing of eave spaces (31.2%) and better roofs (19.0%). Community members invested significant efforts to improve their own homes against malaria and other dangers, but these efforts were often slow and delayed due to high costs and limited household incomes. Study participants suggested several mechanisms of support to improve their homes, including government loans and subsidies.ConclusionAddressing the need for housing improvement is a critical component of malaria control efforts in southern Tanzania. In this study, a majority of the community members surveyed needed modest modifications and had plans to work on those modifications. Without additional support, their efforts were however generally slow; households would take years to sufficiently mosquito-proof their houses. It is, therefore, crucial to bring together the key players across sectors to reduce barriers in malaria-proofing housing in endemic settings. These may include government subsidies or partnerships with businesses to make housing improvement more accessible and affordable to residents.

What matters? Unlocking householders’ flexibility towards cooling automation in India

In emerging economies like India, where air conditioners are projected to triple by 2050 — mostly from household use — demand response programs such as cooling automation have gained currency as a suitable approach to address peak electricity from cooling demand. Environmentally commoning/intentional communities are classic contexts in which flexible cooling consumption might be easily realised. Utilising materialist theory and a six-month cooling automation trial, surveys and workshops with twenty households in an intentional community in South India, this study explores factors that shape householders’ pliability or rejection of cooling automation. Results reveal that while commoning identity plays a significant role in householders' flexibility towards automation, extreme heat creates a clash between householders' environmental beliefs and comfort needs, altering their response to automation. We conclude by discussing the theoretical implications arising from these findings and suggest how utilities could respond to these dynamics to foster a transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Healthcare-seeking behavior for respiratory illnesses in Kenya: implications for burden of disease estimation

BackgroundUnderstanding healthcare-seeking patterns for respiratory illness can help improve estimation of disease burden and target public health interventions to control acute respiratory disease in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey to determine healthcare utilization patterns for acute respiratory illness (ARI) and severe pneumonia in four diverse counties representing urban, peri-urban, rural mixed farmers, and rural pastoralist communities in Kenya using a two-stage (sub-locations then households) cluster sampling procedure. Healthcare seeking behavior for ARI episodes in the last 14 days, and severe pneumonia in the last 12 months was evaluated. Severe pneumonia was defined as reported cough and difficulty breathing for > 2 days and report of hospitalization or recommendation for hospitalization, or a danger sign (unable to breastfeed/drink, vomiting everything, convulsions, unconscious) for children < 5 years, or report of inability to perform routine chores.ResultsFrom August through September 2018, we interviewed 28,072 individuals from 5,407 households. Of those surveyed, 9.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 7.9–10.7) reported an episode of ARI, and 4.2% (95% CI 3.8–4.6) reported an episode of severe pneumonia. Of the reported ARI cases, 40.0% (95% CI 36.8–43.3) sought care at a health facility. Of the74.2% (95% CI 70.2–77.9) who reported severe pneumonia and visited a medical health facility, 28.9% (95% CI 25.6–32.6) were hospitalized and 7.0% (95% CI 5.4–9.1) were referred by a clinician to the hospital but not hospitalized. 21% (95% CI 18.2–23.6) of self-reported severe pneumonias were hospitalized. Children aged < 5 years and persons in households with a higher socio-economic status were more likely to seek care for respiratory illness at a health facility.ConclusionOur findings suggest that hospital-based surveillance captures less than one quarter of severe pneumonia in the community. Multipliers from community household surveys can account for underutilization of healthcare resources and under-ascertainment of severe pneumonia at hospitals.

Large-scale agricultural investment and female employment in African communities: Quantitative and qualitative insights from Nigeria

This study examines how large-scale agricultural investments (LSAIs) affect employment outcomes of female-headed households in Nigeria. It focuses on wage income and labour allocations of households in communities where LSAIs occurred in comparison with households in communities where LSAIs did not occur. It engages a mixed method approach, which involves the quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative data was sourced from the Living Standards Measurement Study-Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA), which was analysed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). The qualitative analysis entails in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The results show a positive relationship with the household income living in communities with LSAIs, but a negative association with labour allocation to agricultural activities. Also, the findings indicate that households in communities where LSAIs took place received higher wages and spent fewer hours in agriculture. Though, female-headed households spent more time on agricultural activities than the male-headed households, they earn less. The analysis from the qualitative study show, among others things, that female-headed households spent more time on off-farm business despite the fact that they earn less. The study concludes by recommending that the possible adverse employment effects of LSAIs could be reduced by optimising its positive impact, especially with respect to female-headed households in rural communities where most of such investments occur.

Assistance for Posyandu Members "Kasih Ibu" Penanggungan Village, Klojen District, Malang City with Training in Making Handicrafts from Plastic Waste Beverage Sachets

Until now, the garbage is still a serious problem in the surrounding environment, both in the wider environment and the household community. Public awareness is considered very necessary in waste management efforts, not least for mothers of Posyandu Kasih Ibu members. Is waste derived from sachet beverage plastic waste which is currently very popular. The efforts to recycle waste into a product are expected not only to contribute to reducing waste but also to become a home product with high economic value. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is used as an approach method to invite the community to actively participate in the development of an activity. In this activity, the community that is the target of this program is the mothers of the cadre of Posyandu Kasih Ibu members, they are equipped with knowledge first about the importance of participation in waste management and then provide training in making handcrafts from the remaining waste of sachet drink packs. Based on the results of these activities, the members of the Kasih Ibu Posyandu cadre have been able to produce several handcraft motifs derived from sachet beverage wrapper waste.

Ethnic differences in smoking behaviour: The situation of Roma in Eastern Europe

Aim: To investigate ethnic differences in smoking between Roma and non-Roma and their determinants, including how discrimination faced by Roma may influence smoking decisions. Methods: We analysed data from the Roma Regional Survey 2011 implemented in twelve countries of Central and South-East Europe with random samples of approximately 750 households in Roma settlements and 350 households in nearby non-Roma communities in each country. The overall sample comprises 11,373 individuals (8,234 Roma) with a proportion of women of 57% and an average age of 36 years. Statistical methods include marginal effects from Probit and zero-truncated negative binomial estimates to explain cigarette consumption. Results: We found that Roma have a higher probability of smoking and are heavier smokers compared to otherwise comparable non-Roma. These differences in smoking behaviour cannot purely be explained by the lower socio-economic situation of Roma since the ethnic gap remains substantial once individual characteristics are controlled for. The probability of smoking is positively correlated with the degree of ethnic discrimination experienced by Roma, especially when it is related to private or public health services. Conclusions: By providing evidence on smoking behaviour between Roma and non-Roma in a large number of countries, our findings support the need to understand smoking behaviour of Roma from a comparative perspective, and may ultimately contribute to more effective anti-smoking messages for Roma. However, if the health disadvantage faced by Roma is to be addressed adequately, this group must be involved more effectively in the policy and public health process.

BaYaka forager food sharing networks in the Congo Basin: The roles of gender homophily and kin sharing

AbstractObjectivesFood sharing is a costly form of cooperation that was likely critical to human evolutionary success, including the emergence of human's life history strategy. Food sharing in human communities may be maintained through a number of pathways, including direct dyadic reciprocity, reputation‐based processes, and kin‐biased exchange. Differences in reproductive demands, labor, and cultural norms may also result in gendered differences in cooperative networks. Here, we examine cooperative networks in egalitarian BaYaka foragers from the Congo Basin.Materials and MethodsWe collected social network data from 112 adults in 41 households in this subsistence community. We implement a Bayesian latent network model to assess individual‐, dyadic‐, and block‐level predictors of food sharing partners.ResultsConditioning on covariates, we found limited evidence for direct dyadic reciprocity in food sharing. Despite local norms regarding prestige avoidance, we found status‐based homophily. High‐status individuals—council members and local healers—were more likely to share with one another. Importantly, our results highlight gender differences in patterns of food sharing, interacting with genetic relatedness. Women were more likely to share with one another, especially with kin as genetic relatedness increased.DiscussionOur results align with evolutionary framing emphasizing kin selection in costly cooperation. The results showing that women cooperate with other women, particularly kin, also complement sex‐based patterns in some other mammalian species, potentially reflecting the social support necessary to manage reproductive costs and childcare. BaYaka women's subsistence productivity and local cultural dynamics for autonomy and egalitarianism may likewise help facilitate women's preferential cooperation with one another.

The feasibility of a Community Mental Health Education and Detection (CMED) tool in South Africa

BackgroundPoor mental health literacy, misinformation about treatment and stigma result in low demand for mental health services in low-and middle-income countries. Community-based interventions that raise mental health awareness and facilitate detection of mental health conditions, are instrumental in increasing demand through strengthened mental health literacy, as well as supply of available mental health services through strengthened detection and linkage to care. ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of a Community Mental Health Education and Detection Tool (CMED) for use with household members by community health teams in South Africa. MethodsThe feasibility of using the CMED in households was assessed using Bowen et al.‘s framework which informed the study design, interview tools and analysis. The feasibility study involved four phases: (1) observations of the CMED consultation to evaluate the administration of the tool; (2) semi-structured interviews with household member/s after the CMED was administered to explore experiences of the visit; (3) follow-up interviews of household members referred using the CMED tool to assess uptake of referrals; (4) and weekly focus group discussions with the community health team to explore experiences of using the tool. Framework analysis was used to inform a priori themes and allow inductive themes to emerge from the data. ResultsThe CMED was found to be acceptable by both community health teams and household members, demand for the tool was evident, implementation, practicality and integration within the existing health system were also indicated. ConclusionThe CMED is perceived as feasible by household members and community health teams, suggesting a ‘goodness of fit” within the existing health system.

Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence over time among pregnant women admitted to delivery units: Suitability for surveillance.

To determine SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence over time and risk factors among pregnant women at delivery in São Paulo, Brazil; and to evaluate the suitability of pregnant women as a sentinel population for SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance. Unselected consecutive pregnant women presenting at the labor ward of a single large hospital between July 20th 2020 to February 21st 2021 were enrolled and tested for SARS-CoV-2 serology using two assays: the rapid chromatic Wondfo One Step (for total IgA and IgG detection) and Roche Elecsys assay (detecting anti-nucleoprotein [N] IgG). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was computed as smooth spline function over time with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk factors were evaluated for positivity by each assay. We compared timepoint seroprevalence by the two assays with four concomitant community household surveys (HHS), in which the Roche assay was used, to determine the sensitivity and relevance of the pregnant women population as sentinel population. Overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 28.9% (221/763) by Roche and 17.9% (137/763) by Wondfo. Reported symptoms experienced during pregnancy were all significantly correlated with being SARS-CoV-2 seropositive at delivery with any assay (with odds-ratios ranging from 3.0 [95% CI: 2.1-4.3] for coryza to 22.8 [95% CI: 12.3-46.6] for ageusia). Seropositivity by either assay was high in women at delivery in the early period of the pandemic (June 2020), compared with seropositivity in women from the concomitant HHS: 44.1% (95% CI: 21.8-66.4) for Roche, 54.1% (30.9-78.5) for Wondfo, versus 11.4% (95% CI: 9.2-13.6) for HHS. For later periods (October 2020 and January 2021), the seropositivity in women at delivery measured by Roche corresponded well with the prevalence found among women in the HHS using the same assay, whilst prevalence measured by Wondfo dropped. Women at delivery represent a highly exposed and readily accessible population for sentinel surveillance of emerging infections such as SARS-CoV-2.

Building community cohesion for effective community participation in community based tourism

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to determine the influence community cohesion has in enabling effective Community participation in community based tourism within Kisite Mpunguti Ecosystem.&#x0D; Methodology: Adopting descriptive and explanatory research design, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection; community households within Kisite Mpunguti Ecosystem involved in community based tourism for semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative data was processed using descriptive and inferential statistics with content analysis used for qualitative data.&#x0D; Main findings: revealed that although community cohesion had a negative association with community participation, the relationship to community participation was significant thus concluding it as a determinant in enabling successful community participation in community based tourism through elements like inclusion, belonging, equality, recognition and trust among others.&#x0D; Applications: This study is useful in the field of Rural and Community Based tourism on the element of factors enabling community participation in tourism, in this case community cohesion factor especially rural areas with unutilized tourism resources and need for alternative sources of income.&#x0D; Novelty: Findings provide knowledge to existing Community Based Tourism Projects nationwide on the vital role played by community cohesion anchored on principles like trust, equity, transparency, sharing responsibilities, commitment and respect for one another and authority in achieving effective participation.

Maternal, Fetal and Service-Related Risk Factors for Stillbirths During Conflict Situation, Yemen, 2015-2016

Background: Stillbirth is a silent traumatic canker, which is a major concern to individuals, health institutions countries worldwide and continues to be a major global problem responsible for nearly three million deaths each year. To estimate the stillbirth rate (SBR) and to identify the potential risk factors for stillbirth. Subjects and Method: A community-based prospective cohort study was undertaken between August 2015 and December 2016 in which 980 pregnant women in Sana’a city of Yemen were identified. A multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select participants from community households. The independent variables were socio-demographic, prenatal and past obstetric, special habit, birth and fetal. The dependent variable was stillbirth. The data collection of this study used a questionnaire. Binomial regression together with generalized linear models, were employed in this study. Results: The results identified that the stillbirth rate (SBR) was presently between 46.2 per 1000 and 45.2 per 1000 cases. The multivariable analysis identified teenage mothers aged &lt; 20 years, with their first childbirth, had a (aOR= 3.70; 95% CI= 1.76 to 7.76; p&lt;0.001) women with anemia (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI= 1.67 to 2.98; p&lt;0.001), smoking snuff (aOR = 4.27; 95% CI= 1.17 to 15.55; p= 0.028), prolonged labor (&gt; 24 hours) (aOR= 2.02; 95% CI= 1.38 to 2.96; p&lt; 0.001), prolonged rupture of membranes (≥ 24 hours) (aOR= 2.22; 95% CI= 1.66 to 2.98; p&lt;0.001), fetal malposition (aOR= 4.60; 95% CI= 2.97 to 7.12; p&lt;0.001), low birth weight (aOR= 14.90; 95% CI= 4.30 to 51.75; p&lt;0.001) and fetal gestational age (in weeks) (aOR = 5.60; 95% CI= 2.52 to 12.41; p&lt;0.001). These factors were associated with an increased risk of stillbirths. Conclusion: This study is encouraging pregnant women to deliver at health facilities, providing better management of obstetrical complications, proper antenatal care, and prompt referral services are essential for the reduction of stillbirths in Yemen. Keywords: stillbirth, risk factors, community-based study, cohort study, Sana’a city, Yemen Correspondence: Ahmed H. Al-Shahethi. National Center for Epidemiology and Diseases Surveillance, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Yemen. P.O. box: 299. Fax: +9671564720. Phone: +967771922712. Email: alshahethi71@yahoo.com, ahmedhamood71@gmail.com.

Pastoral Community Malaria Prevention Practice and Associated Factors Among Households in Three Districts of the Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Malaria infection remains one of the major global and national public health threats, affecting millions of people yearly by causing substantial morbidity and mortality. In developing countries, higher proportions of poor malaria prevention and control measure both regionally and nationally, particularly in pastoral community areas of southern Ethiopia. The study aimed to assess malaria preventive practices and associated factors among households of pastoral communities in Borena zone, Oromia regional state, Southern Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study design was used from March first to 30, 2022, among 421 selected simple random sampling households in pastoral communities of the Borena zone. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a structured pretested questionnaire and visual observation for household malaria prevention practices. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with malaria preventive practices. Finally, adjusted odd ratio (AOR) together with 95% confidence intervals was used, and a P value of less than 0.05 indicated an overall statistical association. The overall malaria prevention rate among pastoral community households was 31.6%(133) [95%; CI = 27.2-36.4]. The factors significantly associated with malaria prevention practice were malaria prevention knowledge [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.5] and the absence of plasmodium parasites among children [AOR = 4.3, 95% CI = 2.8-8.7]. However, households staying outdoors at night [AOR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-1.0] were negatively associated with household malaria prevention. A total of 200 (47.5%) households had used insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITN) and 5(1.2%) households had indoor residual sprays (IRS). The study revealed lower malaria prevention practices among households of the pastoral community. The government and other concerned bodies should contribute to malaria prevention measures in pastoral remote areas. Health extension workers should have to create awareness in the communities to avoid incorrect use of the ITN.

Measuring Dimensions of Women Empowerment in North-West Region of Bangladesh: A Case Study

The current study was aimed to measure the different dimensions of women empowerment and identify the factors affecting women empowerment in the North-West Bangladesh. To conduct the study, 537 female respondents who had at least one biological child aged between 6 to 59 months were selected purposively from eight districts of North-West region of Bangladesh using stratified random sampling technique. To identify the factors which influence different dimensions of women empowerment, binomial logistic regression model was used. Descriptive result showed that the overall women empowerment are 13%, where the dimension wise empowerment are (self-esteem – 36%, access to and control over resources – 24%, attitude and behaviour of husband – 48%, decisions related to household – 19%, and mobility– 12%). The factors which significantly influence different dimensions of women empowerment were exposure to media, attitude and behaviour of husband, mother’s employment, spousal age difference, mother’s education, wealth index, family religion, public speaking power, participation in community events, household size and ownership in tangible resources. The result showed that education plays a significant role to improve the level of empowerment of female respondents of NW Bangladesh. When level of education of mothers increased, the self-esteem and access to and control over resources also improved. The study concluded that as the level of empowerment of women living in the NW region are comparatively low in the context of Bangladesh, therefore to increase their empowerment, the study recommended for underlining on quality education for the respondents especially urban and peri-urban areas to move out from poverty.

基于碳排放约束的北京市社区生态效率评价

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 基于碳排放约束的北京市社区生态效率评价 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202202170373 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学青年基金项目（72004215）；国家自然科学青年基金项目（72104223） Evaluation of community's ecological efficiency in Beijing based on carbon emission constraint Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: National Natural Science Foundation of China(72004215);National Natural Science Foundation of China(72104223) 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:在"双碳目标"的背景下，社区作为生态文明建设的基本单元，其碳排放核算及生态效率评估尤为重要。基于家庭消费视角，采用碳排放系数法和消费者生活方式法核算社区居民碳排放，并运用超效率DEA模型评估社区生态效率，最后通过计量分析识别生态效率影响因素。研究结果显示：（1）社区居民人均碳排放的评估结果呈现出商品房社区（528.85kgCO2/月）>单位社区（475.66kgCO2/月）>传统社区（368.33kgCO2/月）的关系；（2）生态效率的评估结果呈现出传统社区（111.04%）>商品房社区（108.78%）>单位社区（105.70%）的关系；（3）社区管理工作参与意愿、家庭光照条件会对社区生态效率产生积极影响；此外，年龄结构（中青年人口占比）对商品房社区的生态效率有消极影响，受教育程度的提升则会提高生态效率。进一步提出针对三类社区特点的转型发展策略，为全国不同类型社区生态转型和绿色低碳发展提供参考范式和决策支持。 Abstract:In the context of dual carbon goal, as the basic unit of urban and rural ecological civilization construction, community carbon emission accounting and ecological efficiency evaluation are particularly important. From the perspective of household consumption, this paper adopts the carbon emission coefficient method and consumer lifestyle method to calculate the carbon emission of community residents, and uses the super-efficiency DEA model to evaluate the community ecological efficiency, and finally identifies the influencing factors of ecological efficiency through econometric analysis. The results showed that:(1) the per capita carbon emission of community residents indicated the order of commercial housing community (528.85 kgCO2/month) > unit community (475.66 kgCO2/month) > traditional community (368.33 kgCO2/month); (2) The ecological efficiency presented the traditional community (111.04%) > commercial housing community (108.78%) > unit community (105.70%); (3) Willingness to participate in community management and household lighting conditions had positive effects on community ecological efficiency. In addition, the age structure (the proportion of young and middle-aged population) had a negative impact on the ecological efficiency of commercial housing communities, while the improvement of education level would improve the ecological efficiency. Furthermore, the transformational development strategies based on the characteristics of the three types of communities were proposed to provide a reference paradigm and decision support for the ecological transformation and low-carbon development of different types of communities in China. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Long Term Earnings Inequality, Earnings Instability and Temporary Employment in Spain: 1993–2000

This paper provides a longitudinal perspective on changes in Spanish male earnings inequality for the period 1993-2000, by decomposing the earnings covariance structure into its permanent and transitory parts. According to the Spanish sample of the European Community Household Panel, cross-sectional earnings inequality of male full-time employees falls over the second half of the Nineties. The longitudinal analysis shows that such decline was determined by a decrease in earnings instability and an increase of the permanent earnings component. Given the marked decline in temporary employment over the sample period, we also examine the effect of the type of contract on earnings variance components, and we find that workers with fixed-term contract have on average more instability than workers with permanent contract. This evidence suggests that the decline in temporary employment is responsible for the decreasing earnings instability.

Using behavioral insights to increase the demand for childhood vaccination in low resource settings: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Lebanon.

Lebanon has historically maintained high immunization coverage rates for most routine vaccines. However, an increase in poverty rates coupled with an influx of over a million refugees posed significant challenges to the national immunization program. In response, an accelerated immunization activities (AIA) program, encompassing community-based outreach and referral activities, was launched to increase the demand for childhood vaccination through the public healthcare system. Despite this effort, uptake among refugee and host community households remained low, resulting in pockets of low immunization coverage rates. This study investigates the barriers that prevent households in low coverage areas from vaccinating their children, and evaluates a behavior change intervention designed to overcome the identified social, perceptual, and cognitive barriers. Households with un- or under-vaccinated children were recruited from seven cadastres with low immunization coverage rates. A mixed methods approach, including stakeholder interviews and field observations, was employed to identify the main barriers to vaccination. Thereafter, a cluster randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of a visual planning aid comprising five behavior change techniques (nudges) on vaccine uptake. A total of 12,332 un- or under-vaccinated children from 6160 households (3045 (49.4%) control households; 3115 (50.6%) treated households) were reached during the trial. The observed vaccination rates were 13.5% and 20.2% for control and treated households, respectively. This represents a 6.7 percentage points increase in the likelihood of a treated household to vaccinate at least one child, compared to the control group. At least 390 additional children benefited from life-saving vaccines due to the behavioral intervention. This study highlights the importance of integrating behavioral insights into vaccination campaigns and programs, especially in low resource settings, to ensure that more children can benefit from life-saving vaccines.

Community-led model for reconstruction old apartments in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old apartment buildings in Hanoi were built before 1954 and from around 1960 to 1994 with 1600 apartments. Due to the end of construction lifespan, components are sinking, cracking, and tilting, combined with households expanding and repairing themselves, so many buildings are seriously damaged and dangerous, needing to be renovated and rebuilt in the near future to ensure residents’ safety. This work cannot slow down any longer. From 1999 until now, despite great efforts, Hanoi has only renovated and rebuilt 19 apartments (about 1.2%). The main reason is due to conflicts between the interests of the household community and the real estate investors. Contributing to resolving the above contradiction and promoting the speed of redevelopment, this study proposes a community-led model to rebuild old apartment buildings in Hanoi, Vietnam.

From Violent Victims to Emancipatory Agency of Peace: Exploring Female Jirga as Local Gendered Peace Formation and Community Peacebuilding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

For years, the insecurity and violence against women in many parts of Pakistan have magnified the danger of the prevalent worldview of strong and protective men. In contrast, women are weak and protected by men. Inevitable victimisation and powerless women are counterproductive since women are central to the community's household institution. This paper explores local community peacebuilding initiatives of women's first Jirga by a local activist Tabassum Adnan in Pakistan's Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Exploring women's Jirga as an agency of regional and gendered peace formation in a salient patriarchal Pakhtun worldview underscores women's security and gendered Peace perspective in recognising the need to consider the missing systemic and unpeaceful change and transformation in contemporary Pakistan and South Asia. Adopting qualitative methods of Feminist Peace research unravels the potential and pitfalls of how women can embark upon alternative dispute resolutions (ADR) when patriarchal conceptualisations of conflict resolution prevent their active participation. Findings show multidimensional links between local community peace and global systemic and peaceful transformation of international relations (IR). Recognising the transformative roles of women in overcoming GBV is a critical transnational shift from the past and minimal human rights protection of women to the present and maximal recognition of women as emancipatory agents of peace.