Household Residents Research Articles

Does the degree of debt obligations owed by a state’s pension plan affect a resident household’s utility?

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine whether the financial satisfaction (FS) of a state’s residents is affected by the funding ratio of the state’s public pension.Design/methodology/approachA multilevel hierarchal probit model that control for the funding ratio at the state level and its resident’s FS at the individual level was used to determine how a one-unit increase in funding ratio of a state’s pension plan affected the degree of FS experienced by the individual residing within that state.FindingsThe marginal effect from the probit model estimated suggest that a state’s pension plan funding ratio does affect the degree of FS experienced by its residents.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only examined data from 2015, thus, future research should consider examining this question via longitude studies, perhaps a survivor model.Practical implicationsStates that fail to address their pension plan’s funding ratio may be exposing their residents to negative externality that could potentially influence an individual’s choice to relocate to another state that is not facing similar issues.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, the current body of research has yet to address and/or research the externalities associated with the underfunding of public pension plans throughout the USA. This paper combined two unique sets of publicly available data from all 50 states along with a sample of its residents to examine how public policy associated with state and/or local government pension affect its residents.

The dynamics of household residence and decision making where to purchase rice in a sustainable development era: A case study in urban and rural Indonesia

Food security is a condition in which food is available to every individual at any time, both physically and economically. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Indonesian government has made efforts to improve food security, especially rice as main staple food. This study aims to know the form of purchased rice of household in urban and rural areas and to examine the relationship between household residences on decisions about where to purchase rice in a sustainable development era. This study uses micro data of 1047 households, consists of 486 urban households and 561 rural households. The data was collected through web survey in August 2020, then it was analysed by using descriptive method. The results showed that households in urban and rural Indonesia had quite different decisions in purchasing rice. The rice purchasing in modern places, such as supermarkets and minimarkets, is mostly carried out by urban households. Meanwhile, rice purchasing in non-modern places, such as markets and rice millings, is mostly performed by rural households. In addition, households in the rural area also prefer to buy uncooked rice from rice milling and farmers, and some households do not buy rice since they have owned rice fields. The number of household who buy cooked rice is larger in urban than in rural. Urban household is more widely on where to purchase rice than rural households.

FAKTOR PENENTU PARTISIPASI SEKOLAH ANAK PADA RUMAH TANGGA SEKTOR PERTANIAN DI INDONESIA

The opportunity of demographic dividend is the biggest motivation in improving the quality of the population. As one of the components of the population quality, education is also a long-term investment. Economic activities in Indonesia depends on the agricultural sector. This study aims to determine the determinants of children's school participation in agricultural households. Using the 2018 National Social and Economic Survey data, the results of binary logistic regression analysis show that economic activity has the most significant contribution to determine children's school participation in agricultural households. Children in agricultural households who are not involved in economic activities tend to attend school. Other important factors in determining children's school participation in agricultural households are government assistance, the age of household heads (KRT), education of KRT, employment status of KRT, number of household members, residence area, and socio-economic status. Increasing the determinants of school participation is expected to help the population adapt to the technology-based modern agricultural sector and achieve prosperity in agricultural households.

Establishment and associated factors of health records among young Chinese migrants

BackgroundMost Chinese migrants have been faced with obstacles to getting access to local public health services. Young migrants among internal migrants make a major contribution to the economy. However, the establishment of their health records has been ignored. This research was aimed at exploring the status and associated factors of the establishment of health records among young Chinese migrants.MethodsData were obtained from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS). Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed to investigate the associated factors of the establishment of health records among young Chinese migrants.ResultsApproximately 30.2% of young migrants had their health records established in inflow communities. Urban residence, medical insurance (insured), and lower average monthly household income were attributed to the establishment of more health records. Young migrants who were in northeast China and across provinces and immigrated for working or engaging in trade were less likely to have health records established. Young migrants who participated in social activities and public affairs activities and took type of people in touch as natives in the inflow area showed a higher possibility of establishing health records. Meanwhile, receiving health education and hearing about national basic public health services (BPHSs) were beneficial for establishing the health records of more young migrants.ConclusionThis study showed that the health records of young migrants had a relatively low establishment rate. Sociodemographic and migration characteristics, health status, public health services, and social integration factors were all related to the health record establishment of young Chinese migrants.

Testing the impact of orphan status, illness in the household, and a child's relationship to the household head on wasting in Nigeria: implications for Hamilton's rule

ABSTRACT Existing studies on the impact of orphanhood on wasting in sub-Saharan Africa were historically conducted in East and South Africa. These studies have been interested in understanding how close kinship ties with household heads impact orphans' risk of wasting, considering economic resources in the household. The unavailability of secondary data in the past made exploring the idea difficult. Little is known on the subject in West Africa, particularly Nigeria. This research undertakes this topic by analyzing the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey Data and employing a multi-level logistic regression model. The research examines the interaction of being a paternal orphan or vulnerable child and the child's relationship to the household head on early childhood malnutrition as measured by weight-for-height z-score, wasting. It also ascertains whether the interaction effect varies with household income. Results show that, regardless of residence in poor or non-poor households, being a paternal orphan or vulnerable child coupled with being a grandchild produces the highest probability of wasting, especially in poor households. Further, results show that extended families and relatives, particularly grandparents-headed households, are not meeting the nutritional needs of paternal orphans or vulnerable children who are grandchildren, especially in poor households.

Insecticide-treated net utilization and associated factors among pregnant women and under-five children in East Belessa District, Northwest Ethiopia: using the Health Belief model

BackgroundMalaria during pregnancy and childhood is one of the major public health challenges globally. Its prevalence is huge in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan countries and Ethiopia. Insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) use is one of the primary malaria preventive strategies. Previous studies did not adequately address the health belief and behaviour-related correlates of ITN using health belief model (HBM), although a number of studies were conducted in this theme. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of ITN utilization among pregnant women and under five children in east Belessa district, northwest Ethiopia, 2020.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional mixed study was conducted in east Belessa district from February 01–30/2020. A total of 724 eligible participants were included in the quantitative study. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used. The quantitative data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and then exported to SPSS version 16 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted and the level of significance was declared based on AOR with its 95% CI and p-value ≤ 0.05. Meanwhile, the qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions and key informant interviews, and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsThe prevalence of ITN utilization was 56.5% (95% CI 53.0, 60.2) and independently predicted by a corrugated iron roof of the house (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.15, 2.22), rural residence (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.11,2.28), ≥ 2 number of rooms in the house (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.06, 2.30) and high level of perceived barrier (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.38,0.74). In the qualitative findings, the main barrier was connected to misconceptions and misperception towards malaria and ITN.ConclusionThe prevalence of ITN utilization in the study area was lower than the national target (100%). It was significantly associated with household characteristics, residence, and level of a perceived barrier. Reversing the community’s misconceptions through information, education and communication (IEC), and behavioural change communication (BCC) would enhance ITN utilization.

Social inequalities and COVID-19 mortality in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

BackgroundHeterogeneity in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality is often associated with a country's health-services structure and social inequality. This study aimed to characterize social inequalities in COVID-19 mortality in São Paulo, the most populous city in Brazil and Latin America.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study, including COVID-19 deaths among São Paulo residents from March to September 2020. Age-standardized mortality rates and unadjusted rate ratios (RRs) [with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were estimated by race, sex, age group, district of residence, household crowding, educational attainment, income level and percentage of households in subnormal areas in each district. Time trends in mortality were assessed using the Joinpoint model.ResultsMales presented an 84% increase in COVID-19 mortality compared with females (RR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.79–1.90). Higher mortality rates were observed for Blacks (RR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.67–1.88) and mixed (RR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.37–1.47) compared with Whites, whereas lower mortality was noted for Asians (RR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.58–0.68). A positive gradient was found for all socio-economic indicators, i.e. increases in disparities denoted by less education, more household crowding, lower income and a higher concentration of subnormal areas were associated with higher mortality rates. A decrease in mortality over time was observed in all racial groups, but it started earlier among Whites and Asians.ConclusionOur results reveal striking social inequalities in COVID-19 mortality in São Paulo, exposing structural inequities in Brazilian society that were not addressed by the governmental response to COVID-19. Without an equitable response, COVID-19 will further exacerbate current social inequalities in São Paulo.

Between Microhistory, Demography, and Rural Studies: The Settlements and Household of the Inhabitants of Kražiai and Užventis Parishes in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century

The article deals with the relation between the settlement and household of inhabitants in the first half of the nineteenth century in Kražiai and Užventis parishes, Samogitia. In the middle of the twentieth century, John Hajnal and Peter Laslett started researching the history of resident households. The researchers formulated theoretical and methodological basics for household analysis and encouraged other history researchers and demographers to undertake similar studies. Researchers who analysed households in Central and Eastern Europe refuted or corrected numerous statements by John Hajnal and Peter Laslett. They found that the most common household in Central and Eastern Europe was the nuclear household, although in many cases it was possible to find extended households. However, there is no clear relationship between the institution and the household. After analysing the aforementioned documents, it was discovered that during the first half of the nineteenth century, the nuclear household dominated the parishes of Kražiai and Užventis. However, the extended family is dominant in the towns of Kolainiai and Pakražantis. The single-person household dominated folwarks and manorial settlements. The relationship between the settlement and the household was significant. Eight types of settlements existed in the parishes of Kražiai and Užventis in the first half of the nineteenth century: the town (miestas, miasto), the township (miestelis, miasteczko, мњстечко), the manor (dvaras, dwór, majątek, имњние), folwark (palivarkas, folwark, фольварк), the manor village (bajorkaimis, okolica, околица), the village (kaimas, wieś, деревня), behind the wall (užusienis, zaścianek, застенок), and the felling (apyrubė, obręb, обруб). The smallest household was in the town of Kražiai, while the biggest household was found in the manor estate in Užventis parish.

Decline in alcohol consumption in Russia: Collectivity or polarisation?

Sales and survey data have shown a decline in alcohol consumption in Russia since 2007. This study examines whether this decline is consistent across lighter and heavier drinkers in line with the theory of the collectivity of drinking cultures. Data were collected through annual nationally representative surveys conducted between 2006 and 2018 of 33 109 individuals aged 18-85 years. We estimated generalised linear regression with Gamma distribution and used log alcohol volume consumed during the previous 30 days as the dependent variable for five percentile groups: heavy drinkers (95th), near heavy drinkers (90th), moderate drinkers (80th), light drinkers (60th for men and 70th for women) and non-drinkers. Dummy variables for years, percentile groups and their interactions were used as independent variables. The controls were age, education, income, body weight, marital status, household demographic structure, residence, ethnicity and regional climate. Reductions in alcohol consumption were observed in all percentiles, but the scale of change was proportionally smaller among heavier drinkers than among lighter drinkers. However, consumption fell by a smaller amount among lighter drinkers than among heavier drinkers. Results of the regression analysis fit with the descriptive statistics. Interactions between the time period and the percentile groups were significant after 2010. Trends were similar for both sexes. Downward trends across percentiles were in the same direction but the magnitude of change varied. Obtained evidence fails to support a polarisation and points towards soft collectivity hypothesis in the reduction in drinking in Russia.

An agent-based transportation impact sketch planning (TISP) model system

A traffic impact sketch planning (TISP) model is presented for the estimation of the likely travel demand generated by a major land-use development or redevelopment project. The proposed approach overcomes the problems with the non-behavioral transportation-related studies used in practice for assessing the development design impacts on the local transportation system. The architectural design of the development, in terms of the number and type of dwellings, by number of bedrooms per unit, and the land-use categories of the non-residential floorspace, are reflected in the TISP model through an integrated population and employment synthesis approach. The population synthesis enables the feasible deployment of an agent-based microsimulation (ABM) model system of daily activity and travel demand for a quick, efficient, and detailed assessment of the transportation impacts of a proposed neighborhood or development. The approach is not restricted to a certain type of dataset of the control variables for the geographic location of the development. Datasets for different geographic dimensions of the study area, with some common control variables, are merged and cascaded into a synthesized, disaggregate population of resident persons, households and jobs. The prototype implementation of the TISP model is for Waterfront Toronto’s Bayside Development Phase 2, using the operational TASHA-based GTAModel V4.1 ABM travel demand model system. While the conventional transportation studies focus on the assessment of the local traffic impacts in the immediate surroundings of the development, the TISP model investigates and assesses many transportation related impacts in the district, city, and region, for both residents and non-residents of the development. TISP model analysis includes the overall spatiotemporal trips distribution generated by the residents and non-residents of the development for the auto and non-auto mobility systems and the simulated agents diurnal peaking travel times. The model results are compared with the trips estimates by a prior project traffic impact study and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual (TGM) rates of weekday trips for the relevant land uses. Future extensions and improvements of the model including the generalization and full automation of the model, and the bi-level macro-micro representation of the transportation network are also discussed.

Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Female Heads of Household Residing in a Marginal Population in Lima

Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Female Heads of Household Residing in a Marginal Population in Lima

Study on wintry comfort temperature and thermal improvement of houses in cold, temperate, and subtropical regions of Nepal

Nepalese households have been using electricity from hydropower plants at almost the lowest rate among other countries. Residents adjust their indoor environments by relying on very primitive methods. This study focuses on the thermal comfort of residents in Nepalese households and how it can be improved by enhancing the thermal insulation of the houses investigated. A field survey was conducted in winter in cold, temperate, and subtropical regions, and 839 thermal sensation votes were collected from all regions together with the measured indoor and outdoor temperatures. The mean comfort temperatures estimated using Griffiths’ method were 17.2 °C, 20.9 °C, and 21.7 °C in the cold, temperate, and subtropical regions, respectively. The comfort temperature exhibited a large regional difference. The average measured indoor air temperatures in the cold, temperate, and subtropical regions were 10.9 °C, 18 °C, and 20 °C, respectively, and they were 6.3 °C, 2.9 °C, and 2 °C lower than the average estimated comfort temperature. The indoor globe temperature of the cold region was significantly lower than the comfort temperature. In the cold region during winter, the indoor climate can be improved because the indoor temperature is rated as slightly uncomfortable. By enhancing the thermal insulation and reducing the infiltration, the indoor air temperature was found to increase by 1.1–1.8 °C. The findings of this study should be useful in providing a good indoor thermal environment for houses and energy-saving building design in Nepalese society.

Introducing Nature into Cities or Preserving Existing Peri-Urban Ecosystems? Analysis of Preferences in a Rapidly Urbanizing Catchment

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being promoted as a means to address societal and environmental challenges, especially flood risk reduction. In the context of rapidly urbanizing catchments, NBS can take part of the development of sustainable cities, either by conserving peri-urban ecosystems from urban sprawl or by developing green infrastructure in the cities. Both can provide a wide range of co-benefits (e.g., climate regulation, air quality regulation), but also generate some negative effects (e.g., mobility issues, unsafety, allergens). We develop and implement a Discrete Choice Experiment survey to analyse people’s perception of co-benefits and negative effects, and associated preferences for the two types of NBS at a catchment scale. The results obtained from 400 households living in a French Mediterranean catchment highlight that people associate numerous co-benefits to NBS, but also negative effects. Our estimations reveal that resident households are ready to contribute large amounts through a tax increase for the development of NBS (from 140 to 180 EUR/year, on average). There is however a strong heterogeneity of preferences at the catchment scale influenced by income, location of the respondent along an urban–rural gradient, and perception of the importance of ecosystem services. These differences may reflect urban environmental inequalities at the catchment scale, which are important to take into account in order to avoid distributive inequalities.

The developing family doctor system: evidence from the progress of the family doctor signing service from a longitudinal survey (2013\u20132016) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai

BackgroundThe family doctor system is a vital part of China’s national medical and health system reform. Evidence of the degree of implementation of the family doctor system is required to assist managers and policy makers in Pudong with resource allocation planning. This study analyzed changes in indicators (family doctor team construction, contracted medical services, health management services and so on) over time to evaluate the progress of the family doctor system in Pudong.MethodsWe used a cross-sectional design with an online questionnaire survey to collect 3-year (2013–2016) consecutive data. The online questionnaires were completed by the doctors responsible for information reporting in each community health service center of Pudong. The data were sorted, and the indices calculated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests.ResultsThe proportion of registered general practitioners increased each year, from 50.8% in 2013 to 66.5% in 2016; this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). The number of family doctors per 10,000 permanent residents rose each year, from 1.7 in 2013 to 2.1 in 2016. The rate of contracted household residents was 55.7% in 2013 and increased to 71.7% in 2016, with the difference being significant in different years (P = 0.012). Analysis of referral services showed the people times of contracted residents transferring to higher-level hospitals from family doctors increased each year, from 172,734 in 2013 to 341,615 in 2016; differences among different regions were statistically significant for 2013–2016. The rate of health screening for contracted residents also increased each year, with statistically significant differences in different years (P = 0.000). The rate of health assessment interventions for contracted residents rose each year, with statistically significant differences in different years (P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe family doctor signing service in Pudong made headway in general practitioner availability, contract service rate of household residents, and providing health management services. However, problems included family doctor shortages and limited supporting policies, especially in rural and suburban areas compared with urban divisions. Increasing the enrollment rate of family doctors and speeding up the implementation of “contract service fees” are key tasks for the sustainable development of the family doctor system in Pudong.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in an Urban District in Cameroon

Background: The extent of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in many African countries remains unclear, underscoring the need for antibody sero-surveys to accurately assess the cumulative attack rate. Methods: We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional sero-survey in Cité Verte, a densely-populated district of Yaoundé, Cameroon, from October 14 to November 26, 2020. Households were randomly selected from a set of all putative residential buildings in the district, and residents between five and 80 years of age were surveyed. The Abbott Panbio SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgM/IgG rapid antibody test was administered, along with a questionnaire on disease symptoms and health-seeking behavior. Final seroprevalence estimates were adjusted for test accuracy and re-weighted to the city’s age-sex distribution. Random-intercept logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity. Findings: Of 255 households randomly selected, 180 (70·6%) agreed to participate, yielding a sample of 971 participants. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 29·2% (95%CI 24·3–34·1). Out of the 302 IgG seropositive individuals, the majority (64·2% [58·7–69·4]) did not report any symptoms over the pandemic period, and most (91·1% [87·3–93·8]) did not consult medical care. Significantly greater odds of IgG seropositivity was found for men (OR: 1·61 [95%CI 1·2–2·2]), residents of households with six or more residents (OR: 1·6 [1·1–2·4]; reference: households with three to five residents) and individuals with a BMI above 30 kg/m² (OR: 1·84 [1·1–3·0]; reference: 18·5–24.9 kg/m²).  Interpretation: By November 2020, the cumulative attack rate of COVID-19 was high in this Cameroonian city, about 323 times greater than the 0.09% nationwide attack rate implied by PCR and antigen- confirmed case counts at the time. The predominantly asymptomatic nature of cases may explain the low COVID-19-related healthcare consultation. Despite the high seroprevalence, most of the population has not been infected with SARS-CoV-2, underlining the importance of continued measures to control viral spread and of quick vaccine deployment to protect the vulnerable. Funding: The UHC Program and Bilateral Health Project in Cameroon of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the P4H Health Financing Network, and the Canton of Geneva. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol obtained the ethical clearance (N°2020/09/1292/CE/CNERSH/SP) and the administrative authorization of the Ministry of Health of Cameroon (N°D30- 845/L/MINSANTE/SG/DROS).

MHealth Technology Translation in a Limited Resources Community-Process, Challenges, and Lessons Learned From a Limited Resources Community of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

This report aims to provide practical advice about the implementation of a public health monitoring system using both geographic information system technology and mobile health, a term used for healthcare delivery via mobile devices. application amongst household residents and community stakeholders in the limited resource community. A public health monitoring system was implemented in a semi-rural district in Thailand. The challenges encountered during implementation were documented qualitatively in a series of monthly focus group discussions, several community hearings, and many targeted interviews. In addition, lessons learned from the expansion of the program to 75 other districts throughout Thailand were also considered. All challenges proved solvable yielding several key pieces of advice for future project implementation teams. Specifically, communication between team members, anticipating technological challenges, and involvement of community members are critical. The problems encountered in our project were mainly related to the capabilities of the data collectors and technical issues of mobile devices, internet coverage, and the GIS application itself. During the implementation phase, progressive changes needed to be made to the system promptly, in parallel with community team building in order to get the highest public health impact.

Trends and inequalities in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of four serial epidemiological surveys

The objective was to analyze trends and inequalities in the prevalence of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic according to sociodemographic factors and social distancing measures. We analyzed data from four serial epidemiological surveys on COVID-19 in May and June 2020, with adults and elderly living in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Food insecurity was assessed with the short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), with the recall period adapted to the beginning of the social distancing period in the city. Sociodemographic characteristics and the adoption of social distancing measures were analyzed, and their associations with food insecurity were assessed with chi-square test. The temporal trend in food insecurity according to these characteristics was assessed via linear regression. Inequalities in food insecurity were assessed with the angular inequality index and concentration index. Of the 1,550 individuals studied, 29.4% (95%CI: 25.0; 34.4) presented food insecurity. Analysis of inequality showed higher concentration of food insecurity among the younger and less educated and those living with five or more residents in the same household. Over the course of the four surveys, prevalence of food insecurity decreased most sharply among the younger, those living in households with up to two residents, and those with two or more workers. There was a strong association between food insecurity and sociodemographic factors, which may indicate the pandemic´s potential economic impact on households' food situation.

The Socio-economic Importance of an Ecolodge as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism: A Study of Obudu Mountain and Resort, Becheeve Community, Cross River State, Nigeria

Ecotourism's achievements and the opportunities it brings to the hosts' society should never be underlined by Ecolodge operations in ecotourism destinations. Conservations have turned more and more towards ecotourism as an Ecolodge operates to provide the local residents both social and economic benefits while protecting cultural and environmental heritage. The aim of this analysis is to ascertain the benefits of Ecolodge to the host community, the level of involvement of the local residents in the Ecolodge's management, and their functions in the protection and conservation of their cultural heritage and natural resources. Data were produced using the survey research design and well-structured questionnaire. Routine sampled respondents consisting of household heads, families and residents, of the community of Becheeve, Obankilu, Cross River State and the community of Host Obudu Mountain and Resort received around 400 questionnaires. The results produced were evaluated based on their degree of approval of the indices used to calculate the effect of Ecolodge, using percentages. The results were shown. The survey's findings showed that the Ecolodge provided tremendous socio-economic benefits to local communities, as well as that members of the community were actively involved in the maintenance of the Ecolodge and the protection of their cultural heritage in the study region. The report recommended community awareness program, government intervention in the provision of amenities, public and private partnership initiative, more investment on Ecolodge among others for improvement of operations and sustaining tourism in the study region and throughout the country.

Food Security and coexistence with the semiarid zone in areas affected by drought in the backlands of Pernambuco

ABSTRACT Objective Between 2010 and 2017, it was registered one of the most intense droughts in the Brazilian Northeastern Semiarid region, when the rainfall was below the historical level for the region. This context was related to water scarcity for human consumption and productive activities in this territory, where the semiarid backlands of the state of Pernambuco are located. The objective of this study was to assess the condition of food security and its associated factors in areas affected by drought in the semiarid zone of Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods It was a cross-sectional study on a populational base. Data were collected by socioeconomic and demographic surveys, and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, which were applied to 252 households, from September to October 2015. The data was analyzed by socioeconomic and demographic characterization of the households, and the identification of the food insecurity prevalence and its associated factors, by Poisson regression. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was high (74.6%). Among those, 9,1% were on starvation, which means severe insecurity. Food insecurity was statistically associated to sanitation, per capita income, and the number of household residents. Lack of money was the main self-reported cause to food insecurity. Conclusion The high prevalence of food insecurity being associated to indicators of great social vulnerability shows the role of social and economic inequities on the inadequate access to food amongst families in the semiarid zone on a nearly generalized low-income context. These findings corroborate to the evident need of expanding and reinforcing public policies, as well sustainable development models to prioritize and promote social inclusion of communities at greater vulnerabilities in the Brazilian semiarid area. Thus, the need of these economic and social public strategies is highlighted by the worsening of historical vulnerable conditions due to the cycles of droughts on this region.

Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on the Saving Behavior of the RA Resident Households

Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on the Saving Behavior of the RA Resident Households