Inadequate Housing Conditions Research Articles

Effects of housing density on anxiety-like behavior of zebrafish in the plus maze with ramp

Population density in experimental animals is a crucial factor in maintaining the wellbeing of the organisms. Inadequate housing conditions can compromise the validity and reliability of research results, making comparisons between studies difficult. In sociable species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), which are housed in groups, overcrowding or undercrowding represents a variable that needs to be considered. In this study, we evaluated the effects of housing at different densities for different exposure times on the anxiety response measured in the Plus Maze with Ramp test in zebrafish. The subjects (144) were divided into three large groups according to the housing time (1, 7, and 30 days). Each group was divided into six subgroups based on the density of the fish (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 fish/liter, n = 8) and housed in a 4-liter aquarium. After the housing conditions, each animal was tested individually in the PMR. Time and housing density altered the exploratory behavior of zebrafish. Increased housing time reduced the time spent in the ramp arms, with groups kept for 30 days spending less time in this compartment. Density increased the time spent in the flat arms in groups with 2 and 6 fish/liter and, conversely, reduced the exploration of the ramp arms. Isolation, on the other hand, increased the exploration of the ramp arms, indicating an anxiolytic effect. In this study, we demonstrate that housing conditions can act as low-intensity chronic stressors that alter anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish when tested in the PMR protocol.

Inadequação de domicílios no Brasil: uma reflexão sobre seus conceitos e indicadores

Research related to Brazil's housing deficit and inadequate housing conditions has been conducted for nearly 30 years with the aim of revealing housing-related deficiencies. While many authors focus on the housing deficit, this research concentrates on housing inadequacy, an index that reveals deficiencies preventing a residence from providing a high quality of life to its occupants. Such quality is measured by the building itself, the infrastructure of its urban area, and the legal title of the residence. This article proposes a brief historical context, demonstrating that the housing issue is deeply rooted in the country's socioeconomic inequalities, which have been perpetuated over the years by insufficient policies and challenges faced in urban planning. Furthermore, significant milestones in the history of the Fundação João Pinheiro (João Pinheiro Foundation - FJP) and the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE) related to the collection, organization, and dissemination of data on housing conditions in Brazil were identified, with both institutions being crucial in this regard. Therefore, the aim was to discuss the habitability of Brazilian households by presenting concepts, indicators, and data from the most recent FJP publication on housing inadequacy from 2019. These data were systematized and presented in graphs, allowing for visualization and analysis. In conclusion, it was determined that the data released by the FJP are essential for diagnosing the housing scenario, are directly related to the literature review conducted, and provide crucial data for public policy formulation.

Beyond individual factors: a critical ethnographic account of urban residential fire risks, experiences, and responses in single-room occupancy (SRO) housing

BackgroundBurn injuries are a significant public health concern, closely linked to housing conditions and socioeconomic status. Residents in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods are at increased risk of exposure to hazards due to older and poorer housing conditions and limited access to fire protection measures. Individual behaviours such as substance use, smoking, and hoarding are often highlighted as primary causes of residential fires, overshadowing the broader socioeconomic and structural factors that also play a significant role in housing safety. This paper explores the correlation between inadequate housing conditions and heightened fire risks leading to burn injuries, focusing on the contextual factors shaping everyday urban fire risks, experiences, and responses of residents living in Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) housing in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES) and staff working in the fire, health, housing (social and private), and non-profit sectors.MethodsAs part of an ongoing ethnographic study, we partnered with the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) to conduct participant observations in private, non-profit, and government-owned SROs, modular homes, and a temporary shelter. This paper synthesizes insights from participant observations from the first author’s self-reflexive journals, including informal conversations with approximately fifty-nine individuals such as SRO tenants, SRO managers/caretakers, health workers, burn survivors, municipal staff, not-for-profit staff, and firefighters.ResultsUrgent housing-related issues contributing to inequitable everyday urban fire risks were identified, such as structural deficiencies in SRO buildings and systems, inadequate waste management and storage, and inequitable approaches to addressing hoarding. Additionally, disparities in access to information and the interaction between interpersonal and structural stigmas were significant factors, underscoring the pressing need for intervention.ConclusionCommunities like DTES, facing precarious housing conditions, disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and complex health and social challenges, necessitate a comprehensive and holistic approach to fire prevention and safety. Recognizing the interplay between housing instability, mental and physical health issues, unregulated toxic drug supply, drug criminalization, and structural inequities allows practitioners from various sectors to develop contextually driven fire prevention strategies. This multifaceted approach transcends individual-level behaviour change and is crucial for addressing the complex issues contributing to fire risks in underserved communities.

Social participation of low‐income older adults in deprived urban neighborhoods in Amsterdam: A study among native Dutch, and Surinamese, Moroccan and Turkish migrants in The Netherlands

AbstractThis paper explores differences in social participation among low‐income older migrants and socioeconomically similar native Dutch older adults living in deprived neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It also analyzes experiences of social participation in relation to perceived neighborhood conditions. Analysis of 85 in‐depth interviews reveals that the types of activities that low‐income older adults participate in center around less demanding (collective) rather than more demanding (political and productive) forms of social participation. Differences in social participation were associated with personal characteristics and with neighborhood experiences. The findings articulate the dynamic and complex interaction between the competencies of older adults belonging to different ethnic communities and their diverse preferences and environmental needs. Older migrants living in areas where their own group is dominant enjoyed better access to ethnic services and experienced greater opportunities for social interaction. However, when compared to their native Dutch counterparts, they were more likely to encounter language barriers and to experience specific environmental problems, such as inadequate housing conditions and paid parking.

Assessing forest villagers’ livelihood vulnerability to the environmental changes in Buxa Tiger Reserve of sub-Himalayan India

The Himalayan forest communities historically lived in harmony with their environment; however, anthropogenic activities have disrupted this balance. Deforestation, climate change, and habitat degradation have heightened vulnerability, compounded by human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) and limited access to crucial livelihood capitals. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of factors associated with household-level vulnerability, prompting this study in the Buxa Tiger Reserve of sub-Himalayan India. Data from 345 households across ten villages reveal significant exposure to HWCs, particularly elephant crop raiding and leopard-induced livestock losses. Sensitivity arises from water scarcity, health issues, food shortages, and inadequate housing conditions, while limited adaptive capacity stems from infrastructural and financial constraints, among others. Spatial disparities emerge, with tribal households exhibiting lower exposure but lesser adaptive capacity compared to non-tribal communities. Proximity to different facilities (e.g., markets, financial institutions, primary healthcare centers) and government schemes significantly influence vulnerability, revealing unexpected associations. Besides, villagers’ willingness to relocate demonstrates higher adaptive capacity and perceived benefits outside the reserve. By unraveling the layers of vulnerability at the household level, this study provides valuable guidance for policymakers, forest managers, and other stakeholders. It offers insights into sustainable development strategies, resonating globally to harmonize human actions with environmental conservation.

Ten questions concerning First Nations on-reserve housing in Canada

Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of Turtle Island. In Canada, three distinct groups of Indigenous Peoples are formally recognized: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. Roughly 40 % of First Nations people with Registered or Treaty Indian status live on-reserve. Relative to the general Canadian population, First Nations living on-reserve are more likely to live in inadequate housing conditions that include significantly higher rates of mold growth and overcrowding, with a higher proportion of existing on-reserve housing stock in need of major repairs. Efforts to improve on-reserve housing conditions must be understood in the context of colonial policies, which have systematically prevented First Nations from obtaining safe, secure, and sustainable housing. This paper aims to describe the range of challenges, concerns, and innovative solutions associated with First Nations on-reserve housing. Ten questions and answers have been presented to characterize the current state of First Nations on-reserve housing in relation to the rest of the Canadian housing stock, including an in-depth comparison of the differences between on-reserve and off-reserve housing. Known factors that result in inadequate on-reserve housing are discussed, as well as a review of various operational and construction-related challenges faced on-reserve, such as community remoteness, a lack of available skilled trades, and mold and moisture issues. Human health and well-being are also discussed as a key outcome of poor housing quality, looking at both physical and mental health in communities, with special attention to the indoor air quality impacts of overcrowding and the presence of mold.

Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in District Chitral, Pakistan

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease endemic to many regions, including Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. Chitral District, with its unique environmental conditions, presents a significant hotspot for CL transmission, driven by various socio-economic and environmental factors. Methods: This study was conducted between June and October 2023 in four tehsils of Chitral District. A total of 3,748 confirmed CL patients were surveyed for demographic information (figure 14), risk factors, and clinical data. Factors such as housing conditions, proximity to livestock, travel history, and environmental attributes were analyzed. Data were processed using SPSS (version 25.0), with significance determined at p < 0.05. Results: Key findings revealed that 76.94% of patients had recent travel history to endemic areas. Rural residency (58.65%), close proximity to livestock (88.76%), and inadequate housing conditions contributed significantly to CL prevalence. Poor waste management (66.04%) and vegetation near homes (52.14%) were identified as environmental risk factors. A majority (68.45%) of individuals did not use protective measures like mosquito nets, further increasing exposure to vector habitats. Conclusion: The study highlights the multifactorial nature of CL transmission in Chitral District. Socio-economic challenges, environmental factors, and travel history are major contributors. Effective public health strategies should focus on improving housing infrastructure, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting personal protection measures to reduce the burden of CL in high-risk areas.

Social Rehabilitation: Intervention of social workers in the Uninhabitable Housing Program in the City of Bandung

Home rehabilitation programs aim to improve the quality of life for people living in inadequate housing conditions. However, the success of these programs often depends on the support and intervention of social workers in planning, implementing and monitoring the rehabilitation process and its impact on the communities involved. This study aims to analyze the role and effectiveness of the social worker's intervention in the rehabilitation program for uninhabitable houses in the city of Bandung. This research method uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis. This research reveals that the Social Rehabilitation Program for Uninhabitable Houses (RS-RTLH) in the city of Bandung has succeeded in overcoming the problem of poverty and improving the quality of housing for the poor. During the period from 2018 to 2021, this program succeeded in rehabilitating a total of 8,306 uninhabitable housing units . Despite facing challenges such as complex communication factors, limited human resources, and bureaucratic dynamics, social worker interventions play an important role in bridging information gaps, assisting in planning appropriate interventions, and providing ongoing evaluation assistance. The social worker's approach in making contact, assessing, compiling work programs, mentoring, and terminating plays a role in ensuring that this program provides optimal results, reduces social dependency, and improves the welfare of the people being assisted.

Community disaster resilience in Brazilian small urban centers

Brazilian small urban centers are facing several disasters impacts due to their singular environmental, economic, and social characteristics. A comprehensive approach encompassing multiple dimensions of resilience and adaptation is essential to minimize material and human losses. This article analyzes the community disaster resilience of 213 small urban centers in the Brazilian Southeast region, affected by recurrent events, such as floods, flash floods, and landslides. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach. First, a quantitative analysis was conducted at the municipal level using statistical techniques to develop a community disaster resilience index, incorporating social, economic, infrastructure, institutional, and community dimensions. Simultaneously, a qualitative assessment evaluated the levels of social capital at the intra-municipal scale among populations affected by disasters through an online questionnaire. The results demonstrated a direct correlation between community disaster resilience levels and the economic and urban development of the assessed municipalities. Lower levels of community disaster resilience were associated with higher vulnerability of the population, characterized by limited socioeconomic development, inadequate housing conditions, insufficient urban infrastructure for transportation, healthcare, leisure, and social support services, and ineffective implementation of public development policies. Moreover, the absence and limited diversity of leisure spaces that foster social connections contributed to reduced community engagement and participation, resulting in lower levels of social capital. This study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance community resilience in small urban centers facing recurrent disasters. The findings provide insights for policymakers and practitioners to prioritize interventions and investments in economic development, infrastructure improvement, and social capital enhancement as crucial elements of disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts.

Destitution and displacement: unveiling the precariousness of homelessness and statelessness among uphill country Tamil repatriates in India

ABSTRACT This article presents the conceptual framework of political and physical homelessness as embodiments of precarious homelessness, emanating from the palpable characteristics of housing. This physical housing doesn’t just provide shelter, it also gives people a sense of political identity and belonging to a home or country. The uphill Tamil community, coerced into migratory movements from India to Sri Lanka for plantation labor, confronted a formidable existence marked by precarious homelessness. This community nurtured a perception that the absence of their personal dwelling impeded a sense of belonging to the Sri Lankan nation. Even subsequent to acquiring Indian citizenship and repatriating, their precarious homelessness endured during their post-repatriation phase due to transient or inadequate housing conditions in India. This state of precarious homelessness begets housing insecurity and prolonged psychological adversities, encompassing apprehension, strain, and anguish among the Hill Country Tamils. By propounding this framework, the study not only enhances understanding of homelessness dynamics, but also provides scholars and policymakers with a holistic view to address homelessness among stateless and displaced populations.

Factors Associated with Neural Tube Defects among Women Who Gave Birth at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia: A Case Control Study.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur as a result of incomplete closure of the neural tube by the embryonic age of 26 to 28 days. Addressing factors associated with NTDs would help to identify and prioritize high-risk women, which in turn guides the preventive strategy. The study aimed to identify factors associated with NTDs among women who gave birth or had a second-trimester abortion at Adama Hospital Medical College, from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Hospital based unmatched case-control study was conducted on 344 women. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics were computed. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associations with NTDs. The odds of having a fetus with NTDs were 2.19 times higher among women who are not in a marital relationship (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.13, 4.25). Women with a previous history of Abortion or stillbirth had 3 fold increased risk of having a fetus with NTDs (AOR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.58, 5.88). Inadequate housing condition nearly doubles the odds of having a fetus with NTDs (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.04). Folic acid or multivitamin supplementation early in pregnancy reduced the odds of having a fetus with NTDs by 43% (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.91). Being not in a marital relationship, previous history of abortion or stillbirth, and living in inadequate housing conditions were risk factors for NTDs, while multivitamins or folic acid supplementation was a protective factor.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: an underdiagnosed entity in the first contact

Leishmaniasis is a chronic, vector-borne parasitic disease caused by a flagellated protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which has more than 20 species. Usually, it is a disease that affects the tropical and subtropical populations of the world. The disease is transmitted through the bite of female mosquitoes of the genus Lutzomyiaen and Phlebotomusen. The clinical presentation and its manifestations are variable, they are affected by the species and immunological state of the host. Generally, three main types are distinguished: the most frequent presentation and with the best prognosis is cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the second is known as mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and the third presentation is visceral leishmaniasis, which puts endanger the life of the person presenting it. Leishmaniasis is related to various risk factors, including: poverty, malnutrition, migration, and inadequate housing conditions; in addition, people who work in rural areas, such as farmers, farmers, or the military in endemic areas, are at greater risk of suffering a bite by a transmitting mosquito. Due to its variable manifestations and greater affectation in poor areas, it is a pathology that is normally overlooked. The objective of this review is to define and differentiate the most frequent types of presentation as well as their cutaneous manifestations, and to provide extensive information on diagnostic methods. Briefly, general information on the pathology and treatment of these lesions will be provided.

Evaluation of diagnostic criteria in grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) with suspected atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a common disease in older psittacines living in captivity with inadequate housing conditions. However, diagnosis in the living bird remains difficult and the disease is often only recognized during post mortem examination. In this context, we aimed at investigating the diagnostic value of currently reported methods in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). 7 clinically healthy African grey parrots and 32 African grey parrots with suspected atherosclerosis were evaluated in this study. An overall scoring system was implemented based on clinical signs, measurement of blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a radiographic exam, and an echocardiogram in B-mode. Furthermore, measurements of the blood flow velocity in the aortic root, heart rate and velocity time integral were performed using the spectral Doppler ultrasonographic function. Measurements of the blood flow velocity in the aortic root showed highly significant differences between the clinically healthy group and a subset of the patient group. Significant differences between the groups also were evident concerning the results of the overall scoring and of the initial examinations. The results support that combining spectral Doppler ultrasonographic examination with other diagnostic options may be used to substantiate suspected atherosclerosis and provide additional information regarding the cardiovascular status of the patient. The presented findings indicate that employing the described diagnostic methods allows for an intra vitam diagnosis of atherosclerosis and therefore an earlier initiation of treatment.

Determinants of Housing Outcomes and Housing Expenditure in Non-Seoul Metropolitan Area and Seoul Metropolitan Area

This research aims to explore the commonalities and distinctions of housing outcomes and housing expenditure between non-Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) and SMA, and to identify the determinants of residential assessment and housing expenditure. Using two waves of the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS), this longitudinal study revealed that ageing and shrinking household size in two areas rendered a growing number of elderly, single-person, and female-headed households. The statistical findings showed that educational attainment of householders, labor force participation rate, and household income in SMA were higher and household size was larger than in non-SMA. As the ageing of non-SMA was faster than that of SMA, socio-economic disparities had widened over time. Further, substandard or inadequate housing conditions largely declined in non-SMA, and income growth backed by the rise in dual-income households enabled Chonsei tenants in SMA to move upward in the housing ladder, increasing satisfactions with housing and residential environment which were explicitly affected by such residential environment attributes as family life, social network and income. It’s notable that the dependence on social services in strong favor of cash transfers dramatically increased, and income became an important factor in predicting housing expenditure.

Housing Risk Factors of Four Tropical Neglected Diseases: A Brief Review of the Recent Literature.

Alongside peace, education, food, income, a stable ecosystem, sustainable resources and social justice, shelter is a prerequisite for health. According to international human rights law, everyone is entitled to an adequate standard of living, which includes adequate housing. Adequate housing, including access to water and sanitation, plays a critical role in the prevention and management of neglected tropical diseases, which affect over 1 billion people worldwide. Inadequate housing conditions represent a risk factor for many of them, e.g., Chagas disease that affects 6–8 million people worldwide, visceral leishmaniasis that kills 20,000–30,000 people/year, lymphatic filariasis which threatens 859 million people worldwide or dengue that has increased 8–10 fold over the last two decades. Vector control strategies for the above-mentioned diseases have shown their effectiveness and should include systematic and repetitive in-house spraying and individual protection (e.g., impregnated nets), as well as better-quality construction material and techniques and better sanitation infrastructures and practices. Access to adequate housing is a basic human right. The violation of the right to adequate housing may affect the enjoyment of other human rights. Access to adequate housing can strengthen (and facilitate access to) other basic human rights, such as the rights to work, health, security, and education.

Impacto del confinamiento por la COVID-19 en la salud autopercibida en Chile según género

ObjectiveTo analyse the social factors associated with self-perceived health during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Chilean resident population according to gender perspective. MethodCross-sectional study conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown between May 17 and August 17, 2020 with an online survey. Self-perceived health was analysed in the population aged 18 years or older in relation to social variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between independent variables with self-perceived health, through adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Analyses were stratified by sex (M: men; W: women). Results5981 persons were analysed (women: 63.9%). 29.6% of women and 19.2% of men reported poor self-perceived health. In women it worsens with increasing age. Worse self-perceived health was mainly associated with lack of social support (ORa M: 2.05; ORa W: 2.34), concern about living together at home (ORa M: 1.66; ORa W: 1.38), perceived inadequate housing conditions (ORa M: 1.89; ORa W: 2.63), and disagreement with government measures (ORa M: 2.80; ORa W: 1.82). In women, it was also associated with informal work or being inactive in the labour market (ORa: 2.11). In men worse self-perceived health was associated with being self-employed (ORa: 1.65; confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.45) and has secondary education (ORa: 2.81; CI: 1.32–5.98). ConclusionsThe social impact of lockdown in self-perceived health is related to gender, age, care work, and socioeconomic conditions, as well as, by disagreement with the measures implemented to manage the pandemic.

The Relationships between Damaging Behaviours and Health in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryThe design of housing systems and genetic selection of laying hens have in the past focused mainly on productivity, excluding issues around the animals’ behavioural needs and welfare. Because of inadequate housing conditions and especially a barren environment, behavioural disorders such as feather and body pecking, as well as cannibalism, occur in the modern layer industry. Since conventional cages for egg production were banned in the European Union in January 2012, alternative systems such as floor, aviary, free-range, and organic systems have become increasingly common and now concern over 50% of hens housed in Europe. Despite the many advantages that come with non-cage systems, the shift to a housing system where laying hens are kept in larger groups and more complex environments has given rise to new challenges related to management, health, and welfare. We have carried out a review showing the close relationships between damaging behaviours and health in modern husbandry systems for laying hens.Since the ban in January 2012 of conventional cages for egg production in the European Union (Council Directive 1999/74/EC), alternative systems such as floor, aviary, free-range, and organic systems have become increasingly common, reaching 50% of housing for hens in 2019. Despite the many advantages associated with non-cage systems, the shift to a housing system where laying hens are kept in larger groups and more complex environments has given rise to new challenges related to management, health, and welfare. This review examines the close relationships between damaging behaviours and health in modern husbandry systems for laying hens. These new housing conditions increase social interactions between animals. In cases of suboptimal rearing and/or housing and management conditions, damaging behaviour or infectious diseases are likely to spread to the whole flock. Additionally, health issues, and therefore stimulation of the immune system, may lead to the development of damaging behaviours, which in turn may result in impaired body conditions, leading to health and welfare issues. This raises the need to monitor both behaviour and health of laying hens in order to intervene as quickly as possible to preserve both the welfare and health of the animals.

Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning

Introduction. E-learning has been known and used in many countries for a long time.It is becoming more and more popular. It is a way of teaching remotely, using the latestinformation technology. It can be used in any age group, starting with pre-school teaching.In the era of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, remote learning has been mandatory due to theneed to continue the teaching process whilst at the same time reducing the risk of spreading the virus. This has revealed many advantages, but also the disadvantages of this type of teaching.Aim & methods. The aim of the work is to change the advantages and disadvantagesof remote teaching as one of the modern forms of education. The work attempts to showthe problems related to the risks and diffi culties associated with distance learning and theadvantages of the development of information technology. We reviewed recent literatureon e- learning in Poland. We supplemented it with our own observations.Results & Conclusions. Reviewed empirical studies from Poland suggest that the mainadvantages of distance learning are professional development of teachers, intergenerational experience exchange, time saving, the possibility of learning at a pace adapted tothe student, access to a large quantity of teaching materials as well as the development andexpansion of IT infrastructure. The main disadvantages are lack of peer interactions, theneed to spend a lot of time in front of the computer, lack of physical activity, diffi culties inindependent assimilation of new material, lack of direct contact with the teacher, lack ofcomputer equipment and inadequate housing conditions, lower didactic effects, social andeconomic exclusion.E-Learning is an excellent form of learning, due to its many advantages such as timesavings and access to a wide range of materials, but requires a lot of commitment from thelecturers to encourage students to expand their knowledge and on the part of students selfcontrol and motivation.

Community Health Worker Intervention to Address Social Determinants of Health for Children Hospitalized With Asthma.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to racial disparities in asthma outcomes. Community health worker (CHW) programs represent a promising way to screen for SDOH and connect patients to resources, but the impact of CHW programs in the inpatient pediatric setting has been examined in few studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a CHW program for children hospitalized with asthma in a predominantly Hispanic community by examining rates of SDOH and social resource navigation. This pilot study involved a CHW intervention to improve pediatric asthma care. Patients were included if they were hospitalized with asthma over an 18-month period and enrolled in the CHW program during their hospitalization. In an intake interview, CHWs screened caregivers for SDOH and provided tailored social resource navigation. Descriptive statistics were used to assess rates of social risk factors and social resource navigation. Eighty patients underwent SDOH screening. The majority of patients were Hispanic (81.3%, n = 65). Half of caregivers reported food or housing insecurity over the past 12 months (50.0%, n = 40), and most reported inadequate housing conditions (63.8%, n = 51). CHWs coordinated social resources for the majority of families (98.8%, n = 79), with the most common being food resources (42.5%, n = 34), housing resources (82.5%, n = 66), and appointment navigation (41.3%, n = 33). CHWs identified a high burden of unmet social needs and provided associated social resource navigation in a largely Hispanic pediatric population hospitalized for asthma. CHW programs have potential to improve asthma outcomes by linking high-risk patients with social resources.

Factors associated with small- and large-for-gestational-age in socioeconomically vulnerable individuals in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvidence points to diverse risk factors associated with small- (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births. A more comprehensive understanding of these factors is imperative, especially in vulnerable populations.ObjectivesTo estimate the occurrence of and sociodemographic factors associated with SGA and LGA births in poor and extremely poor populations of Brazil.MethodsThe study population consisted of women of reproductive age (14–49 y), whose last child was born between 2012 and 2015. INTERGROWTH 21st consortium criteria were used to classify weight for gestational age according to sex. Multinomial logistic regression modeling was performed to investigate associations of interest.ResultsOf 5,521,517 live births analyzed, SGA and LGA corresponded to 7.8% and 17.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed greater odds of SGA in children born to women who self-reported as black (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.22), mixed-race (parda) (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.09), or indigenous (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.15), were unmarried (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.08), illiterate (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.42, 1.52), did not receive prenatal care (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.53, 1.60), or were aged 14–20 y (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.22) or 35–49 y (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.13). Considering LGA children, higher odds were found in infants born to women living in households with ≥3 inadequate housing conditions (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.12), in indigenous women (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.25), those who had 1–3 y of schooling (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.19), 1–3 prenatal visits (OR: 1.16; CI 95%: 1.14, 1.17), or were older (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.27).ConclusionsIn poorer Brazilian populations, socioeconomic, racial, and maternal characteristics are consistently associated with the occurrence of SGA births, but remain less clearly linked to the occurrence of LGA births.