Poverty Line Research Articles

Barriers to Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Comparison of High-Poverty and Low-Poverty Communities.

Our aim was to determine the most significant barriers to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for people living in high-poverty communities relative to low-poverty communities. We created a 21-question survey based on interviews with underrepresented minority patients with osteoarthritis targeting five barriers to TJA: trust in surgeon, recovery concerns, cost / insurance issues, fear of poor surgical outcomes, and timing considerations. Participants rated the importance of each barrier on a 5-point Likert scale, dichotomized into very / extremely important and not as important. The survey was distributed at New York City clinics and nationally through an arthritis advocacy group. We used geocoding to link addresses to census tracts, defining "high-poverty communities" as those with ≥20% of residents living below the poverty level. Logistic regression models assessed the association between community poverty status and rating barriers as very / extremely important, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Of the 702 survey participants, 16.8% were residents of high-poverty communities. After adjustment, participants from high-poverty communities were more likely to rate trust in surgeon (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.87 [1.24, 2.82]) and fear of poor surgical outcome (aOR: 1.68 [1.08, 2.61]) as very / extremely important. People from high-poverty communities identified lack of trust in surgeons and fear of poor surgical outcomes as more significant barriers to TJA compared to people from low-poverty communities.

The economic, social, and environmental impact of ecologically centered integrated pest management practices in East Africa

Agricultural pest management faces mounting challenges with increasing pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use while ensuring food security, and environmental sustainability. Ecologically centered approaches, such as integrated pest management (IPM), offer promising sustainable agroecological crop protection alternative solutions to pesticides. This study assesses the investment viability and environmental sustainability of two IPM interventions—mango fruit fly IPM (FF-IPM) and push-pull technology (PPT) in Kenya and Uganda, using project investment and adoption data from 2007 to 2021. The study also evaluates these technologies contribution to food security and poverty reduction. FF-IPM integrates biological control, cultural practices, and targeted bait traps to manage fruit flies in mango production, while PPT employs Desmodium and Brachiaria grass to control stemborers and striga weed. The findings highlight that these IPM interventions achieved a combined net present value of $500 million, with a benefit-cost ratio of about 8:1, and an internal rate of return of 21%, comparable to returns from improved crop varieties. These technologies also improved food security for 641,000 people, lifted 445,349 people above the poverty line, representing 2% of the poor population in both countries, and generated an average income increase of $5 per capita in Kenya and Uganda annually. Environmentally, they sequestered 2.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent, valued at $12.2 million, and are reducing pesticide use by 86,000 to 204,000 L per year. These results demonstrate the potential of IPM approaches to simultaneously enhance livelihoods, local economies, and generate global environmental public goods, suggesting that addressing adoption barriers could further amplify these positive outcomes.

Measuring the Unmeasurable: Decomposing Multidimensional Rural Poverty and Promoting Economic Development in the Poorest Region of Luzon, Philippines

Poverty is the oldest social problem that ever existed and is difficult to reverse. It is multidimensional and unmeasurable. Thus, measuring by decomposing rural multidimensional poverty is critical. Most poverty studies are usually generic, exposed to large sampling errors, and intended for macroeconomic decisions. Thus, measuring poverty for a specific locality with various configurations (15) is critical for economic development. The paper combines predictive analytics and advanced econometrics to decompose poverty at the micro-level by utilizing the Community-Based Monitoring system at complete enumeration (L = 34, S = 4). Logistic Regression (78) Models with 19 Independent Variables and 12 Intervening Variables were fitted. Headcount Analysis (0.2138–0.9845), Poverty Gap (0.2228–0.0502), Severity statistics (0.0723–0.0168) and Watts Index (0.2724–0.0618) are scrutinized. Poverty levels vary by location; a significant fraction of the population (P0i = 68.50%, P0f = 55.80%) and households (P0i = 63.70%, P0f = 50.70%) live below the poverty line and food threshold. It has been revealed that poverty is extreme in Isarog (i = 0.7793), moderate in Poblacion (p = 0.4019), intense in Ranggas (r = 0.6542), and severe in Salog (s = 0.6353). Multidimensional variables (13VAR) significantly predict poverty outcomes (p-value = 0.0000, PseudoR2 = 0.75). Moreover, intervening variables have been impacting poverty across all locals. All models tested are significant across all sectors and correctly predicted by the model classifications (Estat = 73.29–74.12%). Poverty is multifaceted; thus, it requires different interventions. Finally, policy proposals (54) were outlined to alleviate poverty and promote local economic development.

How do socioeconomic indicators and fiscal decentralization affect stunting? Evidence from Indonesia

Purpose Stunting has emerged as a prominent concern on a global scale. Over the past seven years, the average prevalence has consistently exceeded the World Health Organization standards. This study aims to investigate the roots and model of stunting. Design/methodology/approach The samples were collected from 406 regencies (counties) and municipalities across 34 provinces in Indonesia from 2017 to 2022 and used the dynamic panel data analysis. Findings The findings showed that the food security index, poverty line, women’s years of schooling, the specific allocation of funds and hopeful family program negatively influenced stunting. Otherwise, village funds and fiscal decentralisation positively affect stunting. The results also confirmed that stunting had a dynamic impact. In addition, the effect of income per capita, the poverty severity index and government funds for education and health on stunting rates were inconclusive. Practical implications The policy implication of the study suggests that the government must consider the budgetary concerns of each region and focus on the regions that exhibit different needs. Originality/value This paper will contribute to the literature about the modelling of determinants of Stunting in Indonesia.

Abstract 4136932: Impact of Different Socioeconomic Metrics on Heart Failure-Related Admission and Short-Term Outcomes in Maryland

Introduction: Annually, over 500,000 Americans are hospitalized due to heart failure (HF), marking it as a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. It also poses a significant financial burden and leads to considerable losses in productivity. Objective: This study investigates the predictive accuracy of different socioeconomic metrics on the risk and outcomes of HF in Maryland. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of the Maryland State Inpatient Database (2016-2020) was conducted to assess the predictive accuracy of race/ethnicity, insurance status, household median income, and neighborhood poverty level (measured by the Distressed Communities Index) on the risk of heart failure-related hospital admissions and outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression models were also used to adjust for confounders. Result: During the study period, a total of 389,220 cases of HF were reported in the Maryland SID. The majority of these patients were white (56.8%) and female (51.1%), with a median age of 73 years (interquartile range [IQR] 62-82 years). The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.1%, while rates of atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest and prolonged hospital stay were 34.4%, 0.3%, and 48.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a substantial area under the ROC curve (AUC) indicating good model performance: 0.88 for predicting HF, 0.64 for atrial fibrillation, 0.64 for cardiac arrest 0.57 for prolonged hospital stays, 0.63 for mortality. Subgroup analyses showed variable predictiveness by race (AUC = 0.4378), payment method (AUC = 0.5754), income quartile (AUC = 0.5202), and deprivation composite score (AUC = 0.4751). Patients with private insurance had the highest risk of stress cardiomyopathy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70-2.29). Socioeconomic metrics, including neighborhood distress, showed varying predictive accuracy for the HF-related admissions and selected short-term outcomes, with the highest predictive accuracy for neighborhood distress on the risk of HF (AUC = 0.50, std: 0.006), atrial fibrillation (AUC = 0.48, std: 0.0007), cardiac arrest (AUC = 0.51, std: 0.007), and prolonged hospital stays (AUC = 0.53, std: 0.0005) and mortality (AUC = 0.50, std: 0.0015). Conclusion: Neighborhood poverty level demonstrates significant predictive power for assessing the risk of HF-related hospital admissions and the short-term outcomes among Maryland residents, exceeding factors like insurance and race/ethnicity.

Variations in Earned Income Tax Credit Allocation between the Program’s Eight Qualifying Categories

Abstract The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been an important anti-poverty program over the past five decades. Research shows that the EITC improves social and health outcomes. However, eligibility is not equitably allocated across the tax credit’s eight qualifying groups. This study examined this inequity while highlighting how it reflects and reproduces socially embedded deservedness narratives. The study investigated the federal poverty threshold (FPT) and EITC phase-out threshold data from 1994 to 2022. We assessed disparities in EITC disbursement amounts by exploring the percentage of EITC phase-out threshold relative to FPT differences between groups. The percentage showed how much a household’s income can exceed their FPT while still qualifying for the EITC. Over the study period, three of the eight EITC qualifying categories that included children were each eligible to receive an average greater than 200% (i.e., two times) their corresponding FPT while remaining EITC eligible (single one child, 229.12%; single two children, 225.77%; married one child, 215.77%). Married couples and individuals without children benefited far less, earning 118.30% and 111.38% of their FPT, respectively. The findings show that the outcome percentages dramatically vary between those with and without children. This disparity engenders a deservedness narrative, delineating who is deserving of receiving the credit. The EITC is unequally available and needs to be adjusted. Social workers should therefore advocate for policies that anchor the EITC phase-out threshold to at least 200% of the FPT for childless households, aligning it with the threshold for households with children.

Women Discrimination in Mexico and Impact towards The National Security

Mexico is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting its female population, which has the potential to lead to severe consequences such as the degradation of the country. This research aims to study the impact of women's discrimination towards Mexican national security. The objective of this research is to ascertain the specific manifestations of discrimination against women in Mexico, examine the implications of such discrimination on national security, and analyze the proactive measures implemented by the Mexican government and non-governmental organizations in addressing this pervasive issue. The qualitative methodology employed in this study originates from secondary sources and the concept used was national security. The results of this study indicate that discrimination against women in Mexico has been influenced by factors within the political, economic, and social domains. It highlights risks for women in Mexican politics and underscores societal discrimination, particularly affecting Indigenous women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it intensifies gender-based issues, emphasizing the urgency of addressing inequality in Mexico. The ramifications of women's discrimination in Mexico extend across societal facets, contributing to increased crime rates, societal instability, and heightened poverty levels. In anticipation of these consequences, it is imperative to evaluate the vulnerability of various economic sectors and formulate strategies to mitigate their susceptibility. Collaboration between the government and non-governmental organizations is essential to implement initiatives focused on enhancing adaptation capabilities, fortifying legal frameworks, and providing support to affected communities.

The influence of natural factors on poverty in West Halmahera

Poverty remains one of the persistent social issues faced by governments in many regions, including coastal and small island communities. The poverty experienced in these areas is driven by a combination of natural, social, and economic factors. Dynamic environmental conditions, such as seasonal changes, extreme weather, wide geographic dispersion between sea and land, isolation due to limited accessibility, and vulnerability to natural disasters, often trap coastal populations in a cycle of poverty. Data from West Halmahera Regency indicates that poverty levels have shown little improvement up until 2023. This research focuses on a sample of 390 poor residents from the region, utilizing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Principal Component Regression Analysis (PCRA) to examine the factors affecting poverty. The findings reveal that within the Natural Capital variable (X1), the most significant indicators are the distance from the house to a clean water source (X4), with a coefficient of 0.894, the condition of the water source near the residence (X5), with a coefficient of 0.884, and accessibility to clean water sources (X3), with a coefficient of 0.89. West Halmahera, being a coastal and mountainous region, suffers from an unequal distribution of essential infrastructure, particularly in areas far from the district capital. Clean water infrastructure remains absent in many areas, and even in mountainous regions where water piping exists, geographic challenges hinder functionality. Addressing these issues requires collaboration between local governments, the private sector, universities, and the community. Solutions may include programs that incorporate local wisdom and focus on infrastructure development, sustainable water management, and environmentally friendly practices. Such initiatives could enhance access to clean water, improve the local economy, and ultimately reduce poverty in West Halmahera.

Tourism Development Impact on Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation in West Java

Poverty alleviation is on the agenda of regional development in West Java. One of the priority sectors is tourism development, which supports inclusive economic growth and is expected to address poverty. Through various unit analyses, the study analyzed how tourism development in West Java impacts economic growth and poverty alleviation. These included indicators such as the number of tourist visits, hotel room occupancy rate, the number of hotels and restaurants, average length of stay, and the tourism sector's contribution to Original Local Government Revenue (PAD). Economic growth was assessed using indicators such as Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), unemployment rate, Gini Index, and regional investment value. In contrast, the poverty variable used the percentage and number of people living in poverty, poverty line statistics, Poverty Depth Index, and Poverty Severity Index. Inferential statistical analysis, specifically Partial Least Square (PLS), was conducted using a quantitative approach and data from BPS - Statistics of West Java. Hypotheses were formulated based on the literature review, asserting that tourism development significantly and positively impacted economic growth and poverty alleviation in West Java. Results showed that tourism development significantly boosted economic performance, directly influencing economic growth. Additionally, high economic growth correlated with reduced poverty rates, highlighting the importance of inclusive growth for alleviation. Key indicators played crucial roles in poverty alleviation, including the number of hotels and restaurants, the tourism sector's contribution to regional revenue, GRDP, and regional investment value. These findings provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for leveraging tourism potential to promote inclusive economic growth and alleviate poverty in West Java.

Special Section on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Informatics: Collection of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Rural and Underserved Populations.

The NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory supports the design and conduct of 31 embedded pragmatic clinical trials, and many of these trials use patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to provide valuable information about their patients' health and wellness. Often these trials enroll medically underserved patients, including people with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, racial or ethnically minoritized groups, or rural or frontier communities. In this series of trial case reports, we provide lessons learned about collecting PROMs in these populations. The unbiased collection of PROM data is critical to increase the generalizability of trial outcomes and to address health inequities. Use of electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital modes of PROM administration have gained traction. However, engagement with these modes is often low among disparities prone populations due to lessened digital proficiency, device access, and uptake of EHR portals and web interfaces. To maximize the completeness and representativeness of their trial outcome data, study teams tested a range of strategies to improve PROM response rates with emphasis on disparities prone and underserved patient groups. This manuscript describes the approaches, their implementation, and the targeted populations. Optimized PROM collection required hybrid approaches with multiple outreach modes, high-touch methods, creativity in promoting digital uptake, multi-modal participant engagement, and text messaging.

Modeling the Predictors of Poverty in Agricultural Households in Uganda: Application of Multilevel and Interaction Methods

This study aimed to model the predictors of poverty in agricultural households in Uganda. The study's specific objectives were to examine the effect of individual predictors of poverty and analyze the contribution of community predictors of poverty in agricultural households. The study utilized data from the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS, 2019/20) obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. A sample of 13,732 households was randomly selected from the total weighted sample representation of 11.3 million households involved in agricultural activities. A logit model was used in the analysis and estimates were provided using multilevel and interaction methods. Key findings suggest that poverty in agricultural households was positively and significantly influenced by the gender of the household head, marital status of the household head, income stability of the household, age of the household head and livestock ownership. Additionally, regional differences accounted for 17.9 % of the variations in poverty levels in Uganda and understanding such regional differences and their influence on poverty levels can assist policymakers and organizations in designing targeted interventions and policies to reduce poverty levels among households. Such measures can address the specific challenges faced by different regions and promote more equitable development across the country. However, poverty in agricultural households was negatively and significantly influenced by residence status, savings account ownership and household size. Based on the study's findings, the key policy recommendations were that; the government should continue implementing gender-focused interventions to address gender disparities among women empowerment programs that involve access to resources including land, equal access to employment opportunities and equal access to education to reduce poverty among women. Regarding income instabilities in agricultural households due to price fluctuations, the government should empower farmers to form farmer groups where they can collectively increase their bargaining power to avoid price fluctuations.

Analisis Tingkat Kesejahteraan Rumah Tangga Petani Padi di Desa Cadaskertajaya Kecamatan Telagasari Kabupaten Karawang

Agricultural development in rural areas not only increases production, but also increases people's income, opens up more job opportunities, and improves welfare. This research aims to analyze farmer household income, farmer household expenditure, and the level of welfare of rice farmer households in Cadaskertajaya Village, Telagasari District, Karawang Regency. The research method used is Mix Method, with primary and secondary data types. Primary data was collected through interviews using questionnaires from 47 rice farmers. Secondary data was obtained from the Central Statistics Agency, Karawang Regency Agricultural Service, Cadaskertajaya Village, and other institutions. Samples were taken using the proportional random sampling method, with the criteria being farmer owners and farm workers. Data analysis uses the Directorate of Land Use's criteria poverty line for household income, the Sayogyo criteria poverty line for household expenditure, and welfare indicators from BPS. The research results show that the average household income of rice farmers in Cadaskertajaya Village is IDR 34,582,351.69 per year and IDR 8,124,446.81 per capita per year. The household expenditure of rice farmers is IDR 25,380,255.32 per year and IDR 8,413,937.59 per capita per year. Based on the poverty line criteria of the Directorate of Land Use, 53.19% of farmers are not poor, and according to the Sayogyo criteria, 82.61% are not poor. The welfare level is calculated using 11 indicators from BPS, with the highest score being 33 and the lowest score being 27, which is still included in the high welfare category.

Food vulnerability index for the development of the Mazahua community in the state of Mexico

The native peoples of the State of Mexico, especially the Mazahua community, present a high degree of marginality and food vulnerability, causing their inhabitants to be classified within the poor and extremely poor population. The objective of the research is to propose a food vulnerability index for the Mazahua community of the State of Mexico through the induction-deduction method, contrasting the existing literature with a semi-structured exploratory interview to identify the main factors that affect the native peoples. The study population was selected taking into account the number of inhabitants and poverty levels. The sources of information, in addition to documentary sources, were key informants and visits to Mazahua families that facilitated information about the different variables: natural, economic, social, cultural component, degree of adaptability and resilience for the creation and better understanding of the food vulnerability index in the communities under study.

The case for investment in nutritional interventions to prevent and reduce childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Peru: a modelling study

BackgroundBetween 2006 and 2016 the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5–19 years in Peru increased from 22.7 to 27.0%. This investment case quantifies the economic impacts of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Peru. It identifies and quantifies the potential impact of a set of new or expanded interventions that can strengthen current national efforts to prevent and reduce child and adolescent overweight and obesity.MethodsA deterministic Markov cohort model with a societal cost perspective estimated reductions in mortality and morbidity from implementing interventions to prevent and reduce child and adolescent overweight and obesity and the impact in savings in healthcare costs and gains in wages and productivity. Interventions identified through a review of published literature includes a school-based social marketing campaign, exclusive breastfeeding promotion and support, a healthy food and drink policy for school premises, and a 20% subsidy on fruits and vegetables for people living below the national poverty line. The return on investment (ROI) was calculated along with the estimated cost savings associated with the interventions. Analysis was conducted to test ROI sensitivity to changes in the key parameters and assumptions.ResultsBetween 2025 and 2092, the expected combined direct and indirect healthcare costs attributable to child and adolescent overweight and obesity in Peru are 210.6 billion USD. The direct healthcare costs are 1.8 billion USD, and the indirect costs are 208.8 billion USD. Expected savings for all interventions combined is 13.9 billion USD with a per-person savings of 12,089.8 USD. The expected ROI of the four interventions combined is 39.3 USD (30-years), 64.6 USD (50-years), and 164.1 USD (66-years) per one USD invested.ConclusionsThe overweight and obesity epidemic among children and adolescents in Peru requires wide-ranging and expanded implementation of policies to achieve long-term reductions in prevalence. This study’s findings show that the four priority interventions have high ROIs and can be used to guide policy to address the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the obesogenic environment.

Implementation of the UMKM Program in Poverty Alleviation di Desa Padengo Kabupaten Pohuwato

This research discusses the implementation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) program in efforts to alleviate poverty in Padengo Village, Pohuwato Regency. Padengo Village is one area that still faces significant challenges related to poverty. In this context, the UMKM program is one of the strategies adopted by the Padengo Village Government to improve community welfare and reduce poverty levels. This research uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through in-depth interviews with various stakeholders, including government officials, UMKM business owners, and local community members. Data was also obtained through direct observation and documentation studies. The results of the research show that the implementation of the UMKM program in Padengo Village has had a positive impact on poverty alleviation efforts. These programs have encouraged local economic growth, created new jobs, and provided training and support for UMKM to improve their skills and productivity. However, this research also identified several challenges and obstacles faced in implementing UMKM programs, including bureaucracy complex issues, lack of access to capital and markets, and lack of understanding of the benefits and opportunities of the UMKM program among the community. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed to increase the effectiveness of the UMKM program in alleviating poverty in Padengo Village. Among other things, simplifying administrative procedures, increasing access to capital and markets, participatory approaches in program planning and implementation, as well as increasing public understanding and awareness of the importance of UMKM in overcoming poverty.

Continuity and change in early material hardship domains on the development of children’s behavioral self-regulation in middle childhood

Child poverty adversely impacts children’s behavioral self-regulation; however, the extent to which this association varies across different forms of material hardship (i.e., food, housing, bill-paying, utility, and medical) from infancy to early childhood is not well understood. The current study aims to identify the longitudinal patterns of early material hardship in five domains, examine demographic factors to distinguish class membership, and assess how hardship class membership predicts children’s behavioral self-regulation in middle childhood. We used data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 4,677) across ages 1 to 9. The Multidimensional Growth Mixture Model identified four trajectory classes: Low Stable (n = 2,215, 47.4%), Increasing Bill and Utility Hardship (n = 1,180, 25.2%), High Infancy Bill Hardship (n = 799, 17.1%), and Persistent and Pervasive (n = 483, 10.3%). White, married mothers, mothers who were employed, families with income above 200% of the federal poverty threshold, and those who did not receive SNAP had higher odds of being in the Low Stable class than the three other classes. Children in the Persistent and Pervasive class exhibited the lowest levels of behavioral self-regulation in middle childhood compared to the other three classes. Children in the Increasing Bill and Utility Hardship and High Infancy Bill Hardship classes had lower behavioral self-regulation than those in the Low Stable class. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to alleviate the prolonged effects of financial adversity and exposure to early material deprivation experienced by children. Findings also highlight the importance of implementing intervention programs designed specifically to support the development of behavioral self-regulation among economically disadvantaged children.

When the Bough Breaks: The Financial Burden of Childbirth and Postpartum Care by Insurance Type.

Out-of-pocket (OOP) costs related to childbirth and postpartum care may cause financial hardship, depending on type of insurance and income. We estimated OOP spending on childbirth and postpartum care and financial strain 1 year after birth, comparing Medicaid-insured births with commercially insured births. The Postpartum Assessment of Health Survey followed up with respondents to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System after a 2020 birth in six states and New York City. The survey included questions on health care costs and financial well-being. Our analytic sample consisted of 4,453 postpartum people, 1,544 with a Medicaid-insured birth and 2,909 with a commercially insured birth. We observe significant financial hardship from childbirth that persists into the postpartum year, with significant differences by insurance and income. We find Medicaid is highly financially protective relative to commercial insurance; 81.4% of Medicaid-insured births were free to the patient, compared with 15.7% of commercially insured births (p < 0.001). Six of ten commercially insured births (59%) cost over $1,000 OOP. Among respondents reporting OOP costs for childbirth, we found that Medicaid enrollees are more likely to have borrowed money from friends or family to pay for childbirth (8% vs. 1%, p < 0.001) and one in five had not made any payments 1 year postpartum (26% vs. 5% of commercially insured births, p < 0.001). Among the commercially insured, those with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) fared worse financially than those above 200% FPL on a number of indicators, including debt in collection (33% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) and financial worry (55% vs. 34%, p < 0.001). The cost of childbirth and postpartum health care results in significant and persistent financial hardship, particularly for families with lower income with commercial insurance. Medicaid offers greater protection for families with low income by offering reduced cost sharing for childbirth and postpartum health care, but even minimal cost sharing in Medicaid causes financial strain.

Analisis Kinerja Badan Amil Zakat Nasional Kabupaten Siak dalam Mengentaskan Kemiskinan

According to BPS data, the poor population in Siak district in 2022 will be 25.71 thousand people or 5.07%. An important factor that can influence the level of poverty is income. A solution from an Islamic perspective to the problem of poverty is optimizing zakat. According to Law Number 23 of 2011 concerning Zakat, it is stated that zakat is to realize community welfare and overcome poverty. One of the institutions formed by the government to manage and distribute zakat, infaq and alms is the National Zakat Amil Agency (BAZNAS). The benchmark for the success of alleviating poverty through optimizing zakat is the performance of BAZNAS. This research analyzes the performance of the Siak Regency National Zakat Amil Agency in its efforts to eradicate poverty. This research has two approaches, namely qualitative and quantitative or mixed method. Data sources used in this research include primary data, secondary data, documents and archives and literature studies. Using interview, observation and questionnaire methods, the performance of BAZNAS Siak Regency can be known through the National Zakat Index 2.0 approach. The components of this index are macro dimensions and micro dimensions. The macro dimension reflects the role of the government and society in contributing to building zakat institutions and the micro dimension describes institutional governance and the impact of zakat. The research results show that BAZNAS Siak Regency in two macro dimensions and micro dimensions obtained good performance scores. The good performance of zakat institutions will influence the results of zakat collection, distribution and utilization programs. The influence of good performance will have a direct impact on mustahik in efforts to improve their welfare which will ultimately help the government in alleviating poverty. In this research, it was found that the impact of good BAZNAS performance for mustahik was materially an increase in income and asset ownership, spiritually in the form of increased worship and awareness of zakat.

Does escaping the multidimensional poverty line improve family food security? Evidence from rural Vietnam

BackgroundReducing poverty and ensuring food security are critical sustainable development goals for countries like Vietnam. However, research investigating the relationship between these goals remains limited. This study seeks to explore the correlation between poverty alleviation and food security in Vietnam's rural areas, offering insights for policymakers to address both objectives simultaneously.MethodsWe applied Vietnam's multidimensional poverty standard to determine if households classified as poor in 2016 had managed to escape poverty by 2018. We utilized the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and per capita food expenditure to examine the consumption patterns and food security levels within these households. Panel data encompassing 407 low-income households, gathered from the 2016 and 2018 Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS), constituted the dataset for this study.ResultsAmong the 407 impoverished households in 2016, 244 achieved poverty alleviation by 2018. Their average monthly per capita income increased by 416.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (17.8 USD) during this period, with wage income contributing significantly, rising by approximately 315.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (13.4 USD) per person. Regression analysis reveals that as households escaped the multidimensional poverty line, they diversified food consumption and increased per capita food expenditure. However, the household dietary diversity score only increased by 0.166. Meanwhile, monthly per capita food expenditure surged by 85,600 Vietnamese Dong (3.63 USD) per person.Conclusions and policy recommendationsImplementing poverty eradication policies could achieve both poverty reduction and improved food security. Policymakers should focus on creating stable wage employment for poor households, as this income source significantly aids in poverty alleviation.

Factors associated with zero vegetable and fruit consumption among Tanzanian children

BackgroundProper nutrition during early childhood is essential for healthy growth and development, yet many children, particularly in low and middle-income countries, fail to meet recommended intake levels of fruits and vegetables. This study aims to assess the factors associated with zero vegetable and fruit (ZVF) consumption among children aged 6–23 months in Tanzania, using data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).MethodsA weighted sample of 4582 children aged between 6 and 23 months were included in the study. Data cleaning, coding, and analysis were performed using STATA version 17 software. To address the hierarchical nature of the DHS data and the binary outcome variable, a multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model was used. The deviance value served as a guide for determining the best-fitting model. In the subsequent multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratios were computed alongside their respective 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the strength of association, with statistical significance set at a p-value below 0.05.ResultThe overall proportion of ZVF consumption among children aged 6–23 months in Tanzania was 48.34% (95% CI: 46.87, 49.81). Current breastfeeding status, maternal educational status, household wealth index, sex of the household head, and community poverty level were associated with higher odds of ZVF consumption. Meanwhile, child age, maternal employment status, father’s educational status, and media exposure were associated with lower odds of ZVF consumption.ConclusionChild age, current breastfeeding status, maternal educational status, maternal employment status, father’s educational status, household wealth index, sex of household, media exposure, and community poverty level were significantly associated with ZVF consumption. Efforts should focus on educating mothers about the early introduction of fruits and vegetables in children’s diets, alongside supporting breastfeeding. Tailored economic empowerment initiatives are needed in impoverished communities to improve access to nutritious foods.