Level Of Socio-economic Development Research Articles

Particulate matter pollution and older adult health: global trends and disparities, 1991–2021

BackgroundParticulate matter pollution (PMP) is a major global health concern, with the older adult being particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to analyze global trends in PMP-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among the older adult from 1991 to 2021.MethodsUsing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we examined the impacts of ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) and household air pollution from solid fuels (HAP-SF). We analyzed trends across different regions, socioeconomic development levels, age groups, and genders.ResultsAPMP-related older adult deaths increased from 1,745,000 to 3,850,000, and DALYs from 32,000,000 to 70,000,000. However, age-standardized mortality rate decreased from 384 to 337 per 100,000. HAP-SF-related deaths decreased from 2,700,000 to 2,100,000, and DALYs from 54,000,000 to 42,000,000. Age-standardized mortality rate for HAP-SF declined from 580 to 188 per 100,000. High APMP burden was concentrated in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while high HAP-SF burden was found in parts of Africa and South Asia. East Asia had the highest APMP-related older adult deaths (1,680,000) with an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 619 per 100,000. For HAP-SF, South Asia bore the heaviest burden with 1,020,000 deaths and an ASMR of 616 per 100,000. Females consistently experienced higher age-standardized DALYs rate than males for both APMP and HAP-SF across all regions and years. APMP burden showed a weak negative correlation with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) at the regional level (r = −0.25, p < 0.001) but no significant correlation at the country level. HAP-SF burden exhibited strong negative correlations with SDI at both regional (r = −0.74, p < 0.001) and country levels (r = −0.83, p < 0.001).ConclusionDespite overall improvements, PMP continues to significantly impact older adult health globally, with substantial regional and gender disparities. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, particularly in developing regions, and continued global efforts in air quality improvement and clean energy promotion.

Regional development and communication networks: Case study of Western Ukraine

Motives: Communications are the basis of the existence of contemporary civilization. Today, innovation processes are carried out the most intensively, perhaps, in communications. The level of the formation of communication networks largely determines both the preconditions and the contemporary development of areas. Aim: The aim of our research is to analyze the interdependencies between the level of socio-economic development of areas and the formation of their communications on the example of local territorial units of Western Ukraine. Results: The correlation analysis demonstrates significant links between communication networks and the development of areas. It is not always possible to say unequivocally what cause and effect are in a particular case. According to the results of our study, socio-economic development in Western Ukraine has a more significant impact on the functioning of communication networks than communication networks on socio-economic development. Like other natural and socio-economic resources, communication networks are only prerequisites for the area's development. The emergence, perception by the population, and wide spread of new communications depend on some factors, among which an important place belongs to the area's socio-economic development level.

Global burden of drug use disorders by region and country, 1990-2021.

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database to systematically assess the magnitude of drug use disorders (DUD) burden between 1990 and 2021. This study used GBD data to analyze the trends in ASIR, DALYs and other DUD indicators from 1990 to 2021, and compared them among different regions and countries. The Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated to assess the temporal and geographical disparities. ASIR and DALYs were used to evaluate the burden of DUDs, and socio-demographic index (SDI) was used to measure the socio-economic development level of each country. The global ASIR of DUDs showed a slight downward trend (EAPC = -0.26). The age-standardized DALY rate (per 100,000) significantly declined from 1990 to 2021 (EAPC = -1.44). Among the regions, the high SDI region exhibited the most substantial increase in ASIR (EAPC = 0.65). On a regional level, the high-income North America region had the highest EAPC for both age-standardized DALYs and ASIR (EAPC = 4.82, 1.02, respectively). Nationally, the United States of America reported the largest increase in age-standardized DALY rates and EAPC for ASIR (EAPC of 4.88, 1.05, respectively), while South Africa had the most significant decrease in EAPC (EAPC of -3.62, -1.52, respectively). In 2021, the highest ASIR was observed in high-income North America at 520.07; Central Asia had the highest age-standardized DALY rate. Globally, age-standardized DALYs and ASIR for DUDs were generally higher in men than in women, and the burden of DUDs decreased with age. The global burden of DUDs has shown complex and changing trends over the last decades, with large differences in burden between regions and countries. This highlights the need for targeted public health policies and interventions in High income North America region and Eastern Europe.

Global burden of multiple sclerosis and its attributable risk factors, 1990-2019.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressively debilitating disorder that has seen a notable rise in prevalence in recent years. This study examines the burden of MS from 1990 to 2019, providing a detailed analysis by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) across 204 countries and territories. Data on the prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to MS were obtained from the publically available Global Burden of Disease 2019 project. The estimates are reported as numbers, percentages, and age-standardized rates per 100,000, accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals. In 2019, MS accounted for 1.8 million prevalent cases, 22.4 thousand deaths and 1.2 million DALYs worldwide. There were significant declines in the global age-standardized prevalence, mortality and DALY rates of MS over the period 1990-2019. In 2019, females exhibited a higher global point prevalence and a greater total number of prevalent MS cases than males across all age groups. At the regional level, a non-linear relationship was observed between the age-standardized DALY rate of MS and SDI. Although the global age-standardized DALY rate of MS decreased between 1990 and 2019, MS continues to account for a considerable number of DALYs and prevalent cases. Integrating MS and its associated risk factors into healthcare planning is vital, especially in areas with high levels of socioeconomic development.

Changing values of work (based on the materials from Russian and foreign publications)

The sphere of work, which was previously central to Soviet and Russian sociology constantly covered in the Sociological Studies journal, is no longer so, although work remains an important subject of research in the conditions of the challenging digital transformation and growing uncertainty. Based on the analysis of domestic and foreign publications, the authors tried to identify current trends in the development of research that reflect global and regional changes in labor. Solving this problem allows the authors to show which problems attract the prime attention of scientists from different countries, and define the prospects for the future research. The authors show the discussion conducted by researchers on the topic of changing labor values. Particular attention is paid to how precarization is analyzed and the growth of the “meaninglessness” of labor is argued. A significant similarity of the identified problems in Russia and foreign countries is emphasized, regardless of the fact that they belong to different levels of socio-economic development, differ in work culture and other characteristics.

Development of the Social Environment and Economic Activity in the Subjects of the Russian Federation

Russian scientific publications regularly publish materials, the authors of which explore the differences in the levels of socio-economic development of Russian regions. The problem is considered in various aspects, including from the point of view of determining the ability of regional economies to meet the needs of the population living within the borders of the subjects of the Russian Federation. The article presents the results of the rating of the subjects of the Russian Federation for 2019–2023 on the basis of the author’s methodology. With minor changes to the methodology, she continues a series of previously published papers. It is shown that during 2019–2023, for most subjects of the Russian Federation, there was an unstable trend in all three key components of the final index (social, economic, budgetary). There is no pronounced connection between the dynamics of the indicator of the Social Block and the degree of economic activity in the region. The vast majority of regions as a whole successfully overcame the crisis recessions of 2020 and 2022, but in 19 subjects of the Russian Federation the precarious values of the final index were not exceeded in 2023. The drop in the indices of the Social Block in 2020 was less significant than after the start of the support for the social sphere during the pandemic. In 2023, for most subjects of the Russian Federation, there was an upward trend in the Final Index and overcoming the recession associated with sanctions pressure. The response of the regions to this crisis varied, which was reflected in the different dynamics of all three components of the final index (Social, Economic and Budgetary blocks). A pronounced and growing dependence of the dynamics of the Social Block on federal transfers is shown both for regions with a downward trend in the index of the Economic block and for regions with an increase in economic activity.

Risks for the Development of the Russian Human Capital in the Context of Geoeconomic Fragmentation

Geopolitical tensions, increasing sanction pressure, inequality, and the slowdown of globalization serve as signals of fragmentation in the world economy. However, research on the social consequences of fragmentation remains limited. This study aims to identify the risks to the development of the Russian human capital in the context of geoeconomic fragmentation. Research methods include a systematic literature review and a comparative analysis of the country blocks based on the key indicators of technology development and human capital using World Bank data from 2011 to 2022. Based on political preferences and the level of socio-economic development, Western, Eastern, and Neutral blocks were identified and analyzed among 149 advanced and emerging economies. The results showed significant differences among the blocks in the level of human capital development and indicators of technological development. Russia has advantages in formal education at the level of Western block countries; however, health indicators of the population and the share of investment in science and education remain relatively low. Key risks in the context of fragmentation include further devaluation of human capital, losses associated with migration and health capital, a decrease in the share of high-tech sectors in the structure of value-added, and the proportion of scientific personnel

Development of institutions for the digital transformation of the economy of Russian regions

Subject. The article discusses methodological approaches to the study of the impact of institutions for digital transformation of regions’ economy, the choice of evaluation indicators. Objectives. The purpose is to determine the content of the concept of institutions for digital transformation of regions, the degree of interrelation of socio-economic development and indicators of digital transformation published by the Federal State Statistics Service, group regions according to the level of socio-economic development on the Harrington scale, determine the degree of regional digitalization to identify the strength of relationship of GRP, per capita GRP, and the strength of relationship of particular indicators characterizing digitalization. Methods. We applied general scientific research methods, the Harrington scale grouping method, and the correlation analysis method. Results. We reviewed methodological approaches to the content of concepts of digitalization, digital transformation, and digital institutions; determined the strength of relationship of socio-economic development, sectoral structure, and the level of digitalization of regions, using the Volga Federal District case. Conclusions. The most acute problem is economic and digital inequality of regions. The socio-economic development of regions and their digital indicators statistically have high strength of relationship, they have mutual influence.

Burden of disease attributable to high body mass index: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Obesity represents a major global health challenge with important clinical implications. Despite its recognized importance, the global disease burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) remains less well understood. We systematically analyzed global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to high BMI using the methodology and analytical approaches of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. High BMI was defined as a BMI over 25kg/m2 for individuals aged ≥20 years. The Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) was used as a composite measure to assess the level of socio-economic development across different regions. Subgroup analyses considered age, sex, year, geographical location, and SDI. From 1990 to 2021, the global deaths and DALYs attributable to high BMI increased more than 2.5-fold for females and males. However, the age-standardized death rates remained stable for females and increased by 15.0% for males. Similarly, the age-standardized DALY rates increased by 21.7% for females and 31.2% for males. In 2021, the six leading causes of high BMI-attributable DALYs were diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, low back pain and stroke. From 1990 to 2021, low-middle SDI countries exhibited the highest annual percentage changes in age-standardized DALY rates, whereas high SDI countries showed the lowest. The worldwide health burden attributable to high BMI has grown significantly between 1990 and 2021. The increasing global rates of high BMI and the associated disease burden highlight the urgent need for regular surveillance and monitoring of BMI. National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key R&D Program of China.

Ensuring social standards as a principle of functioning of state authorities in accordance with the Association Agreement (theoretical and legal aspect)

The article discloses the content of social standards that state authorities are obliged to observe in the process of exercising their competence after the Association Agreement enters into force. Attention is focused on the fact that EU requirements regarding the activities of all branches of the state apparatus of Ukraine in terms of ensuring social standards are of primary importance in the context of the introduction of European approaches to good governance. It is substantiated that the timely and optimal implementation of EU social standards in Ukraine is possible only if a special legal mechanism is developed and applied. The heart of such a mechanism is the Association Agreement. Based on the analysis of the provisions of the specified document, the essence of the most significant social standards, which Ukraine undertakes to implement in practice, has been identified and disclosed. In particular, it is ensuring justice and improving the quality of life of citizens on the basis of equality and non-discrimination, increasing the level of social orientation of state policy towards migrants, introducing innovative approaches in the sphere of activity of authorities to combat the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs, precursors and psychotropic substances in order to overcome negative consequences for health and the negative social consequences of drug addiction, taking into account the social interests of the modern population while simultaneously caring for future generations, developing measures aimed at minimizing the risks to the population’s health from the nuclear industry, the social orientation of the organization of the fiscal and economic policy of the state. It has been proven that against the background of the deepening of the European integration processes of Ukraine, the modernization of the domestic social policy of the state is inevitable. First of all, this process requires the creation of an innovative legal basis for diversifying the mechanisms of its implementation, leveling the level of socio-economic development of Ukraine in order to avoid regional socio-economic asymmetry. In practice, this takes the form of changes in the legal regulation of a significant number of institutions of social security law of Ukraine, revision of organizational and legal approaches of state administration in the direction of implementing social standards.

Investigating the prevalence burden of peptic ulcer disease in older adults aged 70+ from 1990 to 2019: an analysis of Global Disease Burden Studies

Background Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects individuals aged ≥70 years globally, exerting a significant impact on their health and well-being. Understanding its epidemiological evolution and associated factors is crucial for guiding interventions and improving management. Methods This study utilized Global Burden of Disease Study data to examine the prevalence and temporal changes of PUD in individuals aged 70 years and older between 1990 and 2019. The analysis included assessing estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to investigate temporal trends and regional variations. Results Over the past 30 years, the number of individuals aged 70 years and above suffering from PUD globally has increased from 1 065 730 cases in 1990 to 1 608 463 cases in 2019. Despite an increasing number of cases, the prevalence of PUD among the elderly has exhibited a steady decline, with an EAPC of −1.47 (95% confidence interval: −1.57 to −1.37) over this timeframe. In 2019, the prevalence rates of PUD among individuals aged 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85 years and older were 313.36, 365.77, 388.45, and 352.51 per 100 000 population, respectively. South Asia, high-income North America, and Central Sub-Saharan Africa were the regions with the highest prevalence rates of PUD in 2019, with rates of 624.90, 575.48, and 474.80 per 100 000 population, respectively. At the national level, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, and Bangladesh have effectively managed the burden of PUD among the elderly, achieving the greatest reduction. Additionally, regions with higher levels of socioeconomic development tended to have relatively lower burdens of PUD among the elderly, and prevalence rates varied across different regions and age groups. Conclusion Our study highlights the enduring burden of PUD among the global elderly population, emphasizing the significance of tailored interventions to address this pressing issue. This research underscores the critical need for targeted public health strategies aimed at improving outcomes specifically for older adults affected by PUD.

Research on the Interactive Impact of Transportation Systems on Socio-Economic Development

This paper aims to explore the interactive impact between transportation systems and socio-economic development, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2013 to 2022. It comprehensively considers key indicators from the economic, social, and transportation sectors. The paper constructs a model encompassing 5 latent variables and 15 observed variables. Through in-depth analysis, it reveals the promoting role of transportation systems on economic growth and social development, as well as the demand for transportation system construction and optimization driven by socio-economic development levels. The results indicate that an efficient transportation system can not only directly drive economic growth but also indirectly promote social development by improving social welfare and enhancing quality of life. This paper provides new insights into understanding the complex relationship between transportation systems and socio-economic development and holds significant implications for policymakers in optimizing transportation infrastructure to foster economic and social development.

Public mental health services in Southern China and related health outcomes among individuals living with severe mental illness

Background Although national policies in China are comprehensive and instructive, a wide disparity exists between different cities. The current status of public mental health services by region in China remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate policies related to public mental health services, the contact coverage of public mental health services and outcomes of service users.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in Southern China, between April 2021 and March 2022. Considering the geographical location, socioeconomic development levels, and prevalence of severe mental illness, four cities including Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen were selected. Relevant service providers were asked to report data on mental health policies and facility-related information, including mental health resources, registration rates of patients, management rates of patients, and medication rates of patients. Eligible patients were invited to report service user-related data, including contact coverage of public mental health services and their outcomes. SPSS 26.0 was used for data analysis.ResultsThe four cities in Southern China have made different efforts to develop public mental health services, primarily focusing on socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. Community health centers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen reported having more professional human resources on mental health and higher mental health budgets for patients. The contact coverage rates of most public mental services were higher than 80%. Patients in Changsha (B = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1–0.5), Guangzhou (B = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.1–0.3), and Shenzhen (B = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1–0.4) who received social medical assistance services reported higher levels of medication adherence. Patients in Wuhan (B = -6.5; 95%CI: -12.9--0.1), Guangzhou (B = -2.8; 95%CI: -5.5--0.1), and Shenzhen who received community-based rehabilitation services reported lower levels of disability (B = -2.6; 95%CI: -4.6--0.5).ConclusionsThere have been advances in public mental health services in the four Southern cities. The contact coverage rates of most public mental health services were higher than 80%. Patients’ utilization of public mental services was associated with better health outcomes. To improve the quality of public mental health services, the government should try to engage service users, their family members, and supporters in the design, delivery, operationalization, and evaluation of these public mental health services in the future.

Separatyzmy w stosunkach międzynarodowych w Afryce

SEPARATISMS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN AFRICADespite the acceptance by African states of the principle of respect for post‑colonial borders (adopted at the Organisation of African Unity in 1964), the post-colonial period saw more than a dozen cases of separatist movements forming in Africa, seeking to create new states. In two cases, this resulted in a real change of borders – in 1993, Eritrea was created through secession from Ethiopia, and in 2011, the southern provinces of Sudan proclaimed the creation of South Sudan. Effectively, though without international legal recognition, there is Somaliland, which in 1991 proclaimed independence in the northern part of Somalia. In addition, separatist movements have occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Katanga and Kasai), Nigeria (Biafra), Tanzania (Zanzibar), Cameroon (Ambazonia), Angola (Cabinda), Senegal (Casamance), Mali (Azawad). Among the causes of each of Africa’s separatisms is a confluence of local factors of a political, ethnic or economic nature. Multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism (resulting from the artificial nature of borders), low levels of socioeconomic development and dysfunctional states generate contradictions, leading to disturbances in the stability of individual countries, and their manifestation sometimes becomes the aspirations of certain social groups to achieve – in the absence of states effectively performing their functions – political independence.

Development of the gas industry of the Orenburg region during the period of market reforms

The relevance of the topic is related to the need to study those industries of the region that are points of growth and drivers of development of the region. Such industries play an important role in the socio-economic development of the region, therefore, studying the problems of development of such an industry as the gas industry is an urgent task of economic science. The purpose of the article is to identify patterns and features of the development of the gas industry in the Orenburg region, its role in the development of the region, as well as problems that require urgent solutions. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the fact that the work substantiates the position on the development of the gas industry in accordance with such economic laws as the laws of increasing needs, saving time, scale of production, competition, and the effect of experience. The features of the regional gas industry related to the multicomponent composition of gas are highlighted, which made it possible to develop the chemical industry in the region. The article also identifies the problems of development of the gas industry. The article is based on a positive research methodology; the following methods were used: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, tabular, generalization, comparison, logical, historical and statistical analysis. Based on systematic and integrated approaches, cause-and-effect relationships between the development of the gas industry and the level of socio-economic development of the region have been identified. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its results in developing a regional development strategy and implementing regional economic policy. It is proposed to continue further research in the direction of scientific analysis of industry problems and the development of scientifically based recommendations for solving them.

Научная экспертиза как ключевой фактор социально-экономического развития

The article discusses the issues of increasing the role of scientific expertise in the management of science, education and economics, its impact on the effectiveness and quality of scientific, scientific, technical and educational activities. Scientific expertise in the fields of sciences that have a direct impact on the development of the intellectual capital of society, as the main factor of economic growth and social progress, is of particular relevance and importance. The results of the analysis of the quality of education, the effectiveness of intellectual activity, and the regulatory legal framework in terms of scientific expertise are presented. Based on the identified problems, recommendations are made to improve the legal support and the mechanism for conducting scientific expertise, on the state of which, along with other factors, the level of scientific, technological and socio-economic development of the country depends.

Comparative analysis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden between ages 20–54 and over 55 years: insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BackgroundTo systematically analyze differences in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) burden between young and older adults.MethodsWe estimated the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of ASCVD, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), in individuals aged 20–54 and > 55 years from 1990–2019, utilizing data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. The annual percentage changes (EAPCs) for age-specific prevalence, mortality, or DALY rates were calculated to quantify the temporal trends of ASCVD burden. We also analyzed population attribution fractions (PAF) of premature ASCVD mortality and DALYs for different risk factors and compared the burden of extremely premature, premature, and non-premature ASCVD cases based on clinical classifications.ResultsFrom 1990–2019, the global prevalence rates of IHD, IS, and PAD in the 20–54 years age group increased by 20.55% (from 694.74 to 837.49 per 100,000 population), 11.50% (from 439.48 to 490.03 per 100,000 population), and 7.38% (from 384.24 to 412.59 per 100,000 population), respectively. Conversely, the ASCVD prevalence in > 55years age group decreased. Adverse outcome burdens, including mortality and DALYs, varied among ASCVD subtypes. The decrease in the mortality/DALY burden of IHD and IS was lower in the 20–54 years group than in the > 55 years group. For PAD, DALYs among those aged 20–54 increased but decreased among those aged > 55 years. When grouped according to socio-demographic index (SDI) values, lower SDI regions exhibited a higher proportion of young ASCVD burden. The prevalence of young IHD, IS, and PAD in low SDI regions reached 20.70%, 40.05%, and 19.31% in 2019, respectively, compared with 12.14%, 16.32%, and 9.54%, respectively, in high SDI regions. Metabolic risks were the primary contributors to the ASCVD burden in both age groups. Increased susceptibility to ambient particulate matter pollution and inadequate control of high body-mass index and high fasting plasma glucose in young individuals may partially explain the differing temporal trends between young and older individuals.ConclusionsThe ASCVD burden in young individuals may become a growing global health concern, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic development levels that require more effective primary prevention strategies.

Synthetic Classification of Provinces and Cities in Vietnam as a Guide for Regional Policy

Vietnam is a country with a relatively high level of regional inequality. The General Statistics Office of Vietnam groups the provinces based on their geographic location. This article presents the classification of the provinces and cities of Vietnam based not only on geography, but also on their socio-economic characteristics, economic structure, and the membership in free economic zones (FEZs). The analysis identifies four groups of provinces and cities: i) highly developed (FEZ members with high GRP per capita and a developed technological industry) ii) developed (FEZ members with high untapped economic growth potential and a highly diversified economic base), iii) moderately developed (with a vast primary sector and high potential for the development of the tourism sector) and iv) less developed (the poorest regions). The article highlights individual provinces, the level of socio-economic development of which (ceteris paribus) will allow them to transfer towards the group of more developed provinces in the near future. In order to reduce inequality in other provinces, we propose to use approaches, which have been successfully implemented in highly developed and developed regions, such as incentives for foreign investors or tax preferences for the development of significant industries in individual provinces.

Nutritional quality of food purchases during the COVID-19 public health crisis: An analysis of geographic disparities in North Carolina

ObjectiveTo examine geographic disparities in the nutritional quality of food purchases during the COVID-19 public health crisis in North Carolina (NC). MethodsUsing shopper-level longitudinal transaction records between October 2019– and December 2020 from NC’s largest grocery retailer, we fit mixed-effect models to examine disparities in the nutritional quality of food purchases among shoppers in counties with different levels of socioeconomic development and how such disparities changed after March 2020, accounting for other observed and contextual factors. ResultsShoppers in counties with lower development levels purchased a larger share of calories from least healthy foods and a smaller share from healthier foods compared to shoppers in counties with higher development levels. These disparities were slightly attenuated for the least healthy foods and did not change for healthier foods after the onset of the COVID crisis. ConclusionDespite existing nutritional disparities among shoppers in counties with different levels of socioeconomic development, we did not observe a large-scale accentuation of inequities in dietary quality during the COVID-19 crisis. This pattern may have resulted from programmatic responses to mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID crisis on vulnerable populations. Future work should further explore the role of such responses.

Use of a multidimensional comparative analysis to evaluate a synthetic indicator measuring environmental management in rural areas in Poland

The main objective of this study has been to measure and evaluate changes in the values of metrics applied to environmental management systems implemented in rural areas in the years 2010 and 2022. The study included three provinces in Poland representing different socio-economic development classes. Two strategic research groups were distinguished within the provinces: rural municipalities and rural areas in urban-rural municipalities. With the Perkal method, a synthetic indicator was constructed to measure environmental performance in rural areas. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied, leading to the results which substantiated the conclusion that the highest improvement of the environmental management indicator value was achieved in the province at the highest socio-economic development level, even though the sub-indicators did not improve between 2010 and 2022 in all the analysed groups. The management of the environment is a task mostly delegated to local governments. Proposing an environmental monitoring method can support making decisions at the level of local governments as regards directions in the management of the environment in a given area because the synthetic indicator created in this study comprises only these elements that can be moulded by actions undertaken by local governments.