Low-income Families Research Articles

Social network relations and household tourism consumption: an example from China

ABSTRACT As countries’ economies gradually recovered from the impact of COVID-19, the structure of consumption underwent significant changes. Household consumption has emerged as a crucial driving force for sustaining economic growth. Social network relationships, an integral component of social capital, exert a profound influence on household economic behaviour. This study examines the impact and mechanisms of social network relationships on household tourism consumption based on regression models, utilising data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) collected over five periods between 2011 and 2021. The study shows that: close social network connections exert a significant and positive impact on household tourism consumption, as evidenced by endogeneity and robustness tests. This favourable influence operates through three mechanisms: facilitating diversification of spending channels, enhancing household employment, and mitigating financial constraints. The analysis of heterogeneity reveals that social network connections have the most pronounced impact on tourism consumption for low-income families, households with stable employment, and young families. This study delves into the influence of social network connections on the tourism economy from a micro perspective, offering evidence to unlock the potential for stimulating tourism consumption and shaping and enhancing policies related to tourism expenditure.

Epidemiological and Geographical Factors Associated with Dengue in Bangladesh: A Multicenter Study of the 2023 Dengue Epidemic.

Bangladesh is a well-known epidemic zone for dengue fever. Several epidemiological and geographical factors influence the transmission and severity of dengue infection. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological and geographical factors that contributed to the severity of the dengue outbreak in Bangladesh in 2023. This hospital-based cross-sectional study investigated 1,313 dengue patients admitted to public hospitals in Dhaka, Chattogram and Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, between July and December 2023. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors for severe dengue infection. The average age of respondents was 29.5 years, with individuals aged 20-40 accounting for 59.5%. Of the 1,313 dengue patients, 19.3% (254) were diagnosed with severe dengue infection. Patients with low monthly income and those lacking awareness of dengue's spread from clogged rooftop water were respectively 2.35 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.35; P <0.05; 95% CI: 1.08-5.07) and 2.23 (aOR 2.23; P <0.05; 95% CI: 1.20-4.14) times more likely to develop severe dengue. The dengue outbreak has become a serious public health issue in Bangladesh, with factors such as low family income and lack of awareness contributing to the development of severe cases. These findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers to guide and implement preventive measures and raise awareness.

Control of Asthma and its Influencing Factors in Children Followed in Pneumo-pediatrics Consultation at the Mother-child Hospital in the City of Marrakech, Morocco

Introduction Evaluate asthma control and determine its influencing factors to ensure adequate management and improve the quality of life for asthmatic children. Method A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a two-month period, from 02/11/2022 to 01/01/2023, at the pneumo-pediatric consultation at the MCH. The target population was asthmatic children aged 4 to 11 and their parents. The Arabic version of the C-ACT and PMAQ-3W were used to assess asthma control and medication compliance, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS, using descriptive and correlational analysis (bivariate and multivariate). Results 203 asthmatic children were included in the study, out of which 60.6% were male, with a mean age of 6 years. Asthma was uncontrolled in 53% of children. Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma were rural residence, low parental education, low monthly family income, lack of awareness of triggers, presence of conjunctivitis or allergic rhinitis, occurrence of respiratory infections, parental history of asthma, exposure to smoking, and non-compliance with treatment. Conclusion 53% of children had uncontrolled asthma. A range of predictive factors were significantly associated with suboptimal asthma control. Recommended actions to improve childhood asthma control include education on trigger prevention and medication compliance, treatment of comorbidities, and accessibility of care for all socio-economic classes.

Does Administrative Burden Influence Support for a Low-Income Child Care Supplement? Evidence from a Survey Experiment

Abstract The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan promises to help low-income parents, especially women, participate in the economy. But even under this plan, care will be too expensive for many families. Several provinces offer targeted subsidies to reduce fees—unfortunately, these benefits are often hard to access and their popularity with voters is unclear. Using a pre-registered survey experiment (N=821), this research note investigates support for a hypothetical child care supplement to help low-income families. Overall, we find strong support for such an initiative, but little enthusiasm to pay for it through new income taxes. We then manipulate the ease of accessing this benefit. We find little evidence that burdensome child care benefits are more popular than easily accessible benefits. If anything, burdensome benefits reduce support. We then briefly consider how partisanship influences support. We conclude with timely recommendations for government and discuss the need for accessible child care benefits.

Placemaking through guerilla gardens at the TOKI mass housing grounds in Bor (Niğde)

This paper investigates the guerilla gardens at the TOKI compound in Bor, Niğde, that add a vernacular touch to modern mass housing. TOKI, short for Turkish Republic Mass Housing Administration, was established to eradicate gecekondu, informal settlements that emerged in metropolitan cities in the 1950s due to rural-to-urban migration. Tasked with providing affordable housing for low-income families, TOKI implements standardized designs across Turkey's cities and towns, including the Bor (Niğde) complex. As opposed to the rigidity and uniformity of TOKI blocks, the architecture of guerilla gardens displays the spontaneity and ingenuity that characterized the original gecekondu. The research seeks answers to the questions of why guerilla gardens emerge at the Toki grounds, especially because TOKI was initially designed to eradicate vernacular gecekondu and what needs of the inhabitants these gardens accommodate. To answer these questions, ethnographic inquiry is conducted with the users of the guerilla gardens. Through the lens of the Bor TOKI residents' initiative, this paper offers insights into how vernacular input can inform future mass housing projects, possibly leading to more inclusive models that prioritize environmental sustainability while also respecting local lifestyles.

Prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent pregnant women in Dolo-Ado town, Somali region, Ethiopia.

Maternal malnutrition, particularly among adolescent pregnant women, is a significant public health issue globally, with far-reaching consequences for both maternal and fetal health. It increases the risk of complications such as stillbirth, low birth weight,preterm birth, uterine bleeding, and other pregnancy-related issues. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent pregnant women (aged < 20years) in the Dolo-Ado town, Somali region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1-30, 2022, involving 380 pregnant adolescents randomly selected from the Dolo-Ado town. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to gather data on socio-demographics, maternal nutrition, and obstetric characteristics. Nutritional status was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), with undernutrition defined as MUAC ≤ 22cm. Data were collected via home visits, and the accuracy of anthropometric measurements was standardized through training and pretesting. Descriptive statistics were used for data description, and binary logistic regression was performed to explore the associations between independent and dependent variables. A total of 380 pregnant adolescents participated, achieving a 100% response rate. The mean age of the participants was 17.7 (± 0.78) years. Approximately 32.1% of the participants experienced food insecurity, and only 3% met the minimum dietary diversity score. The prevalence of undernutrition was 21% (79/380), as indicated by a MUAC of < 22cm. The high prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant adolescent women in Dolo-Ado poses a significant public health concern. Key factors associated with undernutrition include maternal education [AOR] of 3.9; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.9-8.0), rural residence (AOR of 12; 95% CI: 3.5-42.9), low family income (AOR of 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2-5.4), food insecurity (AOR of 6.2; 95% CI: 2.8-13.9), iron-folic acid supplementation (AOR of 3.6; 95% CI: 1.7-7.5), and low dietary diversity intake (AOR of 13.1; 95% CI: 2.2-77.3). Therefore, targeted efforts to address family income, household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and access to iron-folic acid supplementation should be prioritized by both government and non-governmental organizations for pregnant adolescents.

Exploring the Link Between Maternal Oral Health Literacy and Child Oral Health Behaviours.

Caregiver's oral health literacy (OHL) has a multidimensional impact on child oral health outcomes. In infants and toddlers, oral health behaviours (OHB) play a crucial role in the development of early childhood caries and could be related to the caregiver's OHL. A simple OHL assessment may help identify children at risk of caries. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal OHL and the child OHBs during the first 2 years of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 398 mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months. Maternal OHL was assessed using the ThREALD-30. Maternal demographics, oral health knowledge, and child OHBs were collected through self-administered questionnaires. ThREALD-30 scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman's rank correlation and gamma generalized linear models were used to identify factors associated with OHL. Binary logistic regression examined the association between maternal OHL and child OHBs. The Receiver Operating Characteristics curve determined a cut-off OHL score for severely deleterious child OHBs, and Chi-square analyses assessed the association with the cut-off. The mean maternal ThREALD-30 was 23.7 (SD = 5.0), showing a strong positive correlation with oral health knowledge (r = 0.81, P < .001) and associations with low education and family income (P < .001). Logistic regression showed that lower ThREALD-30 levels were associated with poor child OHBs, including nighttime feeding, sugary bottle feeding, and no oral cleaning (P < .05). ThREALD-30 score ≤21 related to severely deleterious child OHBs. Lower maternal OHL was strongly associated with poor child OHBs, with a ThREALD-30 score ≤21 indicating a high risk of caries. ThREALD-30 may be a useful screening tool for assessing mothers with young children at risk of early childhood caries.

INVESTIGATING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DEMAND AND SUPPLY DYNAMICS IN LAFIA TOWNSHIP

The study investigated Residential Property Demand and Supply Dynamics in Lafia Township. The study was specifically designed to examine the current demand and supply of residential properties, impact of population growth on housing demand, migration patterns and their influence on the housing market and the affordability of housing for different income groups in Lafia Township. The stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select respondents for the quantitative and qualitative methods and structured questionnaire, interview and Focus Groups Discussions were utilized to obtain data to ensure representation across different income groups, geographic areas, and housing types who have relevant knowledge and experience with the housing market in Lafia Township. The Cochran formula was employed to calculate the representative sample size of 385. The qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews and Focus Groups Discussions were transcribed sorted and classified based on the research questions and the NVIVO software was used in the analyses of the data by systematically categorising the textual data to identify patterns and themes for interpretation and findings written on the basis of the content analysis and presented along with the quantitative results on frequency tables. The study established an imbalance between the demand for and supply of residential properties, population growth in Lafia has been driven by both natural increase and internal migration from rural areas seeking better economic opportunities, a strong positive correlation between population growth and housing demand and majority of residents have moved to Lafia Township within the last five years from surrounding rural areas. The study recommends implementing programmes, aimed at constructing low-cost housing units that meet the needs of low-income families by engaging stakeholders and residents in the housing development process to ensure that new projects meet local needs and preferences while ensuring compliance with building standards.

Policy advocacy for inclusive healthcare access from a social work perspective

Access to healthcare is a basic human right, yet systemic barriers like poverty, discrimination, and policy shortcomings continue to create disparities. This paper examines the essential role of social workers in championing healthcare policies that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups such as low-income families, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. It explores the limitations of current healthcare frameworks, highlights the methods social workers use to promote equity, and offers evidence-based strategies for reform.

Integrating telehealth services in social work practice for vulnerable groups

The integration of telehealth services into social work practice offers significant opportunities to address the needs of vulnerable groups, including individuals in rural areas, low-income families, and people with disabilities. By overcoming barriers such as geographic distance and limited access to in-person services, telehealth enhances accessibility, efficiency, and personalization of care. This paper explores the potential of telehealth in key areas of social work practice, including mental health support, crisis intervention, and chronic illness management. It also examines challenges such as the digital divide, confidentiality concerns, and the need for professional training. Based on a review of current literature, recommendations for policy, technology, and practice are proposed to ensure equitable and effective telehealth adoption.

Associations Between Mental Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Filicide-Suicide and Parental Suicide: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Filicide-suicide represents a critical intersection of psychiatric and familial crises, yet the literature remains scant on differentiated risk profiles among family members. This study addresses a gap in understanding the specific mental health correlates of filicide-suicide, especially within a comprehensive family context, distinct from traditional parental or child-focused perspectives. This study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to identify a nationally representative sample of families from 2004 to 2020, with continuous monitoring extending into 2021. Families were classified into those affected by filicide-suicide, parental suicide, and those without such incidents. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to explore the association between family status and mental health. Analyses of effect modification were conducted to evaluate whether low-income status modified these relationships. The study encompassed 1,898,299 families, revealing that filicide-suicide is notably rare, with an incidence of 1.64 deaths per 100,000 newborn children from 2004 to 2020, with an increasing trend observed after 2014. Fathers and children in filicide-suicide families had the highest prevalence of mental disorders, followed by those in parental-suicide families and then other families (those where no child has been recorded as a homicide victim and no parent has committed suicide). There was a tendency for stronger associations between filicide-suicide families and paternal schizophrenia as well as autistic spectrum disorder in children among low-income families. The findings underscore the profound impact of severe mental disorders within the familial framework, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to mental health care that considers the familial context in order to better predict and prevent such devastating events.

Geographic extent of income-based residential segregation between and within the school districts in Suzhou, China

ABSTRACT Recent urban studies have highlighted the significant role of education in the underlying dynamics of urban segregation, particularly residential segregation. In China, residence-based education policy links school enrollment to place of residence, driving up housing prices in desirable school districts and inducing residential segregation. However, little research has been conducted on the extent of residential segregation, specifically in school districts. We used multiple data sources and the multilevel index of dissimilarity (MLID) to measure residential segregation within and between different school districts. Additionally, we employed a two-stage least squares (2SLS) model to address endogeneity issues related to school quality and residential segregation. Our findings revealed significant segregation, especially between high- and low-income families. Higher school rankings intensify segregation among high-income families, whereas school popularity decreases it among low-income families, potentially leading to gentrification. Although the score-based enrollment policy aims to integrate migrants, it also increases segregation among low-income families. In an involuted society, segregation is likely to increase if the disparities in school quality persist.

Examining Cyberbullying and Digital Citizenship of High School Students

Purpose: This research aimed to determine the relationship between cyberbullying and digital citizenship of high school students. It also aims to reveal how cyberbullying and digital citizenship scores differ according to various sociodemographic variables and technology use. Design/Methodology/Approach: The correlational survey model was used. The data for this study was collected in 2022 from 204 high school students (male = 103, female = 101) aged 13-18 from six schools in XXX city. The Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient was calculated as .94 for cyberbullying and .79 for digital citizenship. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Findings: According to the results, it was determined that there was no statistically significant relationship between students' cyberbullying and digital citizenship. Additionally, students' cyberbullying scores do not differ according to gender. However, it was revealed that female students' digital citizenship scores were statistically significantly higher than males. It has been determined that the cyberbullying level of students with higher family income levels is also higher, and digital citizenship does not differ according to income level. In addition, it was found that the digital citizenship scores of high school students who use phones are significantly higher than those who do not. The cyberbullying scores of those who use Facebook are significantly lower than those who do not use Facebook. The digital citizenship scores of students who use Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are significantly lower than those who do not. Finally, WhatsApp users' digital citizenship scores were significantly higher than those who did not use WhatsApp. Highlights: There is no statistically significant relationship between digital citizenship and cyberbullying. Additionally, cyberbullying does not differ by gender. However, female students' digital citizenship scores were higher than males. Cyberbullying scores of students with high family income were higher than those with low family income. The cyberbullying score of students who use Facebook is higher than those who do not. Finally, it was determined that the digital citizenship scores of those who use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are lower than those who do not.

Exploring the Challenges Faced by Disadvantage Students in Schools in Sierra Leone: Case Study -Marginalized Students from Low-Income Families

The Sierra Leone National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools is the first attempt by the Government of Sierra Leone to provide a roadmap for the day-to-day work of schools and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Disadvantaged student refers to vulnerable, marginalized, and excluded children from accessing free, quality, and inclusive education. This study explores the challenges disadvantaged students face, specifically marginalized learners from low-income families. The study participants were marginalized male and female students from low-income families and their classroom teachers. The data for this study was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Secondary data sources for this study were obtained from published and unpublished sources. From the results, it was concluded that marginalized students from low-income families are significant in inclusion education. The result also indicates that more female participants are taking part in the study, marginalized students from low-income backgrounds are faced with challenges attending school and attending lessons, faced with challenges in participating in lessons, completing homework or exams, feel left out, and unsafe in school. It was recommended that School authorities make the school safe by declaring and ensuring zero tolerance to the use of canes, School Related Gender-Based Violence, train teachers in inclusive learning, boost female students to attend school, participation by including all marginalized students, and decrease exclusion, ensure that girls have the opportunity to receive free primary and secondary education, improve on electricity across the country, and enforce total ban on extra lessons, school picnic, and other activities that could be possible barriers to impede students learning.

Evaluating the impact of an after-school program on overhand throwing and perceived motor competence among students from low socio-economic backgrounds in the U.S.

The study examined the effect of a 5-week Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) on overhand throw skills and perceived motor competence in students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Participants were children recruited from a Title 1 school in the Southwest U.S. Students were assigned to either CSPAP condition (n = 60, 26 boys, 34 girls; Mgrade = 4.27, SD = .43) or a control condition (n = 20, 7 boys, 13 girls; Mgrade = 4.00, SD = .35). Overhand throwing and perceived motor competence were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Test of Gross Motor Development—2nd Edition and Perceived Motor Competence for Children (PMC-C). The Analysis of Covariance test showed that students who participated in the CSPAP performed statistically significant improvements in the overhand throw compared to control students in the post-test p &amp;lt; .001, with a moderate effect size. However, there was no significant difference in the PMC-C score after the 5-week intervention between the CSPAP students and control students. CSPAP can improve overhand throwing in students from low-income families, but new strategies are needed to enhance perceived motor competence in after-school contexts.

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter components with obesity in children and adolescents in China: The age-sex disparities and key effect modifiers.

Long-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure was associated with childhood obesity. However, the key PM2.5 components and whether PM2.5 effect may vary by obesity type, growth stage, sex, and individual/family characteristics have yet been examined. In this study, we investigated 213,907 Chinese children and adolescents aged 3-18 years in 2017-2019. Three-year average concentrations of PM2.5 and five major components were assigned to each participant's address. Multivariable mixed-effects model and weighted quantile sum regression were used to estimate the effect sizes of each component. Stratified analyses were performed by age and sex groups, with the interactive effects of a series of individual/family features evaluated. The odds ratio of childhood obesity was 1.28 (95 %CI: 1.15-1.43) for per interquartile range increase in PM2.5, with organic matter identified as the key contributor. General central obesity and mixed obesity were more sensitive to PM2.5 exposure than peripheral obesity. As children aged, the effect size of PM2.5 attenuated for general central obesity, remained unchanged for mixed obesity and increased for peripheral obesity. Females, children with obese parents, and those with lower levels of physical activity were more vulnerable than others. Other adverse effect modifiers for certain children included family with one child, low family income, and less sleep duration. Our findings emphasize that the influence of exposure to PM2.5 and its components on risk of obesity in children and adolescents should be considered comprehensively in developing adequate obesity prevention strategies.

Missed opportunities to support parents' use of healthy discipline.

To prevent child abuse, efforts are needed to identify potentially unhealthy parenting behaviors. To assess the proportion of parents with potentially unhealthy parenting attitudes and behaviors who receive parenting support. Parents of children ages 6months to 10years completed a survey in a pediatric clinic serving low-income families in Nashville Tennessee. Measures included parents' attitudes toward spanking (Attitudes Toward Spanking (ATS)) and parents' discipline practices (Quick Parenting Assessment (QPA)). Higher ATS and QPA scores indicate increased use of potentially unhealthy parenting. We assessed associations between the ATS and QPA and sociodemographic factors. We performed a blinded chart review to identify parents who received some type of parenting support, either education in clinic or referral to a parenting class. 807 parents completed the survey. 59% had a low ATS score, 35% had a medium ATS score, and 5% had a high ATS score. 54% had a low QPA score, 24% had a medium QPA score, and 22% participants had a high QPA score. Elevated QPA scores were associated with the parent being unmarried and having other children. Overall, 13% of parents received education about parenting and 2% were referred to a parenting class. For parents with either elevated ATS scores or QPAs, <20% received some type of parenting support. Pediatric health care providers are missing opportunities to support parents in their use of healthy discipline behaviors. The findings have implications for the prevention of child abuse and other health problems.

Democratisation of the outdoors: how equipment lending is emerging in Norway’s sharing economy to provide sustainable consumption at the local scale

ABSTRACT Outdoor equipment lending is emerging as a collaborative consumption practice in Norway’s sharing economy, potentially providing a solution to the adverse climate and environmental impacts connected with the country’s outdoor culture. Little is known, however, of how to upscale such practices when owning equipment is culturally embedded. This article contributes to an emerging literature on how emotions, knowledge, and environmental values may contribute to participation in collaborative consumption and responds to calls for research on cultural and contextual elements of sharing practices. Through ethnographic fieldwork and interviews, we explore the outdoor equipment lending outlet TURBO in the city of Tromsø, Norway. We ask, how can collaborative consumption of equipment provide a sustainable solution to the societal goal of democratic participation in outdoor life. Building on practice theory, our analyses reveal a shift in focus from low-income and immigrant families to broader outreach and inclusion of many new user groups. In the encounters taking place at TURBO, emotions of trust and affinity, knowledge of how to access the outdoors, and environmental values are shared in dynamic interaction between lenders and borrowers. The direct effect on private consumption lies outside the scope of this research, but we argue that collaborative consumption of equipment provides potential climate and environmental benefits through the lending of donated equipment, by extending life cycles of equipment through reuse and repair, and when borrowing equipment supersedes traditional consumption. Moreover, the practices at TURBO destigmatise borrowing instead of buying and contribute to the democratisation of the outdoors.

Evaluasi Pengaruh Ekonomi Pembangunan Program Pemerintah dalam Peningkatan Akses Pendidikan dan Penciptaan Lapangan Kerja

This study encourages the influence of government programs in increasing access to education and job creation in Indonesia during the period 2019 to 2023. Using a mixed method that includes quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study analyzes secondary data and conducts in-depth interviews to understand the social context and community experiences. The results show a significant increase in the number of schools and scholarship programs, which have contributed to increasing graduation rates and reducing dropout rates, especially among students from low-income families. However, challenges such as unequal access to education in remote areas and lack of adequate educational infrastructure still need to be addressed. In addition, there is a positive relationship between education levels and poverty reduction, indicating that better education can increase employment opportunities. Job training programs have also proven to be important in preparing an efficient workforce, but need to be adjusted to the needs of a dynamic labor market. This study emphasizes the need for continuous evaluation of education and job training policies to optimally achieve national development goals and provide real benefits to the wider community.

Priced Out: Do Adolescents from Low-Income Families Respond More to Cost-Sharing in Primary Care?

Priced Out: Do Adolescents from Low-Income Families Respond More to Cost-Sharing in Primary Care?