Low-income Individuals Research Articles

Life shocks and self-perceived risk of housing loss among low-income individuals

Purpose This study aims to describe the self-perceived risk of housing loss among low-income individuals in the context of four potential life shocks and examines whether individuals’ social and economic resources are protective against self-perceived risk of housing loss in the context of these life shocks. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a national online survey of low-income households in the USA. The authors asked respondents to assess whether they would be at risk of housing loss if they experienced any of four potential life shocks: job loss, moderate and major medical catastrophes and damage to home from natural disaster. Logistic regression models estimated the association between self-perceived risk of housing loss in the context of these life shocks and respondents’ economic and social resources, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Findings A minority of respondents reported that they would be able to maintain their housing if they were to experience a life shock (i.e. 34%–43% depending on the specific life shock). Receipt of more generous forms of income support as well as having family or friends to live with in the event of housing loss were the most consistent economic and social resource predictors of respondents’ self-perceived ability to maintain their housing in the context of a life shock. Originality/value The findings suggest that comprehensive assessments of risk of housing crises should take into account how individuals view their vulnerability to housing loss if they were to experience a life shock.

The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Shaping Health Outcomes among Vulnerable Populations

Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment, and social support, play a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. This paper examines how these determinants interact to influence physical and mental health disparities. Drawing on data from multiple studies, the paper highlights the compounded impact of socioeconomic deprivation on access to healthcare, exposure to stressors, and lifestyle choices. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, ethnic minorities, and individuals with limited educational attainment, experience disproportionate health risks. This review underscores the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic inequalities, which are essential for improving public health and reducing disparities. Emphasis is placed on policy implications, including the need for accessible healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, to promote health equity across socioeconomic groups.

Uninsured Motorists’ Risk Attitudes and Pedestrian Road Safety: Evidence from Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria

With the increasing prevalence of uninsured vehicles in urban areas, motorists’ behaviours on pedestrian safety are crucial for developing effective road safety strategies. This study investigated the happenings around uninsured motorists’ risk attitudes and pedestrian road safety in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. Using the survey approach cum the two-way sampling techniques comprised of purposive and convenience, data were gathered to analyse the behavioural dispositions of uninsured motorists and their implications on pedestrian road safety. The study adopted a structured questionnaire as a research instrument for data collection from a sample population of 209. The data analytical employed was descriptive statistics comprised of simple frequency percentages presented in tabular form and bar chart description. Findings revealed, based on pedestrian opinions, that uninsured motorists display riskier driving behaviours, such speeding and reckless driving pattern; which was found prevalent among commercial uninsured motorists. In addition, insufficient implementation of insurance regulation and socio-economic factors contributed to the proliferation of uninsured vehicles. The study also showcased the descriptive analysis of uninsured motorists’ risk attitudes towards pedestrian road safety. Further finding presented a descriptive analysis of pedestrians’ road safety metrics on Lagos roads. Then, the study accentuates the urgent need for comprehensive policy intervention targeting uninsured motorists, including stricter application of insurance laws, public awareness campaigns, enhanced infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety in urban environment, like metropolitan, Lagos, Nigeria and in similar contexts in other African cities and beyond. Thus, insurance practitioners, especially motor insurance providers, should synergise their efforts to improve the accessibility and affordability of insurance for motorists, particularly, the low-income individuals; by creating flexible payment options, and subsidising insurance premiums. Lastly, local communities should engage with other stakeholders in the transport industry to ensure road safety culture, promoting responsible driving behaviour and encouraging compliance with insurance regulation

Health Disparities in General Medicine: A Systematic Review of Socioeconomic and Demographic Influences

Health disparities in general medicine are a critical concern, with socioeconomic and demographic factors such as income, education, race, gender, and geographic location contributing to unequal healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. This systematic review aims to assess how these factors influence health disparities in general medical settings. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE, focusing on studies published in the last decade that examined the role of socioeconomic and demographic variables in health outcomes within general healthcare. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria, including cohort and cross-sectional studies. Findings reveal significant health disparities associated with lower socioeconomic status, with low-income individuals facing higher morbidity and mortality risks and reduced access to preventive care. Racial and ethnic minorities frequently experience poorer health outcomes and encounter systemic biases in medical treatment, while rural populations report limited access to healthcare services. The review underscores the need for policy interventions to address structural inequalities in healthcare. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions to mitigate health disparities across diverse populations and healthcare settings.

Engaging with underserved communities during times of crises: A computational analysis of social media interactions with government information about COVID-19 economic relief programs

Racial and social inequalities in the digital landscape remain pressing concerns in society. Previous research on government efforts to address digital inequality has largely focused on improving access to digital infrastructure and literacy. However, there is a severe shortage of research that examines how underserved communities engage with government information on relief measures and policies during crises. This study fills these gaps by drawing insights from three bodies of literature – digital inequality, the situational theory of problem solving, and fear. We investigate how underserved communities, such as low-income individuals, communities of color, and rural populations, interacted with government information about COVID-19 economic relief programs designed to mitigate the adverse effects of crises, and how fear influenced public engagement patterns. We analyzed Facebook posts (N = 28,887) containing links (URLs) to government websites on COVID-19 economic relief programs from 2020 to 2022. Our findings show that posts shared within underserved communities generated higher levels of engagement (shares, comments) compared to those shared in nonunderserved communities. This indicates that underserved communities showed great interest in and participation with government information about relief programs during the pandemic. Notably, engagement significantly decreased when fear was expressed in discussions, and such a pattern was more pronounced in underserved communities than in nonunderserved ones. These results offer valuable insights into the communication dynamics of underserved communities during crises, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital inequality within the policy context.

Research Priorities in Pulmonary Rehabilitation: The Urgent Need to Increase the Portfolio of Rehabilitation Options for Chronic Lung Disease.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. The most outstanding challenge in PR is the low referral, uptake, and adherence that is dramatically low in the post-hospitalization period in rural, minority, and low-income populations. Research efforts to increase the portfolio of PR through the testing and implementation of new and effective options for home-based and community-based programs are potential research targets. Other potential foci of research efforts are the pursuit of behavior-change techniques to achieve a lifestyle change during PR and the referral process to increase uptake and adherence rates. Creating new rehabilitation options for chronic lung disease that can reach more people may require expanding the definition of PR for chronic lung disease to one more flexible and perhaps concordant with the World Health Organization's definition of rehabilitation as "a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment." While efforts to augment access to conventional PR are warranted, it is time to devote research efforts to reach many more individuals with chronic lung disease, particularly minorities, rural, and low-income individuals that currently have no access to any rehabilitation, a social injustice that requires action. This manuscript outlines suggested future directions in rehabilitation research with the pursuit of evidence to support feasible and effective programs that may increase the rehabilitation portfolio to accommodate most individuals with chronic lung disease.

Heterogeneity in Damages from a Pandemic

Abstract We use nationally-representative linked survey and administrative data to document socioeconomic and demographic disparities in the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States during its first two years. Impacts on all-cause mortality and on employment were concentrated in the same racial/ethnic, education, industry, and occupation groups. Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in mortality impacts narrowed over the two years, but educational disparities persisted. For economic impacts, only Hispanic-White disparities narrowed. Lower-income individuals experienced greater mortality impacts and this gradient steepened in the second year. Our findings, using consistent methods and measures, highlight the pandemic's heterogeneous impacts.

Older adults’ views on training tools to prevent cognitive decline

ABSTRACT Computerized training platforms could be an accessible means for older adults to maintain cognitive health, and several such tools are already commercially available. However, it remains unclear whether older adults use these tools if training is not externally prescribed. We explored older adults’ self-initiated experiences with cognitive training. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 community-dwelling adults aged 58–85 years, comprising university retirees (N = 8) and public housing residents (N = 5). Interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis. No participants voluntarily used cognitive training, and those who had done so previously reported negative experiences. Several factors shaped older adults’ engagement with cognitive training, especially a preference for stimulating activities that are organic and inherently enjoyable. We reveal a mismatch between older adults’ priorities and the interventions currently available and uncover issues of access and interest among low-income and minority individuals. We suggest ways to better align future interventions with older adults’ priorities.

AI-Powered customer experience optimization: Enhancing financial inclusion in underserved communities

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into customer experience optimization holds transformative potential for advancing financial inclusion in underserved communities. This review explores how AI-driven tools can enhance personalized banking services, streamline customer engagement, and improve access to financial products for individuals who are often marginalized by traditional banking systems. By leveraging AI algorithms, financial institutions can analyze vast amounts of customer data to identify unique needs, preferences, and behaviors, enabling the delivery of tailored financial solutions. These AI-powered systems can also automate routine tasks, such as account management and customer support, ensuring that banking services are more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. A key benefit of AI in this context is its ability to overcome barriers such as geographic isolation and lack of financial literacy, which often hinder financial inclusion. AI-driven chatbots, for instance, can provide 24/7 support in local languages, guiding users through complex financial processes. Moreover, AI enables the creation of personalized financial literacy programs, tailored to the specific needs of underserved populations, fostering a deeper understanding of financial products and encouraging greater participation in the financial system. Additionally, AI-powered fraud detection systems enhance trust and security in financial transactions, a critical factor in encouraging participation from communities traditionally skeptical of formal banking systems. The use of predictive analytics further supports the development of micro-loans and credit products suited to the financial realities of low-income individuals, reducing default rates and improving access to capital. In conclusion, AI-powered customer experience optimization offers a powerful strategy for financial institutions seeking to expand their reach into underserved communities. By providing personalized, efficient, and secure banking experiences, AI can significantly contribute to financial inclusion efforts, driving economic empowerment and reducing inequalities. This study highlights the critical role of AI in reshaping financial services and creating inclusive opportunities for underserved populations. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Financial Inclusion, Customer Experience Optimization, Underserved Communities, Personalized Banking, AI-Powered Tools, Financial Literacy, Fraud Detection, Predictive Analytics, Economic Empowerment.

Challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 in Ghana: An assessment of the impact of economic crisis on urban household food security

There is an ongoing economic crisis in Ghana which has the potential to strain household finances, alter dietary patterns, and push people into a state of food insecurity. While rural areas have traditionally been the focus of food security research and interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is growing evidence of the challenges faced by urban residents which warrants investigation. This study aims to assess the current status of food security among urban households in Ghana, and examine the impact of the economic crisis on food dietary decisions and food security. This study surveyed 401 random sampling participants in two major urban areas, Accra and Takoradi. The structured questionnaire included the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and additional questions on income allocation to food and dietary changes. The results show a significant prevalence of food insecurity among urban households in Ghana, with over half of the respondents experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. The economic crisis has notably impacted food expenditures, with 81 % of participants reporting changes in their income allocation to food, and 75 % reducing the variety of foods they consume. A substantial portion of respondents now spends between 31 and 50 % of their total income on food which is an indication of the financial burden they face. Ordinal logistic regression identified household income as a critical factor influencing food security, with unemployed and lower-income individuals facing a significantly higher risk. These results emphasize the urgent need for both immediate food assistance, and long-term strategies to strengthen food systems and improve the economic situation to reduce vulnerability. Implementing the recommendations from these findings could contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 in Ghana.

Stressors and suicidal ideation in low-income adults in Malaysia: A serial mediation analysis of social support and mental health symptoms.

Studies have documented a heightened risk of suicidal ideation in response to stressors, especially among people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the mechanisms of this association remain elusive. Drawing on the social deterioration and counteractive models, this study aims to elucidate the pathways linking stressors to suicidal ideation through serial mediation of social support and mental health symptoms in Malaysia. Data were collected from 404 low-income adults (33.2% male and 66.8% female) receiving monthly financial assistance from Malaysia's social welfare department. We employed stressor measures (i.e. financial, family and work), the Oslo Social Support Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised. A total of 46.8% of participants reported mild-to-severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, with 11.1% classified as high risk for suicide. Direct and indirect effects were found. After controlling for age and gender, social support and mental health symptoms mediated the link between stressors and suicidal ideation. The serial mediation analysis indicates that stressors are connected to heightened suicidal ideation through a sequence involving insufficient social support, followed by elevated levels of mental health symptoms. Understanding the multifaceted relationships among stressors, social support, mental health symptoms and suicide ideation expands the potential for developing targeted interventions and preventive strategies tailored for vulnerable populations. Clinical work with low-income individuals may include implementing early systematic efforts to develop accessible mental health and integrated care services.

The Impact of Regional Socio-Economic Policy on Housing Accessibility for Different Population Groups

The article examines the impact of regional socio-economic policy on housing accessibility for various population groups. It analyzes how economic, social, and political factors shape housing conditions in different regions. Special attention is given to how high housing prices and a shortage of affordable housing options affect the quality of life and social mobility of the population, as well as the vulnerability of specific social groups such as young families, low-income individuals, and retirees. The consequences of limited housing accessibility, including increased social tension and inequality, are discussed. Recommendations for improving regional policy are provided, with an emphasis on the need for a comprehensive approach to achieve sustainable improvements in housing conditions.

Understanding consumption and purchase of tap water and diverse tap-alternative drinking water sources in Detroit, Michigan

ABSTRACT Several gaps remain in understanding individuals' water consumption reliance outcomes in disadvantaged communities. We utilize a cross-sectional sample of household-level survey data from predominantly low-income, minoritized households in Detroit, MI, to examine the relationship between tap and tap-alternative drinking water consumption and purchase behavior. We collected survey data from one English-speaking adult per household in May–October 2021 (n = 259). Consistent with past studies, tap water consumption is negatively correlated with single-use bottled water consumption and consuming drinking water from multiple sources. We also find tap distrust is correlated with tap-alternative water consumption, yet there is a surprising positive relationship between tap and overall bottled water consumption levels. Very low-income households were more likely to rely on bottled water and multiple other water sources simultaneously. Female respondents reported lower levels of most types of water consumption. Black respondents reported lower tap water and bottled water consumption but had higher levels of other tap-alternative source consumption. Our results call into question whether higher tap water consumption is synonymous with tap trust or with reduced bottled water consumption. Public health interventions must further address high levels of bottled water consumption among low-income individuals, and low tap water consumption among Black individuals.

A Decade of Liberal Cosmopolitanism in the United States: The Effects of Gender, Race, and Income

This study investigates correlates of cosmopolitan sentiments in the United States over a decade, contributing to the literature in two ways. First, it tests the “group status thesis” in the U.S., which suggests that marginalized and disadvantaged groups are more likely to exhibit cosmopolitan attitudes. Second, it examines the interaction between socioeconomic factors and the waves of the World Values Survey conducted between 2006 and 2017. The findings support the main hypotheses of the group status thesis: women, non-Whites, and lower-income individuals tend to be more cosmopolitan in their outlook. Over the 11-year period, the gap in liberal cosmopolitanism between genders and income levels widened. The study concludes that liberal cosmopolitanism is rooted in specific structural locations, with marginalized groups being more inclined to embrace it. Notably, support for cosmopolitanism remained relatively strong before and during the early years of the Trump administration in 2017.

Tax Morale, Governance Quality And Tax Compliance

This study aims to investigate the relationship between tax morale, governance quality, and tax compliance in Nigeria. The study used the library research approach, which involved examining books, academic journals, and conference papers. According to the evaluation, tax compliance in Nigeria remains below standard, resulting in low tax morale, which is influenced by people's perceptions of government services, a lack of justice, and trust. The study also discovers that tax morale has a significant impact on tax noncompliance, such as a decrease in foreign portfolio equity investment inflows for tax avoidance, self-employed tax payers, and perceptions of higher tax fines and difficulty evading taxes. The study also discovers a favourable link between government quality (excellent governance, views of government accountability and provisions) and tax compliance. Studies have shown a considerable association between tax morale, governance quality, and tax compliance. The study recommends that government put in place efficient and effective tax collection policies, through providing people with accessible ways of paying their taxes, simplifying the process and reduction of taxes imposed on lower income individuals.

Use of tobacco price-minimization strategies among public housing residents compared to U.S. low-income adults

BackgroundPrice minimization strategies (PMS) are ways for people to save money on tobacco purchases especially among those of lower socioeconomic status. This study assesses PMS and coupon receipt among public housing residents compared to U.S. low-income adults. MethodsData were from adults who currently use tobacco and live in District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) public housing (n=270) and a US nationally representative sample of low-income adults who currently use tobacco (n=820). We examined the prevalence of PMS use across demographic characteristics and smoking behaviors, and qualitatively compared them across the two datasets. ResultsMost DCHA resident participants (84.2 %) and US low-income adults who currently use tobacco (91.5 %) recently used at least one PMS to save money on tobacco. The top-three most common strategies among DCHA residents were saving cigarettes to finish later (35.6 %), smoking fewer cigarettes (32.2 %), and finding cheaper places to buy cigarettes (30.4 %), while among U.S. low-income adults these strategies were using coupons or promotions (62.7 %), purchasing by bulk (55.5 %), and finding cheaper places to buy tobacco products (53.6 %). People who lightly smoke in DCHA were more likely than people who heavily smoke to use PMS in general (25.0 % vs. 13.7 %) and smoke fewer cigarettes to save money (35.8 % vs. 19.2 %). US low-income people who lightly smoke were more likely than people who heavily smoke to cut back on tobacco use (61.9 % vs. 39.8 %). ConclusionMost U.S. low-income individuals and DCHA residents who smoke engaged in PMS. Regulating these strategies while supporting tobacco use cessation may reduce the impact of tobacco in these populations.

An examination of depression severity and treatment adherence among racially and ethnically minoritized, low-income individuals during the COVID-19 transition to telehealth

Mental healthcare was fundamentally altered during the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps most prominently through the massive shift towards telehealth. Herein, we evaluated effects of the transition to teletherapy on treatment adherence and depressive symptoms for 3,476 patients at three outpatient psychiatric clinics, the majority of whom were low-income and experienced ethnoracial minoritization. Number of missed appointments decreased (mean: 6.27 vs. 3.77, p < .0001), and PHQ-9 scores decreased (mean: 8.17 vs. 6.82, p < .0001) between six months prior to and following the March 18, 2020 switch to telehealth. These conclusions held when adjusting for covariates including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance status (i.e., socioeconomic status). Stratified analyses (i.e., adults, emerging adults, and youth) yielded the same conclusions, with the exception of emerging adults, for whom the PHQ-9 change was not significant. Results indicated the transition from in-person to teletherapy was associated with significantly reduced mean numbers of missed visits and depressive symptoms. Such results during this especially tumultuous period may underscore telehealth's effectiveness. Future research should explore whether there is a causal relationship between telehealth or mixed hybrid options, positive treatment outcomes, and prescriptive care delivery models, as well as applications of e-mental health tools for diverse, underserved patient populations.

Spillover effects of Medicaid expansion on insurance coverage among low-income older individuals newly diagnosed with cancer.

168 Background: Medicaid expansion is associated with increased insurance coverage and improved health outcomes among patients diagnosed with cancer &lt; 65 years. Although not the target population, individuals ≥65 years may benefit from Medicaid expansion through “welcome mat” effects – the indirect increase in enrollment, particularly those with low income eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (dual-eligible). This study aims to examine the associations of Medicaid expansion with Medicaid coverage, including both dual-eligible and Medicaid-only, among individuals diagnosed with cancer. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, we identified patients ≥65 years newly diagnosed with cancer between 2010-2019 with income below 138% federal poverty level. We applied a quasi-experimental design, the difference-in-difference approach, with multivariable linear probability models to compare the changes in the percentage of dual-eligible or Medicaid-only coverage post (vs. pre) Medicaid expansion in expansion v. non-expansion states. Analyses were also stratified by key demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 256,997 patients with cancer were identified, with 136,373 patients from expansion states and 120,624 patients from non-expansion states. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, the percentage of patients with dual or Medicaid-only coverage increased from 16.84 to 18.09 in expansion states and decreased from 14.14 to 12.62 in non-expansion states, resulting in a net increase of 2.11 percentage points (ppt, 95% confidence interval: 1.55, 2.67) associated with Medicaid expansion. Differences were more pronounced among patients diagnosed with stage III-IV cancers (DD: 2.53 ppt, 95%CI: 1.58, 3.48), racialized as non-Hispanic Black (DD: 3.71 ppt, 95%CI: 2.70, 4.73), residing in metropolitan areas (DD: 2.77 ppt, 95%CI: 2.08, 3.47), with two or more comorbidities (DD: 4.14 ppt, 95%CI: 2.47, 5.80), and treated in comprehensive (DD: 2.98 ppt, 95%CI: 2.02, 3.94) or academic cancer centers (DD: 3.31 ppt, 95%CI: 2.14, 4.49). Conclusions: Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in Medicaid enrollment among patients diagnosed with cancer at 65 or older, suggesting spillover benefits of Medicaid expansion in supporting low-income elderly populations with cancer.

Rising Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Ontario: A Population-based Study

ObjectivesGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication. Studies have shown that the prevalence of GDM is rising worldwide. In this study we aimed to describe the prevalence of GDM in Ontario, Canada, between 2015 and 2021. MethodsPopulation-based linked health-care administrative databases were used to identify women with GDM via a validated algorithm. Age-standardized GDM prevalence was described for each year between 2015 and 2021. Crude GDM prevalence trends were stratified according to age and income, and trend over time was evaluated using negative binomial regression. ResultsCrude GDM prevalence was 9.5% within this period, with age-standardized prevalence increasing by 35% over the duration of the study (p<0.0001). Prevalence declined in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it rose again the next year. Prevalence was directly associated with age (p<0.0001) and inversely associated with income (p=0.04), but these disparities did not change over time. ConclusionsGDM prevalence is rising, but the transient decline in the first year of the pandemic may reflect forgone GDM screening. Disparities in prevalence by age and income are not worsening. GDM is creating a growing burden for the health-care system, particularly for lower income individuals.

Firm Characteristics, Interest Rate And Financial Performance Of Microfinance Banks In Kenya

Microfinance Banks gives the forte to improve the economic activity of low-income individuals and eliminate poverty, resulting in economic progress. However, microfinance's Banks financial performance in Kenya has declined over time. The objective of this study is to investigate firm characteristics, interest rate and financial performance of microfinance banks in Kenya. The study was grounded on buffer capital, efficiency structure and interest rate parity theories. The study research methodology rested on positivism research philosophy. Research design was explanatory non-experimental design. Secondary panel data was utilized. 13 microfinance banks in Kenya were target. Information was gathered using secondary data sources from microfinance banks accounting report from 2016 to 2022. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study used multiple regressions and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation analysis. All ethical considerations were appropriately observed. Findings indicated that adequacy of capital exerts a notable and direct effect on financial performance, underscoring the importance for microfinance banks in Kenya to prioritize maintaining sufficient capital levels to support their overall stability and financial outcomes. Conversely, quality of asset demonstrates a significant and adverse influence on performance financially, highlighting the need for microfinance banks to enhance their credit assessment processes to ensure the quality of their loan portfolios. The research revealed that efficiency of management has an insignificant direct influence on financial performance of Microfinance banks. To address this, microfinance banks are advised to invest in comprehensive management training programs and capacitybuilding initiatives to improve operational effectiveness and decision-making processes. Earning ability, on the other hand, exhibits a considerable and direct influence on financial performance. Microfinance banks should thus focus on continuous innovation of their products and services to enhance their earning potential and overall financial outcomes. Liquidity levels exhibit an insignificant and inverse effect on the financial performance outcomes. To mitigate potential risks, microfinance banks should establish comprehensive policies and procedures to monitor and manage liquidity effectively. Interestingly, the study reveals that the connection concerning firm-level attributes and financial outcomes for microfinance institutions in Kenya does not appear to be subject to a substantial moderating influence from interest rate movements. Therefore, the survey recommends that microfinance banks concentrate on improving governance structures, operational efficiency, risk management practices, and asset quality. This can be achieved through capacity-building programs, training initiatives, and adopting best practices from successful microfinance institutions. Strengthening these firm characteristics will enable microfinance banks to enhance their financial performance, irrespective of interest rate fluctuations