Low Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

Parental education and neighbourhood socioeconomic status in the prediction of childhood overweight: A multilevel analysis.

This study examined cross-level interaction between parental education and neighbourhood SES in predicting overweight including obesity among school-aged children. This analysis used data from 19 984 children aged 5-6 years participating in the school-entry examination of the years 2015 to 2019 in the Aachen city region in Germany. We employed multilevel logistic regression models to predict overweight based on parental education and neighbourhood SES, along with their cross-level interaction, while controlling for several characteristics of the child. Children from families with intermediate (OR: 1.99; 95% CI, 1.65-2.40) and low parental education (OR: 2.55; 95% CI, 1.92-3.39) and from neighbourhoods with intermediate (OR: 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.53) and low SES (OR: 1.61; 95% CI, 1.29-2.02) were at significantly higher odds for overweight. There was an indication of a cross-level interaction effect (p-value <0.10) to the disadvantage of children with higher parental education, suggesting that inequalities in overweight decrease in more deprived neighbourhoods. The predicted probability of overweight for children with high parental education increased from 6.4% in high SES neighbourhoods to 7.8% in intermediate and 9.9% in low SES neighbourhoods. Sensitivity analyses for obesity and a higher context level of spatial SES confirmed the results. The results highlight the crucial role of both individual and contextual socioeconomic conditions in predicting childhood overweight. They also suggest that the impact of neighbourhood socioeconomic status on childhood overweight varies by parental education, particularly disadvantaging children with higher parental education, indicating a social contagion of overweight through spatial disadvantage.

Parental emotional support, self-efficacy, and mental health problems among adolescents in Hong Kong: a moderated mediation approach.

Early signs of mental health issues may develop into severe mental illnesses over time. The influence of parental emotional support on adolescent mental health problems is well acknowledged. However, prior research has predominantly focused on psychological symptoms, often neglecting the somatic symptoms associated with mental health. Additionally, there has been insufficient exploration of the mediating role of self-efficacy and the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescent mental health, particularly within the context of Hong Kong. Using data from 3,613 adolescents aged 15 years from 109 schools in Hong Kong who participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment 2018, this study explored the relationship between parental emotional support and two dimensions of adolescent mental health symptoms (psychological and somatic symptoms), and the mediating effect of self-efficacy and the moderating role of SES. We found that parental emotional support significantly reduced psychological and somatic symptoms, primarily by enhancing self-efficacy. MoreovSES moderated these relationships, with the impact of parental emotional support on psychological symptoms being more pronounced among adolescents from lower SES backgrounds. This study deepens the understanding of the mechanisms underlying adolescent mental health in Hong Kong. By highlighting the importance of parental emotional support and self-efficacy, as well as the moderating effect of SES, the findings offer valuable insights for effective interventions aimed at improving adolescent mental health.

Health dialogue intervention versus opportunistic screening in primary care for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention in settings with low socioeconomic status (DETECT): study protocol for a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial

BackgroundMeta-analyses of randomized trials suggest that health checks and health promotion interventions targeting behavior change in primary care do not prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. However, whether such interventions are more effective in high-risk populations, such as people living in low socioeconomic settings, remains unclear, as they have been poorly represented in previous trials. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of systematic screening followed by an individually oriented, lifestyle-focused, health dialogue intervention for prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as compared to opportunistic screening, in primary care in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.MethodsUsing an overall pragmatic approach and a cluster-randomized design with two arms, we aim to enroll 3000 participants aged 50–59 years from 30 primary care centers (PCCs) with an above-average level of Care Need Index in Stockholm Region, Sweden. PCCs will be randomized (1:1) either to a health dialogue intervention, which includes inviting enlisted patients to a systematic screening of risk factors followed by an individually oriented lifestyle-focused health dialogue, or to opportunistic screening, which includes screening patients for a smaller set of risk factors during an appointment at their PCC taking place for other reasons. The main outcome will be change in systolic blood pressure during 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Additional short-term outcomes will be changes in other biological risk factors, health-related quality-of-life, and lifestyle habits, as well as process and implementation outcomes, and unintended side effects. The long-term effect on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality will be examined using regional and nationwide registers. Changes in systolic blood pressure and other health outcomes will be analyzed using mixed-effect generalized linear modeling and mixed-effect Cox regression to capture variability between and within PCCs. A health economic evaluation will assess resource use and costs in the short- and long-term.DiscussionThis trial of lifestyle-focused health dialogues and opportunistic screening in primary care in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in the largest region of Sweden has the potential to yield valuable insights that could support evidence-based policymaking.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06067178). Prospectively registered September 27, 2023.

Socioecological factors influencing the risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in India: a rapid review

BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) in India is 11%, which is one of the highest rates globally. Existing research on HDPs in India primarily focuses on biological risk factors, with minimal research on how socioecological factors combine to increase risk of HDPs. We conducted a rapid review using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model to understand the social and cultural factors associated with HDPs among Indian pregnant women to identify possible intervention targets that may uniquely improve health in this population. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model is a framework that can be used to understand the complex relationship between multiple influences on health.MethodsWe reviewed studies published between January 2010 and January 2024 using PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Search terms included variants of hypertension, pregnancy, and India. Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed journal article; (2) published between January 2010 to January 2024; (3) participants consisted of Indian women living in India; (4) studies evaluated socioecological risk factors associated with HDPs. One independent reviewer performed searches, screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Each included study was then organized within Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model.ResultsA total of 921 studies were generated from the initial search, with 157 exclusions due to duplicates. Following screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria at the title/abstract and full text levels, 17 studies remained in the final review. Socioecological risk factors of HDPs were identified at each level, with the most commonly identified influences including: low socioeconomic status (SES), lacking community education and knowledge on HDP management and prevention, and lacking prenatal HDP screening.ConclusionThis study determined that the high risk for HDPs in India is influenced by many intertwined socioecological factors. Women in rural and low SES areas need more health education on HDP management and prevention. There also needs to be more adequate prenatal HDP screening, with at least 4 and ideally 8 prenatal visits. Prenatal screenings should be accompanied with culturally appropriate patient education, especially for low SES women who have limited literacy, so that they can effectively make individual and microsystemic lifestyle decisions aimed at either managing or preventing HDPs.

Perceptions of the Use of Mobile Technologies for Smoking Cessation: Focus Group Study With Individuals of Low Socioeconomic Status Who Smoke.

The use of mobile technologies to deliver behavioral health interventions, including smoking cessation support, has grown. Users' perceptions are important determinants of the adoption and use of new technologies. However, little is known about users' perceptions of mobile technologies as smoking cessation aids, particularly among disadvantaged individuals who smoke. This study aimed to examine the acceptance of mobile technologies for smoking cessation among young adults with low socioeconomic status who smoke. In total, 38 current cigarette smokers, 18 to 29 years old, who wanted to quit and did not have a 4-year college degree nor were enrolled in a 4-year college, participated in 12 semistructured digital focus groups. The moderation guide was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology constructs (ie, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, and social influence), sentiment (ie, negative, neutral, and positive), and purpose of using mobile technologies (ie, lifestyle and health management and smoking cessation) following a deductive thematic analysis approach. Participants had positive experiences using mobile technologies for lifestyle and health management, primarily for fitness and dietary purposes. Salient themes were facilitating conditions of use (44/80, 55%), with prior experiences and costs subthemes, followed by perceived usefulness of mobile technologies in helping users attain health goals (22/80, 27.50%), which were generally positive. Ease of use (11/80, 13.75%) and social influences (3/80, 3.75%) were minimally discussed. Conversely, participants had limited awareness of smoking cessation uses of mobile technologies, which was the primary barrier under facilitating conditions discussed (33/51, 64.70%). Participants expressed skepticism about the usefulness of mobile technologies in helping them quit smoking (14/51, 27.45%). Effort expectancy was not discussed, given participants' limited prior use. Social influences on mobile technology use for smoking cessation were minimally discussed (4/51, 7.84%). The use of mobile technologies for smoking cessation was unknown to young adults with low socioeconomic status who smoke. To reduce cigarette smoking and associated health disparities, increasing awareness and use of evidence-based mobile-based smoking cessation interventions are needed. Smoking cessation interventions should incorporate features perceived as useful and easy to use to capitalize on positive user experiences and the acceptability of mobile technologies for lifestyle and health management.

A Feasibility Study of a Music Enrichment Program on Relative Reinforcing Value of Food and Home Environmental Enrichment among Families of Low Socioeconomic Status.

Emerging evidence suggests that low socioeconomic status (SES) home environments may play a role by promoting excess energy intake through a lack of access to non-food reinforcers. Because of the deleterious effects of SES-related disparities on child health and development, feasible and culturally acceptable interventions are urgently needed. Community-based music enrichment programs may be an ideal intervention strategy. In collaboration with a local non-profit organization and music studio, we conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of a music enrichment program versus a play date control in a group of 9-24-month-old healthy infants (N = 16). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City. This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05868811). Overall, we found some intervention effects on the relative reinforcing value of food (RRVfood) and the home environmental enrichment measures (i.e., increased music use at home and the home language environment). Our intervention demonstrated large effects on the increased use of music at home. We did not find significant group differences in the RRVfood and home language environment, but some of the effect sizes were medium-to-large. Results also suggest that our intervention is feasible and acceptable. Parent feedback indicated that the intervention was well-liked and that the steps we took to help reduce barriers worked. Music enrichment programs may be a high-impact, low-cost strategy to address socioeconomic disparities.

A German perspective on the impact of socioeconomic status in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The prognostic influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients remains controversial. This observational study examines the potential impact of regional SES inequalities on overall survival (OS) among DLBCL patients in Germany. We analyzed data from the German nationwide population-based dataset spanning 2004-2019 sourced from the German Center for Cancer Registry Data (n = 49,465). The primary objective was to assess the 5-year OS among patients with low SES compared to those living in middle and high SES areas. SES was grouped according to quintiles of the German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation, which summarized nine indicators covering aspects of regional education, employment, and income. DLBCL patients in low SES areas had significantly impaired 5-year OS compared to those in middle and high SES regions (59.2% vs. 61.8% vs. 64.1%, p < 0.0001). Yet, additionally accounting for regional premature mortality removed the impact of SES on survival (Hazard Ratio 0.94, 95% CI 0.87–1.01). Our findings indicate that the prognostic impact of socioeconomic deprivation on long-term survival is not due to variations in diagnosis and treatment of DLBCL itself but rather a higher comorbidity burden.

Parental control and adolescent social anxiety: A focus on emotional regulation strategies and socioeconomic influences in China.

An individual's social adaptation, which is influenced by both internalizing and externalizing factors, depends on social anxiety. We proposed that the connection between parental psychological control and social anxiety among middle school students was mediated by negative emotion response-focused strategies and moderated by socioeconomic status (SES). We collected data from 1343 Chinese students from 12 to 16 years old (M = 13.3, SD = 0.96) by applying the questionnaire of parental psychological control scale, social anxiety scale and negative emotion response-focused strategies scale. The findings demonstrated that parental psychological control, including father and mother psychological control, was positively associated with social anxiety and that the relationship between parental psychological control and children's social anxiety was mediated by negative emotion response-focused strategies. Meanwhile, SES played a moderating role in the relationship between children's negative emotion response-focused strategies and social anxiety. The findings also suggest that we should pay more attention to the psychological status and social interaction of children with lower SES.

Socioeconomic Trends in Palliative Care: A Six-Year Study.

The use of palliative care (PC) is on the rise in the USA, with clear benefits to patients, families, hospitals, and insurance companies. Our study investigates trends in PC utilization, focusing on socioeconomic characteristics. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2015 to 2020 was used to identify adults hospitalized in the United States (US). International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), was used for PC encounters, code Z51.5. An equal number of random records, stratified by year and without this code, were selected to serve as controls. Records were analyzed for baseline characteristics using a chi-square test. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of receiving PC were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Men were more likely to receive PC consults (OR: 1.07, confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.08). Medicare/Medicaid holders' PC access was limited compared to private insurance holders (0.89, 0.86-0.93). Racial minorities, particularly Hispanics (0.9, 0.86-0.95) and Blacks (0.83, 0.77-0.88), were less likely to engage in PC. Compared to urban teaching hospitals, rural hospitals had a decreased rate of PC utilization (0.53, 0.49-0.57). Smaller hospitals had significantly fewer PC referrals than large hospitals (0.80, 0.76-0.85). A lower socioeconomic status was associated with a reduced propensity to utilize PC services compared to an upper socioeconomic status (0.91, 0.87-0.96). Our analysis shows that socioeconomic factors strongly influence PC access. This highlights important inequities that require measures to improve equitable PC access across demographic groups.

Patterns of change in the association between socioeconomic status and body mass index distribution in India, 1999-2021.

Body mass index (BMI) is an important indicator of human health. However, trends in socioeconomic inequalities in BMI over time throughout India are understudied. Filling this gap will elucidate which socioeconomic groups are still at risk for adverse BMI values. This repeated cross-sectional study analysed four rounds of India's National Family Health Surveys (1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2015-2016, and 2019-2021). The outcome was BMI categories, measured in kilogram per metres squared (kg/m2), defined as severely/moderately thin (<17.0 kg/m2), mildly thin (17.0-18.4 kg/m2), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). We examined the prevalence, standardised absolute change, and odds ratios estimated by multivariable regression models by household wealth and levels of education, two important measures of socioeconomic status (SES). The study population consisted of 1 244 149 women and 227 585 men. We found that those in the lowest SES categories were more likely to be severely/moderately thin or mildly thin. Conversely, those in the highest SES groups were more likely to be overweight or obese. The gradients were steepest for wealth, and this was substantiated by the results of regression models for every wave. There has been a decline in the difference in the prevalence of severely/moderately thin or mildly thin between SES groups when comparing the years 1999 and 2021. SES-based inequalities in BMI were smaller in 2021 compared to 1999. However, those in low SES groups were most likely to be severely/moderately thin or mildly thin while those in high SES groups were more likely to be overweight or obese. Future research should explore the pathways that link SES with BMI.

Depression, Anxiety, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Adults with type 2 diabetes are at a greater probability of suffering from mental health issues, which could result in a substantial effect on their HRQoL (health-related quality of life). Thus, the focus of this research was to investigate the relationship between comorbid anxiety, depression, and HRQoL among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2016 to 2021 were used to identify adult patients with type 2 diabetes diagnoses for this research. The MEPS used the SF-12 to measure HRQoL. The study employed multivariable linear regression to analyze the association between anxiety, depression, and HRQoL in individuals with type 2 diabetes, taking into consideration several confounding variables such as age, gender, and comorbidities. Results: This study included 5259 individuals with type 2 diabetes, of which the mean age was 52.9 years, 50.7% were men, and 49.3% were women. The findings from this sample show a negative relationship between anxiety, depression, and type 2 diabetic patients' HRQoL. It shows that after adjusting for other factors, diabetes patients with depression (MCS: = -6.817), anxiety (MCS: = -4.957), and both (MCS: = -0.344) have a significantly poorer HRQoL than those without these mental health comorbidities (p-value < 0.001). It also demonstrated the adverse effects on HRQoL of having coexisting chronic illnesses like heart disease, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses, along with a low socioeconomic status. Additionally, it revealed the benefits of employment, education, and regular exercise for HRQoL. Conclusions: The study's findings highlight the links between anxiety, depression, and type 2 diabetes patients' poor HRQoL. It also showed the adverse effects of coexisting chronic diseases and low socioeconomic status on HRQoL and the benefit of work and exercise on HRQoL. These findings can help policymakers to reform healthcare and enforce the early detection and treatment of anxiety and depression to enhance the HRQoL of type 2 diabetic patients.

Socioeconomic inequalities in dementia risk among a population-based cohort: Quantifying the role of a broad combination of lifestyle factors.

The complex associations of socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle with dementia are unclear. Our objective was to examine whether a broad combination of lifestyle factors mediates the associations of SES with incident dementia and the extent of interaction or joint relations of lifestyles and SES with dementia. A total of 274,871 participants from the UK Biobank were included. SES was assessed using the Townsend Deprivation Index. A lifestyle index was created based on smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social connections, sleep duration, diet, and sedentary behavior. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted. Mediation and interaction analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between lifestyles and SES in dementia. The HRs (95% CIs) for when participants with low SES were compared with participants of high SES were 1.32 (1.22-1.42) for all-cause dementia, 1.25 (1.11-1.40) for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 1.61 (1.37-1.90) for vascular dementia (VD). Lifestyles explained ≤ 7.8% of socioeconomic disparities in dementia. Unhealthy lifestyle categories were associated with a higher risk of dementia and its subtypes across all SES levels. The HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause dementia, AD, and VD comparing participants with low SES and the least healthy lifestyle versus those with high SES and the healthiest lifestyle were 1.82 (1.56-2.11), 1.51 (1.20-1.90), and 2.56 (1.81-3.61), respectively. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle may prevent dementia across all socioeconomic groups, but socioeconomic inequalities in dementia cannot be fully addressed by promoting healthy lifestyles alone. The social determinants of dementia need to be better addressed.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food as a promising therapy for the prevention and cure of undernutrition in pre-school children: A review

The nutritional status of pre-school children is a reflection of health of children in the world and forms the basis for the development of success-oriented interventional programs. This study indicates the prevalence of under-nutrition in under five children in the world, Africa and Nigeria. It also showed the prevalence of under-nutrition in the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria, with the Northern regions reported to have the highest burden of under-nutrition compared to the other regions due to several factors such as inadequate breast feeding, lack of access to healthcare, lack of clean water, armed conflict, inadequate dietary intake, inappropriate feeding, foetal growth restriction, inadequate sanitation, lack of parental education, large family size, incomplete vaccination, poverty and low socio-economic status and desire to have more children. Several nutritional interventions have been put in place to prevent and cure under-nutrition in pre-school children, which include Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, Micronutrient supplementation, Food fortification, Nutrition education, Complimentary feeding, and Cash transfer programs, Ready-to-use therapeutics foods (RUTF), Nutritional rehabilitation centers, Parenteral nutrition, and Nutritional counseling and education. However, RUTF has been reported to have an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in pre-school children. It is an energy dense, shelf stable and ready to eat food which composed of peanut butter, sugar, full fat milk and mineral-vitamin premix. Other plant-based ingredients such as chickpea, soybean, sesame, maize, oats, sorghum and sunflower oil have also, been used in the production of RUTF and reported to be effective for complete recovery of SAM children.

Associations between socioeconomic status and dynamic development of physical,psychological and cognitive degenerative multimorbidity among middle aged and older adults in China

Objective: To analyze the dynamic development of physical, psychological, and cognitive degenerative multimorbidity among middle-aged and older Chinese adults (≥45 years old) while estimating the longitudinal association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the progression of multimorbidity. Methods: Based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2020), the Sankey diagram was used to show the dynamic development of physical, psychological, and cognitive degenerative multimorbidity from 2011 to 2020. SES was constructed based on the level of education and total household wealth. Logistic regression was used to estimate OR and 95%CI to evaluate the association between SES and the progression of multimorbidity. Results: Of the 5 393 participants included, 4 484 (83.14%) of them developed new diseases, and the prevalence of physical, psychological, and cognitive degenerative multimorbidity increased from 38.04% to 74.23%. Compared to those with no reported disorders at baseline, participants with psychological disorder (for newly developed physical-cognitive multimorbidity: OR=4.59,95%CI: 2.89-7.29), cognitive disorder (for newly developed physical-psychological multimorbidity: OR=2.24,95%CI: 1.40-3.60), or their multimorbidity at baseline were more likely to progress to physical, psychological, and cognitive degenerative multimorbidity. After adjusting covariates, individuals with low SES were more likely to develop physical diseases (OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.11-1.89), cognitive disorder (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.16-2.91), physical-psychological multimorbidity (OR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.37-2.56), physical-cognitive multimorbidity (OR=3.58, 95%CI: 2.54-5.06), psychological-cognitive multimorbidity (OR=5.66, 95%CI: 3.04-10.55), and physical-psychological-cognitive multimorbidity (OR=3.21, 95%CI: 2.06-5.01) in comparison to those with high SES. There is a dose-response relationship between SES and the multimorbidity progression (all trend P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of physical, psychological, and cognitive degenerative multimorbidity increased significantly among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Lower SES was associated with multiple patterns of physical, psychological, and cognitive disorders progression.

Prevalence and long-term change in alcohol consumption: results from a population-based cohort in Southern India

BackgroundAlcohol consumption in India is below the global average, with limited data on long-term effects. The current study aims to examine changes over time among alcohol consumers, the pattern of drinking and help-seeking for alcohol problems among South Indian men.MethodData on the intake of various alcohol types were collected through standard questionnaires in two adult follow-ups [Baseline: 1998–2002, Follow-up: 2016–2019] from male participants in the Vellore birth cohort (VBC). Alcohol intake was converted to weekly standard drink units for analysis. Data on drinking patterns using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and information on help-seeking among problem drinkers were collected during follow-up. Socio-demographic associations with alcohol consumption were determined using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption was 54.5% and 47.7% at the baseline and follow-up, respectively. Over two decades, 12% of men reported to have newly started drinking and 18% quit drinking. Lower education and lower socio-economic status (SES) were the strongest predictors of alcohol consumption. The AUDIT assessment among drinkers reported hazardous drinking of 38.4%, harmful drinking of 4.7% and 3.7% probable alcohol dependence. Among the persons with high AUDIT scores, 25% were concerned about high consumption, and 9% sought help to stop their alcohol consumption.ConclusionOur results showed a decline in alcohol consumption in this cohort over two decades. Among drinkers, a high proportion report hazardous and harmful consumption. Low levels of education and SES are significant predictors of alcohol consumption. A low proportion of help-seeking reflects alcohol-related stigma in the community.

Association of 24-hour movement behaviors and non-communicable diseases among adults of Udupi, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT Optimizing 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity (PA), sleep and sedentary time (ST)) is crucial for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the association of 24-hour movement behaviors with NCD risk remains largely obscured in low-middle-income countries. The present study aimed to explore the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and the occurrence of NCDs. An online survey was administered among 310 community-dwelling adults (age 18–65 years) of coastal Karnataka, enquiring sociodemographic profiles, 24-hour movement behaviors and presence of NCD. While spending 33% of daily time in sleep, the respondents spent 30% in light-intensity PA (LIPA), 19% in sedentary and 18% in moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA). Multivariate regression revealed that higher sleep time was significantly associated with higher odds of NCDs (estimate, β = 0.20, odds ratio = 0.82, p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were found for other 24-hour movement behaviors with NCD risk [ST (β = 0.12, p = 0.122), LIPA (β = −0.01, p = 0.184) and MVPA (β = −0.01, p = 0.357)]. Subgroup analyses showed that age and body mass were positively associated with NCDs, while lower socio-economic status was associated with lower sitting time (β = −3.84, p = 0.009) and lower LIPA (−318.49, p = 0.018). Higher age, body mass index and long sleep hours were associated with higher risk of NCDs. These findings may necessitate the inclusion of optimal sleep hours and body mass in health promotion guidelines to prevent chronic diseases among the regional population of coastal Karnataka.

Unanticipated outcomes of an occupational rehabilitation group on low-SES ultra-Orthodox women’s self-concept

ABSTRACT This longitudinal ethnographic study examines the development of the occupational self-concept of low socioeconomic status ultra-Orthodox women participating in a government-sponsored program to promote integration into the workforce. We followed participants for 18 months to learn about their experience and its effects, using group observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The findings revealed central elements of the intercultural encounter of ultra-Orthodox women with a neoliberal organization. A year after the program’s conclusion, the participants unexpectedly underwent occupational regression, intensifying their commitment to their roles in the home arena rather than achieving the declared goal of occupational integration. The process led the women to embrace a self-concept resonating with the neoliberal characteristics presented in the program but applying it in the home and not the occupational space. This article suggests that neoliberal discourse, with its Western, secular, and class origins, left participants with a self-concept incompatible with the collective self characterizing their culture. We emphasize the importance of incorporating culturally sensitive practices for occupational rehabilitation which consider the potential conflict between the hegemonic discourse (represented by the organizations) and the program participants (minority groups from diverse cultural backgrounds).

Grandparent support moderates the relation between socioeconomic status and children's cognitive development.

Grandparents support American families in many ways, but they have often been overlooked in research on typical families (e.g., parents raising children). We examined whether grandparents have a positive influence on children's development by buffering the relation between parents' socioeconomic status (SES) and children's cognitive development. Parents (N = 437) from 45 U.S. states reported on 1,047 grandparent relationships with their 3- to 5-year-old children (Mage = 4.18 years) and how helpful grandparents are regarding financial, instrumental, emotional, and informational support, which were summed together across all grandparent relationships. We found that SES (a composite of family income and parents' average education) was significantly related to preschoolers' cognitive development (a composite of receptive and expressive language, literacy, and numbers). However, this relation was weaker when grandparents provided a higher level of support. Most families received grandparent support of basic child needs (e.g., clothing) and educational resources that could contribute to children's cognitive development (e.g., books). Grandparents provided greater financial, instrumental, emotional, and informational support to parents when they were emotionally close to the grandchild and interacted frequently. However, only emotional support was related to the geographical distance to the grandchild. These results suggest that even in parent-led American families, grandparents play a supportive, buffering role against the potential negative effects of lower SES on children's cognitive development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

REASONS OF ABANDONMENT TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH LEISHMANIASIS

The goals of this study that examined patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) who were diagnosed and treated at the Sanliurfa Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Diagnosis and Treatment Center (SCLDTC), were to determine the frequency of treatment discontinuation and the reasons for discontinuation. This was a descriptive study that included individuals who visited the SCLDTC for diagnosis and treatment in 2020 and were diagnosed with CL. The study’s data collection phase took place between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The study comprised 370 patients who were diagnosed with CL and under treatment as of January 1, 2020. It was found that 187 of these patients discontinued treatment. The frequency of treatment discontinuation was 50.5%. Of those who discontinued treatment, 50.8% were women. It was determined that 3.7% of those who discontinued treatment did not speak Turkish, and 41.1% had not received formal education. Among the patients who discontinued treatment, 21.4% had no job, and 83.9% belonged to the lower socioeconomic status and unemployed group. Of those who discontinued treatment, 54.6% stopped before completing the first course, while 39,0% did not attend the follow-up examination after completing the first course. In cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common reasons for discontinuing treatment were believing that they do not require treatment (28.9%), disregarding the disease (27.3%), and a lack of medication in SCLDTC (26.7%). In the present study, the most common reasons for discontinuing treatment were a lack of belief in the necessity for treatment, disregarding the disease, and a shortage of medication. Patients’ and society’s knowledge and awareness of CL should be increased, public education programs should be organized, patients admitted to SCLDTC and their relatives should be informed, and the importance of completing the treatment should be explained, especially in neighborhoods where CL cases are densely distributed.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Visual Acuity Changes in Schoolchildren: A One-Year Follow-Up.

(1) Background: Visual acuity (VA) is essential for children's quality of life, and its relationship with socioeconomic status (SES) highlights disparities in healthcare. This study investigated the influence of SES on changes in schoolchildren's VA over one year. (2) Methods: Initial examinations were conducted on 1822 children (8-10 years). Follow-up was performed on 804 of these children a year later. Uncorrected (UCVA) and presenting (PVA) distance VA were measured monocularly using a decimal Snellen chart. Very reduced UCVA (<0.5) was considered a proxy of myopia. (3) Results: The prevalence of initially very reduced UCVA (myopia) was similar in children with low and high SES (12.6% vs. 12.4%) (χ2; p = 0.153). After one year, the prevalence of very reduced UCVA increased to 14.1% in children with a low SES compared with 11.1% in children with a high SES (p = 0.001). Significant disparities related to SES were also found in PVA so that children with a low SES exhibited a greater reduction in PVA than children with a high SES (5.2% vs. 3.5%) (χ2; p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Children with a low SES showed an increase in reduced UCVA values over one year and a higher number of children with very reduced PVA compared with those with a high SES.