Low Socioeconomic Environment Research Articles

Determinants of Stunting Among Children Under Five Years in Indonesia: Evidence from the 2021-2022 Demographic and Health Survey

At the global level, the prevention of stunting is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indonesia is currently working towards achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal, which entails ending hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and supporting sustainable agriculture. As a part of this objective, efforts are being made to decrease the prevalence of stunting in children by 2025. Attention towards stunting is crucial as it can adversely affect children's physical and cognitive development well into adulthood if not addressed appropriately. This paper conducted a literature review from various sources, with a focus on google scholar and prioritizing sources from the last five years, as well as research on the population in Indonesia. It was determined through the analysis of several sources that maternal, child, and environmental factors pose various risks for stunting in Indonesia. Maternal factors that may play a role in child development include the mother's age, upper arm circumference, height, breastfeeding or complementary feeding practices, early initiation of breastfeeding and food quality during pregnancy. A history of low birth weight or prematurity, male sex, neonatal illness, frequent and recurrent diarrhea, infectious diseases, and lack of immunization are among the child factors associated with developmental outcomes. Factors such as living in a low socio-economic environment, limited family education, especially maternal education, insufficient household income, open defecation in rivers, gardens or inadequate latrines, consumption of untreated drinking water and high exposure to pesticides are also associated with the prevalence of stunting.

The relation of home and childcare/school environment to differential trajectories of externalizing problems

This paper uses data from the NICHD study of Early Child Care to investigate how exposure to different home and childcare/school environmental settings are associated with children’s trajectories of externalizing problem from age 2 to age 12. The sample included 1232 children (52% male). Different classes of children exhibiting low, moderate desisting, moderate, high desisting and chronic externalizing problems across the 10 year period were identified. Boys were more likely to be identified in the chronic group and girls in the low group. Furthermore, the findings suggested that the chronic externalizing problems group was also at high risk for experiencing a negative home environment across time, being born into a low familial socio-economic environment, and for experiencing a low quality classroom environment during middle childhood. Therefore, the quality of both the home and school environment are important for identifying these children at high and continuous risk for externalizing psychopathology. Finally, the findings suggested that the quality of the child’s home environment had the more pervasive consequences for the establishment and continuation of externalizing problems in comparison to the quality of the child’s childcare environment.

Drivers of Acute Diarrhea in Mothers of Children between 6 and 59 Months old in Kinshasa Households, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Acute diarrhea is a common affection, among children under 59 months old in Sub-saharan Africa and Asia known to be a global public health concern. It is responsible for significant mortality in developing countries. The main purpose of this study was to identify drivers of acute diarrhea in mothers of children aged 6-59 months in Kinshasa households. This study was conducted in two health areas in Kinshasa namely Centre Supérieur Militaire Mobikisi and Hopital Militaire Central. It is a cross-sectional study of analytical type having a correlational design. In fact, 114 mothers having children aged 6 to 59 months old who had experienced at least three diarrheal episodes were selected and this research was carried out in January 2020. Independent variables were socio-economic factors and dependent variables were biological factors. Descriptive statistical analyses of which frequency and percentage were performed to describe the sampling profile. To measure the strength of association between different variables, the Pearson's Chi-Square (X2) test was used. The findings showed that 57% live in a high socio-economic environment compared to 43% who have a low socio-economic environment responsible for the occurrence of acute diarrhea. It was observed that 67.7% of participants knew the importance of access to health care services, compared to 32.3% who did not know. Meanwhile, 50.8% lived in a healthy environment versus 49.2% who had an unhealthy environment. Furthermore, 53.8% were in an acceptable demographic and biological situation, compared to 46.2% who were in a precarious demographic and biological situation. Acute diarrhea in children aged 6-59 months is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in Kinshasa city. Obstacles to effective care are related to the lack of quality service provision. Policy makers must therefore put in place interventions to address these challenges in order to reduce infant morbidity and mortality in this area.

Interaction effects of socio-economic position in the association between eating location and diet quality in Portuguese children and adolescents: results from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015-2016.

This study aims to evaluate the interaction effect of socio-economic environment (SEE) in the relationship between the eating location (EL) and diet quality, in children and adolescents. Data included Portuguese children and adolescents (3-17 years) from a National Dietary Survey Sample (IAN-AF 2015/2016, n 987). Dietary intake was obtained by 2-d food diaries (children) or 2-24-h-recall (adolescents). Participants were classified into four groups of EL: 'Home', 'Other homes', 'School' and 'Restaurants'. Diet quality was measured as a higher adherence to a healthy eating pattern. A previous developed socio-economic classification was used, and participants were grouped as belonging to a low socio-economic environment (LSE) or middle-high socio-economic environment (MHSE). Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between EL and diet quality, stratified by the SEE. A statistically significant interaction effect was found (P < 0·01) for the SEE in the association between EL and diet quality. After adjustment for potential confounders, in LSE, participants belonging to 'Other homes' (β = -2·07; 95 % CI:-3·70, -0·44) and 'Restaurants' (β = -3·31; 95 % CI: -5·08, -1·54) had lower scores in the diet quality score, comparing to 'Home'. In MHSE, comparing with 'Home', 'Restaurants' showed lower diet quality (β = -1·56; 95 % CI:-2·65, -0·48), while the 'School' had better diet quality (β = 0·90; 95 % CI: 0·16, 1·64). The SEE influences the association between EL and diet quality and, belonging to more disadvantaged SEE, might represent a higher risk of unhealthy eating habits when eating out-of-home.

The ability of teachers to identify Grade 1 learners in low socio-economic environments with possible developmental coordination disorder

Background: Early identification of learners in low socio-economic environments with possible developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is important. Although various screening tools are available, it is unclear whether teachers can use the movement assessment battery for children - second edition checklist (MABC-2 checklist) to identify learners with possible DCD. Aim: To establish teachers’ ability to identify Grade 1 learners in low socio-economic environments with possible DCD. Setting: The study was conducted in the Mangaung Metro, Motheo District of the Free State Province, South Africa. Grade 1 learners aged 6–8 years ( n = 200) from a low socio-economic environment attending quintile one to three schools were randomly selected for assessment. Twenty-nine teachers participated in the study. Methods: Kinderkineticists identified learners with possible DCD (displaying motor skills far below the child’s age) by means of the MABC-2 performance test. The teachers used the MABC-2 checklist to identify possible DCD. The convergent validity of the MABC-2 performance test and checklist was compared. Results: The convergent validity between the MABC-2 performance test and the MABC-2 checklist indicated a kappa (k) coefficient of 0.17, indicating a slight agreement between the performance test and the checklist. Overall, the specificity was 58% (105/180), and the sensitivity was 85% (17/20). Conclusion: Teachers could effectively identify learners with possible DCD. However, they demonstrated a low ability to identify learners without possible DCD when using the MABC-2 checklist. It is therefore recommended that the performance test should be used in conjunction with the checklist to obtain the most reliable results.

Reimagining the Sustainable and Social Justice Mathematics Classrooms in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

In this conceptual paper, we provide some ways to think about sustainability and a social justice approach to teaching of mathematics in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) classrooms. We imagine the mathematics classrooms in 4IR not only to provide sustainable education, but also to promote core values and qualities of social justice. The teaching of mathematics for social justice is a pedagogy that seeks to expose students to issues concerning power between social groups. It is an approach to teaching that seeks to enable students not only to maintain the status quo, but also to acquire the necessary skills to challenge current practices and offer alternatives. While there is an increasing emphasis on incorporating technology into the teaching and learning of mathematics to produce educated citizenry that will be able to function in 4IR, it is equally important that one guards against unintended consequences brought about by 4IR and not deny access to learners from a low socio-economic environment. Using critical discourse analysis, the paper argues that, as we usher 4IR into the mathematics classroom, one should also be mindful of the social skills that constitute humankind. Social skills and human capital are good foundations for understanding mathematical concepts, and critical skills need to operate effectively and productively in 4IR. Moreover, social skills such as persuasion and emotional intelligence are in higher demand across industries and in education sectors than narrow technical skills, which include, among others, programming or equipment operation and control.

Children's independence Skills Analysis at Low Socioeconomic Environment

Children's independence Skills Analysis at Low Socioeconomic Environment

Prevalence of possible developmental coordination disorder among Grade 1 learners in low socio-economic environments in Mangaung, South Africa

Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects motor skills and consequently has an impact on the performance in daily living activities of learners with this impairment.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of possible DCD in Grade 1 (Gr. 1) learners in a low socio-economic environment in Mangaung, South Africa.Setting: The study was conducted in the Mangaung Metro, Motheo District, Free State Province. Gr. 1 learners, 6–8 years old (n = 242), from a low socio-economic environment attending Quintile 1–3 schools were randomly selected for assessment.Methods: The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2) was used to identify learners with possible DCD. Furthermore, results were compared with regard to gender.Results: Of the 242 learners, 9.9% were identified with possible DCD. With regard to gender, 10.5% of boys and 9.3% of girls showed signs of possible DCD. No significant difference (p = 0.9439) has been found between boys and girls.Conclusion: The prevalence of possible DCD among Gr. 1 learners in this setting was higher than that in previously reported studies in other low and high socio-economic environments of South Africa. Further research is required to establish the full extent of possible DCD within learners living in low socio-economic environments.

Microbiology of paediatric deep neck space infection

ObjectivesTo study the organisms and resistance profiles in the pediatric population of patients with deep neck space infection in a developing nation so as to aid in determining relevant, appropriate and effective antimicrobial empiric treatment. To describe the socioeconomic demographics of pediatric patients affected and the predominant age-related subtypes of deep neck space infections in an African population compared to those affected worldwide. MethodsA retrospective review of patients aged younger than 16 years of age, with deep neck space infections over a 5,5-year period was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Diagnosis of deep neck space infection was determined by clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings. All patients received abscess drainage via either needle aspiration or surgical drainage using a sterile technique. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were performed. Duration of hospitalization was used as an indicator of treatment response. Results were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 107 children with deep neck space infection were included in the study, with 121 pus specimens retrieved. The male: female ratio was 1.14:1, with a total of 57 males and 50 females, demonstrating a slight male predominance. Mean age was 5.8 years (range 2months–15years). There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization in children less than 2 years and children older than 2 years of age. The submandibular space was the most common affected site (73.9%). Analysis of the 121 pus specimens demonstrated an identifiable organism in 71% (n = 86) of cases, with no bacterial growth in 29% (n = 35) of specimens. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant organism cultured, with a prevalence of 65% of positive pus cultures. 100% of these organisms were sensitive to cloxacillin, and 100% were resistant to penicillin/ampicillin. With respect to positive pus cultures, there was an overall organism sensitivity to cloxacillin of 67% and overall resistance to penicillin/ampicillin of 76%. MRSA, TB and anaerobic bacterial infection have a much lower incidence than aerobic bacterial infection. Risk factors identified in our study include anemia and HIV. ConclusionChildren across all age groups are affected by deep neck space infection in a low socioeconomic environment. Risk factors identified include anaemia and HIV infection. The incidence of TB and anaerobic infection is lower than expected. There is a high level of antimicrobial resistance to penicillin seen in our study, predominantly due to Staphylococcus aureus infection. These organisms are however sensitive to Cloxacillin, which is a cost-effective beta-lactam antibiotic. We therefore recommend empiric treatment with cloxacillin and metronidazole to cover for anaerobic bacterial infection and de-escalation if necessary once culture results are available.

The Influence of Poverty on Teen Pregnancy in Texas

The purpose of this proposed study is to better understand the relationship between poverty and teen pregnancy in the state of Texas. The aim is to show that adolescents are more likely to get pregnant if they reside in a low-socioeconomic environment when compared to adolescents who do not live in a low economic area. Using the family structural theory, we will view the important dynamics of how poverty and teen pregnancy affects the household and means of avoiding contraception. A descriptive, retrospective study design will be used to assess the relationship between poverty and the occurrence of teen pregnancy, in adolescent females, in Texas. A total of 168 participants will be utilized to conduct this research. Participants aged from 13 through 19 from all ethnicities who live in Houston, Texas without pre-existing diseases will be included in the study. Data will be conducted by a positive pregnancy test and the Harris County Admissions form to determine annual income, number of pregnancies, and members within the household. A chi-square analysis will be used to determine the correlation between poverty and teen pregnancy. This study will bring awareness to the healthcare community and facilitate a broader outlook on teen pregnancy.

Informed consent comprehension among vulnerable populations in Ecuador: video-delivered vs. in-person standard method

ABSTRACTThe informed consent comprehension process is key to engaging potential research subject participation. The aim of this study is to compare informed consent comprehension between two methods: standard and video-delivered. We compared the in-person and video-delivered informed consent process in the Familias Unidas intervention. We evaluated comprehension using a 7-item true/false questionnaire. There were a total of 152 participants in the control group and 87 in the experimental. General characteristics were similar between both groups (p > 0.05). First-attempt informed consent comprehension was higher in the intervention group but was not statistically significant (80% and 78% respectively p = 0.44). A video-delivered informed consent process did not differ from the standard method of informed consent in a low educational and socioeconomic environment.

Turning 1 Year of Age in a Low Socioeconomic Environment: A Portrait of Disadvantage.

To evaluate maternal, home, and neighborhood environment of low and higher socioeconomic status (SES) infants from birth to 1 year and to evaluate the impact of SES and environment on infant developmental outcome at 1 year. Low (n = 30) and higher SES (n = 30) African-American mothers and their healthy term gestation female infants were prospectively compared for environmental characteristics and infant developmental outcome. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV); Beck Depression Inventory; Perceived Stress Scale; Parenting Stress Index-Fourth Edition (PSI-4); Social Support Scale; Home Observation Measurement of the Environment (HOME); Household Food Insecurity (HFI); Concentrated Neighborhood Disadvantage (CND). Bayley Scales of Infant Development Third Edition (BSID-III); Preschool Language Scale (PLS-5). Environmental risk was greater for low compared with higher SES: lower WAIS-IV (p < .001); higher PSI-4 total (p = .003); lower HOME total and 3 subscales (p < .002); higher HFI (p = .012); and higher CND (p = .027). Low SES infant outcomes differed from higher SES: lower BSID-III Cognitive Composite (p = .005), PLS-5 Total Language (p ≤ .017), and Auditory Comprehension (p ≤ .008). In regressions, after controlling for SES, effects of environmental factors were not found. By age 1, low SES infants had been exposed to greater environmental disadvantage and already exhibited poorer developmental functioning than higher SES infants. These findings suggest that support for families and children from impoverished circumstances cannot begin too early.

Long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in countries with different socioeconomic environments: an international prospective cohort study

BackgroundHospital-based data on the impact of socioeconomic environment on long-term survival after myocardial infarction (MI) are lacking. We compared outcome and quality of secondary prevention in patients after MI living...

TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF MOTHERS’ DREAM, DESIGN AND DESTINY PROCESSES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN A LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT: AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

This qualitative paper promotes the phenomenological understanding of how mothers from a low socio economic environment (LSEE) envision, design and implement their future perspective of their relationship with their children. In this single instrumental case study ddata were collected through two consecutive focus group discussions with twelve purposefully selected participants, utilising the World Cafe Method and Appreciative Inquiry: 1) to collect data; 2) as a research method that also facilitates change. Findings revealed difficulties envisioning a future and verbalising concepts such as dream, design and destiny. Findings reveal that boundaries are over or under realistic; dreams are clouded by parenting issues, however strong emotional interactions in relationships and wishes to fulfil children’s needs through open respectful communication and friendship exists. Insight is gained that togetherness influences relationships; the present influences the future, especially relating to how discipline is executed. Mothers shared future plans for support. Support needed for possible interventions in building on strengths to promote closeness in their relationships with their children is highlighted.

Abstract P379: Leg Length, Marker of Environmental Exposition During Early Lifetime, and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Intrauterine and early life factors such as low birth weight, not being breastfed, smoking parents, and other socioeconomic conditions have been associated with later predisposition to chronic diseases. Although there still exists controversy in which is the best marker for environmental exposition during early lifetime, leg length has been one of the most accepted. Hypothesis: There is an inverse relationship between leg length and subclinical cardiovascular disease (sCVD). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sub sample of 2,038 women from the Mexican Teacher’s Cohort. Participants underwent anthropometry during clinical assessments. Trunk length was calculated as the height measured in seated position minus the height of the stool participants were sitting on. Leg length was defined as height minus trunk length. Carotid intima media thickness(CIMT) was measured by trained neurologists through standardized ultrasound and log-transformed. We defined sCVD as CIMT ≥0.8 mm or the presence of plaque. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to estimate the association between leg length quartiles with CIMT and sCVD respectively. Results: Mean height was 153.8 cm and mean leg length was 72 cm. The prevalence of sCVD was 23%(469 of 2038). Participants with shorter legs were likely to report low birthweight, indigenous origin, rural residence, and low socioeconomic environment. We observed an inverse relationship between leg length and mean IMT when we compared the lowest(median 67cm) to the highest quartile(median 77.1 cm) ( multivariable-adjusted mean % difference= -2.93; 95% CI-5.53,-0.32 ). In contrast to the lowest quartile, the multiple-adjusted odds ratio for sCVD in the highest quartile was 0.58( 95% CI 0.34, 0.98 ). Additional analysis controlling for mediators such as weight, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia weakened the association but remained significant. Conclusion: We found a significant association between leg length, CIMT and sCVD in a population of middle-aged Mexican women.

Typhoid Perforation: Presentation and Management Outcome North-Eastern Nigeria

Background: The management of typhoid ilial perforation in this low socioeconomic environment is really challenging because the population is predominantly peasant farmers lacking social amenities and quality water supply. Patients and Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with typhoid perforation and managed in Damaturu and Potiskum district Hospitals North-Eastern Nigeria between January 2012 and December 2016. Results: A total of 279 patients were seen, 268 analyzed and 11 were excluded due to incomplete records. Age ranged from 3 to 50 years with male to female ration of 1.1:1 and a mean of 14.75 years. The peak age group was 11-20 years accounting for 39.93%. The clinical features were abdominal pain in 99.25% and abdominal tenderness in all patients. Procedures done were simple closure of perforation in 87.31% patients, resection and anastomosis in 70.84%. Post-operative complications were surgical site infection in 21.64%, and renal failure in 1.12%. The mortality was 14.18%. Conclusion: Typhoid perforation posed a major health hazard with high morbidity and mortality especially in a low socioeconomic environment where poor personal hygiene, improper human waste disposal, malnutrition, and poor social amenities exist. Despite high mortality associated with the disease, timely diagnosis, aggressive resuscitative measures as well as early surgical intervention can go a long way in reducing menace of the disease. Prevention is the most effective way of reducing this public health problem through health education and provision of adequate potable water.

Predictors of adherence in a community-based tai chi program.

This study examined factors affecting adherence in a 16-week tai chi program among multi-ethnic middle-aged and older adults living in a low socioeconomic environment in Toronto. Analysis was based on data collected from three tai chi program cohorts that took place from August 2009 to March 2012. The main outcome variable, adherence, was measured by the total number of sessions attended by each of the participants. Total sample size was 210 participants with a mean age of 68.1 ± 8.6. Based on the regression model, greater adherence was significantly associated with older age, greater perceived stress, higher education, and higher mental and physical scores of Short Form-36 components. Conversely, lower adherence was significantly associated with higher baseline weekly physical activity. Our findings suggest that we target less-educated individuals with poor mental and physical health to optimize adherence for future community-based tai chi programs.

Why Did US Banks Fail? What Went Wrong at US Banks in the Run Up to the Financial Crisis

This paper analyzes the differences between weak and strong US banks prior (2002-2006) to the financial crisis. We define strength as the ability to endure the crisis independently. Weak banks either went bankrupt, were acquired due to financial distress, or did not pass the stress test and needed government support. Strong banks, on the other hand, passed the stress test and repaid the government support as soon as they were eligible.The quality of formal governance, measured by CEO duality (CEO is also the chairman) and the rights of shareholders versus management, was slightly lower at strong banks. Weak banks were financed with more debt of which a larger portion short term, and less profitable than strong banks. The CEOs of weak banks were paid higher cash bonuses and more often raised in a low socio-economic environment than their counterparts at strong banks.Finally, we compare the buy-and-hold stock return of weak versus strong banks from January 2000 until February 2015. Weak banks outperformed strong ones in the run up to the crisis by 113%. Subsequently, weak banks lost 94% of their market value in the crisis and did not recover to pre-crisis levels afterwards. Strong banks lost 71% but did recover.

Unsuspected Exposure to Drugs of Abuse in Children

Background: In the last decade, the consumption of drugs of abuse has been steady for most of substances, with a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis and cocaine. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of unsuspected exposure to drugs of abuse (cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, opiates, MDMA) in children attending to an urban paediatric emergency department without signs or symptoms suggestive of exposure. Methods: Hair samples were collected from children between 10 and 14 years of age attending the Paediatric Emergency Department of Hospital del Mar in Barcelona during months of January to April 2014. Intervention was developed based on a brief advice and motivational interview for children. We analyzed the presence of drugs of abuse in hair samples by validated methodologies in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were compared to previous studies in the same scenario. Results: From 114 hair samples we obtain 15 positive results (13.5%) for any drugs of abuse, 5 positive results (4.38%) for cocaine (concentration range 0.8-3.97 ng/mg of hair), and 8 positive results for cannabis (7%) (Concentration range 0.10-1.11 ng/mg of hair), 1 positive result for MDMA (0.8%) (0.66 ng/mg of hair) and 1 positive result for amphetamines (0.8%) (1.10 ng/mg of hair). Conclusions: The most important result of this investigation is the maintained and unsuspected high prevalence of paediatric exposure to drugs of abuse in children from low socioeconomic environment in a Mediterranean city during more than a decade. These figures justify the implementation of bio analytical screening protocols; follow up schedules, and preventive strategies. In order to prevent the exposure and consumption of drugs of abuse in children, we recommend interventions of public health and social services to raise consumer awareness of the risks occurring to children, and to push for avoiding consumption in places where adults interact with children.

Linguistics in the service of communication disorders

Linguistics and Communication Disorders are considered two different disciplines by most students and scholars in both fields as well as by researchers working in other relevant fields such as psychology and education. However, most core disorders, disabilities and delays in communicative ability directly concern language, especially in conjunction with human development from infancy to adulthood, but also as related to the loss of communicative skills in the aging brain. Linguistics thus emerges as a major source of scientific insights and practical applications for the field of communication disorders. While it is obviously impossible to account for the diverse and sometimes contradictory views of linguistics in a single paper, we nonetheless focus on the contribution of novel linguistic and psycholinguistic approaches to the current conceptualization of communication disorders from different perspectives. We first discuss the nature of evidence and research methods in the two disciplines, with the current usage-based and typological approaches to corpus linguistics as a case in point. Consequently, we discuss the interface of linguistics and communication disorders through four contexts which are considered infelicitous to language acquisition and processing. These are, as follows: (i) hearing loss, (ii) language impairment and dyslexia, (iii) growing up in a low socio-economic environment, and (iv) situations of bilingualism.