Lowest Income Category Research Articles

Area-level sociodemographic differences in tobacco availability examined with nationwide tobacco product retail licence data in Finland

BackgroundDifferences in tobacco retailer density between areas by sociodemographic composition have been observed. However, little research comes from European jurisdictions and from countries with a tobacco retail licensing system. In...

Prevalence of dietary supplement use and knowledge, attitudes, practice (KAP) and associated factors in student population: A cross-sectional study

Dietary supplements (DSs) intake has been increasing worldwide despite no consensus evidence for the efficacy and safety of disease prevention, control, or treatment in nutrient-replete populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DSs use, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and associated factors among university students in Jordan. A national cross-sectional study was carried over across universities in Jordan. Participants completed a valid and reliable online questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.802 and correlation coefficients between 0.72 and 0.26). Univariate analyses were used to determine the relationship between variables. Multivariable regression was carried out to identify significant factors contributing DSs usage. A total of 448 university students completed the study (73.7% females). More than half of the students used DSs (60.9%), with single-nutrient ingredient supplements being the most commonly used type. The primary motivators were maintaining health and most students reported no side effects associated with consumption. The results revealed poor knowledge, a negative attitude towards DSs usage among all participants, even non-users, and high-risk practices among the DSs users. Normal weight and overweight individuals were more likely to use DSs (OR:2.88, 95%CI:1.61–5.16, OR:1.95, 95%CI:1.01–3.79, respectively). Low and medium-family income categories were more likely to use DSs than those in the high-income category (OR: 0.04, 95%CI: 0.02–0.07, OR: 0.06, 95CI:0.03–0.11, respectively). Undergraduate students were more likely to use DSs than postgraduate students (OR:5.56, 95%CI:3.19–9.69). In this study, a high prevalence of DSs use was highlighted. The results suggest that nutrition education is required to improve awareness of DSs and to promote safe practices.

The psychological burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Arab citizens in Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Jordan

The study aimed to reveal the psychological burden in the light of Corona virus pandemic. To achieve study objectives, a scale was prepared to reveal the mental disorders. The study sample consisted of (532) individuals. The results showed that the most prevalent disorder is panic disorder with (25%), the least of which is adjustment disorder with (15%). Moreover, the results indicated that there are no differences in all mental disorders due to the gender variable, except for adjustment disorder, in favor of males. Also, the age group (15-19) years is the most affected by panic disorder, general anxiety and adjustment, the Saudi nationals were the most affected by panic disorder, severe depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and there were no differences in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment due to the nationality and residence variables. In addition, the population of Saudi Arabia is the most affected by panic disorder. The results showed that individuals with chronic diseases are the most affected by all mental disorders, there are differences in panic disorder due to the economic status variable, in favor of the low-income category, and there are differences in the rest of the studied disorders, in favor of the middle-income category.

Abstract A010: Association of allostatic load and overall cancer risk among women during the menopausal transition. [R

Abstract Chronic stress and biological aging are closely related, and both associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal DNA methylation, telomere shortening, failed allostasis, accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS), etc. For example, allostatic load (AL), a biomarker of chronic stress, increases with age as a result of the cumulative effects of allostasis across the lifespan. In US, minority populations have accelerated aging that results from chronic exposure to lifetime stressors and unhealthy behaviors. Elevated chronic stress is thought to increase cancer risk, though the results so far have been inconsistent, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we carried out the first study to evaluate the relationship between allostatic load (AL), a biological indicator of chronic stress, and overall cancer risk in a multi-ethnic women cohort, including 3015 women who participated in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Based on the distribution of AL, the study population was categorized into four groups, from the lowest (1st category) to the highest AL group (4th category). At baseline, Black women and Hispanic women were more likely to be in the higher AL categories than White women (p < 0.001). In addition, women who smoked regularly, drank alcohol regularly, had no leisure physical activity, and had restless sleep were also more likely to be in the higher AL categories than their relative counterparts (p < 0.001). We also observed that women in the lower-income category with no health insurance were more likely to be in the higher AL category (p < 0.001). The study then found that women in the 4th category of AL (the highest AL group) had a 1.64-fold increased risk of overall cancer (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 2.59). The risk association was further strengthened after adjusting demographics, health behaviors, and socioeconomic factors with an HR of 2.08, suggesting that at least partially, AL may reflect the biological pathways linking those common cancer risk factors and cancer development. In further analysis of individual biomarkers of AL score, we found that higher levels of triglyceride and CRP were associated with increased risk of cancer, highlighting the role of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation in the etiology of cancer development. In summary, our study indicate that AL may be a useful biomarker predictive of cancer risk. Findings from our study contribute essential knowledge to the role of chronic stress and its biomarker, AL, in the etiology of cancer development. Furthermore, AL has potential to serve as target for novel interventions and biomarker for stress reduction-based cancer prevention. Citation Format: Jie Shen, Hua Zhao, Bernard Fuemmeler, Yufan Guan. Association of allostatic load and overall cancer risk among women during the menopausal transition. [R] [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Aging and Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-20; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;83(2 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A010.

Contribution of Integrated Farming System (IFS) Units Towards Household Income in Kerala

From an economic point of view, combining various components in the same unit helps to diversify farmers’ income. An attempt was made to determine the contribution of various components, adopted in an IFS unit, to the annual household income among the IFS units of Kerala during 2022. In this study, total annual household income was computed by summing up the gross income from all the on-farm sources. The study revealed that 52.78 per cent of respondents were found in the low-income category, followed by one-third in the medium-income category. Among the selected components, the contribution of income from the crop component, dairy component, and poultry component, was found to be low to medium, while the trend in income generation from fish component was from medium to low. In the case of apiculture and mushroom components, medium to high-income generation was also noticed. It was also found that farm size, experience in farming, economic motivation, training undergone, and herd size were positively correlated with the total farm income of households.

China’s Victory over Poverty: Myth or Reality?

The problem of poverty of the UN is put forward in the category of the most urgent and acute world problems inherent in most countries. Poverty reduction is an important priority goal of the social policy of many countries, including Rus sia. Ways to reduce poverty are being sought, and national strategies are being developed to overcome this problem. In recent years, China has demonstrated success in the fight against poverty, is recognized as a world leader in terms of the results achieved in this direction.Aim. To study China’s experience in reducing mass poverty, which is significant for the social practices of other countries.Tasks. Analyze China’s public policies to reduce poverty, strategies in solving the problem, social programs, measures of social support for low-income categories of citizens in the social security system. Review the results achieved, as well as the tasks set by the country in this direction for the future.Methods. The study uses a set of general scientific methods, such as analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison, system-functional and integrated approach.Results. The results of the study of the state policy of China to reduce poverty as one of the most acute world problems are presented. The analysis made it possible to identify the state of the poverty problem in China in the dynamics over the past forty years, to highlight its features, scales and zones of concentration. The specifics of the modern strategic approach of the state policy of China both in the field of overcoming poverty and in the field of providing state social assistance to low-income categories of citizens are analyzed. The results of the analysis of the level of poverty in the country allow us to highlight the positive results achieved by the country to date.Conclusion. Conclusions are formulated about possible further difficulties in solving the problem of overcoming poverty in China due to the aging of the population and the growth of demographic disproportion in its composition.

Drum Rhythms and Golden Scriptures: Reasons for Mormon Conversion Within Haiti's Culture of Vodou

Drum Rhythms and Golden Scriptures: Reasons for Mormon Conversion Within Haiti's Culture of Vodou

Mental health following an initial period of COVID-19 restrictions: findings from a cross-sectional survey in the Republic of Ireland.

Background: We assessed the mental health of individuals in the general population, during an initial period of easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Methods: Data were collected through a nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey, during the first period of easing of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic between May and July 2020. Mental health was examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety Depression Scale. Poisson regression analyses were conducted to estimate risk ratios with robust variance estimation of the association between selected demographic factors and the risk of having depression and anxiety symptoms. Results: Of the 1,983 participants, 27.7% (n = 549; 95% CI: 0.26 - 0.30) reported depression and anxiety symptoms, while 74 (3.8%; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.05) disclosed self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Females (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.37 - 1.87, p < 0.0005), employed individuals who experienced a change in work status (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.24 - 1.82, p < 0.0005), participants cocooning due to a health condition (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.66, p< 0.01), participants who were self-isolating (RR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.51, p=0.025) and moderate-heavy drinkers (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.47, p<0.01) were at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Young people aged 18-29 years and those in the two lowest income categories were most likely to report self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with further waves and associated restrictions, the impact on mental health in the population as a whole and in specific subgroups must be considered. Study protocol registration: doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.13103.2.

Mental health following an initial period of COVID-19 restrictions: findings from a cross-sectional survey in the Republic of Ireland

Background: We assessed the mental health of individuals in the general population, during an initial period of easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Methods: Data were collected through a nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey, during the first period of easing of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic between May and July 2020. Mental health was examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety Depression Scale. Poisson regression analyses were conducted to estimate risk ratios with robust variance estimation of the association between selected demographic factors and the risk of having depression and anxiety symptoms. Results: Of the 1,983 participants, 27.7% (n = 549; 95% CI: 0.26 - 0.30) reported depression and anxiety symptoms, while 74 (3.8%; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.05) disclosed self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Females (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.37 - 1.87, p < 0.0005), employed individuals who experienced a change in work status (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.24 - 1.82, p < 0.0005), participants cocooning due to a health condition (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.66, p< 0.01), participants who were self-isolating (RR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.51, p=0.025) and moderate-heavy drinkers (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.47, p<0.01) were at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Young people aged 18-29 years and those in the two lowest income categories were most likely to report self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with further waves and associated restrictions, the impact on mental health in the population as a whole and in specific subgroups must be considered. Study protocol registration: doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.13103.2

Disaster emergency preparedness literacy education and training for city dwellers: A proposed model

The heavy rains in Malaysia in 2021 caused big flooding and landslides in major cities have stunned the unprepared residents over the torrential downpours. The most affected city dwellers are among those low-income categories residents who live in low-cost housing and highly populated areas. Thus, this research is proposed to understand the state of disaster preparedness among city dwellers in Malaysia. The research will adopt a mixed methods approach. The qualitative approach will take place first in the data collection process. Subsequently, a quantitative approach will be conducted. The respondents will be among the city dwellers aged 20 and over. The expected findings will be the city dwellers' disaster preparedness effectiveness and efficiency in rebuilding their livelihood. They seem in line with the two decades government policy on Disaster Reduction Risk which started in the 1970s. The expected implication will be a new model of disaster emergency preparedness for city dwellers, particularly the low-income city dwellers including the special groups. Hence, the research output is expected to assist the emergency management of stakeholders in educating, monitoring, and acting upon the physical and mental preparedness at all levels.

Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in mental disorders among adolescents and young adults

BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) and gender play a key role in mental health. The objective of this study was to assess socioeconomic and gender mental health inequalities in adolescents and young adults using a population-based registry. Materials and methodsWe conducted a lifetime follow-up study of all residents in the Basque Country between 1 and 30 years old (n=609,381) as of 31 December 2018. Primary care, specialized outpatient, and hospital care records were searched for diagnoses. SES was assessed based on household income. We estimated disaggregated lifetime prevalence of substance use, behaviour, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The local Institute of Statistics validated the mortality data. The likelihood of risks was estimated using logistic regression. ResultsOverall, 96,671 individuals (15.9%) had a diagnosed mental disorder, with clear gradients by gender and SES. Females of medium-to-high SES had the lowest prevalence of all mental disorders, except anxiety and depression. This group was followed by males of the same SES and females of low SES, while the highest prevalence of mental disorders was observed in low-SES males. The lower income categories had higher risks of psychiatric admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.64 for females; 6.66 for males) and death (AOR: 5.42). People with a mental health diagnosis had higher mortality (AOR: 2.38). ConclusionsOur work evidenced important SES and gender inequalities in the mental health and premature mortality of adolescents and young adults, findings that should drive the development and implementation of early preventive interventions.

Detection of &lt;em&gt;Clostridium perfringens&lt;/em&gt; and associated preventive measures to appraise the safe meat curry consumption in the Colombo city

Sri Lanka is a fabulous tourist destination thus; ensuring food safety has garnered importance in public health. Spicy meat curries are popular among consumers and the majority of them belong to the low-income category. Hence, the aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to detect Clostridium perfringens and associated preventive measures to appraise the safe meat curry consumption in Colombo city. This spore bearer is ubiquitous in nature and found in a variety of food commodities. Furthermore, this fastidious bacterium is frequently found in meat curries and meat-based dishes. Two hundred meat curry samples comprising 100 chicken and 100 beef were purchased from proportionately selected 200 eating houses in Colombo which have been registered in the Colombo Municipal Council. Spread plate and enrichment techniques were used to optimize the isolation. Subsequently, presumptive identification was done and confirmed by biochemical tests. Confirmed colonies were enumerated and expressed as colony forming units (cfu) per gram of food. Thus, C. perfringens was not detected in 61 % of meat curry samples comprising 69 % beef and 53% chicken curries. Safety measures either in preparation and/or storage have been taken by 75- 95% of eating houses, where this cultivable bacterium was not detected. Therefore, as indicated by our findings, safe meat curry consumption in the 21 st century without foodborne pathogens, could not be an over-ambitious goal. Further improvements can be done through the valuable service of Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) about the microbial quality of food.

Association of Allostatic Load and All Cancer Risk in the SWAN Cohort.

Simple SummaryChronic stress has been linked to increased risks for many chronic diseases. However, its contribution to cancer risk is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the association between allostatic load (AL), a biomarker of chronic stress, and cancer risk, in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). We found that women with the highest levels of AL had a 64% increased risk of overall cancer. And the association was independent of demographics, healthy behaviors, and socioeconomic factors. In summary, we provide evidence that chronic stress may increase the risk of cancer. Elevated chronic stress is thought to increase cancer risk, though the results so far have been inconsistent. In this study, we assessed the relationship between allostatic load (AL), a biological indicator of chronic stress, and overall cancer risk in 3015 women who participated in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Based on the distribution of AL, the study population was categorized into four groups, from the lowest (1st category) to the highest AL group (4th category). At baseline, African American and Hispanic women were more likely to be in the higher AL categories than White women (p < 0.001). In addition, women who smoked regularly, drank alcohol regularly, had no leisure physical activity, and had restless sleep were also more likely to be in the higher AL categories than their relative counterparts (p < 0.001). We also observed that women in the lower-income category with no health insurance were more likely to be in the higher AL category (p < 0.001). The study then found that women in the 4th category of AL (the highest AL group) had a 1.64-fold increased risk of overall cancer (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 2.59). The risk association was further strengthened after adjusting demographics, healthy behaviors, and socioeconomic factors with an HR of 2.08. In further analysis of individual biomarkers of AL score, we found that higher levels of triglyceride and CRP were associated with increased risk of cancer, highlighting the role of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation in the etiology of cancer development. In summary, we report that higher AL is associated with increased cancer risk.

Comparative Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Perceived Gains in Marketing of Farmer Producer Company Shareholders of Kerala, India

The study conducted among FPC shareholders of the state of Kerala in India, aimed at understanding their entrepreneurial orientation and perceived gains in marketing because of their membership. The relationship between selected variables and socio-demographic variables was also analyzed. For the purpose of the research 126 shareholders were selected from 30 organizations in different geographical regions of the state. The overall entrepreneurial orientation was found to be 74.60% and perceived gains in marketing were found to be 65.36%. Comparison shareholders from different geographical regions of the selected variables revealed that entrepreneurial orientation and perceived gains in marketing were low for shareholders in the Northern region of the state. A positive correlation of entrepreneurial orientation with age and annual income suggested that training must be focused on young shareholders belonging to low-income categories. Marketing of all marketable surplus was difficult due to the limited nature of crops considered by the Farmer Producer Companies. However, they appreciated the easiness in the marketing of their produce through FPCs. The education level of shareholders also had a positive impact on their perception of gains in marketing.

An evidence-based approach towards identifying household emerging pollutants in rural areas in Southern Karnataka

Abstract The need for establishing the emerging pollutants for various rural households has witnessed a paradigm-shift towards health-related issues. Low-income groups have inadvertently contributed to environmental degradation due to improper hygienic conditions. In this paper, statistical analysis on gathered data from regional households in Karnataka has been evaluated for the health status of the individuals. A selected area based on village patterns was presented with a sample questionnaire in order to gather the patterns of household conditions prevailing in the area. A broad categorization based on the Fuzzy C clustering approach has classifiers in the form of demographic and socio-economic responses, water supply factors, sanitation, indoor air pollution, and solid waste management approaches. For each of the categories, the emerging pollutant has been identified which collectively points to ‘Poverty’ being the primary cause of deteriorating household conditions among people in such rural areas. The results of the questionnaire indicated a strong correlation between the prevalence of pollution and ill health in the low-income category of people. The authors opine that this investigation would contribute to the Government initiative of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Racial/Ethnic Variation in Family Support: African Americans, Black Caribbeans and Non-Latino Whites.

This study examined racial and ethnic differences in the receipt and provision of instrumental family support. Extended families provide significant levels of emotional and instrumental support across the life course. Despite their importance, extended family relationships and the assistance they provide are largely neglected in the literature. Further, questions remain concerning cultural variation in family support relationships and inconsistent findings on racial differences in family support in prior investigations. This study relied on data from the National Survey of American Life-Reinterview (n=3,483) to investigate the provision and receipt of instrumental support from extended family among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Latino Whites and within high- and low-income categories for each group. Eight key measures of instrumental family support are examined: receiving and providing transportation, help with chores, financial assistance, and help during an illness. African Americans and Black Caribbeans share similar profiles of providing and receiving instrumental family support. Both populations receive and provide assistance more frequently than do non-Latino Whites. Similarly, analyses stratified by income indicated that for low-income and high-income groups, African American and Black Caribbeans are similar to one another, and at each income category, both groups received and provided support more frequently than non-Latino Whites. Study findings are discussed in relation to conceptual and methodological differences in assessing Black-White differences across studies of family support. Attention to these issues and the specific contexts for receiving/providing family support (emergency vs. routine; intergenerational vs. extended) will help clarify inconsistent findings across studies.

Preschool Parents’ Ratings of Parent-teacher Relationships. A look at the Impact of Family Demographics

Relationships between families and teachers are important quality indicators of an effective early childhood program and a child’s development indicators. Assessment of these relationships provides program administrators and policy makers insights into the effectiveness of their programs in impacting children’s and family outcomes. In this study, using the newly developed FPTRQ Measure, parents’ perceptions of parent-teacher relationships in preschool programs were assessed. The effects of parents’ demographic factors income, education, age of the child, years provider had cared for the child, and number of providers parent had worked with were also investigated. The study focused on the parent-teacher relationship components of knowledge of the family, collaboration practices, and teacher attitudes of families. Fifty one parents participated from both Head Start and center based programs. Results show that teachers generally scored higher on family knowledge and attitudes with some items in the practices element scoring fairly lower. Significant core-relationships were found in parents income, education and age of the child and parent-teacher relationship skills on collaboration, communication and commitment. Parents in low income category and of younger children reported stronger parent teacher relationships. The study suggests a need to focus on strengthening the practice component of the parent-teacher relationship, specifically communicating with parents.

Frequency of Acute Viral Hepatitis A, B, C, and E in Pregnant Women Presenting to Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan.

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of hepatitis A, B, C, and E viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV) in pregnant women with acute hepatitis presenting to the medical units of HMC, Peshawar.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 442 pregnant women, either multi or primigravida, with yellow discolouration of the sclerae of the eyes and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 100 U/L on laboratory tests were chosen by convenience (non-probability) sampling to assess the frequency of HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV.ResultsThe majority, i.e., 58.8%, were in the age range of >30 years and presented in the third trimester. Of the subjects, 81.90% had parity in the range of 1-5, 89.4% were multigravida, 71.3% were illiterate, and 73.1% were in the low-income category. Anti-HEV was detected in 47.3% of pregnant women, Anti-HCV in 30.3%, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in 11.5%, Hepatitis A-IgM in 5%, and 5.90% of the cases were virus-free.ConclusionsHBV, HCV, and HEV exposure, in particular, may have a substantially larger impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes than HAV. As a result, at the first prenatal appointment, standard viral hepatitis screening in pregnant women may need to be reviewed.

Linking Intermediate to Final "Real-World" Outcomes: Is Financial Toxicity a Reliable Predictor of Poorer Outcomes in Cancer?

Traditionally, economic evaluations are based on clinical trials with well-defined patient populations that exclude many patient types. By contrast, studies that incorporate general patient populations end up including those in lower income categories, some of whom have significant financial burdens (often described as financial toxicity) related to their care. Consideration of these patient burdens when examining the incremental cost-effectiveness of newer treatments from a clinical trial perspective can result in differing conclusions regarding cost-effectiveness. The challenge is to reliably assess the link between financial toxicity, quality of life and potential decisions to forego or delay care. It is also well-documented that these financial effects are not evenly distributed across populations, with those with low income and of black or Latino decent being most affected. There is a paucity of literature in this space, but some of the early work has suggested that for lung, breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers there are poorer quality-of-life scores and/or shorter overall survival for those experiencing financial toxicity. Hence, we may see both a lower quality of life and a shorter duration of life for these populations. If this is the case, additional considerations include: are the benefits of newer, more-expensive treatment strategies muted by the lack of adherence to these newer treatments due to financial concerns, and, if true, can these effects be effectively quantified as “real-world” outcomes? This rapid review examines these possibilities and the steps that may be required to examine this reliably.

SOCIAL WORK CARRIED OUT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH STUDENTS LEFT ORPHANS AND WITHOUT PARENTAL CARE

The level of development of society is usually determined by the level of attitude of the state to the layer of people in need of help, if we take a broader look at the condition and standard of living of children (orphans, people left without parental care) and the elderly. Assistance to the socially backward - the elderly, orphans, the disabled, lonely, low-income and other categories of the population indicates a high level of development and civilization of society. This article discusses the process of social work with orphans and students left without parental care in schools.