Low-income Groups Research Articles

Cross-sectional study of predictors of infant nutrition knowledge among new mothers in Iraq

Background: Despite recent improvements, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) remains a challenge in Basra, Iraq. Aim: To describe the predictors of IYCF knowledge among new mothers in Basra City, Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data on infant nutrition knowledge from 400 new mothers attending 12 primary health care centres in Basra, Iraq, between February and June 2023. Jamovi version 2.3 was used for statistical analyses. Predictive analysis was performed with univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression, and the results were reported as crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Most (60%) of the women interviewed were younger than 19 years, married (98%), living in an extended family setting (93%), and in the lowest income level (76%). Age ≤19 was a significant predictor of knowledge about breastfeeding, formula feeding, complementary feeding, water and supplements, and food allergies (adjusted odds ratio range 2.24–5.30). Unemployment and low education status predicted lower knowledge about breastfeeding, complementary feeding, water and supplements, and food allergies, but neither unemployment nor low education status predicted lower knowledge about formula feeding. Receiving information from doctors or healthcare workers and social media or the internet was associated with better maternal IYCF knowledge while receiving information from family and friends predicted poorer knowledge about food allergy and water and supplements. Conclusion: IYCF education in Basra should be improved, with particular attention to healthcare worker-mediated and social media- and family systems-based approaches. Priority should be given to the less educated, younger and unemployed women and those in the lower income group.

Dimensions of micro-insurance and their relationship to achieving insurance coverage / applied research in the Iraqi general insurance company

The research aims to determine the nature relationship Link Between dimensions Microinsurance represented by (low-income groups, reasonable cost, low premium, low coverage) in the dependent variable insurance coverage with its two dimensions represented by (access, use), and the degree of arrangement of those dimensions according to their priorities, Incarnated The research problem that the researcher came up with during field visits to the researched company in the training phase, and reviewing the approved insurance programs, it was noted that the company lacks insurance programs and production plans, marketing documents that cover risks to low-income groups, and the lack of a tool that enables the insurance service to reach all segments of society. The descriptive analytical approach was adopted, and in light of it, the questionnaire was prepared as a main tool in obtaining data from the research community, which numbered (55) people who were in Levels Administrative (senior, middle, and executive) departments in the Iraqi General Insurance Company were tested with a set of appropriate statistical methods. The data was analyzed based on ready-made statistical programs (Spss v.28) to calculate (weighted arithmetic mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, Pearson correlation coefficient, a test z), and the research reached a set of results, the most prominent of which was: There is a positive correlation strong and moral Between the dimensions of a For micro insurance Combined and insurance coverage, Its value reached(0.815).

Associations between income/employment status and diabetes care processes, health behaviors, and health outcomes in Japan: A cross-sectional study using claims data linked to a questionnaire survey.

We aimed to explore the associations between income/employment status and diabetes care processes, health behaviors and health outcomes. This cross-sectional study used health insurance claims data between April 2021 and March 2022, and a questionnaire survey between December 2022 and January 2023 in Tsukuba City. The study analyzed the participants with diabetes (other than type 1) from those selected by stratified random sampling. We evaluated diabetes care processes, health behaviors and health outcomes by calculating weighted proportions among the groups. We also assessed the associations between income/employment status and these variables using multivariable modified Poisson regression models. Of the 264 identified participants, 161 (64.2%) were men and 168 (72.8%) were aged ≥65 years old. Compared with the low-income groups, the high-income group had a higher proportion of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists use (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-2.72), a higher proportion of attendance to annual health checkups for ≥2 years (aRR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07-2.64) and a lower proportion of all-cause hospitalization (aRR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.48); additionally, the middle-income group had a lower proportion of high total outpatient medical expenses (aRR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35-0.92). Compared to the no work time group, the full-time work group had a lower proportion of exercise habits (aRR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.99) and a higher proportion of good self-reported health (aRR 2.08, 95% CI 1.22-3.55). Several variables were associated with income/employment status. Policy intervention should focus on high-risk groups identified by considering these associations.

Access to green and gray urban nature amenities: exploring equity in Montreal's built environment

ABSTRACT Contemporary ideologies have identified two main paradigms contributing to sustainable cities: green urban and gray urban nature. The first refers to features that make cities greener, such as parks or tree coverage. The second refers to gray but sustainable areas, such as dense areas or the proximity to key amenities that can foster active travel. Accessibility to green and gray urban nature amenities by active transport is essential for evaluating if cities are sustainable. We analyzed the accessibility to green (green spaces) and gray (food stores and pharmacies) urban nature in Montreal. The findings show that most people have sufficient access to green and gray urban nature, and low-income groups have better access than high-income groups. Areas with access to both tend to be highly dense, suggesting that dense areas have sustainable attributes. Transport planning interventions in areas lacking access are necessary to achieve sustainable goals in Montreal.

Inequity in the utilization of the home and community integrated healthcare and daily care services in older adults with limited mobility in China

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the needs and utilization of the home and community integrated healthcare and daily care services (“home and community care services” for short) among older adults in China and to investigate the inequity in services utilization.MethodsCross-sectional data were obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Needs and utilization rates of the home and community care services in older adults of 60 years old and above were analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with services utilization among older adults with limited mobility. Concentration index, horizontal inequity index, and Theil index were used to analyze inequity in services utilization. Decomposition analyses of inequity indices were conducted to explain the contribution of different factors to the observed inequity.ResultsAbout 32.6% of older adults aged 60 years old and above had limited mobility in China in 2018, but only 18.5% of them used the home and community care services. Among the single service utilization, the highest using rate (15.5%) was from regular physical examination. Limited mobility, age group, income level, region, self-assessed health, and depression were statistically significant factors associated with utilization of any one type of the services. Concentration indices of any one type service utilization and regular physical examination utilization were both above 0.1, and the contribution of income to inequity were both over 60%. Intraregional factor contributed to about 90% inequity of utilizing any one type service, regular physical examination and onsite visit.ConclusionsThis current study showed that older adults with needs of home and community care services underused the services. Pro-rich inequities in services utilization were identified and income was the largest source of inequity. The difference of the home and community care service utilization was great among provinces but minor across regions. Policies to optimize resources allocation related to the home and community care services are needed to better satisfy the needs of older adults with limited mobility, especially in the low-income group and the central region.

Diabetes Disparities: Addressing Health Inequities and Improving Outcomes in Underserved Populations

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance, is a global public health crisis with significant disparities in prevalence, management, and outcomes, particularly among underserved populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and rural residents. These populations faced higher rates of diabetes and complications due to social determinants of health, including economic instability, inadequate education, and limited access to healthcare. Barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and cultural and linguistic differences further hindered effective diabetes management. Lifestyle and behavioral factors, including diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and mental health, play critical roles in diabetes outcomes. Policy and system-level interventions, such as expanding healthcare coverage, improving access to care, and addressing social determinants of health, are essential to reducing disparities. Technological innovations like telehealth, mobile health applications, wearable devices, and data analytics offered significant potential to enhance diabetes management in underserved populations. This review was conducted using a comprehensive analysis of current literature and existing studies to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of diabetes disparities and to highlight successful interventions and necessary policy changes to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Addressing these inequities required a multifaceted approach, including community-based interventions, policy reforms, and technological advancements to ensure equitable diabetes care for all. Keywords: Diabetes disparities, Underserved populations, social determinants of health, Healthcare access, Technological innovations.

The influence of socioeconomic status on individual attitudes and experience with clinical trials

BackgroundCharacterizing perceptions of clinical trials among the socioeconomically disadvantaged is necessary for understanding how social determinants of health such as socioeconomic disparities in education and income can affect people’s awareness of and exposure to clinical trialsMethodsA survey was distributed in spring 2023 among a survey taking sample stratified by demographic variables to reflect the U.S. population. The survey assessed the socioeconomic status of the respondent and related covariates, as well as outcome measures including interest in joining a clinical trial, concerns relating to participation, and whether the respondent had previously been asked to participate. Multiple and logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between predictor and outcome variablesResultsHere we show the results of outcome measures regressed on main predictors related to socioeconomic status and related demographic predictors. Education, employment status, insurance coverage, and English proficiency were significant predictors of interest in clinical trial participation. Education and the presence of a healthcare professional or former clinical trial participant in the respondent’s personal network were significant predictors of whether the respondent had previously been asked to participate in a clinical trialConclusionsThe results of the analysis reveal how socioeconomically vulnerable groups, including those from low income and low education groups, are being excluded in clinical research. Analyses also uncovered the impact of clinical trial social influence—the presence of having a family or friend in one’s social network who participated in a clinical trial—on willingness to participate and exposure to clinical trials.

To Study the Construction Techniques for Slum Rehabilitation In Metro Cites

With increasing urbanization, the need for adequate affordable shelter also increases. Housing shortage is one of the major challenges faced in developing countries like India. It is imperative to provide housing that caters to all income groups with special focus on the low and middle income groups. In order to provide low cost housing, it is essential to adopt innovative sustainable technologies which are affordable, fast track, cost effective, durable as well as environment friendly. This seminar discusses emerging innovative technologies that can be adopted in the country to lower housing construction cost and help in provision of mass affordable housing. Some of the technologies discussed are Tunnel form, Sismo building technology, Light Gauge Steel Framed Structural technology, Precast Sandwich Panel technology etc. These technologies are reviewed on various parameters like local availability, affordability, energy efficiency, structural stability, quality, speed, cost effectiveness, eco friendliness and suitability for high rise construction. The advantages and limitations of the technologies are also mentioned. The seminar highlights the potential barriers for adoption of these technologies in the Indian urban scenario and methods which can be employed to overcome those barriers in order to provide affordable housing for the low and middle income groups. Fast track construction is very much essential for the mass housing projects like slum rehabilitation . For this rapid wall technique can be best option for construction

Risk and Protective Factors for Preterm Birth Among Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Groups in California

Preterm birth (PTB) (gestational age <37 weeks) is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity in the US and is marked by racial and ethnic and socioeconomic inequities. Further research is needed to elucidate the association of risk and protective factors with trends in PTB rates and with related inequities. To describe the association of PTB rates with inequities as well as related risk and protective factors over the past decade in a US population-based cohort. This retrospective cohort study of singleton live births in California from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2022, was conducted using vital statistics records and hospital records. The cohort included births with a gestational age of 22 to 44 weeks. Preterm birth rates by racial and ethnic group and by public and nonpublic insurance (considered as a proxy for socioeconomic status) were studied across years. Log-linear regression (relative risks with 95% CIs) was used to evaluate risk and protective factors within groups. Associations of PTB rates with risk and protective factors were assessed. This study included 5 431 018 singleton live births to individuals who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (0.3%), Asian (14.2%), Black (4.9%), Hispanic (47.8%), or White (27.0%). A total of 43.1% of births were to individuals with public health insurance. From 2011 to 2022, the overall PTB rate increased from 6.8% to 7.5% (change [SE], 10.6% [0.6%]; z score of 18.5; P < .001). Differences in PTB rates and associated changes were observed for racial and ethnic groups and insurance groups. For example, 2022 PTB rates ranged from 5.8% among White individuals with nonpublic insurance to 11.3% among Black individuals with public health insurance. From 2011 to 2022, PTB rates decreased from 9.1% to 8.8% (change [SE], -3.5% [4.2]; z score of -0.8; P = .42) among Black individuals with nonpublic insurance, whereas they increased from 6.4% to 9.5% (change [SE], 49.8% [16.0%]; z score of 3.1; P = .002) among American Indian or Alaska Native individuals with nonpublic insurance. Increases in some risk factors (eg, preexisting diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, mental health conditions) were observed in most groups, and decreases in some protective factors (eg, participation in the California Women, Infants, and Children program) (P for trend < .001 from 2011 to 2021) were observed mostly in low-income groups. In this cohort study of singleton live births in California, PTB rates increased in many groups. Persistent racial and ethnic and socioeconomic inequities were also observed. Changes in risk and protective factors provided clues to patterns of PTB. These data point to an urgent need to address factors associated with PTB at both the individual and population levels.

Global Health Management: Addressing Health Disparities And Inequalities

It is the state's responsibility to provide access to public health care management for the poor and vulnerable, as the cost of curative care is disproportionately higher among lower income groups, the majority of whom are Dalits. India's population health has significantly improved during the past 70 years. The disparity across social groupings is still rather large, though. Low health status is clearly associated with poverty, being a woman, living in a rural area, belonging to a tribal ethnic group, being a scheduled caste (SC), and belonging to particular minority groups. In order to guarantee health fairness, it is necessary to review the environment and policy implementation regime. The purpose of this article is to provide context for relevant healthcare concerns and challenges by examining a few key health, poverty, illness-related costs, and coping techniques across social groupings indicators. The conceptual foundation for the health effects of public health care management's globalisation is described in this study. An examination of the main social determinants influencing population health is known as the social determinant of health.

Age-related differences in delay discounting: Income matters.

Although the authors of a recent meta-analysis concluded there were no age-related differences in the discounting of delayed rewards, they did not examine the effects of income (Seaman et al., 2022). Accordingly, the present study compared discounting by younger and older adults (Ages 35-50 and 65-80) differing in household income. Two procedures were used: the Monetary Choice Questionnaire and the Adjusting-Amount procedure. Whereas no age difference was observed between the higher income (> $80,000) age groups, a significant difference was observed between younger and older adults with lower incomes (< $50,000): The younger adults discounted more steeply than the older adults. These findings, which were observed with both discounting procedures, support our buffering hypothesis, which assumes that the scarcity associated with a lower income is a stressor that can lead to steeper discounting, but that age-related increases in emotional stability can buffer such stressors, leading to age-related differences between lower income age groups. In contrast, no age difference was observed in higher income adults who experience much less scarcity. Further support for the buffering hypothesis comes from the finding that there was no age-related difference in discounting by the lower income groups when distress was statistically controlled. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Temporal trends in the visual impairment burden attributable to high fasting plasma glucose levels: a population-based study.

Elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels have been associated with visual impairment. Recognising global patterns of high FPG level exposure can facilitate the prevention and treatment of related visual impairment. We aimed to assessthe trendsof the visual impairmentburden attributable to high FPG levels globally, regionally, nationally, and by income level. We obtained data on the visual impairment burden attributable to high FPG levels from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We evaluated the trends of related disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 through joinpoint regression analysis and calculated the annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Countries/territories were categorised into high-, upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income groups based on the 2019 World Bank criteria. The age-standardised rate of DALYs due to visual impairment attributable to high FPG levels significantly increased globally, from 6.75 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 1.55-15.79) in 1990 to 8.44 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 2.00-19.63) in 2019 (AAPC, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.89; p < 0.001). The largest increases were observed in high-income (AAPC, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.85) and lower-middle-income countries/territories (AAPC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.73). In 2019, lower-middle-income countries/territories had the highest age-standardised DALY rate (18.94 per 100,000 population; 95% UI, 4.39-43.98), whereas high-income countries/territories had the lowest (2.97 per 100,000 population; 95% UI, 0.75-6.74). The visual impairment burden associated with elevated FPG levels has increased significantly, necessitating enhanced public health prevention measures, clinical management, and treatment to mitigate adverse outcomes.

The impact of public administration interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic on the quality of life of low-income group

The impact of public administration interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic on the quality of life of low-income group

Spatiotemporal Patterns and Equity Analysis of Premature Mortality Due to Ischemic Heart Disease Attributable to PM2.5 Exposure in China: 2007-2022.

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease (IHD). Current assessments of the health effects related to PM2.5 exposure are limited by sparse ground monitoring stations and applicable disease research cohorts, making accurate health effect evaluations challenging. Using satellite-observed aerosol optical depth (AOD) data and the XGBoost-PM25 model, we obtained 1 km scale PM2.5 exposure levels across China. We quantified the premature mortality caused by PM2.5-exposure-induced IHD using the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) and baseline mortality data. Furthermore, we employed the Gini coefficient, a measure from economics to quantify inequality, to evaluate the distribution differences in health impacts due to PM2.5 exposure under varying socioeconomic conditions. The results indicate that PM2.5 concentrations in China are higher in the central and eastern regions. From 2007 to 2022, the national overall level showed a decreasing trend, dropping from 47.41 μg/m3 to 25.16 μg/m3. The number of premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 exposure increased from 819 thousand in 2007 to 870 thousand in 2022, with fluctuations in certain regions. This increase is linked to population growth and aging because PM2.5 levels have decreased. The results also indicate disparities in premature mortality from IHD among different economic groups in China from 2007 to 2022, with middle-income groups having a higher cumulative proportion of IHD-related premature deaths compared with high- and low-income groups. Despite narrowing GDP gaps across regions from 2007 to 2022, IHD consistently "favored" the middle-income groups. The highest Gini coefficient was observed in the Northwest (0.035), and the lowest was in the South (0.019). Targeted policy interventions are essential to establish a more equitable atmospheric environment.

Dietary Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake Among Corporate Employees Aged 30 to 40 Years Residing in Mumbai, India

The rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India necessitates more studies on nutritional intake and dietary behaviour. While data exists on low-income groups, rural populations and the population at large, limited information exists on that of urban, working professionals – a demographic that has the means and access to make informed choices, and yet, have a disproportionately high risk of NCDs. The aim of this study was to investigate nutrient intake in Indian professionals. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 working professionals (aged 30-40 years; 69 females and 145 males) in Mumbai. Habitual food intake was investigated by two 24-hour recalls and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Nutrient adequacy ratios were calculated in comparison to Indian estimated average requirements. Compared to recommendations, a lower total energy and carbohydrate intake, while a higher protein and fat intake was observed among the participants. However, the intake of omega-3 fats, and overall fruit and vegetable intake was poor. A significantly higher energy from proteins and fats was observed among non-vegetarians, while vegetarians consumed more energy from carbohydrates. Insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals was prevalent with over 50% of study participants consuming &lt;50% of their required intake of Vitamin A, B12, folate, riboflavin, zinc and potassium. Intake of copper, pyridoxine and iron were also suboptimal. To conclude, the insufficient intake of micronutrient and macronutrient imbalances in the studied population, highlights the urgency of targeted nutritional interventions and education in urban, corporate populations in India, to mitigate the risk of NCDs.

Unveiling the Yin and Yang of expansionary monetary policy: Differential impact on inequality in China based on a national-level survey

This study explores the impact of expansionary monetary policy (EMP) on both income and wealth inequality in China using data from a national-level survey, with a particular focus on the discernible trend of wealth inequality surpassing income inequality since the beginning of the 21st century. Our findings unveil a non-uniform relationship between EMP and income inequality. While it serves to mitigate disparities between middle and low-income groups, it simultaneously exacerbates gaps between middle and high-income groups. In terms of the impact on wealth inequality, EMP exacerbates disparities by amplifying the wealth of low, middle, and high-wealth strata, with the effect escalating from lower to higher wealth groups. Moreover, this study identifies the burgeoning real estate market as the pivotal factor amplifying the policy's influence on wealth inequality. By elucidating the varied effects of EMP on income and wealth inequality, this study provides policymakers in transitioning economies with valuable insights to address inequality issues.

Energy justice and sustainable urban renewal: A systematic review of low-income old town communities

Improving living conditions, quality of public services and social safety nets in blighted and underdeveloped urban areas also are important aspects of urban renewal. In another way, achieving sustainable urban development requires more improvements. Equity, sustainability, and universality are core principles of sustainable development and should be integrated into urban renewal strategies. For instance, urban renewal in old town areas presents multiple challenges, including balancing public investment needs, social justice considerations, and environmental impacts. Studies have shown that inequalities often arise during implementation, disproportionately affecting low-income residents in old town areas. While energy justice is a key concept for reducing these inequalities during renewal process, however existing frameworks lack a multi-dimensional approach. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework that combines sustainable development with energy justice principles during the renewal of old town areas. This framework aims to achieve equitable and sustainable development outcomes in renewal of old urban areas by systematically examining the unequal impacts on low-income groups and proposing equitable energy services and inclusive policies. The proposed equity evaluation framework includes two key components: 1) Main factors in existing renewal strategies, which include equitable access to energy resources, sustainable energy systems, affordability, and public participation. 2) Criteria for refining energy justice evaluation framework, which include accessibility, energy efficiency, community participation, and policy coordination. The research emphasizes the importance of fairness in providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy opportunities within urban renewal initiatives. This focus can provide rational perspective and reference for decision makers, thereby empowering vulnerable groups, giving equitable energy access and contributing to achieve sustainable urban development.

Empirical study on sustainable energy development goals: Analysis of rural roof distributed photovoltaic systems in Jiangsu, China

Rural rooftop distributed photovoltaic systems (RRDPVS) play a crucial role in China's energy strategy to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Over the past years, RRDPVS have experienced rapid development in China. This study focuses on identifying relevant factors and analyzing their influence on the growth of RRDPVS in Jiangsu Province. Based on county-level panel data spanning 39 months across 64 countries, an empirical model is built for analyzing the newly installed capacity of RRDPVS with the consideration of local natural resources and socio-economic conditions. It is a cross-disciplinary study in the field of economics and energy. In summary, natural resource factors have less influence and socio-economic factors have more influence on the newly installed capacity of RRDPVS at this stage. The results of regression models show that elements of natural endowment, such as solar resources, air temperature and air quality index PM2.5 have insignificant effects on the amount of newly installed capacity. The absence of government strategic guidance has resulted in the indiscriminate construction of RRDPVS in low-quality status. The results of the analyses from the socio-economic perspective show that most rural residents installed RRDPVS are the low-income group, whereas middle- and upper-income residents are less interested in installation. It is necessary to appropriately raise public awareness of the use of clean and low-carbon green energy, in order to expand the audience of RRDPVS and increase the penetration rate of the system among middle and high-income groups. The finding of this study offers insights into establishing a robust policy framework for renewable energy utilization to achieve SDGs, and promotes feasible solutions for the transformation of rural photovoltaics in China and other developing countries.

Association between current cigarette prices and cessation behaviors among male adult smokers: findings from 2018 to 2020 ITC Vietnam surveys

BackgroundThis study evaluated the impact of the tax increase in January 2019 on changes in intention to quit and the effect of cigarette prices on quit attempts and successful quitting among male cigarette smokers in Vietnam.MethodsData were derived from the ITC project in Vietnam, which included 1585 adult smokers at baseline (Wave 1, Aug-Oct 2018) followed up to waves 2 (Sep-Nov 2019) and 3 (Sep-Dec 2020). Generalized estimating equations regression was performed to estimate changes in the intention to quit. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the cigarette price of a cigarette pack in relation to quit attempts and successful quitting.ResultsThe increase in cigarette tax in 2019 did not significantly increase the likelihood of the intention to quit. After the tax increase, 63.6% of participants who smoked made a quit attempt, and 27.6% successfully quit smoking in the follow-up waves. However, the price of a cigarette pack was not significantly associated with quit attempts and successful quitting. The study did not observe a significant impact of cigarette prices on quit attempts and successful quitting in all subgroups of household income. Factors associated with quit attempts included the number of cigarettes smoked and the intention to quit, while those associated with successful quitting included age, dual use of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and the intention to quit.ConclusionCurrent cigarette prices were not associated with cessation behaviors even within the lowest household income group. Therefore, a sharp rise in cigarette tax is required to incentivize smokers to quit smoking.

The alleviating effect of household distributed photovoltaics on multidimensional relative poverty in rural areas

Relative poverty represents a major obstacle to China's rural revitalization efforts and necessitates enhanced policy support. This study aims to investigate the impact of household distributed photovoltaic (HDPV) on relative poverty conditions. Based on 337 questionnaire data from Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province in 2022, we construct a multidimensional relative poverty index using the Alkire-Foster method to assess the level of relative poverty. We employ fixed-effects models and mediation models to evaluate the effectiveness of HDPV in alleviating relative poverty. The results indicate that HDPV reduce the multidimensional relative poverty level of rural residents by approximately 0.058, demonstrating that installing HDPV can significantly alleviate multidimensional relative poverty. This effect is primarily achieved through increased investment in children's education. Additionally, we find that the alleviation effect varies by income level, with lower-income households experiencing greater improvements compared to higher-income households. Specifically, HDPV reduce the poverty level of the low-income group by approximately 0.0969, while the high-income group saw a reduction of about 0.0313. The findings of this study enrich the research on relative poverty in China by revealing the poverty-alleviating attributes of HDPV. It provides support for the development of renewable energy and regional development policies and has practical significance for advancing photovoltaic building integration.