Lower Levels Of Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

Association of low socioeconomic status with cognitive decline among older persons in underdeveloped areas in China – a data analysis of the Gansu aging study

BackgroundIndividuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) bear a disproportionate share of the cognitive impairment (CI) burden, there are growing evidence focusing on socioeconomic inequalities in CI among older persons. However, data in the underdeveloped regions is limited. This study aims to measure socioeconomic inequalities in CI among individuals aged 65 years or older in Gansu, China, and determine the contributions of socioeconomic factors to the inequalities.MethodsData from the Gansu Aging Study in 2022 including 3241 participants. Participates’ SES was assessed by using education, income, and occupation. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify the associated between SES and CI, and decomposition analysis was further applied to decompose the contribution of each determinant to the observed inequalities in CI. The SES inequalities in CI were illustrated and quantified by the concentration curve index.ResultsOverall, 24.2% of participants suffered from CI in the study. The likelihood of CI was lower among those with a medium SES (OR = 0.04, 95% CI:0.03, 0.07), good SES (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.09) compared to those with lower levels of SES. Older adults with mild depression (OR = 3.66, 95% CI:2.70,4.95), moderate-severe (OR = 2.82, 95% CI:2.05,3.88) were more likely to have CI in comparison to those with no depression and regular social activities were protective factors for CI (OR = 0.28, 95% CI:0.11,0.75). The concentration index indicated that CI was more concentrated in households with poor SES. Subsequently, SES explained 34.65% of socioeconomic inequality in CI.ConclusionThis study suggested that, approximately one-quarter of older persons suffered from CI in Gansu, China. Low SES was substantially associated with risk of CI. Although interventions to modify traditional risk factors may decrease the risk of CI, disparities by SES may remain without addressing SES itself.

Eye disease knowledge and awareness among Iranian population: The Gilan Eye Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the public knowledge regarding cataract, glaucoma, refractive error, and diabetic retinopathy among Iranian population living in Gilan province. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 2588 individuals aged over 50, living in both urban and rural districts of Gilan. All participants were interviewed to determine their knowledge regarding the mentioned eye diseases. Their source of knowledge was determined whether health care professionals, family or relatives, social media, or publications. Socioeconomic status (SES) of participants was calculated based on the principal component analysis. The presenting visual acuity of all study participants was assessed by a trained optometrist. In this study, total knowledge of cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors and diabetic retinopathy was 52.1%, 2.5%, 15.1%, and 29.7%, respectively. A lower cataract knowledge was found in participants with low (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44; p = .02) and moderate SES (OR = 0.56, p = .02). We also lower knowledge of glaucoma among low (OR = 0.33; p < .001) and moderate SES group (OR = 0.48, p = .002). A higher level of knowledge about refractive error was observed in participants with normal vision (OR = 4.89; p = .011) and mild/moderate visual impairment (OR = 3.69; p = .046). Participants without a history of diabetes mellitus had less knowledge about diabetic retinopathy (DR) (OR = 0.56; p < .001), while those with more than 12 years of education had higher knowledge about DR. In conclusion, lower level of the knowledge was identified among individuals with lower levels of SES and education, while participants with better vision could be benefit from the high levels of knowledge.

The promotion of ultra-processed foods in modern retail food outlets in rural and urban areas in Kenya.

To assess the availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in modern retail food outlets (supermarkets and minimarts) in Kenya and associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kenya from August 2021 to October 2021. Variables included; the geographic location and the socioeconomic status levels (SES), the food items displayed for sale and advertised in the stores, and locations in the stores such as the entrance. Three counties in Kenya (Nairobi - urban, Mombasa - coastal tourist, and Baringo- rural). Each county was stratified into high and low SES using national poverty indices. Food outlets that offered a self-service, had at least one check-out, and had a minimum of two stocked aisles were assessed. Of 115 outlets assessed, UPFs occupied 33% of the cumulative shelf space. UPFs were the most advertised foods (60%) and constituted 40% of foods available for sale. The most commonly used promotional characters were cartoon characters (18%). UPFs were significantly more available for sale in Mombasa (urban) compared to Baringo (rural) (Adjusted prevalence rate ratios (APRR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.26, p=0.005). UPFs advertisements were significantly higher in Mombasa ((APRR): 2.18: 1.26-3.79, p= 0.005) compared to Baringo and Nairobi counties. There was a significantly higher rate of advertisement of UPFs in larger outlets ((APRR): 1.68: 1.06-2.67 p=0.001) compared to smaller outlets. The high marketing and availability of UPFs in modern retail outlets in Kenya calls for policies regulating unhealthy food advertisements in different settings in the country.

Psychosocial components of the U.S. African Caribbean ethnic project and contributing contextual factors

ABSTRACT The ethnic project thesis contends African Caribbean immigrants to the U.S. summon ethnicity in defense against racial characterizations of their group. I examine the psychosocial components of the African Caribbean ethnic project – Caribbean cultural involvement and awareness and distancing from Black awareness and sense of shared fate. Defining the Caribbean ethnic project as a subjective state, I examine potential contributing contextual factors, including perceived discrimination, exposure to all Black contexts, and socioeconomic status (SES). Using the National Survey of American Life, I find increasing SES is positively associated with Black awareness, while increasing exposure to all Black contexts enhances Caribbean awareness and acculturation. However, as time in the U.S. increases, Caribbean awareness declines and a sense of shared fate with Black people grows, particularly among those at low levels of SES. These findings are discussed in terms of the influence of racialization on the U.S. Caribbean ethnic project.

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

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

Socioeconomic status moderates the relationship between self-esteem and attitudes towards conspicuous consumption: An electrophysiological study

Research on the impact of self-esteem on conspicuous consumption has shown inconsistent results. This study addresses this variability by examining how socioeconomic status (SES) moderates the relationship between self-esteem and conspicuous consumption. We hypothesized that the relationship varies with SES, predicting a positive relationship at high SES levels and a negative relationship at low SES levels. Our findings confirm this hypothesis. Using a Go/NoGo association task (GNAT) combined with event-related potentials (ERP), we investigated the cognitive processing speeds for congruent and incongruent pairings. This method provided insights into the implicit attitudes towards conspicuous products and revealed the complex dynamics between self-esteem and SES in influencing consumer behavior tendencies. This research advances our understanding of the interactions between self-esteem and SES in conspicuous consumption from an implicit cognitive perspective. It also offers significant practical implications, guiding the development of consumer marketing strategies that can be tailored to different socioeconomic contexts.

Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Status in Northwest of Iran: First Wave of the Persian Traffic Cohort Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between Quality of Life (QOL) and independent factors, emphasizing Socio Economic Status (SES) in northwestern Iran. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed within the Persian Traffic safety and health Cohort in 2020. Participants were chosen using stratified random sampling method. The majority of participants (69%) were aged between 30 and 65. Around half of the participants were males (54.44%). Most of the female respondents were categorized as very low and medium levels of SES Based on multiple linear regression analysis, the QOL among females was lower compared to males (β: - 0.92, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.22). There was a negative association between SES and QOL; individuals with low and very low levels of SES had a lower QOL than those with a medium level of SES (β: - 4.38, 95% CI - 5.9 to - 2.86) (β: - 2.65, 95% CI - 4.08 to - 1.22). The current study highlights that higher SES and educational levels are positively associated with higher QOL. Conversely, older age, females, and widowed individuals are linked with lower QOL.

Association of socioeconomic status and poststroke cognitive function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stroke survivors are at high risk of coping with cognitive problems after stroke. In recent decades, the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health-related outcomes has been a topic of considerable interest. Learning more about the potential impact of SES on poststroke cognitive dysfunction is of great importance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the association between SES and poststroke cognitive function by quantifying the effect sizes of the existing studies. We searched studies from PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and PsychINFO up to January 30th 2024 and the references of relevant reviews. Studies reporting the risk of poststroke cognitive dysfunction as assessed by categorized SES indicators were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality were used to evaluate the study quality. Meta-analyses using fixed-effect models or random-effect models based on study heterogeneity were performed to estimate the influence of SES on cognitive function after stroke, followed by subgroup analyses stratified by study characteristics. Thirty-four studies were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Of which, 19 studies reported poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) as the outcome, 13 reported poststroke dementia (PSD), one reported both PSCI and PSD, and one reported vascular cognitive impairment no dementia. The findings showed that individuals with lower SES levels had a higher risk of combined poststroke cognitive dysfunction (odds ratio (OR)=1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.59-2.29), PSCI (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.57-2.78), and PSD (OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.48-2.57). Subgroup analyses stratified by SES indicators demonstrated the protective effects of education and occupation against the diagnoses of combined poststroke cognitive dysfunction, PSCI, and PSD. Stroke survivors belonging to a low SES are at high risk of poststroke cognitive dysfunction. Our findings add evidence for public health strategies to reduce the risk of poststroke cognitive dysfunction by reducing SES inequalities.

Abstract P375: Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Socioeconomic Status Indices in Young Adults in Latin America: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background: Metabolic syndrome components in children and adolescents have gained attention in low- and middle-income countries due to variability in their effects and measures across socioeconomic status (SES) determinants. Socioeconomic disparities have been studied related to health, and this fact still poses a serious challenge that raises concerns, especially in low-and middle-income countries, where the classification of the population relies on different determinants from wealthier countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to illustrate the effects of measures of metabolic syndrome components across SES in Latin American (LA) young adults. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Lilacs (Bireme), Embase and Scopus for LA studies published before September 2023. Included studies were those with participants aged 6-19 years in whom metabolic syndrome (MS) components were analyzed across SES in LA. The quality of observational studies was assessed using the adapted New Castle Ottawa quality tool. Blood pressure, abdominal obesity, body mass index, body fat, glucose levels and insulin resistance data were synthesized, and a random effect model was used to measure the collective effect of overweight/obesity and lipid profile on higher SES levels compared with middle and low SES levels. The protocol of this review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (registration number: CRD42020222378) and was developed following PRISMA statements. Results: Sixty-three eligible articles (n=255, 521 participants) from nine LA countries were selected. SES definitions were used in 41 studies from five countries with similar criteria. Obesity and overweight (odds ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-1.96) and altered lipid profiles were significantly associated with higher SES compared to lower SES. However, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were lower in patients with a lower SES. The heterogeneity observed could be explained by age, sex, nutrition patterns, standardized cardiometabolic measures, and temporally collected data due to rapid transitions in LA countries. Conclusions: Cardiometabolic components may be associated with higher SES in LA countries. As national SES definitions have been used around LA countries to classify populations, this definition needs to be standardized around LA countries to guide national programs to intensify cardiovascular health and prevent detrimental effects in young people.

The influence of neurovegetative and psychological characteristics of infertile patients with long-term COVID-19 on the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies

The connection of the long-COVID-19 symptom with violations of various systemic factors, in particular with the female reproductive system, is considered, but the number of such studies is not large. The purpose of the study is the influence of neurovegetative and psychological characteristics of infertile patients with long-term COVID-19 on the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Materials and methods. The main group consisted of 80 women with infertility and "long-COVID", the comparison group - 40 patients without a history of COVID-19. In the main group, 2 subgroups were distinguished: 1 - 64 women with unsuccessful ART and 2 - 16 patients in whom ART was successful (a live birth was obtained). Socio-economic status and stress factors (questionnaire), fear of stress-19 (FCV-19S scale), autonomic dysfunction were assessed using the O.M. questionnaire. Wayne (1998), Anxiety and Depression Levels on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The used methods of variational statistics using the Student's t-test and Fisher's angular transformation with a critical significance level of p<0.05 were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval (CI). Results. Women with infertility and "long-COVID-19" are characterized by a relatively low level of socio-economic status: a lower level of income, a smaller share of entrepreneurs and housewives, not comfortable enough living conditions. These patients have a higher level of stressogenic load: comorbidity with chronic somatic pathology (58.8%), conflict situations in the family (31.3%), dissatisfaction with their sexual relationships (58.7%), a significantly higher level of fear of COVID -19 (29.73±1.31 points). Vegetative dysfunction is diagnosed in 82.5% of patients. Symptoms that are typical for "long-COVID-19" are most often noted: reduced work capacity/fatigue (82.5%), attack-like headaches (72.5%), difficulty breathing (47.5%), sleep disturbances (47 .5%). Unfavorable medico-social and psychological risk factors for the failure of ART programs in patients with "long-COVID-19" can be a point assessment of the autonomic dysfunction syndrome above 25 (OR=5.80, CI 1.22-27.64), anxiety (OR=5.80, CI 1.56-21.62), presence of depression (OR=4.20, CI 1.27-13.89), chronic somatic disease (OR=4.20, CI 1.30-13.62), conflict situations (OR=3.86, CI 1.24-12.04). Conclusions. Women with infertility and "long-COVID-19" need additional examinations to assess the medical and social status, vegetative function and psychological state, correction of detected violations. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of the women was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

The Role of Socioeconomic and Cognitive Status in Determining Traffic Behaviour of Elderly Pedestrians in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Elderly pedestrians are among the most vulnerable groups in terms of traffic-related injuries. This study aimed to investigate traffic behaviour and its determinants among elderly pedestrians in Iran. This cross-sectional study examined the traffic behaviour of 600 elderly pedestrians in Zanjan, Northwestern Iran. The participants were selected using the multistage random sampling method. Pedestrians’ traffic behaviour, socioeconomic status (SES), and cognitive function were assessed using the Pedestrian Behaviour Questionnaire (PBQ), SES questionnaire, and Abbreviated Mental Test score (AMTS), respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association of total score of pedestrian traffic behaviour with socioeconomic and cognitive status while adjusting for potential confounding roles of demographic variables. More than 90 percent of elderly pedestrians showed unsafe traffic behaviour. This included traffic violations and failure to adhere to traffic rules. Almost half the elders were aggressive and distracted when walking and crossing the street. A higher total score of PBQ was associated with a higher cognitive status, higher SES, higher levels of education, and walking more than 1 hour a day. The majority of the elders showed unsafe traffic behaviour and elderly pedestrians with high SES and normal cognitive function were more likely to exhibit safe behaviour than those with low SES and cognitive dysfunction. Interventions are needed to improve the traffic behaviour of elderly pedestrians especially those with low SES levels.

Exploring Spoken Discourse and Its Neural Correlates in Women With Alzheimer's Disease With Low Levels of Education and Socioeconomic Status.

Early impairments in spoken discourse abilities have been identified in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the impact of AD on spoken discourse and the associated neuroanatomical correlates have mainly been studied in populations with higher levels of education, although preliminary evidence seems to indicate that socioeconomic status (SES) and level of education have an impact on spoken discourse. The purpose of this study was to analyze microstructural variables in spoken discourse in people with AD with low-to-middle SES and low level of education and to study their association with gray matter (GM) density. Nine women with AD and 10 matched (age, SES, and education) women without brain injury (WWBI) underwent a neuropsychological assessment, which included two spoken discourse tasks, and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Microstructural variables were extracted from the discourse samples using NILC-Metrix software. Brain density, measured by voxel-based morphometry, was compared between groups and then correlated with the differentiating microstructural variables. The AD group produced a lower diversity of verbal time moods and fewer words and sentences than WWBI but a greater diversity of pronouns, prepositions, and lexical richness. At the neural level, the AD group presented a lower GM density bilaterally in the hippocampus, the inferior temporal gyrus, and the anterior cingulate gyrus. Number of words and sentences produced were associated with GM density in the left parahippocampal gyrus, whereas the diversity of verbal moods was associated with the basal ganglia and the anterior cingulate gyrus bilaterally. The present findings are mainly consistent with previous studies conducted in groups with higher levels of SES and education, but they suggest that atrophy in the left inferior temporal gyrus could be critical in AD in populations with lower levels of SES and education. This research provides evidence on the importance of pursuing further studies including people with various SES and education levels. Spoken discourse has been shown to be affected in Alzheimer disease, but most studies have been conducted on individuals with middle-to-high SES and high educational levels. The study reports on microstructural measures of spoken discourse in groups of women in the early stage of AD and healthy women, with low-to-middle SES and lower levels of education. This study highlights the importance of taking into consideration the SES and education level in spoken discourse analysis and in investigating the neural correlates of AD. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24905046.

MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH INFERTILITY AND LONG-COVID-19

Purpose. To assess the medical and social characteristics of patients with infertility and longCOVID-19. Materials and methods. The main group consisted of 80 women with infertility who showed signs of “long-COVID”, the comparison group - 40 patients without a history of COVID-19. Socioeconomic status and factors of stressogenic load, fear of coronavirus-19 (FCV-19S scale), autonomic dysfunction (O.M. Wayne questionnaire, 1998). were assessed
 Results. Women with infertility and “long-COVID-19” are characterized by a relatively low level of socio-economic status: a lower level of income, a smaller share of entrepreneurs and housewives, not comfortable enough living conditions. These patients have a higher level of stressogenic load: comorbidity with chronic somatic pathology (58.8%), conflict situations in the family (31.3%), dissatisfaction with their sexual relationships (58.7%). The level of fear of COVID-19 is also significantly higher (29.73±1.31 points according to the FCV-19S questionnaire). Women with infertility and “long-Covid-19” suffer from various manifestations of autonomic disorders - autonomic dysfunction is diagnosed in 82.5% of patients. Symptoms that are typical for “long-Covid-19” are most often noted: reduced work capacity/fatigue (82.5%), attack-like headaches (72.5%), difficulty breathing (47.5%), sleep disturbances (47 .5 %). Conclusion. Women with infertility and “long-COVID-19” need additional examinations to assess vegetative function and psychological state, correction of detected violations.

Clinical Characteristics and Medical Utilization of Smokers with Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry.

To investigate the clinical characteristics and medical utilization of smokers with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm). We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2012, linked to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Clinical characteristics and medical utilization, including inpatient admission, emergency department visit, prescribed medication, and medical cost, were retrospectively compared among three groups: normal spirometry, PRISm, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 7115 smokers were included (4743 normal spirometry, 689 PRISm, and 1683 COPD subjects). The mean age was the highest in the COPD group, followed by the PRISm and normal groups, and the proportion of women was the highest in the PRISm group. The tobacco exposure, socioeconomic status (SES), and schooling level of the PRISm group were at levels between those of the normal and COPD groups. However, the PRISm group had the highest proportion of current smokers, highest body mass index (BMI), and lowest mean FEV1 and FVC % predicted. During the study period, the medical utilization of 92 smokers (13.4%) in the PRISm group and 436 smokers (25.9%) in the COPD group was related to respiratory diseases. Emergency department visit or hospitalization and overall medical cost of the PRISm group were comparable to those of the COPD group, except for outpatient clinic visit. Old age, women, low BMI, low SES, low schooling level, high amount of tobacco exposure, wheezing, and decreased FEV1 and FVC % predicted were factors associated with medical utilization in PRISm. Medical utilization was comparable between the PRISm and COPD groups. Smokers with PRISm who were older, women, or heavy smokers with low BMI, low SES and schooling level, wheezing, or low FEV1 and FVC might need close observation and early treatment.

Cancer inequalities in incidence and mortality in the State of São Paulo, Brazil 2001-17.

Cancer disparities exist between and within countries; we sought to compare cancer-specific incidence and mortality according to area-level socioeconomic status (SES) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Cancer cases diagnosed 2003-2017 in the Barretos region and 2001-2015 in the municipality of São Paulo were obtained from the respective cancer registries. Corresponding cancer deaths were obtained from a Brazilian public government database. Age-standardized rates for all cancer combined and the six most common cancers were calculated by SES quartiles. There were 14,628 cancer cases and 7513 cancer deaths in Barretos, and 472,712 corresponding cases and 194,705 deaths in São Paulo. A clear SES-cancer gradient was seen in São Paulo, with rates varying from 188.4 to 333.1 in low to high SES areas, respectively. There was a lesser social gradient for mortality, with rates in low to high SES areas ranging from 86.4 to 98.0 in Barretos, and from 99.2 to 100.1 in São Paulo. The magnitude of the incidence rates rose markedly with increasing SES in São Paulo city for colorectal, lung, female breast, and prostate cancer. Conversely, both cervical cancer incidence and mortality rose with lower levels of SES in both regions. A clear SES association was seen for cancers of the prostate, female breast, colorectum, and lung for São Paulo. This study offers a better understanding of the cancer incidence and mortality profile according to SES within a highly populated Brazilian state.

Prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems of psychological distress and depression among rural Victorians – analysis of cross-sectional data (Crossroads II)

BackgroundResearch suggests that rates of mental illness are similar in rural and urban Australia, although there are significant workforce shortages in rural regions along with higher rates of chronic disease and obesity and lower levels of socioeconomic status. However, there are variations across rural Australia and limited local data on mental health prevalence, risk, service use and protective factors. This study describes the prevalence of self-reported mental health problems of psychological distress and depression, in a rural region in Australia and aims to identify the factors associated with these problems.MethodsThe Crossroads II study was a large-scale cross-sectional study undertaken in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria, Australia in 2016–18. Data were collected from randomly selected households across four rural and regional towns and then screening clinics from individuals from these households. The main outcome measures were self-reported mental health problems of psychological distress assessed by the Kessler 10 and depression assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Unadjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals of factors associated with the two mental health problems were calculated using simple logistic regression with multiple logistic regression using hierarchical modelling to adjust for the potential confounders.ResultsOf the 741 adult participants (55.6% females), 67.4% were aged ≥ 55 years. Based on the questionnaires, 16.2% and 13.6% had threshold-level psychological distress and depression, respectively. Of those with threshold-level K-10 scores, 19.0% and 10.5% had seen a psychologist or a psychiatrist respectively while 24.2% and 9.5% of those experiencing depression had seen a psychologist or a psychiatrist, respectively in the past year. Factors such as being unmarried, current smoker, obesity, were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems whereas physical activity, and community participation reduced the risk of mental health problems. Compared to rural towns, the regional town had higher risk of depression which was non-significant after adjusting for community participation and health conditions.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of psychological distress and depression in this rural population was consistent with other rural studies. Personal and lifestyle factors were more relevant to mental health problems than degree of rurality in Victoria. Targeted lifestyle interventions could assist in reducing mental illness risk and preventing further distress.

Associations between family socioeconomic mobility during childhood and adolescence and diurnal and hair cortisol among adolescent twins

Although exposure to socioeconomic hardship is hypothesized to induce dysregulation in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and cortisol secretion, evidence remains inconsistent. Yet, few studies have investigated this association according to a developmental approach sensitive to the social context likely to exacerbate and mitigate this association. To examine whether childhood family socioeconomic status (SES) sensitizes the association between mid-adolescence SES and multiple indicators of cortisol secretion. Participants were twin pairs reared together with measures of SES collected in early childhood (ages 0–5) and mid-adolescence (age 14). Diurnal cortisol (n=592 twin pairs) was measured at age 14 at awakening, 30 min later, in the afternoon and evening over four non-consecutive days. Hair cortisol (n=422 twin pairs) was measured at age 19. Our findings revealed that youths experiencing lower SES levels throughout childhood and adolescence had a flatter diurnal slope and higher hair cortisol levels in comparison to those who experienced upward socioeconomic mobility from childhood to mid-adolescence. Moreover, youths who experienced downward socioeconomic mobility showed higher hair cortisol levels, except for those who were raised in higher-SES households during early childhood. Our study supports the hypothesis that early socioeconomic adversity may sensitize HPA axis activity to later socioeconomic disadvantage, which may bear consequences for socioemotional and behavioral functioning.

Customer incivility, employee emotional exhaustion, and job embeddedness relationship in the Indonesian hospitality sector: The socio-economic status perspective

This study explores the impact of customer incivility on frontline employees’ job embeddedness in the Indonesian hospitality sector. We also investigate whether emotional exhaustion prevalence mediated, and socio-economic status (SES) moderated the link between customer incivility, emotional exhaustion, and job embeddedness. Data were collected in two stages using an online survey of 192 employees from the hospitality sector in Indonesia. We tested a moderated mediation model using Hayes’ Macro PROCESS version 4.0. Results confirmed that frontline service employees with high levels of uncivil consumer behavior experience have high emotional exhaustion tendencies and low job embeddedness. The findings also reveal that emotional exhaustion partially mediates the relationship between customer incivility and job embeddedness. Moreover, SES mitigates the impact of customer incivility on emotional exhaustion and job embeddedness. A lower level of SES triggers a more substantial effect of customer incivility on exhaustion, whereas a higher SES can reduce the effect of customer incivility on job embeddedness.

Early Childhood Caries in a Preschool-based Sample in Northeast Italy: Socioeconomic Status and Behavioral Risk Factors.

To assess the relationship among caries and age, gender, immigrant condition, socioeconomic status (SES), and a behavioral risk factor (toothbrushing) in a sample of 3-5-year-old children. We performed a random cross-sectional survey from January to December 2017, carrying out clinical examinations to estimate the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) score. Parents filled in a questionnaire reporting their education level (SES) and the daily frequency of children's toothbrushing. The multivariate analysis assessed the association between caries occurrence and the independent variables. The dmft score was assessed by zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINBR). Out of 1,441 children in the sample, 357 (26.0%) presented at least one caries-affected tooth. Caries risk significantly increased with age and irregular toothbrushing, and it was significantly higher in children with lower SES levels. We modeled caries risk by means of ZINBR. The degree of caries experience increased in children from lower SES positions, immigrant status, and of older age; regular toothbrushing (twice a day) is a predicting factor to belong to the "zero caries" group. Dental caries represent a significant burden in preschool children and can be regarded as an early marker of social disadvantage. The confirmation of the earliest preventive approach as the only chance to grant a "caries free" dentition in all ages and the first target for a pediatric dentist. Ferro R, Besostri A, Olivieri A, et al. Early Childhood Caries in a Preschool-based Sample in Northeast Italy: Socioeconomic Status and Behavioral Risk Factors. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):717-723.

Socioeconomic status and problem behaviors in young Chinese children: A moderated mediation model of parenting styles and only children.

This study tested a moderated mediation model of child number (CN) and parenting styles (PS) in the relationships between family socioeconomic status (SES) and young children's problem behaviors (PB). A sample of 1,101 children (Mage = 4.90 years, SD = 1.07) and their parents participated in this study. Parents reported on PS, SES, and children's PB. The results show SES was positively related to authoritative parenting and negatively related to authoritarian parenting; problem behaviors were negatively related to authoritative parenting and positively related to authoritarian parenting; authoritative parenting and authoritarian parenting mediated the relationship between SES and PB; and singleton moderated the relationship between SES and PB. The combination of only children and low levels of SES could lead to high PB levels, while the combination of non-only children and high levels of SES could lead to high PB levels. At the same SES, only children had higher PB levels than non-only children.