Males Of Low Socioeconomic Status Research Articles

Ritual Child Homicide in Contemporary Africa: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature

Ritual child homicide, the killing of children for ritual or occult purposes, is a phenomenon that occurs in many African countries. Prior to the 21st century, very little, if any, criminological analysis of ritual paedicide in African settings existed. However, research on ritual child homicide has increased in recent years, leading to greater knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon. The present study sought to consolidate and synthesize information on ritual child homicide in African communities to facilitate a better appreciation of the phenomenon. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive search for empirical studies on ritual paedicide in African settings, spanning the years 2000 to 2022, was conducted across four databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Journal Storage, and Google Scholar. A total of 14 studies met the eligibility criteria and were diligently appraised. The review shows that most ritual paedicide victims are from families of low socioeconomic backgrounds in rural communities. A ritual paedicide typically involves multiple culprits. The actual perpetrators (i.e., body hunters or murderers) are predominantly males of low socioeconomic status, motivated largely by monetary gain. To combat the phenomenon, economic improvement, the promotion of formal and public education, formal regulation of the activities of traditional healers/spiritualists, and the strengthening of the criminal justice system are recommended.

Correlation of oral mucosal lesions with various habits and histopathological findings

The oral mucosa is subjected to numerous local irritants throughout the life. This makes the oral cavity one of the most common sites for various benign, premalignant and malignant lesions. These lesions can cause variety of symptoms, leading to severe discomfort in daily life. Oral lesions generally present in the form of ulcer, swelling, discolouration or restricted mouth opening. Hence, the knowledge of all these pathological lesions of oral cavity becomes important in their early diagnosis and effective management. In our current analytical and descriptive study, we studied clinical profile and histopathologic findings of various oral mucosal lesions, in 80 subjects. These lesions were found to be more common in middle aged males of low socioeconomic status. There was strong association between tobacco chewing and smoking with occurrence of premalignant and malignant lesions. Alcohol addiction often coexisted with tobacco consumption; and was found to be weakly associated with only malignant lesions. Aphthous stomatitis and Oral submucous fibrosis were found to be the most common benign and premalignant lesions, respectively. Most common malignant lesion was squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa. History and clinical examination were needed to study the type, site, gross appearance and extent of the lesion. However intra-oral biopsy was gold standard in making accurate diagnosis of these lesions. Knowledge obtained through this clinico-histopathological study was useful to make early diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions for their effective management.

Clinico-epidemiological evaluation of chronic folliculitis of leg- A single study from southern India

This study was conducted to determine the clinico-epidemiological evaluation of chronic folliculitis of the leg in the southern Indian population. This was a prospective observational study, undertaken over a period of two years. All patients attending the outpatient department Southern Indian tertiary care hospital's Dermatology Department (M.K.C.G.Medical College & Hospital, Odisha) were recruited. A total of 100 patients were enrolled, aged between 12 to 70 years with a M: F ratio of 10.1: 1. Eighty per cent of the population in the study were rural, and 20% belonged to the urban area. Clinical characteristics and demographic data of the patients were collected in a pre-designed proforma. Those patients who had pustules on the leg underwent pus culture and sensitivity test. Majority of the patients presented with papules and pustules (96%cases) and bilateral symmetrical leg involvement (98% cases). Pruritus was the most common clinical presentation ( 90% cases). Staphylococcus was isolated in the majority of cases (80%) and was sensitive to Amikacin (73%), Linezolid (70%), vancomycin (68%), and Gentamycin (65%). Chronic folliculitis of the leg is mainly a disease of young adult males of low socioeconomic status. Avoiding aggravating factors and cautious use of sensitive antibiotics may achieve treatment goals and decrease recurrence.

Dietary Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease among Low-Income Haitian Adults: Findings from a Population-Based Cohort.

Poor diets are responsible for a large burden of noncommunicable disease (NCD). The prevalence of modifiable dietary risk factors is rising in lower-income countries such as Haiti, along with increasing urbanization and shifts to diets high in sugar, salt, and fat. We describe self-reported dietary patterns (intake of fruits, vegetables, fried food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and added salt and oil) among a population-based cohort of low-income adults in Port-au-Prince and assess for associated sociodemographic factors (age, sex, income, education, body mass index). Among 2989 participants, the median age was 40 years, and 58.0% were women. Less than 1% met the World Health Organization recommendation of at least five servings/day of fruits and vegetables. Participants consumed fried food on average 1.6 days/week and sugar-sweetened beverages on average 4.7 days/week; young males of low socioeconomic status were the most likely to consume these dietary risk factors. The vast majority of participants reported usually or often consuming salt (87.1%) and oil (86.5%) added to their meals eaten at home. Our findings underscore the need for public health campaigns, particularly those targeting young males and household cooks preparing family meals at home, to improve dietary patterns in Haiti in order to address the growing NCD burden.

Prospective study to analyze clinico-epidemiological profile of patients presenting with liver abscess at tertiary care centers

Background: Liver abscess is an ancient disease bothering mankind since ages and continues to be a common health problem in India. Both of its subtypes i.e., amoebic and pyogenic, continues to pose serious challenge to the Indian health care system.Aims and objectives: To determine the demographic profile of patients, to assess type of liver abscess prevalent in the region and to assess etiological factors of the disease.Methods: Study was conducted in two tertiary care and referral hospitals in the Indian national capital region and a govt. hospital in Punjab from 01 July 2016 to 31 December 2019 and the patients were followed up till June 2020 with the last recruited patient getting a six month follow up. Diagnosis was confirmed by sonography and examination of aspirate. Positive routine bacteriological culture of the pus and a positive response to routine antibiotics made up for the pyogenic liver abscess category.Results: Liver abscess commonly affects middle aged males of low socioeconomic status. Diabetics and alcohol (both Indian made foreign liquor and the local country liquor) are biggest risk factors. Majority have raised leukocyte counts while Alkaline phosphatase is the most commonly deranged liver function test marker, raised to more than twice of the normal range in most cases. Right lobe involvement, right sided pleural effusion and raised right hemidiaphragm are seen in plain chest X-ray. Fever and pain abdomen are the most common presenting complaints. USG abdomen is an effective diagnostic modality that also serves to guide intervention procedures.Conclusions: Early diagnosis and timely intervention produces best results.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 04 October’21 Page: 473-477

Exploring the use of workplaces to recruit \u201chard-to-reach\u201d male drinkers to a survey on alcohol use and awareness of health messages

BackgroundLower socioeconomic status (SES) groups, particularly lower SES males, are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than higher SES groups, despite drinking at the same level or less. However, they are rarely recruited for research through typical recruitment strategies. Consequently, limited evidence exists on patterns of alcohol use and effectiveness of public health messages for these groups. Using workplaces to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds may provide a feasible and accessible approach to research participation and enable improved understanding of alcohol use, drinking motives and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages in this underrepresented and high-risk group. We investigated workplace-based strategies to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds. We also investigated their experiences and motivations for alcohol use, and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages.MethodsA feasibility element investigated the effectiveness of workplace-based strategies to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds in the south west of England. A pilot element investigated this population’s experiences and motivations for alcohol use, and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages, through a mixed-methods survey.ResultsFeasibility results indicated that workplace-based recruitment strategies, including recruiting participants in person at their workplace and providing a financial incentive, effectively led to the recruitment of 84 male drinkers (70% recruitment rate), predominately from lower SES backgrounds, to a survey. Pilot results indicated that more than half of participants were at increasing risk of alcohol-related harm, and approximately one fifth engaged in weekly heavy episodic drinking. Participation in campaigns aimed at reducing alcohol use, and knowledge of government alcohol consumption guidelines, were low. Participants reported negative beliefs about alcohol including health effects, dependency and excess use, and financial and occupational effects. Positive beliefs about alcohol included relaxation, socialising, and enjoyment.ConclusionsWorkplace-based recruitment, using in-person recruitment and a financial incentive, may be a feasible strategy to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds. Pilot results may direct larger scale research aiming to understand alcohol use in this population and inform targeted public health messages. Workplace-based recruitment may represent a promising avenue for future research aiming to tackle inequalities in participation in alcohol research.

Meeting the guidelines: Implementing a distress screening intervention for veterans with cancer.

Guidelines recommend systematic evaluation of distress screening and referral for cancer patients. Implementation remains a notable gap for cancer centers serving disadvantaged communities. We present the implementation of a distress screening program within a Veterans Affairs hospital oncology clinic, serving a majority African American (AA) male population of low socioeconomic status (SES). The Coleman Foundation funded this program supporting a palliative care physician and psychologist to implement screening in a phased approach as follows: (1) Organizing key stakeholders, (2) educating clinical staff, (3) delivering distress screening, (4) generating documentation, and (5) implementing clinical action and referral pathways. We utilized validated measures in the "Patient Screening Questions for Supportive Care" screening tool. This program was unsuccessful in screening all veterans with cancer; however, we were able to implement 3 years of longitudinal screening. In distress screens from the initial program period (n = 253), patients were primarily males (95.6%) of older age (m = 70, standard deviation = 9.45), AA (76.4%), with various cancers of advanced disease (69%). Males reported moderate psychosocial distress and elevated financial needs. For males with elevated psychosocial distress (n = 63, PHQ-4 ≥3), 36% were previously connected with psychosocial services. Following screening, engagement increased as the majority (77%) established psychosocial care. This screening program had mixed success. Centralized program staff and available supportive care referrals were critical for program implementation. Screening may have increased engagement in social work/mental health services for males of low SES. Screening programs should be tailored to the needs of underserved communities with accessible housing/food subsidies.

In Their Own Hands: Young People and Self-Justice Retaliation in Germany

Strong and viable modern states have limited the use of private force to narrowly-defined situations of self-defense. Yet, evidence from crime surveys shows that a significant proportion of violent and property crimes is not reported to police. Instead of calling the police, people either take no action or employ a variety of mechanisms, including retaliation, to settle disputes. Drawing on data from a survey of 2,921 young people in two German cities, we investigate the propensity of adolescents to resort to self-justice retaliation. The results show widespread propensity to engage in retaliatory actions, particularly among adolescent males of low socio-economic status. Further, attitudes to the police, unsupervised routine activities, and delinquency-related variables were the most influential correlates of propensity to engage in retaliatory actions.

Knowledge of fruits and vegetables, consumption pattern and associated factors among adults in Lagos State, Nigeria

Objective : Low fruit and vegetable consumption is a major global risk factor for morbidity (associated with micronutrient deficiencies) and premature mortality; meanwhile, little is known about the adequacy and consumption pattern in Lagos, Nigeria. This study therefore determined knowledge, patterns, adequacy and factors associated with fruits and vegetables consumption among adults in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods : This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that employed a multistage sampling method to select 330 adults from one local government area in Lagos State. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Questions on knowledge were scored and the total obtainable score was 13. The percentage of the score obtained out of the total obtainable score (13) was used in grading the level of knowledge. Adequacy of fruit and vegetable intake was regarded as consuming an average of at least five (5) servings of fruits and vegetables per day within the previous one week before the study. Data was analyzed using Epi info version 7 and Chi-square was used to determine associations between categorical variables. Results : Majority of the respondents were males (60.6%), between age 19 to 38 years (69.4%) and had at least secondary school education (93%). Only 24.9% of respondents had a 'good' level of knowledge while 27.0% consumed 'adequate' amount of fruits and vegetables. Orange and pumpkin were the most frequently consumed fruit and vegetable respectively. Educational status, income, female gender and marriage were associated with adequate intake of fruits and vegetables (p<0.05). Conclusion : Knowledge and prevalence of adequate intake of fruits and vegetables were low especially among young unmarried men who are of low socio-economic status in Lagos. Orange and pumpkin were the most frequently consumed fruit and vegetable. Efforts to increase public awareness about fruits and vegetables should be targeted towards younger unmarried males of low socioeconomic status. Keywords : Fruit, vegetables, knowledge, consumption pattern, adequacy

Impact of Parental Socioeconomic Status on Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Underweight in Korea

BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight and underweight is steadily increasing among children and adolescents. To explore the relationship between parental socioeconomic status and body mass index, we examined levels of overweight and underweight among representative samples of children and adolescents in South Korea.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2009 Korean Survey on the Obesity of Youth and Children, conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. The sample response rate for this survey was 93.9%. After excluding 745 subjects who had missing information on age, height, or weight, 9411 subjects were included. To measure parental socioeconomic status, 4 categories were assessed by using a structured questionnaire: subjective economic status, parental education level, parental occupational status, and family structure. We used the chi-squared test in univariable analysis and multinomial logistic regression in multivariable analysis.ResultsMultinomial logistic regression analysis identified sex, education level, parental interest in weight management, and parental body shapes as statistically significant characteristics affecting overweight in children, and sex, place of residence, parental interest in weight management, and paternal and maternal body shapes as statistically significant characteristics affecting underweight (P < 0.05).ConclusionsUnderweight and overweight coexist among adolescent Korean males of low socioeconomic status, which indicates that these conditions can coexist in developed countries. Appropriate interventions to address both overweight and underweight in adolescents are required.

Same-Sex Behavior of Heterosexual Men: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

In terms of human sexuality, there are many studies on same-sex behavior and opposite-sex behavior, but both-sex behavior is vastly overlooked. Such bisexual invisibility may be due to the fact that bisexuality does not follow a universal behavioral pattern, which implies that a cross-cultural approach could be very helpful. This study combined qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate 255 behaviorally bisexual males of low socioeconomic status from three different cultures: Brazil, Turkey, and Thailand. Brazilian heterosexuals were less likely than their Thai or Turk counterparts to engage in homosexual activities. Answers to interview data tested popular ideas, but neither of these arguments could account for the difference between Brazil and the other two cultures. Only the argument that homosexual relationships reflect a need to exercise personal dominance (childhood bullying behavior) accounted for (1) the homosexual activities of heterosexual men and (2) the cultural differences between countries found in this study.

Race, health, and disease in 19th-century-born males.

This study analyzed skeletal health disparities among African American and Euro-American males of low socioeconomic status born between 1825 and 1877. A total of 651 skeletons from the Cobb, Hamann-Todd, and Terry anatomical collections were macroscopically examined for skeletal pathologies related to dietary deficiencies and disease. Individuals were separated into age, ancestry, birth (Antebellum, Civil War, Pre-Reconstruction, and Reconstruction), combined ancestry/birth, enslaved versus liberated, and collection cohorts. These groups were statistically evaluated using ANOVA and χ(2) analyses to determine if age, ethnic, and temporal differences existed. Results indicated that African Americans, especially those born during Reconstruction, had significantly higher frequencies of tuberculosis (P = 0.004) and treponematosis (P = 0.006) than Euro-Americans. Historical sources are important in contextualizing why these different ethnic and temporal patterns were present, pointing to environmental conditions related to enslavement, postliberation migration to the industrialized North, crowded urban living conditions, and poor sanitation.

Cultural Patterns of Trauma among 19th‐Century‐Born Males in Cadaver Collections

Comprehending violence among bioarchaeological and historical groups is a topic of recent interest among biological anthropologists. This research examines trauma among African American and Euro-American males of low socioeconomic status born between 1825 and 1877. A total of 651 male skeletons from the Cobb, Terry, and Hamann-Todd anatomical collections were macroscopically evaluated for skeletal trauma, based on the presence of fractures and weapon-related wounds, and statistically analyzed according to ancestry, birth (Antebellum, Civil War, Reconstruction), combined ancestry - birth, and collection cohorts. Results indicated that African Americans and Euro-Americans expressed ethnic differences in regard to interpersonal violence. To interpret these disparities, documentary data were used to reconstruct the socioeconomic and cultural environment of these individuals. This research emphasizes the importance of evaluating skeletal data within the context of class, culture, and environment so that behavioral patterns observed in the skeleton can be better understood.

Body mass index and body fat among adult Bengalee male slum dwellers in West Bengal, India

The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF) in relation to hypertension among adult Bengalee males of low socio-economic status living in a slum area of West Bengal, India. A cross-sectional survey was carried on 436 males aged 18-60 years in a slum area called Bidhan Colony, which is approximately 15 km from Kolkata city. Data on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were collected, following standard techniques. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for testing the relationship between BMI and PBF relative to hypertension. About 4.25% and 50% of the normal (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m(2)) and overweight (BMI 23.0-24.9 kg/m(2)) subjects, respectively, were obese according to the PBF cut-off point of >25%. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the BMI cut-off ≥23 kg/m(2) was appropriate for detecting obesity relative to hypertension. It was observed that the prevalence of hypertension increased significantly with age (r = 0.226, p < 0.001). Adjusting for age, the subjects with BMI 23-24.99 kg/m(2) had about 3.2 times (95% CI: 1.61-6.27) greater risk of hypertension than those with BMI < 23 kg/m(2), and the risk for those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) was about 4.5 times (95% CI: 2.06-9.57). As for PBF, the risk of hypertension was about 2.6 times (95% CI: 1.38-4.80) for the subjects with PBF > 25% compared to those with PBF ≤ 25%. Our study validated the BMI cut-off point proposed by the WHO for Asia-Pacific populations for screening the individuals who are likely at risk of overweight. However, such data should be substantiated by independent risks of adverse health outcomes that need for public health intervention.

Dietary patterns of Australian adults and their association with socioeconomic status: results from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey.

To describe dietary patterns among men and women in the Australian population, and to explore how these varied according to socioeconomic status (SES). A cross-sectional self-report population survey, the 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey (NNS), was used. Private dwelling sample, covering urban and rural areas across Australia. Data provided by 6680 adults aged 18-64 who participated in the NNS were used in the analyses. Factor analyses were used to analyse data from a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) completed by participants. Associations between SES and dietary pattens were assessed using ANOVA. Separate factor analyses of the FFQ data for men and women revealed 15 factors, accounting for approximately 50% of the variance in both men's and women's dietary patterns. Several gender and SES differences in food patterns were observed. Lower SES males more frequently consumed 'tropical fruits', 'protein foods', and 'offal and canned fish', while high SES males more often ate 'breakfast cereals' and 'wholemeal bread'. Lower SES females more often ate 'traditional vegetables', 'meat dishes' and 'pasta, rice and other mixed foods', while high SES females more frequently ate 'ethnic vegetables' and 'breakfast cereal/muesli'. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the dietary patterns that underscore gender-specific SES differences in nutrient intakes. Analyses of the type employed in this study will facilitate the development of interventions aimed at modifying overall eating patterns, rather than specific components of the diet.

Hand Test norms for disruptive black adolescent males.

The Hand Test (Wagner, 1962), 10 cards which portray hands in different positions, was administered individually to each of 51 black adolescent males of low socio-economic status. They had been referred for chronic disruptiveness in the classroom. Interscorer reliability was .88. The Acting-out Ratio exceeded high school norms. The Interpersonal-Environmental Response Ratio was significantly imbalanced toward the Interpersonal. Possible use of this ratio as a predictor of overt behavior should be studied.