Multi-person Households Research Articles

Preferences and Expectations for Home Robot Tasks: Comparison According to Age and Household Type in Republic of Korea

Most studies of consumer preferences and expectations for home robots focus on either older adults or single-person households (SPHs). However, with the rise in voluntary SPHs among young adults and seniors, it is critical to compare both age and household types in robot research. This study explored perceptions of home robots and willingness to use their features based on age and household type, in the context of the expanding home robot market in Republic of Korea. An online survey of 400 individuals was conducted, targeting young SPHs and multi-person households (MPHs) in their 20s and 30s as well as older SPHs and MPHs in their 50s and 60s. The survey covered four robot task categories, with 40 items derived from previous research: household chores (20 items), personal care (seven items), leisure/companion (nine items), and health (four items). The results helped predict the main target groups for each in-home robot task by identifying items that showed differences in responses between groups and interpreting these based on age, household type, and their combination. The study provides valuable data on consumer expectations, highlighting differences in responses according to both age and household type, offering insights for the robotics industry to effectively target their products.

The Effects of Values of Single-Person Households on Digital Cultural Consumption: Focusing on Comparison with Multi-Person Households

The Effects of Values of Single-Person Households on Digital Cultural Consumption: Focusing on Comparison with Multi-Person Households

콜드체인 운송플랫폼의 IPA분석을 통한 가구 특성별 물류서비스에 관한 연구

Purpose: This study suggests logistics service improvements by analyzing the importance of, and satisfaction with, a domestic cold chain transportation platform. In addition, it differs from previous studies in that it is divided into single-person and multi-person households to understand the importance and satisfaction. Research design, data, and methodology: Data were collected on the importance of, and satisfaction with, service reliability, empathy, convenience, stability, and economic feasibility for service consumers who have used a cold chain transportation platform. Results: The cold chain transportation platform needs to provide additional services that can reduce the burden of transportation costs or increase satisfaction, and there is a need to improve the UI to make the delivery platform easier. In addition, in cold chain transportation services for single-person households, service quality improvement taking this into account is required. Conclusions: Through prior research, selection factors for a cold chain transportation platform were derived, and the implication is that service improvement is suggested through the IPA.

재난피해자의 삶의 질에 영향을 미치는 심리사회적 요인

This study aimed to examine the level of quality of life (QOL) and the psychological and social factors influencing QOL among single-person and multi-person household disaster victims. This study utilized the third-year data from the Disaster Victims Panel Survey. The final analysis included data from 1,301 adults aged 20 and above, and multiple regression analyses were conducted separately for single-person and multi-person households. The main findings of this study are as follows: It was found that the level of QOL among multi-person household disaster victims was higher than that of single-person household disaster victims. Additionally, different psychological and social factors influencing QOL were observed between single-person and multi-person households. Among the psychosocial factors, resilience, depression, self-rated health status, and community resilience were identified as significant common predictors influencing the QOL of disaster victims in all household types. On the other hand, for single-person household disaster victims, only post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerged as a significant predictor of QOL. In the case of multi-person household disaster victims, social support and satisfaction with relief and distribution services emerged as new predictive factors influencing QOL. Based on these findings, policy and practical implications for improving the QOL of disaster victims according to household types are suggested.

Consumer Knowledge and Preferences for Organic and Sustainably Certified Wines: Lessons from the DACH Region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

The DACH geographic region comprises three countries in central Europe: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This study seeks to both understand the motivations for purchasing organic and sustainably certified wines in this region and identifies which type of consumer should be targeted for the continued growth of this wine sector. Our methodology includes an online questionnaire resulting in a sample size of 4553 respondents, evenly broken down by country. Our analysis includes simple statistics and more advanced statistical analysis of the dataset. Our results indicate that there is a correlation between wine knowledge, environmental awareness, and the likelihood of buying eco-certified wines. We find that those who are self-proclaimed wine experts have a higher willingness to pay for organic or sustainable certified wines. These customers are generally middle aged, most often male, live in multi-person households, have pursued some level of higher education, and many are self-employed. We believe this study captures the growing trend of organic and sustainable wine certifications. It also identifies who is already convinced and who will need more marketing/education before they are ready to buy organic or sustainable wine.

여성 노인의 사회적 관계, 건강정보 리터러시 및 신체 건강에 관한 연구

This study aims to examine the health of older women in relation to their social relationships and health literacy, utilizing the data from the ‘Korean Study of Women’s Health-Related Issues(K-Stori)’. The dataset comprises a final sample of 3,000 older women, with 683 residing in single-person households (SPH) and 2,317 in multi-person households (MPH). The key findings of the analysis are as follows: Firstly, older women in SPH exhibited lower levels of physical health compared to those in MPH. Secondly, it was observed that the overall level of social relationships among older women in SPH was inferior to that of those in MPH. Thirdly, MPH residents displayed a higher level of health literacy than their counterparts in SPH. Lastly, this study revealed that health literacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between social relationships and physical health for both SPH and MPH residents. Specifically, health literacy completely mediated the association between family relationships and health outcomes for both SPH and MPH, while it entirely mediated the connection between friend relationships and health solely for MPH residents. Drawing from these findings, policy and practice implications for enhancing the health of older women were proposed.

Does being single bring freedom or burden? Examining the expenditure patterns of single-person households in Taiwan

This study utilizes data from Taiwan’s “The Survey of Family Income and Expenditure” from 2011 to 2021 to examine the differences in expenditure patterns between single-person households and multi-person households. The aim is to understand the impact of being single and living alone on living expenses. The estimation results indicate that, after controlling for other variables, single-person households spend significantly more on “housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels”, amounting to NT$67,920 per capita higher than other families. Additionally, per capita expenditures related to maintaining the living environment and daily operations are also significantly higher for single-person households. This shows the higher fixed cost of living alone without sharing expenses with others. However, single-person households have the advantage of being able to concentrate their expenses more on themselves. Significant higher per capita expenditures on several “treating oneself well” items demonstrate the freedom that comes with single living. On the other hand, the comparison of income elasticities shows that the expenditures of single-person households fluctuate more significantly, indicating higher financial risks.

Predictors of fuel poverty and the equity of local fuel poverty support: secondary analysis of data from Bradford, England.

Addressing fuel poverty is a critical public health issue given its recent rise in prevalence across Europe. Although previous research identifies national risk markers of fuel poverty, evidence is lacking on whether these are consistent across local geographies, and the equity of local interventions. In the UK's current economic climate, it is more crucial than ever that services benefit households in greatest need. This study aimed to determine significant predictors of fuel poverty among households in Bradford, England, comparing them to national-level predictors, and evaluate if households possessing significant fuel poverty predictors were equitably referred to a local fuel poverty service (Warm Homes Healthy People, WHHP). A multivariate logistic regression model determined significant fuel poverty predictors in Bradford using household-level data from the Energy Saving Trust and the Low Income High Costs fuel poverty definition. Statistical testing highlighted significant differences in predictors of fuel poverty between households referred to WHHP and all Bradford households. Significant (p < .05) predictors of fuel poverty included: living in an area with lower average household incomes and higher proportion of ethnic minority individuals, and living in a property with a lower energy efficiency rating. Households living in a detached or older property, and homeowners were more likely to be fuel poor. Differences in the direction of the relationship with fuel poverty were identified between some national and local predictors. Most predictors were significantly (p < .05) overrepresented among WHHP households, suggesting equitable service reach. Ethnic minorities, younger people, and multiperson households were underrepresented. Local fuel poverty predictors were similar to many national-level predictors, but identified differences in the direction of the relationship between some national and local predictors reaffirm the value of locally focused research. WHHP successfully targeted households possessing key predictors, but should ensure that ethnic minorities, younger people, and multiperson households are equitably referred.

An assessment of the owned canine and feline demographics in Chile: registration, sterilization, and unsupervised roaming indicators

The global rise in companion animal populations, particularly dogs and cats, is driven by emotional and social benefits for owners, and their population management is becoming critically important to avoid a plethora of adverse effects on themselves, humans, and wildlife. We estimated the size and density of the owned canine and feline population in Chile and evaluated the status of microchipping, registration, sterilization rates, and the proportion of owned animals that roam unsupervised. A cross-sectional household survey in 36 districts was conducted and standard inferential statistics was employed to analyze differences between cats and dogs, sexes within each species, and between rural and urban areas. Additionally, two negative binomial models with mixed effects were developed to predict the number of dogs and cats per households. Two methods were used to compare population size estimates at the country level, multiplying: (1) the estimated mean number of companion animals per household by the estimated number of households at the country level, and (2) the estimated human:dog and human:cat ratios by the total human population. The study involved 6333 respondents, of which 76% (74% urban; 83% rural) owned companion animals (dogs and/or cats). Individuals in rural multi-person households increase the probability of owning dogs and/or cats. Additionally, women exhibit a greater inclination towards cat and dog ownership compared to men, while those over 30 years old demonstrate lower rates of companion animal ownership in contrast to the 18–30 age group for both species. The overall human:dog and human:cat ratios estimated were 2.7:1, and 6.2:1, respectively. The estimated total number of owned dogs and cats in Chile ranged from 9.6 to 10.7 million, depending on the methodological approach, while national median density of companion animals was 12 dogs per km2 (ranging from 0.02 to 7232) and 5 cats per km2 (ranging from 0.01 to 3242). This nationwide study showed one of the highest percentages of households with companion animals in Latin America and relatively low registration and sterilization rates, highlighting the need to strength long-term public policies to control populations of companion animals and promote responsibility in pet ownership.

The Effect of Household Composition on Fire Coping Capacity and Fire Damage

In this study, to conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment (FRA) considering the fire coping capacity (FCC) of individuals and communities, we analyzed the FCC based on household composition, a factor influencing FCC, through a survey. Statistical analysis was employed to examine the impact of household composition on fire damage with the aim of proposing the feasibility of an FRA incorporating FCC. The survey results indicated a statistically significant difference in the FCC based on household composition, with a higher individual fire response capability in multi-person households and an elevated community FCC in single-person households. Furthermore, the statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between the number of single-person households and the occurrence of fire incidents and casualties. In conclusion, this study explored the potential of FCC in FRA by drawing insights from the survey and correlation analysis results.

A framework for transportation and land use integration as a parallel constrained multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (PC-MDCEV) home production model

We propose a microeconomic foundation for transportation and land use choice model integration based on the theory of home production. A utility function is developed that considers both household monetary expenditure and individual time use. We introduce a parallel constrained multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) structure that allows for the inclusion of multi-person households in the model. An empirical application is provided for the Greater Toronto Area using a validated synthetic dataset. Empirical results demonstrate an economy of scale in time devoted to home production, analogous to scaling exhibit in market production. It was found that the mix of dwelling types (detached, apartment, etc.) has a significant influence on both time use and consumption. Finally, we provide several directions for future research to advance the practice of urban modelling and better capture the complex dynamics of household decision-making.

Analysis of Determinants of Carbon Footprint in the Residential Housing Sector: Focused on a Comparison with Single- and Multi-Person Households

Analysis of Determinants of Carbon Footprint in the Residential Housing Sector: Focused on a Comparison with Single- and Multi-Person Households

Changes in mixed ethnicity households and neighbourhood transitions in England and Wales.

Conventional explanations of neighbourhood ethnic transitions consider what drives differential growth in ethnic group populations without regard to household composition. We enrich these nonhousehold approaches by using consistent Census data on neighbourhoods and households for England and Wales for 2001, 2011 and 2021 to analyse connections between mixed-ethnicity households and neighbourhood ethnic diversity. We employ a neighbourhood typology of ethnic diversity that identifies neighbourhoods as either low- or moderate-diversity, or high-diversity, where no single ethnic group is in the majority. We focus particularly on White-majority and highly diverse neighbourhoods given the dominance of the former in residential spaces in England and Wales, and because they are the principal source of transitions to highly diverse neighbourhoods. Mixed-ethnicity households have become an increasingly important feature of the ethnic diversification of England and Wales; by 2021, almost 15% of multiperson households were mixed, a growth from 12% in 2011 and 9% in 2001. We find that higher levels of neighbourhood ethnic diversity are associated with higher shares of mixed-ethnicity households. In high-diversity neighbourhoods, for example, around 30% of multiperson households (nearly a quarter of a million households) were ethnically mixed in 2021. Levels of household mixing in moderate-diversity White neighbourhoods were considerably higher than in low-diversity White neighbourhoods. The same is found for diversifying neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods that become more ethnically diverse were typically home to higher rates of mixed-ethnicity households. Stably moderately diverse White neighbourhoods also had a higher proportion of mixed households. Studies of neighbourhood transition that focus on individuals in neighbourhoods may be missing important processes operating in the intimate spaces of the home. Including this intermediate scale of analysis adds to our understanding of neighbourhood ethnic mixing and processes of integration.

Bird ownership and pulmonary outcomes apart from hypersensitivity pneumonitis in European older adults

BackgroundExposure to birds has been linked with several lung pathologies and especially hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but discordant literature exist on the potential effects of this exposure on other respiratory pathologies. AimThis study aims to examine the associations between bird ownership and asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older European adults. MethodsA total of 28,109 participants from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe were employed and analyzed with multivariate logistic regressions. ResultsNo association was found with asthma or lung cancer. Bird ownership increased the odds for COPD diagnosis (OR=1.30; 95 % CI: 1.12–1.51) and more so in males (OR=1.53; 95 % CI: 1.25–1.87) after adjustment for demographic, respiratory, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Male bird owners who smoke had an even more increased risk compared to non-smokers, as did those who lived in multi-person households compared to those living alone.Conclusion: Bird ownership may be positively associated with COPD in older European males.

Regional disparities in food security and depression among single-person households in the Republic of Korea

BackgroundSingle-person households constitute over 40% of all households in the Republic of Korea and are more vulnerable to food insecurity and depression than multi-person households. There is a lack of research on examining whether regional characteristics are associated with the degree of food insecurity and depression among single-person households. This study aimed to examine the regional disparities in food security and depression among single-person households in the Republic of Korea.MethodsA total of 227,873 adults from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey was included in the analysis. According to population density and poverty rate, the residence of the participants was classified into four regions: metropolitan areas with high population density were classified into areas with low poverty rates (Region 1) and high poverty rates (Region 2), and provinces with low population density were classified into areas with low poverty rates (Region 3) and high poverty rates (Region 4). Using a single item of household food security, those who had experienced a lack of food due to financial difficulties over the past year were classified as food insecure. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of food insecurity and depression according to regional characteristics were calculated after adjusting for potential confounding variables.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, single-person households in regions with high population density, Regions 1 and 2, had 1.16 times (95% CI = 1.04–1.30) and 1.43 times (95% CI = 1.27–1.61) higher odds of food insecurity, respectively, compared to those in Region 4. Single-person households in regions with low poverty rates, Regions 1 and 3, had 1.54 times (95% CI = 1.34–1.77) and 1.21 times (95% CI = 1.01–1.46) higher odds of depression, respectively, than those in Region 4. Among those who lived alone, the middle-aged, having low income, receiving livelihood benefits, or having a low educational attainment had higher odds of experiencing both food insecurity and depression than their counterparts.ConclusionsAs the risk of food insecurity and depression in single-person households differs according to regional characteristics, local governments need to implement policies for single-person households in consideration of these distinct characteristics.

Effect of Household Type on the Prevalence of Climacteric Syndrome among Middle-Aged Men.

Research on climacteric syndrome among middle-aged men remains scant compared to the research among women. Research is also lacking on climacteric syndrome among older adults living alone, particularly men, who are more vulnerable than females living alone. This cross-sectional study investigated whether the prevalence of climacteric syndrome is associated with the type of household middle-aged men live in and identified the determinants of climacteric syndrome based on the household type. Six hundred middle-aged men living in multi-person households and six hundred living alone were surveyed about general characteristics, diet-related factors, and climacteric syndrome. Data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. The risk of climacteric syndrome in single-person households was found to be 1.6 times higher than that among multi-person households (p = 0.006). In multi-person households, income and breakfast frequency predicted climacteric syndrome (p < 0.05), while age, breakfast frequency, dinner frequency, and weekly eating out frequency predicted climacteric syndrome in single-person households (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary factors are more closely linked to the prevalence of climacteric syndrome in single-person households than in multi-person households. This highlights the need for climacteric syndrome interventions for middle-aged men, whose health concerns may persist into older adulthood.

코로나19가 청년의 스트레스에 미치는 영향 - 1인 가구 및 다인 가구 청년을 중심으로 -

코로나19가 청년의 스트레스에 미치는 영향 - 1인 가구 및 다인 가구 청년을 중심으로 -

Comparison of Health Behaviors between Adults with Hypertension in Single- and Multi-Person Households: Based on the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Comparison of Health Behaviors between Adults with Hypertension in Single- and Multi-Person Households: Based on the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

여가라이프스타일에 따른 삶의 만족도 연구: 1인 가구와 다인 가구 비교 분석

As the number of single-person households in Korea has increased rapidly, the relevant issue has been discussed in many dimensions to improve their quality of life. This study explored the differences in life satisfaction according to leisure lifestyles between single-person and multi-person households. The study also examined the influence of leisure lifestyles on life satisfaction within each group. Data was collected using an online questionnaire for 415 respondents from online survey panels(204 respondents from single-person households and 211 from multi-person households). Frequency analysis, reliability analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted to analyze the collected data. The results showed partially significant differences in leisure lifestyles and a significant difference in life satisfaction between single-person and multi-person households. The study also revealed that leisure lifestyles significantly influenced life satisfaction within each group. As a result, it is suggested that proper leisure activities and programs need to be designed and supported to make up for the inconvenience and to improve the quality of life for single-person households who reported lower levels of life satisfaction than multi-person households.

Who’s Watching TV?

This work addresses the problem of “user disambiguation”—estimating the likelihood of each member of a small group using a shared account or device. The specific focus is on television set-top box (STB) viewership data in multiperson households, in which it is impossible to tell with certainty which household members watch what. We formulate user disambiguation as a predictive problem and develop a solution for estimating the likelihood that each individual in a multiperson household watches each TV segment. This method learns priors for viewership in single-person households and then adapts them to the specifics of each multiperson household’s viewership history. We formalize two ad hoc heuristics that are currently used in industry (and research) for estimating audience composition of STB data and conduct a comparative analysis using three data sources: simulated data, real large-scale viewership data, and fully labeled panel data. The results show that our method has superior performance. This approach has practical value for both advertisers and researchers who seek better understanding of TV viewership. It also has applications beyond TV advertising, such as detecting the sharing of streaming passwords among multiple households or any other situation in which multiple users share devices or accounts.