Multistage Sampling Research Articles

Findings from the 2019 nationally representative oral health survey for adults in Singapore.

The aim of this study was to present key findings from the 2019 national adult oral health survey in Singapore (NAOHS). A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to recruit participants for a representative national adult oral health survey. A total of 12 212 households were randomly selected from the National Database on Dwellings in Singapore. Within each household eligible persons aged ≥65 years were automatically invited to participate while a Kish selection method was used to invite those between 21 and 64 years old. The survey comprised a face-to-face interview questionnaire and a clinical examination which recorded details of tooth loss, DMFT, DMFS and prevalence of periodontal disease according to the CPITN and the US CDC-AAP classifications. Weighted analysis was performed to adjust for oversampling, non-response and post-stratification. Multivariate regression with backward stepwise selection was carried out to identify predictors of chronic periodontal disease and untreated dental caries. Six hundred and sixty-three participants completed both the questionnaires and the clinical examination. The prevalence of edentulousness was 2.7%. Of participants, 34.8% presented with untreated dental caries with a higher proportion found in those who were aged ≥60 years, of Malay ethnicity, living in 1-2-room public housing and who only visited the dentist when there was a problem. Mean DMFS and DMFT indices were 24.7 and 7.9 respectively. Based on the CDC-AAP classification, the prevalence of moderate-severe chronic periodontitis was 56.9% and increased with age, with a higher proportion in males. Participants with untreated dental caries were more likely to have moderate or severe periodontal disease. Survey findings showed high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease, at 34.8% and 77.6% respectively. A clear socio-economic gradient in the distribution of tooth loss, untreated dental caries and moderate-to-severe periodontitis was observed.

The influence of customer experience on loyalty through satisfaction as an intervening variable for users of maxim online transportation services in the city of semarang

The high level of online transportation users in Indonesia creates intense competition and to be able to survive in the midst of competition, companies must improve their performance in various aspects to be able to create a good experience for their users so that there is high satisfaction so that user loyalty to the company continues to survive and increase. This research aims to determine the influence of customer experience on user loyalty through satisfaction with users of Maxim online transportation services in Semarang City. This type of research is explanatory research with a sample size of 96 respondents who are Maxim users in Semarang City. with a sampling technique using non-probability sampling with a multistage purposive sampling method. The population in this research is the people of Semarang City who have used Maxim. The data analysis method uses SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. The research results prove that the mediating relationship between customer experience and loyalty through satisfaction as an intervening variable is partial mediation. The suggestion in this research is that Maxim is expected to pay more attention to aspects that can influence user experience so that users feel maximum satisfaction when using Maxim.

Assessment of determinant factors responsible for divorce among divorcees in rural areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The study assessed factors responsible for divorce among divorcees in rural areas of Ibadan by specifically focusing on sexual satisfaction, ethnicity/culture, and educational disparities. Divorce is related to marriage and family, and it has been used as an instrument to expose failure through marriage. In Nigeria, the high rate of divorce is mostly associated with urbanization and industrialization. The study employed a multi-stage sampling procedure using a well-structured and closed-ended questionnaire. Three out of six rural local government areas were randomly selected, representing 50%. 354 divorcees were randomly selected out of 3,064 divorce cases heard in the last 4 years using the Taro Yamane formula. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (chi square). The study revealed that more than half of the respondents admitted that sexual intercourse brings peace to their family, while 52% disagreed that ethnicity has to do with divorce. Therefore, sexual activities between the couple must be set as a priority, with respect for one another's as well as unique cultural beliefs, customs, and communication preferences.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes among tribal and rural population in a south Indian forested region.

While NCDs are in rise globally, tribal and rural populations residing near to reserve forests with limited exposure to modern lifestyles may bear a unique burden. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among these communities. We conducted a cross-sectional study between 2018 and 2020 in the forest-dwelling population of Chamarajanagar, India. Using multistage stratified sampling based on caste and remoteness, we enrolled 608 participants aged over 18 years, including 259 non-tribal and 349 tribal individuals. Data collection includes the administration of STEPS questionnaire and measurement of fasting blood sugar, lipid levels, and blood pressure. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 4.6%, 28.8%, and 85.7%, respectively, among the study population. We also found abnormal levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TGA), Total cholesterol (TC), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)in 4.9%, 82.4%, 22.7%, 5.8%, and 7.4% of participants, respectively. Significant differences were observed in diabetes, LDL abnormality, TGA abnormality, VLDL abnormality, and TC abnormality, but not in hypertension, dyslipidemia, or HDL abnormality, across the Socio Geographic Discrimination Index. We found a significant difference in diabetes and HDL abnormality, but not in hypertension, dyslipidemia, LDL abnormality, TGA abnormality, TC abnormality, or VLDL abnormality, between tribal and non-tribal populations living in the forest-dwelling area. Waist circumference was a significant independent predictor of diabetes among tribal participants, while wealth index, age, and waist circumference were significant predictors of hypertension. There were no significant predictors for dyslipidemia among tribal participants. Our study suggests that tribal population living in a remote area are at a lower risk of developing diabetes compared to non-tribal populations living in the same geographic area. However, the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia among tribal populations remains high and comparable to that of the general population.

Geographical accessibility of medical resources, health status, and demand of integrated care for older people: a cross-sectional survey from Western China

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) published the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework to help healthcare providers cope with the population aging crisis. However, the relevant evidence on the demands of older people and the compensatory capacity of the environment is limited. This study reports for the first time the level of the ICOPE demand in Western China that includes the impact of geographic accessibility of medical resources (GAMR) on ICOPE demand and the potential mechanism of health status.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 1200 adults aged 60 years and older selected through multi-stage stratified cluster sampling to obtain relevant data, including ICOPE demand, health status, and GAMR. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to analyze the impact of GAMR on ICOPE demand among older people and those with different health statuses.ResultsAmong the prospective research participants, 1043 were eligible for the study. The mean score of ICOPE demand among all participants was 3.68 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.78). After adjusting for covariates between high and low GAMR groups (1:1 match), ICOPE demand was significantly higher in the low GAMR group than in the high GAMR group (average treatment effect on the treated [ATT] = 0.270, p < 0.05). For both good and poor self-rated health status, the ICOPE demand of the low GAMR group was significantly higher than that in the high GAMR group (ATT = 0.345, p < 0.05; ATT = 0.190, p < 0.05). For chronic diseases, the ICOPE demand of older people with multimorbidity in the low GAMR group was significantly higher than that in the high GAMR group (ATT = 0.318, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe older population in Western China has a relatively high demand for ICOPE. Low GAMR is a key factor in ICOPE demand growth in this region. It accelerates demand release for both older people with multimorbidity and self-perceptions of health.

Leadership Styles of Head teachers in Relation to Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Volta Region – Ghana

Purpose: The present study focuses on exploring the leadership styles of basic school headteachers, and their effects on teachers’ job satisfaction in Ghana’s Volta region. Methodology: Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in the Volta region of Ghana. The population of the study are 3,009 headteachers and 17,889 teachers in the 18 districts in the Volta Region. The sample size of the study was 191 headteachers and 328 teachers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to draw the sample size. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and Mohrman-Cooke-Mohrman Job Satisfaction Scale (MCMJSS) was adopted for the study. Findings: It was found that headteachers identified moderate levels of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire as the leadership styles adopted by headteachers. Also, the majority of the headteachers had a very low level of job satisfaction whereas the majority of the teachers had a very high level of job satisfaction. Among the three leadership styles, transformational (β = .47, p &lt; .001) and laissez-faire leadership styles (β = .19, p = .002) were the only significant predictors of job satisfaction. Both transformational and laissez-faire forms of leadership were positive predictors of job satisfaction. Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: The results shows that headteachers identified moderate levels of transformational (M = 7.68, SD = 0.83), transactional (M = 7.51, SD = 1.15), and laissez-faire (M = 6.94, SD = 1.89) as the leadership styles adopted by headteachers. It shows that 128 (71.9%) of the headteachers had a very low level of job satisfaction, while 30 (16.9%) had a very high level of job satisfaction. On the contrary, 153 (52.8%) of the teachers had a very high level of job satisfaction while 21 (7.1%) had a very low level of job satisfaction. The three leadership styles; transformational (β = .47, p &lt; .001) and laissez-faire leadership styles (β = .19, p = .002) were the only significant predictors of job satisfaction. Both transformational and laissez-faire forms of leadership were positive predictors of job satisfaction. Based on the findings of the study, relevant conclusions were drawn.

Determinants of undernutrition among settled pastoralists' children aged 6–59 months in Kenya

AbstractThe transition from nomadism to sedentary lifestyle has introduced changes in diets and undernutrition is endemic among settled pastoral households. This study aimed to investigate the underlying factors affecting stunting, underweight, and wasting of children aged 6–59 months in Marsabit County, Kenya. A cross‐sectional household survey was conducted in six wards capturing pastoral, agro‐pastoral, and urban livelihood practices. Using multistage sampling method, 394 children aged 6–59 months participated with written consent from the caregivers. A pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measures were used during data collection. Population characteristics were summarized into means and proportions, while chi‐square and analysis of variance were used to evaluate associations between variables. Backward logistic regressions were used to explore predictors of stunting, underweight, and wasting, respectively. The results showed that the mean Height for Age Z‐score, Weight for Age Z‐score, and Weight for Height Z‐score were −1.51, 1.54, and 1.02, respectively. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 38.1%, 23.0%, and 18.5%, respectively. The age of child, source of drinking water, and waste disposal were some of the main factors influencing stunting among children. In conclusion, the prevalence of undernutrition was high compared to the World Health Organization recommended cutoffs. Water sources hygiene, and caregiver's income were some of the main predictors of undernutrition among children. Development agencies need to focus on the supply of potable water, access to toilet facilities, in addition to nutrition education on hygienic complementary feeding practices among pastoral caregivers.

The Mediating Role of Moral Disengagement in the Association Between Maltreatment and Bullying Perpetration: Testing the Differences of Gender and Household Registration

ABSTRACTAlthough previous studies have indicated that adverse childhood experiences profoundly impact children's psychological and behavioural development, comprehensive investigations into the direct and indirect mechanisms through which maltreatment affects bullying perpetration among Chinese children are lacking. This study aims to explore the effect of maltreatment on children's bullying perpetration and the potential mediating role of moral disengagement. Moreover, the gender and household registration differences in the associations are also investigated. Employing a multistage cluster sampling method, 1318 questionnaires were collected (612 males, 706 females, mean age = 15). Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the hypothesized theoretical model. The findings reveal that the experiences of maltreatment in early childhood directly influence children's bullying perpetration, with moral disengagement potentially mediating this association. Furthermore, substantial gender disparities exist in the effect of maltreatment on bullying perpetration, and notable variations based on household registration are observed in the association of maltreatment on children's moral disengagement. These findings enhance our understanding of how childhood maltreatment affects children's bullying perpetration and offer valuable insights for the development of social policy and intervention programmes targeting child maltreatment and school bullying.

Adaptation through Climate-Smart Agriculture: Examining the Socioeconomic Factors Influencing the Willingness to Adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture among Smallholder Maize Farmers in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Agriculture contributes to the South African economy, but this sector is highly vulnerable to climate change risks. Smallholder maize farmers are specifically susceptible to climate change impacts. The maize crop plays a crucial role in the country’s food security as is considered a staple food and feed. The study aimed at examining the socioeconomic factors influencing smallholder maize farmers’ willingness to adopt climate-smart agriculture in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. It was conducted in three different areas due to their specific agro-ecological zones. A multipurpose research design was used to gather data, and multistage random sampling was used to choose the study areas. Subsequently, 209 purposefully selected farmers were interviewed face-to-face using structured questionnaires and focus discussion groups. Descriptive results revealed that 81%, 67%, and 63% farmers in Ga-Makanye, Gabaza, and Giyani were willing to adopt CSA. Using the double-hurdle model, the t-test was significant at 1%, Prob &gt; chi2 = 0. 0000, indicating a good model. At a 5% confidence level, education, crop diversification, and information about climate-smart agriculture (CSA) positively influenced adoption, while household size and agricultural experience negatively influenced it. It is recommended that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development provide CSA workshops and educational programs to farmers to enhance their knowledge and decision-making processes regarding adaptation strategies.

Utilization of social franchising in family planning services: a Pakistan perspective

IntroductionPakistan's private sector caters to around 65% of family planning users. Private sector family planning was promoted in the Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK) program by UK's Foreign, Commonwealth &amp;amp; Development Office (FCDO) in 2019. We use data from DAFPAK to analyze the clientele and products distributed by two major NGOs, Marie Stopes Society (MSS) and DKT Pakistan, that support private providers in Pakistan. We also examined the effect of COVID-19 on client visits and contraceptives uptake at private facilities in Pakistan.MethodsDAFPAK used field validation surveys to analyze the volume of clients and products of 639 private facilities across three provinces (Punjab, KPK and Balochistan) of Pakistan. The data was collected in two phases (February 2020 and 2021) using multi-stage cluster sampling at 95% confidence level. Using a generalized negative binomial regression, facility-level characteristics and impact of COVID-19 was analyzed with the volume of clients and products given out at 95% confidence interval alongside descriptive analysis.ResultsDKT facilities covered 53% of the sample while MSS covered 47%, with 72% facilities in the rural areas. Average facility existence duration is 87 months (7.25 years). While the average experience of the facility staff is 52 months (4.33 years). MSS is serving more clients as compared to DKT during both phase 1 (IRR: 3.15; 95% CI: 2.74, 3.61) and phase 2 (IRR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.79, 2.49). Similarly, MSS had a greater volume of products given out in both phases 1 (IRR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.51, 2.38) and phase 2 (IRR: 2.57; 95% CI: 2.09, 3.14). In both phases, client visits and product distribution decreased when client privacy is invaded (IRR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.82 – phase 1) and (IRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97 – phase 2). Lastly, during COVID-19, products distribution decreased by a factor of 0.84 (IRR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97) but client visits remain unaffected.ConclusionOverall, clientele is low for all facilities. At a facility, privacy is a determinant of client visits and products given out per visit. Transiently, during COVID-19, client volumes decreased, with a shift from oral pills to condoms and emergency contraceptive pills.

The Interventional Capacity of Community Health Volunteers for Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nyeri County, Kenya

Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health challenge, contributing to 50% of worldwide morbidity and 63% of mortality. The burden is particularly substantial in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of NCD-related deaths occur. This study evaluated barriers and challenges to effective screening and linkages of NCDs in Nyeri County. Methodology: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre-and post-test design was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023. The study employed multistage cluster and random sampling to select ten community units, resulting in 150 community health volunteers (CHVs) in the control unit and 150 in the intervention group. Data collection was facilitated through the KOBO app. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, and qualitative data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via N-Vivo 12 and findings were presented in textual descriptions and thematic analysis that included direct quotes from participants, descriptions of observed behaviors, and interpretations of patterns and themes. Findings: The study shows that 59.3% of respondents have minimal information, and 92.7 % (n =139) have no clear understanding of NCDs, with a pre-intervention capacity of 48.8%. Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in capacity from a pre-intervention average of 48.75 (SD±5.7) %, which increased to 68.28 (SD±7.6) %, p&lt;0.001. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: There is a need for a comprehensive, and culturally sensitive training for that will focus on modern healthcare practices, implementing more structured, community-centric approaches involving effective communication, mobilization, and sensitization will enhance the capacity and acceptance of CHVs' roles in combating NCDs. Continuous research and evaluation should ensure practical changes including innovations and use of mobile apps like NCDs app and wheel. An easy-to-use CHV mobile app, continuous capacity building and increased awareness and training will greatly improve on CHVs screening and linkages. Therefore, in this era of technology and use of mobile phones, there is need to develop an app that can be integrated with CHVs mobile phones, Healthcare facility and clients for close NCD monitoring and referral.

Consumer Satisfaction with Food Grains Distributed through Public Distribution Systems in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh- An Economic Analysis

The study analyzed consumer satisfaction with food grains distributed through the public distribution system in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted for the data collection and information was obtained from 240 respondents. Percentages and Likert’s Scale Technique were used to analyze the level of consumer satisfaction. The survey in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh gauges public perceptions and satisfaction with the Public Distribution System (PDS). Key findings revealed that a notable satisfaction rate in both states regarding the quality of food grains, the helpfulness of PDS dealers, and the functioning of local outlets. While uncertainties persist regarding accessibility, regularity, and quantity sufficiency, the majority of the respondents in both states opined that PDS is significantly contributing to household food security. Respondents express contentment with billing systems, with slightly higher satisfaction in Kerala, and commend the E-POS and biometric systems. Security measures, such as biometric authentication, receive positive feedback. Overall, the survey indicates positive sentiments towards the PDS in both states, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring food security and meeting public expectations.

The Role of Maternal Psychological Well-Being as a Predictor of Children’s Internalizing Behaviors

Nowadays, mothers' psychological well-being and behavioral outcomes in children have become a major topic of interest globally in the social and clinical arena. Though fathers play an important role in parenting, mothers are the key persons responsible for caring for their children. Thus, the present study investigated the relationship between maternal psychological well-being and their children's internalizing behaviors. This study also aimed to build up some models related to predictor and outcome variables based on the current research findings. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed to conduct the study on 800 participants (400 children and 400 mothers). The children were selected from ten Bangla medium high schools in Dhaka, and the age ranges of the children ranged from 11 to 13 years. The schools and the children were selected following a multistage random sampling technique. The self-reported Bangla version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Bangla version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and a Personal Information Form (PIF) were administered to the participants to collect data. The correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between maternal psychological well-being and children's internalizing behavior. Results also revealed that somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression in mothers were significantly correlated with the internalizing behavior of children. Findings from multiple regression analysis indicated that the most powerful predictor of internalizing behavior was mothers' anxiety and insomnia, which independently explained 35% of the variance. The other significant predictors were social dysfunction, severe depression, and somatic symptoms. All four predictors jointly explained 40.6% of the variance in children's internalizing behavior. The implications of the findings have been discussed in light of theory and research evidence from earlier research. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 45–56, 2023 (June)

The Employment and Livelihood Challenge Among the Informal Handloom Weavers During COVID-19 and Lockdown in Odisha, India

The study examines the employment and livelihood challenges encountered by the informal handloom weavers of Odisha due to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. For this purpose, primary data have been collected from 435 active handloom weaving households in the Bargarh district of Odisha through a multistage random sampling method. A semi-log multiple regression model has been employed to find out the major factors contributing to the income loss of the handloom weavers. The findings show that acute financial constraints, huge income loss and unemployment have been experienced by the handloom weavers. The regression analysis reveals that the variables like firm size, indebtedness status, unemployment status, source of secondary income, social category and production-marketing systems significantly contributed to the income loss of the weavers during the COVID-19 lockdown. In the absence of a proper income and employment cushion, most of the handloom weavers borrowed money and survived on governments’ Corona relief measures. However, these assistances were scanty in nature and could not help the weavers to withstand the employment and income crisis. At this time, supplementary policy measures in the form of weavers’ specific government schemes with wide coverage and outreach will be helpful for the handloom weavers to revive from the crisis.

Prevalence of cosmetic surgery and its relationship with psychosocial status: a population based study in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Purpose This study aims to investigate the prevalence of cosmetic surgery and its relationship with the level of mental health and socioeconomic variables in Sulaymaniyah city in Iraq. Design/methodology/approach This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 941 subjects who were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a checklist as well as a questionnaire. Data analysis was done using chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model using Stata software version 20. Findings The prevalence of cosmetic surgery was 13.4% (female: 17.5%; male: 8.2%). The most common types of cosmetic surgery were rhinoplasty (7.6%) in women and hair transplant (5.5%) in men. Overall, rhinoplasty (7.6%) was the most common type of cosmetic surgery among both groups. In total, the prevalence of having symptoms of mental disorders was 34.5% and it was significantly higher among people with a history of cosmetic surgery (65.1%) than those without any experience of having cosmetic surgery (29.8%) (p &lt; 0.001). Being female (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–3.22), having mild symptoms of mental disorders (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.71–4.47) and having moderate or severe symptoms of mental disorders (OR = 7.48; 95% CI: 4.60–12.29) were among the important variables that could affect performing cosmetic surgery. Originality/value The prevalence of cosmetic surgery in Sulaymaniyah is high, and based on the findings of this study, gender and mental health status are effective factors in this regard. Designing targeted interventions is suggested with an emphasis on the findings of this study to reduce the rate of cosmetic surgeries.

Недисциплинированность среди учащихся старших классов средней школы: роль домашнего контроля поведения и религиозности

&lt;p&gt;The study investigated the indiscipline of senior secondary school students and the contribution of home behaviour control and religiosity in Cross River State, Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 62,501 senior secondary school students in three educational zones. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select 1250 students from 30 randomly sampled public and private secondary schools. The Student Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ) was used for data collection. Experts in measurement and evaluation and educational psychology validated the instrument. The test-retest reliability coefficient ranged from 0.78-0.91. The data collected were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that home behaviour control and home religiosity significantly influenced secondary school students' indiscipline behaviour. Specifically, students from firm homes and with high levels of religiosity generally exhibited lower indiscipline behaviour across all the dimensions. In comparison, those from lax homes and homes with low levels of religiosity manifested higher levels of indiscipline behaviour. These findings align with role theory, which suggests that individuals' behaviour is shaped by their immediate social environment. Policymakers can use these results to develop programs that promote positive behaviour by encouraging the development of a strong religious foundation in the home and promoting clear expectations and rules for behaviour.&lt;/p&gt;

Groundwater Marketing Dynamics in Northern Dry Zone Farms of Karnataka: A Comparative Study (2006 to 2021)

Groundwater is an essential resource, but it is becoming increasingly scarce and depleting rapidly, particularly in Karnataka. As a result, groundwater markets have emerged as an alternative strategy to manage this limited resource more efficiently and equitably. These markets enable farmers who cannot afford water extraction machinery to access irrigation. This article, aims to study present status of groundwater markets, temporal depletion of water table, groundwater security, economics and factors affecting water trade in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, mainly to compare with the results obtained in the past study [1] to analyze changes in scenario and have historical lessons. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select farmers, who were then categorized into water sellers, self-users, and buyers. Primary data was collected through a structured, pre-tested schedule and analysed using descriptive and logit regression analysis. Results show that unlike earlier study, buyers in present study owned wells. Depth of borewells has increased (overall 44%), resulting in increased drilling, deepening, and pumping costs. Very few farmers (8%) acknowledged over-extraction from their farms could also contribute to groundwater insecurity. While studying economics it was found that perennial crops had the highest economic rents (260, 610Rs/hr for sellers and buyers).Reason for participation in water market has shifted from no investment capacity to water scarcity compared to earlier study. So farmers could be motivated to participate in water markets instead of relying on new wells during water shortages to encourage optimal water use and reduce negative externalities like increasing wells.

Assessing the market opportunities for pesticide-free vegetables in Bangladesh: consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay

The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture poses threats to ecosystems and human health. To mitigate these risks, researchers have turned their attention to pesticide-free production methods. This study aimed to assess the market opportunities for pesticide-free vegetables (PFVs) through determining consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP), along with identifying factors influencing consumers' WTP decision in three major cities of the country, namely Dhaka, Khulna, and Mymensingh. Employing a multistage cluster sampling method, 150 samples were selected and data collection utilized the android-based app Kobo through direct interviews. The contingent valuation method (CVM) and double-bounded dichotomous choice model (DBDC) were used to estimate WTP and preferences while ordered logit model were employed to identify influencing factors. The findings indicated that over 90% of consumers in Mymensingh and over 92% in Dhaka and Khulna were willing to pay a premium for pesticide-free tomatoes and brinjal. Additionally, more than 18% and 19% of consumers expressed willingness to pay a 20% premium for brinjal and tomato, while over 39% were willing to pay for both a 10% premium. The study revealed that factors such as age, sex, education, household size, and income significantly influenced consumers’ WTP decisions, with age showing a negative correlation, while education and income were positively associated with interest in consuming pesticide-free vegetables. Overall, the study underscores the increasing demand for pesticide-free vegetables in urban areas, emphasizing the need for governments and stakeholders to develop supportive policies for sustainable market development. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 1, April 2024: 69-77

Job-related factors associated with tobacco use among Chinese food delivery riders: A cross-sectional survey.

Food delivery drivers represent a rapidly growing occupational group in China in recent years. Their unique work patterns such as a complex work environment and high time-pressure may subject them to more severe tobacco use issues compared to other professions. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of tobacco use within this group and examine the underlying reasons behind it. A cross-sectional, multistage sampling design was conducted to select 1879 food delivery riders from Guangzhou and Shenzhen. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from August to December 2022. Chi-squared analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted for factors including gender, education level, type of employment, alcohol use, job-related uncertainty stress, and emotional exhaustion, were used to explore the key factors associated with smoking among this occupational group. Altogether, 65.5% of individuals in this sample were smokers, with 69.5% among males and 26.2% among females. Factors found to be significantly associated with smoking behavior were male sex (AOR=5.48; 95% CI: 3.74-8.02), education level of junior high school or lower (AOR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.21-2.11), education level of senior high school (AOR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.18-1.95), full-time job (AOR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.80), alcohol use (AOR=3.91; 95% CI: 3.14-4.87), moderate level of job-related uncertainty stress (AOR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.81), high level of emotional exhaustion (AOR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.17-2.10) and moderate level of emotional exhaustion (AOR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.00-2.30). Demographic factors like gender, education level, job type, and substance use should be considered in designing smoking cessation campaigns for this group. Improving work conditions, reducing emotional exhaustion, and managing stress may also reduce smoking and enhance the well-being of these riders.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors in the adult population of Belgium: a general population cohort study between March 2021 and April 2022

BackgroundThis study assessed seroprevalence trends of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Belgian adult population between March 2021 and April 2022, and explored factors associated with seropositivity and seroreversion among the vaccinated and unvaccinated population.MethodsA prospective longitudinal surveillance study was conducted within a random sample of the general population (18 + years) in Belgium, selected from the national register through a multistage sampling design. Participants provided a saliva sample and completed a survey questionnaire on three occasions: at baseline and in two follow-up waves. Outcome variables included (1) seropositivity, defined as the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, assessed with a semi-quantitative measure of anti-RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) IgG ELISA and (2) seroreversion, defined as passing from a positive to a negative antibody test between two measurements. Trends in SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence were assessed using binary logistic regression with contrasts applying post-stratification. Potential determinants of seropositivity were assessed through multilevel logistic regressions.ResultsIn total 6,178 valid observations were obtained from 2,768 individuals. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence increased from 25.1% in the beginning of the study period to 92.3% at the end. Among the vaccinated population, factors significantly associated with higher seropositivity rates were being younger, having a bachelor diploma, living with others, having had a vaccine in the last 3 months and having received a nucleic-acid vaccine or a combination. Lower seropositivity rates were observed among vaccinated people with a neurological disease and transplant patients. Factors significantly associated with higher seropositivity rates among the unvaccinated population were having non-O blood type and being non-smoker. Among vaccinated people, the seroreversion rate was much lower (0.3%) in those who had received their latest vaccine in the last 3 months compared to those who had received their latest vaccine more than 3 months ago (2.7%) (OR 0.13; 95%CI 0.04–0.42).ConclusionsThe rapid increase in antibody seropositivity in the general adult population in Belgium during the study period was driven by the vaccination campaign which ran at full speed during this period. Among vaccinated people, seropositivity varied in function of the time since last vaccine, the type of vaccine, sociodemographic features and health status.