Household Population Research Articles

Dissecting recurrent waves of pertussis across the boroughs of London.

Pertussis has resurfaced in the UK, with incidence levels not seen since the 1980s. While the fundamental causes of this resurgence remain the subject of much conjecture, the study of historical patterns of pathogen diffusion can be illuminating. Here, we examined time series of pertussis incidence in the boroughs of Greater London from 1982 to 2013 to document the spatial epidemiology of this bacterial infection and to identify the potential drivers of its percolation. The incidence of pertussis over this period is characterized by 3 distinct stages: a period exhibiting declining trends with 4-year inter-epidemic cycles from 1982 to 1994, followed by a deep trough until 2006 and the subsequent resurgence. We observed systematic temporal trends in the age distribution of cases and the fade-out profile of pertussis coincident with increasing national vaccine coverage from 1982 to 1990. To quantify the hierarchy of epidemic phases across the boroughs of London, we used the Hilbert transform. We report a consistent pattern of spatial organization from 1982 to the early 1990s, with some boroughs consistently leading epidemic waves and others routinely lagging. To determine the potential drivers of these geographic patterns, a comprehensive parallel database of borough-specific features was compiled, comprising of demographic, movement and socio-economic factors that were used in statistical analyses to predict epidemic phase relationships among boroughs. Specifically, we used a combination of a feed-forward neural network (FFNN), and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values to quantify the contribution of each covariate to model predictions. Our analyses identified a number of predictors of a borough’s historical epidemic phase, specifically the age composition of households, the number of agricultural and skilled manual workers, latitude, the population of public transport commuters and high-occupancy households. Univariate regression analysis of the 2012 epidemic identified the ratio of cumulative unvaccinated children to the total population and population of Pakistan-born population to have moderate positive and negative association, respectively, with the timing of epidemic. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary pertussis transmission in a large metropolitan population, this study has identified the characteristics that determine the spatial spread of this bacterium across the boroughs of London.

Experts Argue for Ending Seasonal Time Change

Experts Argue for Ending Seasonal Time Change

Impact of Rural Livelihood Diversification among Rural Household in Nigeria

Livelihood diversification can be referred to as attempts by individuals and households to raise diverse means of income to survive and improve their standard of living. The key driver of diversification is to increase income because the main source of income is not enough to provide a satisfactory livelihood. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing livelihood diversification in rural household poverty reduction in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 rural households in South-Eastern Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the households, and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS version-20). The majority (63.3%) of the respondents were male, and about 50.0% had 5-10 family members. Most of the respondents (36.7%) were between 46-60 years of age. Food security (36.7%) was the major reason for livelihood diversification from all the respondents, followed by income with 33.3%. A statistically significant association was found between non-farm activity and land ownership. The study revealed that income was the main reason to engage in livelihood diversification in the rural household because more income is needed to adequately take care of the large family size. The influencing factor for non-farm activities was the market (demand and supply). A further study of a larger population of households in rural areas is needed to ascertain the extent of rural livelihood diversification.

Coping with COVID: risk and resilience factors for mental health in a German representative panel study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic might affect mental health. Data from population-representative panel surveys with multiple waves including pre-COVID data investigating risk and protective factors are still rare. In a stratified random sample of the German household population (n = 6684), we conducted survey-weighted multiple linear regressions to determine the association of various psychological risk and protective factors assessed between 2015 and 2020 with changes in psychological distress [(PD; measured via Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4)] from pre-pandemic (average of 2016 and 2019) to peri-pandemic (both 2020 and 2021) time points. Control analyses on PD change between two pre-pandemic time points (2016 and 2019) were conducted. Regularized regressions were computed to inform on which factors were statistically most influential in the multicollinear setting. PHQ-4 scores in 2020 (M = 2.45) and 2021 (M = 2.21) were elevated compared to 2019 (M = 1.79). Several risk factors (catastrophizing, neuroticism, and asking for instrumental support) and protective factors (perceived stress recovery, positive reappraisal, and optimism) were identified for the peri-pandemic outcomes. Control analyses revealed that in pre-pandemic times, neuroticism and optimism were predominantly related to PD changes. Regularized regression mostly confirmed the results and highlighted perceived stress recovery as most consistent influential protective factor across peri-pandemic outcomes. We identified several psychological risk and protective factors related to PD outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison of pre-pandemic data stresses the relevance of longitudinal assessments to potentially reconcile contradictory findings. Implications and suggestions for targeted prevention and intervention programs during highly stressful times such as pandemics are discussed.

Flood risk of embanked areas and potential use of dredge spoils as mitigation measures in the southwest region of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta, Bangladesh

AbstractIn the 1960s, earthen embankments, locally known as polders, were first constructed in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) Delta with the intention of protecting agricultural lands from salinity; however, unintended consequences of the barriers have negatively impacted the region. Once‐active distributary channels have morphed into terminal, headless tidal channels as the sediment‐laden water that was once dispersed across the tidal delta plain is now restricted by embankments. Elevation loss within embankments and channel siltation adjacent to embankments are deleterious consequences of hard engineering and pose significant flood risk when effective sea level rise is considered. The purpose of this study is to assess the current and future flood risks of the embanked areas in the southwest region of the GBM Delta and to expand on the potential for local‐based solutions (e.g. mud plinths and embankments). We propose a novel source of material for these structures—repurposed dredge spoils.Project sites are along terminal tidal channels, proximal to coastal towns in the southwest region of the delta. We calculate here that as the effective sea level rise will continue to increase in the years to come, the flood risk will correspondingly increase (>67%). Geospatial analyses reveal that several prominent tidal channels have reduced in width over the last 30+ years, and recent dredging operations removed ~1.7 × 106 m3 of sediment infill. Using conservative values, we estimate that the dredge spoils could be used to elevate ~20 000 houses on mud plinths or raise 18 km of existing embankments. On a delta‐wide scale, if all infilled tidal channels were dredged to 10% of their original widths, ~547 000 houses could be raised above the flood levels and ~500 km of embankments could be elevated. With a mean household population of 4.3 people, repurposing dredge spoils can positively impact ~2.4 million people within the vulnerable southwest region of the GBM Delta.

Effects of second responder programs on repeat incidents of family abuse:An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effects of second responder programs on repeat incidents of family abuse:An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Socio-environmental factors and schistosomiasis hospitalizations in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2007-2017)

Objective: to spatially analyze the disease in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, associating its transmission with possible exposure factors. Method: descriptive ecological study, based on secondary data, with statistical and spatial analysis. Collection of cases of the disease was carried out by municipality. Maps were made for spatial approach. Results: cases of the disease were analyzed accompanied by their respective MHDI, percentage of people in households with inadequate water supply and sanitation, percentage of the population in households without running water and percentage of the population in households without garbage collection. Conclusion: in order to control the disease, improvements are proposed in the basic sanitation infrastructure (sewage treatment and water supply) and public awareness through the dissemination of educational material. Even within a municipality, there are different levels of development and health, so that the data may not represent the entire reality of a municipality.

Spatiotemporal pattern and factors related to childhood tuberculosis.

To identify the spatiotemporal pattern of childhood tuberculosis and the sociodemographic factors related to it. This is an ecological study, which used the municipalities of the state of Ceará as units of analysis. The Notifiable Diseases Information System was used as a data source from January 2001 to December 2017. It was conducted a descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the cases, the temporal and spatial pattern of the incidence of the disease and regression with sociodemographic indicators. An average incidence of 3.48 cases/100 thousand inhabitants was identified, with a reduction of 5.7% during the period 2003-2017 (p<0.001). The following were related to childhood tuberculosis: proportion of the population in households with piped water (β=0.05), proportion of the population in households with density >2 (β=0.09) and number of female heads of household with children under 15 years of age (β=0.0003). Indicators of housing conditions and vulnerability were related to childhood tuberculosis.

Spatiotemporal pattern of the incidence of tuberculosis and associated factors.

To analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of tuberculosis incidence and its associated factors. Ecological study, which used tuberculosis notifications during 2001-2017 and as units of analysis the municipalities of the state of Ceará of the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Time pattern analysis techniques and geographically weighted regression were used. The gross incidence rate in the state reached a peak of 226.1/100 thousand inhabitants with a significant decrease of 1.9% per year (95%CI -3.0--0.7). The main clusters were identified in Fortaleza and its metropolitan region, as well as in the Sobral region. The socioeconomic indicators that were associated with the incidence were: occupation in the agricultural sector and services, population in households with bathrooms and running water and vulnerable to poverty. There was a significant decrease in the incidence of the disease in the state of Ceará. The spatial clusters were mostly located in areas with high population and the indicators most related to the formation of spatial clusters were related to employment/income, housing and vulnerability.

Factors Associated with Family Consent to Organ Donation in Qatar: Results from a Household Survey

Background: Family consent and organ donors rates are co-linear to each other. The low consent rate can be influenced by socioeconomic and behavioral factors in the population. This study aimed to assess the influence of sociodemographic and behavioral factors on family consent for organ donation in the household population. Subjects dan Method: This is a secondary data analysis of the cross-sectional research design of 1044 household participants conducted in Qatar on organ donation between October and November 2016. A two-stage systematic random sampling was applied to collect data. The dependent variable was family consent. The independent variables were demographic and behavioral factors such as knowledge, attitude, intention, and beliefs about organ donation. Data were collected using household survey Questionnaire and analysed using Student t-tests (unpaired), chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. C-statistics was applied to see discriminate accury of the developed regression model for family consent. Results: Attitude (aOR= 1.73; 95%CI= 1.28 to 2.34; p= 0.001) and Intention (aOR= 7.50; 95%CI= 4.04 to 13.92; p= 0.001) factors were significantly associated to family consent to increase organ donation registration whereas; control belief (aOR= 0.74; 95%CI= 0.55 to 0.99; p= 0.050) was negatively associated to family consent. Knowledge (aOR= 1.63; 95%CI= 0.55 to 4.80; p= 0.380), behavioral belief (aOR= 1.11; 95%CI= 0.77 to 1.61; p= 0.580), heard organ donation (aOR= 1.12; 95%CI= 0.71 to 1.76; p= 0.630), registered for organ donation (aOR= 1.11; 95%CI= 0.50 to 2.46; p= 0.800), and donated any organ/blood/tissue (aOR= 1.63; 95%CI= 0.55 to 4.80; p= 0.380) factors were not statistically significant to family consent to increase organ donation registration. Conclusion: Attitude and intention can increase family consent to organ donation registration. Keywords: Family consent, intention, attitude, knowledge, organ donation. Correspondence: Rajvir Singh, Cardiology Research Center, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar, Post Box: 3050; email: rajvir.aiims@gmail.com. Mobile: 97455897044. Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2022), 07(04): 520-534 https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2022.07.04.09

Sporadic SARS-CoV-2 cases at the neighbourhood level in Toronto, Ontario, 2020: a spatial analysis of the early pandemic period.

Background:As the largest city in Canada, Toronto has played an important role in the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Ontario, and the burden of disease across Toronto neighbourhoods has shown considerable heterogeneity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial variation of sporadic SARS-CoV-2 cases in Toronto neighbourhoods by detecting clusters of increased risk and investigating effects of neighbourhood-level risk factors on rates.Methods:Data on sporadic SARS-CoV-2 cases, at the neighbourhood level, for Jan. 25 to Nov. 26, 2020, were obtained from the City of Toronto COVID-19 dashboard. We used a flexibly shaped spatial scan to detect clusters of increased risk of sporadic COVID-19. We then used a generalized linear geostatistical model to investigate whether average household size, population density, dependency ratio and prevalence of low-income households were associated with sporadic SARS-CoV-2 rates.Results:We identified 3 clusters of elevated risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with standardized morbidity ratios ranging from 1.59 to 2.43. The generalized linear geostatistical model found that average household size (relative risk [RR] 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80–2.61) and percentage of low-income households (RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) were significant predictors of sporadic SARS-CoV-2 cases at the neighbourhood level.Interpretation:During the study period, 3 clusters of increased risk of sporadic SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified, and average household size and percentage of low-income households were found to be associated with sporadic SARS-CoV-2 rates at the neighbourhood level. The findings of this study can be used to target resources and create policy to address inequities that are shown through heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 cases at the neighbourhood level in Toronto, Ontario.

Fungal Biofilms in Drinking Water Storage Containers: Flipping through their Health Risks. A Case-Study of Households at Diobu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The formation of fungal biofilm in drinking water storage containers has not been giving considerable attention over the years despite the challenges posed by bacterial biofilms. Hence, the study aimed to determine the fungal occurrence and the associated biofilm formation capacity from domestic drinking water storage containers in Diobu homes of Port Harcourt. Fifty water samples were obtained from domestic storage containers in different house units, and the sample was subjected to the standard microbiological procedure. The spread and streak techniques were applied on antibiotics treated Saboraud Dextrose and Congo red growth media. The results shows that the mean fungi count of 6.2 x 102 and 6.1 x 102 CFU/ml in household sizes of 4 and 5 persons respectively were less than that of the household population of 2, 6, and 8 persons with the fungal count of 8.7x102, 8.3x102 and 8.0x102CFU/ml respectively. Positive, negative and zero relationships were established between the household sizes and the fungal recovered. The analysis further revealed a total of 25 fungal isolates of which three genera were distinguished morphologically, namely, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum. All isolates were able to form a heavy mass of biofilm; except Candida albicans which had a delayed formation after 24hours with less biofilm development potential, and thus signifies its inability to persist, despite having the highest count or load. The success of fungi biofilm is based on the constant growth rate of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum biofilms for which, the household size has reasonably be attributed. The study recommends that storage facilities in the homes be regularly cleaned and always disinfected to inhibit the successes of fungal biofilm.

Insecticide-treated net (ITN) use, factors associated with non-use of ITNs, and occurrence of sand flies in three communities with reported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana.

The insecticide treated bed net (ITN) has been proven for malaria control. Evidence from systematic review also suggests benefits of ITN roll out in reducing the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and other vector borne diseases. Using a community-based cross-sectional study design, ITN use, factors associated with non-use of ITNs, and occurrence of sand flies were investigated in three communities with reported cases of CL in the Oti region of Ghana. A total of 587 households comprising 189 (32.2%), 200 (34.1%), and 198 (33.7%) households from Ashiabre, Keri, and Sibi Hilltop communities with de facto population of 3639 participated in this study. The proportion of households that owned at least one ITN was 97.1%. The number of households having at least one ITN for every two members was 386 (65.8%) and 3159 (86.8%) household population had access to ITN. The household population that slept in ITN the night before this survey was 2370 (65.1%). Lack of household access to ITN (AOR = 1.80; CI: 1.31, 2.47), having a family size of more than 10 members (AOR = 2.53; CI: 1.20, 4.24), having more than 10 rooms for sleeping in a household (AOR = 10.18; CI: 1.28, 81.00), having 2-4 screened windows (AOR = 1.49; CI: 1.00, 2.20), and having 8-10 screened windows (AOR = 3.57; CI: 1.25, 10.17) were significantly associated with increased odds of not sleeping in ITN the night before the survey. A total of 193 female sand flies were trapped from various locations within the study communities. Factors associated with ITN non-use such as lack of household access to ITN should be incorporated into future efforts to improve ITN use. Species of sand flies and their potential vectorial role in the study communities should also be investigated.

Significant factors associated with problematic use of opioid pain relief medications among the household population, Canada, 2018.

Reliance on the use of opioids to manage pain has increased over time, as have opioid-related morbidity and deaths. In 2018, 12.7% of Canadians reported having used opioid pain relief medications (OPRMs) in the previous year. Among these people, 9.6% had engaged in problematic use that could cause harm to their health. Though socioeconomic characteristics associated with opioid-related harms have previously been reported, population-level evidence based on administrative health data lacks important behavioural and psychosocial information. This analysis extends previous research by using modelling to report factors related to the problematic use of OPRMs for the household population aged 15 and older in Canada. This analysis uses responses to the 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey to identify factors that are significantly associated, after adjustment using multivariate logistic regression models, with elevated odds of problematic use of OPRMs. The fully adjusted model confirmed that being male, being younger (ages 20 to 24), having fair or poor mental health, having unmet needs for help with mental or emotional health or substance problems, being a smoker, or being unattached and living with others were significantly related to problematic OPRM use. Subjective perceptions significantly related to problematic OPRM use, independent of socioeconomic circumstances, were examined in this study. While previous research based on administrative health data has contributed much to knowledge about factors associated with opioid harms, modelled results revealed that self-reported experiential factors also warrant consideration as they are significantly associated with problematic use. Having fair or poor mental health, having unmet perceived needs for help, and being unattached in terms of household arrangement relationship were related to problematic use of OPRMs, even after adjustment for socioeconomic and other health covariates. This study suggests risk profiles that could be used to inform health care providers, and strategies to support safe pain management.

Trends in COVID-19 Health Disparities in North Carolina: Preparing the Field for Long-Haul Patients.

Long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (long-COVID) refers to persistent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) lingering beyond four weeks of initial infection. Approximately 30% of COVID-19 survivors develop prolonged symptoms. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by comorbidities, increasing the risk of severe COVID-19 and potentially leading to long-COVID. This study aims to identify trends in health disparities related to COVID-19 cases, which can help unveil potential populations at risk for long-COVID. All North Carolina (NC) counties (n = 100) were selected as a case study. Cases and vaccinations per 1000 population were calculated based on the NC Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 dashboard with reports current as of 8 October 2021, which were stratified by age groups and race/ethnicity. Then, NC COVID-19 cases were correlated to median household income, poverty, population density, and social vulnerability index themes. We observed a negative correlation between cases (p < 0.05) and deaths (p < 0.01) with both income and vaccination status. Moreover, there was a significant positive association between vaccination status and median household income (p < 0.01). Our results highlight the prevailing trend between exacerbated COVID-19 infection and low-income/under-resourced communities. Consequently, efforts and resources should be channeled to these communities to effectively monitor, diagnose, and treat against COVID-19 and potentially prevent an overwhelming number of long-COVID cases.

PENGARUH VARIABEL EKONOMI MAKRO TERHADAP PEMBIAYAAN PERBANKAN SYARIAH PERIODE 2010-2018

This study aims to identify the effect of remittances on economic growth. The objects used in this study are five ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, for the period 2005 to 2016. There are other variables, namely gross fixed capital formation, household consumption expenditure, trade, and population growth which are used as control variable in this model. This study uses a quantitative approach and panel data methods. As a result, there are significant and negative effects on remittances: significant and positive effects on gross fixed capital formation, significant and positive effects on household consumption expenditures, significant and positive effects on trade, and significant and negative effects on population growth on economic growth in five countries. ASEAN.

PENGARUH REMITANSI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI LIMA NEGARA BERKEMBANG DI ASEAN (2005-2016)

This study aims to identify the effect of remittances on economic growth. The objects used in this study are five ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, for the period 2005 to 2016. There are other variables, namely gross fixed capital formation, household consumption expenditure, trade, and population growth which are used as control variable in this model. This study uses a quantitative approach and panel data methods. As a result, there are significant and negative effects on remittances: significant and positive effects on gross fixed capital formation, significant and positive effects on household consumption expenditures, significant and positive effects on trade, and significant and negative effects on population growth on economic growth in five countries. ASEAN.

Documentation of the traditional hand tools in selected tribal and non-tribal households of Assam

The study aimed to document the various traditional hand tools and implements used in performing different agricultural activities in selected tribal and non-tribal households of Assam. Traditional hand tools and implements are easy to operate, cheap and used manually. A survey was conducted to gather information from the selected 100 households by ‘Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) technique’ from two districts i.e., Jorhat and Karbi Anglong based on non-tribal and tribal (hill tribe) households population. Data were gathered by observation and interview method conducted with purposively selected informants. The study revealed that farmers of Assam still use traditional tools and implements. The detailed information about each tool was collected and informative notes were taken. A total of 22 tools documented during this study are presented in this paper.

Putting diverse farming households’ preferences and needs at the centre of seed system development

Over recent decades international agricultural research has shown that it can generate agricultural technologies with benefits for societies in the Global South that outstrip the investments many times over. However, it has also been shown that the benefits generated are not evenly spread and do not reach some groups of farmers at all. Too often, segments of the intended target populations are left out and these often tend to be those already ‘left behind’. New seeds and varieties are important elements of agricultural technologies and the development of these relies on seed delivery systems to get new varieties to the farming population. Here we argue that a clear analysis of the preferences and needs of farming households and their inherent heterogeneity is required when setting the goals for breeding programmes and designing seed delivery systems. We characterize the differences in demand profiles, which implies different types of seed delivery models that are tailed to context, crop and preferences and the multiple needs of farming households. We point to the implications for organizing and targeting the seed delivery system in order to cater for all. Recognising the existence of diverse demands, developing different seeds and varieties and delivering them through a variety of models asks for clarity on mandates and opens up the opportunities for coordination that will lead to synergies in meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and reach a wider population of farming households.

Socioeconomic and demographic risk factors in COVID-19 hospitalization among immigrants and ethnic minorities.

BackgroundImmigrants and ethnic minorities have been shown to be at increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19. Our aim was to analyse the contribution of socioeconomic and demographic risk factors on hospital admissions for COVID-19 among immigrants and ethnic minorities compared to the majority population.MethodsWe used nationwide register data on all hospitalized COVID-19 cases between February and June 2020 (N = 2232) and random controls from the general population (N = 498 117). We performed logistic regression analyses and adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, and socioeconomic and demographic factors. The main outcome measure was hospitalization with COVID-19 and was estimated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsAmong 2232 COVID-19 cases, the OR of hospitalization with COVID-19 among immigrants and descendants of non-Western origin was 2.5 times higher (95% CI: 2.23–2.89) compared with individuals of Danish origin with most pronounced results among individuals from Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan and Somalia. The OR was largely attributed to comorbidity and socioeconomic factors, especially household size, occupation, and population density.ConclusionThere is a significantly higher OR of hospitalization with COVID-19 among non-Western immigrants and ethnic minorities compared with ethnic Danes. This knowledge is crucial for health policymakers and practitioners in both the current and future pandemics to identify more vulnerable groups and target prevention initiatives.