Role Of Socioeconomic Factors Research Articles

Patient voices in reproductive health: telehealth satisfaction and the role of socioeconomic factors

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic made telehealth a vital tool in reproductive health care, yet patient perspectives in the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) remain underexplored. Methods: This study assesses patient satisfaction with telehealth in an REI department, focusing on ease of use, technical challenges, preferences for future consultations, and the influence of socioeconomic and insurance factors. A survey of 50 REI telehealth patients was conducted, capturing ratings for satisfaction and ease of use on a 1–10 scale. Results: Findings showed that 36% rated satisfaction a perfect 10, and 44% rated ease of use similarly. However, 60% preferred in-person consultations moving forward, particularly among Medicare and Medicaid patients who valued the thoroughness of in-person exams and faced challenges with telehealth instructions due to language barriers and digital literacy issues. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of offering flexible care options to meet the diverse needs of patients who may face additional challenges in telehealth settings.

The Longitudinal Relationship Between Allostatic Load and Multimorbidity Among Older Americans

Background: To examine the association between allostatic load and the progression of multimorbidity and the role of socioeconomic factors among older Americans. Methods: Data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal study of older American adults, were used. Data were included from waves 8 (2006), 10 (2010), 11 (2012), and 13 (2016). Self-reported diagnoses of five chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung diseases, cancer, and stroke) indicated multimorbidity and were dichotomised to reflect having two or more conditions versus one or fewer. Multimorbidity in 2006 was subtracted from that in 2016 to calculate ten-year change in multimorbidity. Sociodemographic data (age, gender, education, and wealth) were from wave 8 (2006). Behaviours (physical activity and smoking) were from wave 10 (2010). Allostatic load, indicated by five biomarkers (waist circumference, high blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein, and c-reactive protein), was from wave 11 (2012). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to assess the longitudinal association between the aforementioned factors and the incidence of multimorbidity in 2016. Results: Given that allostatic load was assessed in a subsample of HRS, 8222 were excluded for lack of relevant data. A total of 3336 participants were included in the final analysis. The incidence of multimorbidity in 2016 was 19%. Allostatic load in 2012 was significantly associated with the incidence of multimorbidity in 2016 (estimate 0.10, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.07, 0.14); in other words, for an additional marker of allostatic load, there was an average 0.1 change in the incidence of multimorbidity. Wealth and education (2006) were indirectly associated with multimorbidity through allostatic load and behaviours. Smoking (2010) was positively associated with multimorbidity in 2016, while physical activity showed a negative association. Conclusions: Biological markers of stress indicated by allostatic load were associated with multimorbidity. Adverse socioeconomic conditions appear to induce allostatic load and risk behaviours, which impact the progression of multimorbidity.

Acceptability Attitude of Men Toward Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: The Role of Socio-Economic Factors in Pakistan

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a substantial public health concern in Pakistan. Despite its prevalence, the acceptability attitude of men towards IPV remains a critical barrier to addressing this issue. This study investigates socioeconomic determinants of the acceptability attitude of men towards Intimate Partner Violence in Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on age, education, wealth index quintile, media, ever-fathered child, area, and ethnicity. Using the logistic regression model, this research explores the complex relationships between socioeconomic factors and men's attitudes toward IPV. The findings reveal significant associations between education, income, and men's acceptability attitude towards IPV. These results have important implications for policy and program development aimed at preventing IPV and promoting gender equality. This research donates to the current literature giving a vision of socioeconomic determinants of the acceptability attitude of men towards IPV in a Pakistani context. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address these underlying determinants, and inform strategies to prevent IPV and promote gender equality. By exploring the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and men's attitudes toward IPV, this study aims to inform evidence-based solutions to address this critical public health concern.

Impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on treatment-related time intervals in oral cavity cancers: National Cancer Database study.

e18122 Background: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) has high mortality, recurrence, and metastasis, requiring multimodal treatment. Treatment delays reduce overall survival (OS), yet the role of socioeconomic factors, such as insurance status and facility type, in treatment intervals and survival, remains unclear. This study examines the impact of these factors on OS using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: Patients diagnosed with OCSCC were identified from the NCDB from 2004 to 2024. Demographic, socioeconomic, treatment, and survival data were extracted. Insurance status, a proxy for socioeconomic status, was categorized as private, uninsured, Medicaid, Medicare, or other government insurance. Inclusion criteria required patients to have undergone surgery and radiation, with complete data on malignancy type, vital status, and treatment intervals. Missing data and patients with unknown insurance status were excluded from this study. Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on OS, adjusting for age, sex, race, tumor size, and time to surgery and radiation. Statistical significance was defined as p <0.05. Results: A total of 86,246 patients were included, contributing 309,952 person-years of follow-up and 21,425 events. The median OS was 3.02 years. Patients with private insurance had significantly better OS compared to those uninsured or with Medicaid, Medicare, or other government insurance ( p <0.05). Patients treated at comprehensive community cancer centers were associated with improved OS relative to patients treated at other facility types (HR= 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-1.01 p <0.05). Tumor size and delays in surgery and radiation were independently correlated with worse survival outcomes (Table 1). Conclusions: Socioeconomic factors, particularly insurance status and facility type, significantly impact survival in OCSCC. Treatment delays worsen disparities, highlighting the need for interventions to improve access and outcomes. Cox model of factors influencing overall survival in OCSCC. Variable Hazard Ratio [95% CI] p-value Uninsured 1.18 [1.09, 1.27] <0.001* Medicare 1.26 [1.20, 1.32] <0.001* Medicaid 1.06 [1.02, 1.10] 0.003 * Other Government Insurance 1.16 [1.06, 1.27] 0.001 * Age 1.10 [1.07, 1.12] <0.001* African American 1.03 [0.98, 1.09] 0.269 All Other Races 1.32 [1.25, 1.39] <0.001 * Female 1.08 [1.05, 1.11] <0.001* Diagnosis to Surgery (Days) 1.03 [1.01, 1.04] <0.001* Diagnosis to Radiation (Days) 1.03 [1.02, 1.04] <0.001* Tumor Size 2.84 [2.79, 2.89] <0.001* Community Cancer Program 1.36 [1.24, 1.50] <0.001* Comprehensive Community Cancer Program 0.94 [0.88, 1.01] 0.077 Academic/Research Program 1.07 [1.01, 1.14] 0.032 * Integrated Network Cancer Program 1.01 [0.94, 1.08] 0.840 *statistical significance.

Long-term trends in mortality by living arrangements and the role of socioeconomic factors, Finland 1991-2020.

Recent decades have witnessed major changes in living arrangements, potentially impacting their well-established associations with mortality. However, research considering long-term trends in these differentials is scarce. We used individual-level register data on the total Finnish population aged 30 years and over from 1991 to 2020 to examine trends in the association between living arrangements and all-cause, as well as external and alcohol-related mortality. We calculated age-standardized mortality rates, quantified group differentials in absolute and relative terms, and assessed the contribution of socioeconomic factors with Poisson-models. Analyses were conducted separately for men and women in age groups 30-49, 50-69, and 70+. All-cause mortality was consistently lowest among men and women living with a partner. Highest rates were observed in the growing group of individuals living alone or with persons other than a partner or child, who experienced up to a five-fold excess mortality compared to those living with a partner and children. Mortality declined across all living arrangement groups over time. While absolute rate differences mostly narrowed, relative differences widened across all ages. Adjustments for socioeconomic factors somewhat attenuated mortality differentials, with their contribution increasing modestly by the end of the study period. In conclusion, over the past 30 years, relative mortality differences by living arrangement have increased at all ages for both men and women. These widening differentials pose a growing public health burden, particularly for the growing group of individuals living alone. Our results suggest that factors beyond socioeconomic differentiation are contributing to these trends.

Microbial Water Quality at the Point of Use: The Role of Socio-Economic Factors and Water Handling Practices in Kitwe District, Zambia.

The scarcity of safe drinking water affects individuals living in low income areas, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between socio-economic factors, water handling practices and microbial water quality in Kitwe District, Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 households using a semi-structured questionnaire along with microbiological analysis of water samples during the dry and wet season. A total of 44 water samples (per season) from the point of use and 16 source samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, residual chlorine, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between socio-economic factors, water handling practices, and water quality. The prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination was 61.3% during the dry season and 77.3% during the wet season. Key factors associated with household water quality included, household monthly income, education level, family size, season, storage container design, water withdrawal method, covering storage containers, water treatment practices, and hand washing with soap. Notably, households that used narrow-mouthed containers (AOR = 0.090, 0.014-0.580), covered their storage containers (AOR = 0.113, 0.014-0.889), and practiced water treatment (AOR = 0.120, 0.022-0.656) showed significantly reduced risks of E. coli contamination. The findings highlight the importance of socio-economic factors and proper water handling practices in improving household water quality. To enhance water safety and reduce water-related diseases, targeted interventions should focus on educating communities about the effective handling of water. Furthermore, addressing socio-economic factors and improving access to safe water are essential for mitigating contamination risks in low-income areas.

ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Introduction. In recent years, in Ukraine, the role of socio-economic factors in the mechanisms of arterial hypertension (AH), which provide for socially determined economic factors, has been increasing. The level of health of citizens, and accordingly the average duration of their quality life, is formed under the influence of such internationally recognized components: natural, socio-economic, socio-political, preventive conditions and medical care. According to the WHO, 1,130 million people worldwide suffer from AH, and most of them (about two-thirds) live in low- and middle-income countries; in 2015, AH affected 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women; only 1 in 5 people with AH control the condition; AH is one of the main causes of premature death in the world. The research is aimed at studying the role of medico-social and social factors, general well-being, and the level of quality of life in patients with AH and shows that AH definitely worsens their quality of life, which is characterized by a decrease in indicators of both physical and psychological conditions. Aim. To conduct an analysis of psychosocial factors affecting the quality of life of patients with hypertension. Materials and methods. In total, 120 patients with diagnostically confirmed hypertension aged 23 to 79 years participated in the study, among whom 56.67% were women and 43.33% were men. The main part of patients, 60.83%, had AH of the first degree, 24.17% – of the second, and 15% – of the third degree. A questionnaire was conducted among all respondents to study the influence of medical and social factors on the development, course and quality of life of patients with hypertension. Results. Among the patients with AH who participated in the study, the preference was for persons with secondary special education and those who work (71.62%), with excellent and good sanitary and technical conditions (60.47%) and satisfactory and poor psychological working conditions (39.53%), with an average material condition (42.5%) and a fluctuation in the level of quality of life from very high to extremely low, and deterioration of the quality of life of patients with AH was established, which, accordingly, causes a decrease in indicators of both physical and psychological conditions. Conclusions. AH worsens the quality of life of patients, so it is necessary to develop the patient's ability to understand, control and correct risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Creativity Perception of Music Practitioners.

This study investigates the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the creative abilities of music practitioners within the context of globalization and technological advancements that are transforming creative industries. Through a quantitative analysis, the study assesses how AI tool usage influences creative output. By surveying music practitioners from diverse backgrounds, it captures their experiences and perceptions of AI technologies in music creation. Grounded in cognitive science and diffusion of innovation theories, the research also empirically examines the relationship between AI technology acceptance and creativity perception, while considering the role of socioeconomic factors. Regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between key variables, ensuring robust and reliable results. The results suggest that AI technology acceptance is significantly correlated with creative performance, particularly among individuals with formal music education and experience using music composition software. However, socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, and professional background also influence how extensively AI is utilized in the creative process. These findings provide new insights into AI's role in creative industries and offer data to inform music education and technology training policies.

Romantic partners’ meanings of risk during COVID-19: the role of socioeconomic factors

Socioeconomic status (SES) creates disparities in exposure to health and economic risk, but further research is needed to determine how socioeconomic factors influence (1) what risk means to people in romantic relationships, and (2) how couples’ co-constructed meanings of risk affect their relationship trajectory. The experiences of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic provide a pertinent case to study this. During such a critical and uncertain life course stage, the pandemic’s fallout exacerbated existing SES inequality, and forced couples to navigate the risk of pandemic infection alongside the risk of financial loss. This paper draws from in-depth, individual interviews with romantic partners ages 18–33 (N = 28, 14 couples) in the United States, to analyse the role of two socioeconomic factors (financial resources and occupational advantages) on their co-construction of risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some participants described how their job conditions allowed them to largely avert risk of COVID-19 infection, and the financial resources they had pre-pandemic provided a safety net for them to take opportunistic risks for future financial gain. As a result, they were able to negotiate next steps to deepen their bond. Meanwhile, partners with less of these resources had to negotiate how they would simply be able to get by financially, physically, and in their relationship. Based on these findings, we argue that co-constructed meanings are another mechanism by which SES creates cumulative (dis)advantage, both in couples’ material reality, and in the trajectory of their relationship

Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Mass Media Exposures to Family Planning Information among Married Women in South-West Nigeria

The role of socio-economic factors in mass media exposures to family planning information among married women cannot be over-emphasized in South-West Nigeria. Hence, this paper examines socio-economic factors influencing mass media exposure to family planning information among married women in south-west Nigeria. The study employed the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) dataset-2013, in which 3,784 women belonging to 15-49 years were selected. The data were analyzed using descriptive, chi-square tests, and multivariate (logistic regression). The results of this study indicate that state of residence, place of residence, age, educational level, religion, wealth index, and employment status have significant relationships with married women’s exposures to family planning information on radio, television, and newspaper magazines. The paper recommends that married women in urban centers of south-west Nigeria need to be more effective in accessing family planning information on radio, television, and newspapers.

The role of socioeconomic factors and third-party support in language development for children with cochlear implants

It has been reported that the higher the parents’ education level and income, the better language performance after cochlear implant (CI). We investigate whether socioeconomic factors (household income, parental education level, type of family, and location of residence) affect the language performance after CI even when all financial support for examination, hospitalization, surgery, and language rehabilitation program after CI was provided by a third-party. Of the 892 pediatric patients who underwent CI between 2007 and 2020 at our institution, data from 109 patients who received full financial support were analyzed retrospectively. Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) and K-Ling test (reading and speech) scores (preoperative and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperative) were analyzed according to socioeconomic factors. With third-party support, there was no significant difference in language performance based on the household income and location of residence. However, there were significant differences in K-ling-reading (phoneme) according to father’s and mother’s education level, K-ling-speech (phoneme, phonology) according to mother’s education level and CAP score according to type of family (single-parent family or not). Additionally, when the mother’s education level was less than a university degree, the mean age at the time of CI surgery was 3.1 years old, higher than 2.7 years old for mothers with a university degree or more (p < 0.001). Parental education level and family type significantly affected language performance following CI, even when financial support was fully provided. Additionally, children underwent CI earlier when the maternal education level was high.

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in Niger delta, Nigeria: The role of socioeconomic factors and cultural acceptance

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in Niger delta, Nigeria: The role of socioeconomic factors and cultural acceptance

The Prevalence and Associated Demographic Factors of Hepatitis C Infections among Patients referred to Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern. In Afghanistan, the epidemiology of HCV is not well understood due to the prolonged conflict and a fragmented healthcare system. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV among patients at the Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Kabul and analyze the demographic factors influencing infection rates. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 16553 patients who underwent serological testing for HCV from Jan to Dec 2023. Data on the demographic characteristics, including age, gender, marital status, occupation, education level, and geographic location, were collected and analyzed to determine the prevalence of HCV. Results: The results revealed a hepatitis C prevalence of about 4% (674 positive cases). The highest prevalence was in the 21-30 yr age group (24.77%), with males making up 60.08% of cases. Most cases were among married individuals (80.71%) and those with lower education, indicating the role of socioeconomic factors in HCV transmission. Conclusion: The findings indicate a concerning prevalence of HCV among patients in Kabul, particularly among younger adults and males. These results underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives focused on awareness, screening, and treatment to mitigate the impact of HCV in Afghanistan. Targeted interventions aimed at high-risk populations, along with educational campaigns, are essential for improving health outcomes and reducing transmission rates.

Dietary Disruptors in Romania: Seasonality, Traditions, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The global rise in obesity has been significantly influenced by shifts in dietary habits that have been exacerbated by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the trends in Romanian dietary habits from 2015 to 2023, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of socio-economic factors, seasonality, and cultural practices. For dietary habits, we used nationally representative data from the Romanian Household Budget Survey provided by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics. The survey includes 30,000 households annually. From the same provider, we downloaded data about potential drivers of food consumption, such as income, the consumer price index, and the unemployment rate. The analysis mixes descriptive statistics and panel data analysis. Among the main drivers, the econometric models include seasonality and regional factors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the changes in dietary behavior. During the COVID-19 pandemic, daily calorie consumption increased to over 3000 calories per person, representing a 20% increase compared to the pre-pandemic period. Post-pandemic, food consumption remains elevated, averaging 2500-2600 calories per person daily. The pandemic also led to a shift in dietary composition, with significant changes. Thus, we mark an increase in fat (p < 0.001) and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.01) and a decrease in protein intake (p < 0.001). Beyond the presence of health disruptors, we confirm the significant impact of income (p < 0.001) and seasonality (p < 0.001). Other factors like unemployment, the consumer price index, and hidden regional factors have a minor role. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on Romanian dietary habits, reinforcing unhealthy eating patterns that were already prevalent. The sustained increase in calorie consumption, particularly of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods, poses a significant public health challenge. The study also highlights significant seasonal variations, with a marked increase in food intake during the last quarter of the year, driven by cultural and religious traditions. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and policies that address economic factors and cultural and regional influences to promote healthier dietary behaviors in Romania.

The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Shaping Health Outcomes among Vulnerable Populations

Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment, and social support, play a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. This paper examines how these determinants interact to influence physical and mental health disparities. Drawing on data from multiple studies, the paper highlights the compounded impact of socioeconomic deprivation on access to healthcare, exposure to stressors, and lifestyle choices. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, ethnic minorities, and individuals with limited educational attainment, experience disproportionate health risks. This review underscores the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic inequalities, which are essential for improving public health and reducing disparities. Emphasis is placed on policy implications, including the need for accessible healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, to promote health equity across socioeconomic groups.

A finite mixture approach for the analysis of digital skills in Bulgaria, Finland and Italy: the role of socio-economic factors

A finite mixture approach for the analysis of digital skills in Bulgaria, Finland and Italy: the role of socio-economic factors

The Role of Socio-Economic Factors in Sustainable Urban Development

This study aims to explore the integration of sustainable development principles into the management of urban tourism. The research seeks to identify and analyze the socio-economic, geographical, and environmental factors that influence the development of urban tourism, and to propose strategic planning approaches that enhance sustainability in these rapidly growing megapolises. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research involved a comprehensive review of existing literature on urban tourism and sustainable development, followed by an expert survey conducted among key stakeholders in the tourism industry of Kazakhstan. The survey results were analyzed using statistical methods, including the Kendall concordance coefficient, to assess the consistency of expert opinions. The findings reveal that sustainable urban tourism in Kazakhstan's major cities can be optimized by tailoring tourism development strategies to the unique characteristics of each city. The analysis highlighted the need for targeted infrastructure development and strategic planning to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability. By aligning tourism development with sustainable urban planning principles, cities like Astana and Almaty can enhance their appeal as tourist destinations while contributing to broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic resilience. This research provides a novel contribution by integrating sustainable development principles into urban tourism management in the context of developing countries, with specific insights into the distinctive urban environments of Kazakhstan. The study's focus on the unique socioeconomic and environmental factors of Astana and Almaty offers valuable strategies for policymakers and urban planners aiming to promote sustainable tourism in similar developing urban contexts.

Dietary Pattern Trajectories in French Adults Over Time (2014-2022): Role of Socioeconomic Factors

Abstract While dietary transitions towards more plant-based diets are urgently needed, few studies have investigated current diet trajectories, based on observed longitudinal data. This study investigated current dietary transitions of French adults over an 8 years period (2014-2022), while assessing the nutritional quality of the consumed foods and the role of diverse socio-economic factors. Consumption data from 17,187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants weighted for the French Census were collected using a food frequency questionnaire in 2014, 2018, 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in 23 food groups were assessed over time. The nutritional quality was evaluated using the cDQI score, categorizing foods into ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’. The socioeconomic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat, processed meat, legumes and wholegrain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognized as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models. Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22%, wholegrain products +7%) significantly increased over time; while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat -19%, refined cereals -18%, sweet drinks -15%) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16%), processed meat (+35%) and butter (+100%) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between sexes and translated into an improved food quality score (cDQI). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased intake of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories. Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition. Key messages • Plant-based food consumption increased while unhealthy food intake, both plant and animal-based, decreased; Gender differences were observed in baseline consumption and the extent of changes over time. • Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption. Increased intake of plant-based foods was observed among students and higher socio-professional categories.

Dietary pattern trajectories in French adults of the NutriNet-Santé cohort over time (2014–2022): role of socio-economic factors

Despite the urgent need for plant-based dietary shifts, few studies have examined current diet trajectories using longitudinal data. This study analyzed dietary transitions of French adults over 8 years (2014-2022), assessing diet quality and the role of various socio-economic factors. Consumption data from 17 187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants, weighted for the French Census, were collected via FFQ in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in twenty-three food groups were assessed over time. Diet quality was evaluated using the Comprehensive Diet Quality Index score, categorising foods into ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’. Socio-economic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat (including fresh beef, pork, offal and lamb), processed meat (e.g. sausages, ham and bacon), legumes and whole-grain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognised as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models. Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22 %, whole-grain products +7 %) significantly increased over time, while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat −19 %, refined cereals −18 %, sweetened drinks −15 %) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16 %) and processed meat (+35 %) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between genders and translated into an improved diet quality score (Comprehensive Diet Quality Index). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased consumption of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories. Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition.

The role of socioeconomic factors in sex differences in intrinsic capacity among older adults: A cross-sectional study in Taiwan

The role of socioeconomic factors in sex differences in intrinsic capacity among older adults: A cross-sectional study in Taiwan