Rural Research Articles

Prevalence and Factors of Pregnancy Termination Among Reproductive-Aged Women: Evidence from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Pregnancy termination (PT) is a major public health concern in low-and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors of PT using the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data 2017–2018. Materials and Methods: A weighted population-based sample of 8759 ever-married reproductive-aged women (15–49 years) was included in the study. The outcome variable was PT in any of the following forms: miscarriage, induced abortion, and stillbirth. A univariate analysis for mean, frequency, and percentage and multiple logistical regression were used to determine the factors associated with PT. Results: Around 18% of the women were found to have PT. The mean age of the women in the study was 25.79 years; 65.1% lived in the rural areas, and the majority of them were Muslims. Advanced age of the women (AOR:3.49, p = 0.004), residence in the countryside (AOR:0.81, p = 0.002), higher education (AOR:0.72, p = 0.027), not being a Muslim (AOR:0.74, p = 0.010), higher socio-economic status (AOR:1.28, p = 0.027), having a job (AOR:1.15, p = 0.041), being married at the age of >22 years (AOR:0.71, p = 0.036), and using a mobile phone (AOR:1.22, p = 0.002) were significant factors of PT. This study did not find any association between PT and contraceptive use. Conclusions: Age, living region, education, religion, wealth index, working status, marital age, and mobile phone use are the determinants of PT. Interventions including these factors need to be made to reduce PT in Bangladeshi women. These findings could be helpful in undertaking further epidemiological studies to understand the actual causes of PT in various rural and urban settings among different socio-demographic groups in Bangladesh.

Does drought increase intimate partner violence? Evidence from India

India has a high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. IPV has been observed to increase during natural disasters. Many studies have attempted to unravel the effect of drought on IPV; however, the evidence remains mixed. There is a gap in such studies in the Indian context, and this study seeks to fill this gap. We used data from the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) (2015 – 2016) and NFHS-5 (2019 – 2021) to examine the effect of drought caused by the failure of the northeastern monsoon (NEM) in 2016 – 2018. Our analysis included data from 19 states and Union Territories of India (N = 34,590) in a difference-in-differences setup to evaluate the effect of the NEM drought on IPV. Exposure to the NEM drought was positively associated with physical violence (PV) and emotional violence, with results significant at the 95% and 99% confidence levels, respectively. A subsample analysis of rural and urban populations revealed that drought is significantly associated with an increase in sexual violence in urban areas, whereas it correlates with PV in rural areas. Additionally, exposure to drought is linked to a considerable rise in the controlling behavior of partners, for example, “He (is/was) jealous or angry if you (talk/talked) to other men,” “he (does/did) not permit you to meet your female friends).” These findings call for a two-fold policy action: providing support in the form of wage employment programs, subsidies, and other financial assistance during drought periods to help households cope with financial stress and implementing awareness programs aimed at changing partners’ mindsets, thereby reducing controlling behaviors in marriages.

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the adult population in a rural community of Jammu, India: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMental health is crucial for overall well-being, but rural areas often face difficulties in accessing mental health services and understanding psychiatric disorders.AimThis study aimed to address these issues by assessing the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adults in rural Jammu and examining how socio-cultural and demographic factors are related to these disorders.MethodsA sample of 1,016 adults from rural Jammu was surveyed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Data were collected through house-to-house visits conducted by trained investigators. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distribution and odds ratio, were employed to analyze the data respectively.ResultsOverall, 20.67% of the participants had a psychiatric disorder. Alcohol dependence was the most common condition, affecting 12.30% of the individuals, followed by generalized anxiety disorder at 3.14%. The study found significant associations between psychiatric disorders and several factors. Specifically, older people were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, with an odds ratio of 3.7 [2.07-6.59]. Married individuals also had a higher likelihood of experiencing psychiatric disorders (OR: 2.3 [1.55-3.54]). Those with less schooling were at an increased risk, with an odds ratio of 7.77 [2.31-26.09], and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to have these disorders as well (OR: 5.1 [2.4-10.5]).Discussion and conclusionThe findings underscore the complex association between socio-demographic factors and mental health outcomes in rural areas of Jammu region. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions and policies that account for the unique socio-cultural contexts of rural populations. By understanding the specific challenges faced by these communities, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop more effective strategies to enhance mental health services and promote well-being.

A novel interpretation of farmland abandonment: evidence from the famine experience

The growing severity of farmland abandonment in rural areas has sparked concerns about the lack of people willing to cultivate the land. This study attempts to find the endogenous factors of farmland land abandonment among Chinese farmers and to curb land degradation to stabilize food security. Based on the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (2016–2018), this paper explores the effect of famine experience on farmland abandonment using logit and DID models. We find that famine experience does increase the probability and extent of farmland abandonment, and undergo a series of robustness tests. We also find that the famine stigma effect increases the likelihood and extent of farmland abandonment by increasing risk aversion and reducing social trust and investment in agriculture. The growth of urbanization in China worsens the effects of famine, whereas local communal production services remove the effects of famine. The overall findings of this study provide useful insights for the government to protect land quality and food security and to carefully consider the role played by communities.

Šiauliai Labour Camp No. 294 of Prisoners of War of Germany and its Allies (1945–1948)

At the end of the Soviet-German war, in spring 1945, labour camps for prisoners of war of Germany and its allies were set up in Lithuania. One of them – was Šiauliai Labour Camp No. 294, which consisted of six divisions: Akmenė, Bačiūnai, Panevėžys, Pavenčiai, Radviliškis, and Šiauliai. In June 1945, 8,256 prisoners of war were imprisoned in Šiauliai Labour Camp and its divisions; on 1 January 1946, there were 5,714 prisoners remaining and on 1 June – 5,048 (4,363 worked outside the boundaries of the camp); and on 1 March 1947 – 2,583 prisoners. They were rebuilding the city of Šiauliai destroyed during the war: they rebuilt the drama theatre, 3 gymnasiums, a hospital, a railway station and other buildings. Prisoners also produced consumer goods and a variety of products at the camp workshop and did auxiliary works on the farm, so the camp was partially self-sufficient in terms of food. Prisoners, who worked in rural areas, received food from local residents. On average, there were around 3,000–4,000 prisoners in the camp each year.In terms of international humanitarian law, the repressive structures of the Soviet Union and the Lithuanian SSR basically observed the provisions of the 1929 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, but in 1945–1946 due to extremely complicated natural and economic conditions, as well as the unpredictability of the camp administration prisoners had painful experiences. Many of them were ill; in winter 1945–1946 the camp suffered a typhus epidemic. Between 1945 and 1948 about 500 prisoners died, most of the prisoners were underfed and malnourished. The camp administration and managers of various economic entities abused the available cheap labour of prisoners, corruption thrived, there was large-scale embezzlement and there were minor thefts by the camp staff.The number of prisoners fluctuated each year: some of them were taken to the Soviet Union, others were repatriated; some prisoners escaped. According to some data, between 1945 and March 1947, 188 people escaped, but according to other data between 1946 and 1947, 99 prisoners escaped (50 were recaptured) and 2,321 were repatriated. When general repatriation started in the Soviet Union, Šiauliai Labour Camp was closed in autumn 1948. The remaining inmates were transferred to Vilnius Labour Camp No. 195 and subsequently in March 1949 repatriated back to their home countries.

Patient autonomy in self-managing their bronchial asthma exacerbation and its associated factors, 2024

IntroductionAsthma, a global chronic respiratory condition, varies in patient autonomy due to limited resources, health literacy, and cultural beliefs, emphasizing the importance of understanding this autonomy for improved asthma management.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, involving face-to-face interviews with 175 patients. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, and autonomy levels using a validated Patient Autonomy Preference Index. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were used.ResultsA total of 175 participants were recruited, out of them 41.7% (95% CI: 31.19, 40.41)) of participants were autonomous in managing their asthma exacerbation. 127 (72.6%) of study participants were female, with a mean age of 47.51 (SD ± 13.96), 101(57.7%) were live in urban areas, 54 (30.9%) had no formal education, 140 (80%) were married, 112 (64%) had health insurance, and 102(83.3%) obtained health information about their condition from healthcare workers. Reside in an urban area (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.40–7.49, p < 0.006), have health insurance (AOR = 4.30; 95% CI: 1.76–10.51, p < 0.001), those doing regular exercise (AOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 1.69–13.64, p < 0.003), have family history (AOR = 7.47; 95% CI: 1.61–34.60, p < 0.01), have a duration above five years since diagnosis (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 1.04–1.26, p < 0.003), and participants with a high level of health literacy (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00–1.20, p < 0.042) become associated with being autonomous in managing asthma exacerbation.Conclusion and recommendationOnly around forty-two percent of study participants were autonomous in managing their asthma exacerbation. Thus healthcare providers should give due attention to those who reside in rural areas, are not insured, recently diagnosed with asthma, and with low health literacy to enhance patient autonomy and self-management practices, ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals with asthma.

Self-Guided Blood Pressure Screening in the Community, Opportunities, and Challenges.

Community-based health check kiosks provide opportunities to improve the detection and long-term monitoring of hypertension. We describe the sociodemographic and cardiovascular characteristics of first-time and repeat users of these kiosks. This was an observational study. Deidentified data collected from 430 SiSU Health consumer-facing health check stations in pharmacies across Australia between January 2018 and November 2020 were analyzed. Using a logistic regression, we identified factors associated with repeat checks in the overall cohort and in those with possible hypertension presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CIs. A total of 982 122 unique checks were conducted; 54% (n=530 139) of the health check users were female, and the average age of all users was 38.2 (SD, 16.0) years. Notably, 13% used the kiosks more than once. Overall, 22% met the definition of possible hypertension, 16% (n=136 345) had blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg, 4% (n=34 349) had BP >160/100 mm Hg, and 13% (121 282) reported taking BP medicines. In the adjusted analysis, first-time users who were aged 50 to 69 years (aOR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87-0.96]) or ≥70 years (aOR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.62-0.74]) were less likely than young users (18-29 years) to return for a second health check. Those in very remote areas were 61% (aOR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.19-0.72]), and smokers were 13% less likely to return (aOR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.83-0.91]). People taking BP medications were more likely to return (aOR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.09-1.22]). Community-based health checks may identify people with high BP and could provide an option for self-monitoring. Broader implementation is needed to increase the reach in rural areas and among the elderly population.

Determinants of micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy among women in three sub-Saharan African countries: a multilevel logistic regression model

BackgroundPoor maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a common cause of poor maternal and infant outcomes. Micronutrient deficiencies are common among pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women are recommended to take micronutrients like iron or folic acid and deworming medication during pregnancy. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess micronutrient intake and its associated factors among pregnant women in three countries using the most recent demographic and health survey.MethodsWe used data from the most recent demographic and health surveys, which were carried out between 2019 and 2022 in three sub-Saharan African countries. The study included a weighted sample of 13,568 reproductive-age women who had given birth within the five years prior to the survey. Utilizing multilevel logistic regression, the factors associated with the dependent variable were identified. Model comparison and fitness were assessed using the deviance (-2LLR), likelihood ratio test, median odds ratio, and intra-class correlation coefficient. Ultimately, factors were deemed statistically significant if they had a p-value less than 0.05.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of micronutrient intake among pregnant women during pregnancy of last birth was 77.56% (95% CI: 76.85%–78.25%). Factors like age [AOR = 1.78; 95% CI (1.14, 2.77)], educational status [AOR = 1.49; 95% CI (1.23, 1.79)], marital status [AOR = 0.66; 95% CI (0.58, 0.75)], working status [AOR = 1.17; 95% CI (1.01, 1.34)], media exposure [AOR = 1.20; 95% CI (1.05, 1.38)], preceding birth interval [AOR = 1.17; 95% CI (1.01, 1.34)], number of ANC visits [AOR = 1.65; 95% CI (1.29, 2.10)], and residence [AOR = 1.19; 95% CI (1.03, 1.37)] were significantly associated with micronutrient intake among pregnant women.ConclusionsMore than three-fourths of the study subjects were micronutrient supplemented during their pregnancy. Improving women's education, disseminating nutrition information through media, providing more attention to young pregnant women who live in rural areas, increasing the number of ANC visits, and women's empowerment are strongly recommended.

Research on the Development Status and Countermeasures of Rural E-commerce in China

Abstract: With the rapid development of the internet, the rural e-commerce in China has also evolved prominently. And it becomes increasingly widespread as well. Concurrently, various issues have surfaced in rural areas, which hinder further development of rural e-commerce in China. Recognizing this complexity, the dissertation delves into the current landscape of rural e-commerce, exploring both its inherent strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats it currently faces. The dissertation aims to clarify the fundamental development ideas and direction for the rural e-commerce in China, not just in theory but also in practical application. To illustrate this, it utilizes the example of Pinduoduo, a prominent e-commerce platform, to analyze how such platforms can effectively contribute to the advancement of rural e-commerce. Finally, the dissertation offers a set of forward-looking suggestions for the future of rural e-commerce, such as intensifying policy promotion, cultivating professional talents, and strengthening network infrastructure.

Music Education Inequality: A Case Study in Zhejiang

Abstract: This article describes the inequality distribution of music education resources in Zhejiang Province, such as the difference in music classroom facilities and music teaching equipment, and makes a statistical analysis of the data. Zhejiang Province has a high level of economic development compare with other Chinese provinces and the music facilities in the urban areas are great. Compared with rural schools, students in the urban area have more music learning opportunities and resources. However, for students in rural areas, the venues and conditions for music activities are limited, and it is difficult to meet the needs of students' music education requirements, so their level of music training is relatively low. Based on the differences between urban and rural schools in Jiaxing and Haining cities in Zhejiang Province, the essay describes that there are certain differences between urban and rural schools. Urban schools have more perfect facilities and equipment, and they can invest a lot of money in education, while rural schools are relatively backward in facilities and lack of educational resources.

Drifting Away from the Roots: Genderfluidity as Diola’s Mangrove Fishing Strategies in Three Island-Villages of Northern Guinea-Bissau

AbstractBiodiversity loss, habitat degradation, globalization, and societal transformations are challenging rural, and especially coastal communities in Guinea-Bissau where mangrove-dependent livelihoods are exposed to increased vulnerability. The Diola, traditional farmer-fishermen of the northern island-villages, have witnessed swift societal changes following the country’s economic liberalization, climate change, and youth migration from rural areas. Despite historically being a secondary subsistence activity with more predefined gender roles rooted in tradition, mangrove fishing has become a major source of cash income. Yet, women’s mangrove fishing contributions are still overlooked, resulting in general assumptions of static female fishing identities with limited control over their income. We present three case studies of Diola women’s involvement in mangrove fishing through a mixed method approach that combines qualitative techniques and household surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023. Specifically, we explore: (1) diverging societal coping strategies and livelihood developments in three Diola villages; (2) the primary drivers behind village-specific societal transformations; (3) social dynamics and female roles in mangrove fishing-related activities and village decision-making; and (4) the political ecology of interventions. Our findings underscore the complexity of gender-fluid small-scale fishing strategies as female roles beyond fish trade defy cultural generalizations. Contemporary Diola women make autonomous personal and work choices that meet their current needs and add to their household budget to face new welfare demands. Inclusive resource governance needs more gender-specific data for meaningfully implemented interventions adapted to local circumstances, enabling an active participation of all genders in conservation practices and development.

The potential of electric agriculture and mobility for the least-cost rural electrification strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Electrification is a crucial driver of rural development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet progress is often impeded by low demand density, particularly for grid extension. Despite the promising potential of stand-alone and mini-grid systems, rural areas frequently lag behind due to their low economic viability in electrification. Simultaneously, the mechanization of agriculture and the motorization of transport offer the opportunity to increase economic activity. This publication explores the role of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric tractors (ETs) in rural electrification scenarios.We present a methodology to quantify the theoretical impact of EVs and ETs on SSA’s electrification strategies, applied specifically to Nigeria and Chad. Our simulations in Nigeria reveal that not only supply options with higher capacity are needed, but that EVs have the potential to lower the cost of electricity (LCOE) by an average of 54 %, and ETs have the potential to reduce LCOE by 49 %, depending on local mobility and mechanization demand. Rural areas with significant cropland particularly benefit from using ETs to achieve cheaper electricity access. In Chad, where grid infrastructure is minimal, our assessment shows that EVs and ETs can significantly influence least-cost electrification strategies. By 2030, mini-grids will become the least-cost supply option for 60% of the newly connected population, compared to just 13% when only residential demand is considered.Our methodology advances the widely used ONSSET electrification planning model to estimate the maximum joint potential of electrified agriculture, electric mobility and adapted rural electrification strategies. Our approach involves geospatially estimating energy demands using macroscopic available population, land cover, and infrastructure data. The findings underscore the importance of jointly implementing EVs and ETs and electrification strategies for technology leapfrogging, highlighting the economic viability and potential of EVs and ETs in rural scenarios. The results provide policymakers with quantitative indicators on the impact of the implementation for Nigeria and Chad.

Low-Carbon Rural Areas: How Are Polish Municipalities Financing the Green Future?

The main aim of the research was to assess Polish rural municipalities’ investment activity connected with the development of a low-carbon economy, supported with EU funds in the 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 financial frameworks. The empirical study was based on data from Poland’s Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, Ministry of Finance, and Statistics Poland, analysed through basic descriptive statistics and a logistic model to identify key factors influencing investment activity. The study showed that the greatest number of agreements on funding were, in fact, signed by rural municipalities in the period under analysis. The predominant measures undertaken during this time were the promotion of renewable energy sources and the improvement in energy efficiency. In the earlier financial framework, low-carbon economy projects in rural areas were more often implemented by municipalities with developing demographic potential, including those characterised by a higher level of enterprise development. In the subsequent financial framework, human capital turned out to be of key importance for the investment activity of rural municipalities. Experience gained from 2007–2013 positively influenced fund absorption in 2014–2020, improving project value, number, and support. The study confirmed that rural municipalities play a vital role in advancing a low-carbon economy, as local actions are key to achieving sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Transportation services by mutual help of local residents in rural area

Transportation services by mutual help of local residents in rural area

Research on the Impact of Gender Role Perceptions on Women's Educational Opportunities in Urban and Rural China

This study explores the impact of gender role perceptions on womens educational opportunities in urban and rural China, focusing on how socio-cultural, familial, societal, and personal factors contribute to educational disparities. Through a comprehensive review of existing research, the study tests three hypotheses: (H1) perceptions of gender roles in urban areas correlate with higher educational attainment among women compared to rural areas; (H2) exposure to progressive media positively influences educational ambitions across both urban and rural contexts; and (H3) increased access to technology narrows the gender gap in education between urban and rural women. The findings underscore the persistence of traditional gender norms in rural areas, which hinder womens educational progress, while urban areas benefit from more progressive views that support higher educational attainment. The study also highlights the significant role of media and technology in challenging traditional gender norms and promoting educational equality. By addressing these factors, policymakers and educators can develop targeted strategies to reduce educational disparities and foster gender equality in both urban and rural China.

Determinants of rural‑urban child malnutrition disparities in Ethiopia

Child malnutrition is a significant issue in Ethiopia, with high prevalence rates. However, there is limited information on the rural‑urban disparities in child malnutrition of all its forms (stunting, wasting, and underweight) in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to address this gap by analysing data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). This study examined the rural‑urban child malnutrition gaps in Ethiopia using an extended Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique. The analysis reveals significant ruralurban disparities in prevalence rates of wasting, underweight, and stunting. The findings highlighted that children in rural areas are more malnourished than their urban counterparts. Additionally, the study identified key determinants of these disparities, including maternal and parental education, household economic status, women’s age at first birth, childbirth size, and working status of women. The results also indicate that institutional delivery, household size, and dependency ratio contribute to widening the rural‑urban disparities in child malnutrition. This study highlighted the importance of targeted policies and interventions to address these disparities and reduce child malnutrition at the national level.

The Role of Traditional Leaders in Local Governance: A Case Study of Jambi Province, Indonesia

Indonesia's decentralized governance system provides space for the integration of traditional leadership into local administration. This study examines the role of traditional leaders in local governance within Jambi Province, Indonesia, investigating their interactions with the formal public administration system, influence on policy implementation, and contribution to community development. This qualitative study employed a case study approach focusing on three districts in Jambi Province with varying degrees of adherence to traditional customs. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with traditional leaders, government officials, and community members. Archival research, including local regulations and policy documents, supplemented the primary data. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns. Traditional leaders in Jambi continue to hold significant influence in local communities, particularly in rural areas. Their roles encompass conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and advocacy for community interests. While their authority is not formally recognized within the modern administrative structure, they play a crucial role in mediating between communities and the government. The study found varying degrees of collaboration and tension between traditional leaders and government officials, depending on factors such as the leaders' individual personalities, the prevailing cultural norms of the community, and the specific policy area in question. The findings highlight the complexities of integrating traditional leadership into modern governance systems. While traditional leaders can contribute valuable local knowledge and legitimacy, their involvement can also pose challenges to bureaucratic procedures and accountability mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of recognizing and accommodating traditional authority while ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic principles.

“You can't ignore us”: Multiliteracies and disruption in youth activism

AbstractThis article examines the activism of student protesters in a rural Rust Belt community's Black Lives Matter protest, challenging prevailing stereotypes about civic engagement, literacies, and youth involvement in rural settings. Utilizing critical ethnography and nexus analysis to examine disruptions of discourses in place and interview student participants about their activism, findings showcase how students strategically practiced multiliteracies to upturn power dynamics and assume leadership roles within a socio‐spatial landscape. Examining youth protest literacies can inform education partners of the ways students already engage in civic discourse and how understanding their co‐construction of space can inform practices across learning communities.

Intraoperative Anesthesia-Related Critical Events in Low-Resource Hospitals During Short-Term Surgical Missions in Tanzania and Democratic Republic of the Congo: An Observational Study.

Critical incidents and mortality related to anesthesia are more frequently observed in low- and middle-income countries in comparison to high-income countries. The difficulties linked to anesthesia in rural areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania have limited documentation. The aim of this study was to comprehensively document anesthesia-related critical events that occurred during surgical missions organized by the nongovernmental organization 2nd Chance in hospitals in DRC and Tanzania. Data were collected during 6 surgical missions in 3 hospitals in the DRC and 1 in Tanzania. All scheduled surgery patients were included. Anesthesia was administered by a local Non-Physician Anesthesia Provider (NPAP), using local resources, under the supervision of an anesthesiologist from the association. The anesthesiologist reported critical events and collected data. Local teams managed critical events initially, with intervention by the anesthesiologist from 2nd Chance on the local team's request, according to preestablished protocol or if the situation was considered dangerous. Critical incidents associated with anesthesia, including bradycardia, hypoxemia, airway management failure, and equipment problems, were documented from induction of anesthesia until discharge from the recovery room. We recruited 201 patients, of whom 192 were evaluated, with 9 patients dropping out due to protocol noncompliance. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I (62%; n = 120) or ASA II (38%; n = 72). Among them, 104 individuals (54%) experienced at least 1 critical event, totaling 202 critical events. Hypoxemia emerged as the most common event, affecting 29% of the patients (n = 55) with at least 1 episode. Equipment problems (oxygen supply and/or anesthesia machine failure) occurred in 24% of cases (n = 46), airway management issues in 23% (n = 44), and bradycardia in 6% (n = 12). Hypotension and hypertension were not documented due to the lack of monitoring. The majority of these events (over 60%) required intervention by the anesthesiologist. The occurrence of critical events related to anesthesia appears to be high in this study. Due to numerous limitations, these results cannot be generalized to all hospitals in Tanzania and the DRC. However, this study underscores the challenges faced by anesthesia teams, encompassing inadequate resources, equipment deficiencies, and varying levels of expertise among anesthesia personnel. The research further stresses the significance of addressing these challenges to enhance patient safety.

Economic influence of prosperity gospel on individual followers in neo-Pentecostal movements in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The study sought to investigate how prosperity gospel influences the economic aspect of its followers in neo-Pentecostal movements in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. In Kenya, Neo-Pentecostal movements are growing and spreading from urban to rural areas, as witnessed in Karingani Ward, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. There has been an increase in self-founded churches, commonly known as charismatic movements, over the past decade. The Functionalism Theory guided the study in analysing the prosperity gospel's influence on its followers' economic aspect. The theory indicates that religion is a social influencer that leads to changes in behaviour and perception or worldview that are essential to economic growth. The study applied the descriptive survey design. Yamane’s formula was applied to obtain a sample size of 288 respondents. In addition, six pastors were selected from the churches; the total sample was 294 respondents. In the six selected churches, a larger population was between (20-50 years); the majority were women and indicated to be small business owners and employed in the private sector. The research instruments utilised were questionnaires, interviews, and focused group discussions. The study's findings revealed that prosperity teachings in Neo-Pentecostal movements positively influenced its followers. Prosperity teaching with biblical grounding had influenced adherents in these movements to have financial, investment, and entrepreneurial abilities through seminars, idea sharing, and continuous assistance from members, which have impacted their followers to experience social status mobility. This paper recommends a future study on how perceived YouTube or social media incomes can benefit all adherents.