Rural Research Articles

What determines the accessibility of early childhood education in Bangladesh?

This paper aims to understand the potential factors influencing the accessibility of early childhood education (ECE) in Bangladesh. Utilising data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019, this study explored the influence of individual, household, socio-economic as well as geographical variables on ECE enrollment. It employed a comprehensive approach, which involved using descriptive statistics for univariate analysis, chi-square and t-statistics for bivariate analysis, and the logit model for multivariate analysis. The findings revealed that a child’s likelihood of attending an ECE program increases with their age, while those with functional difficulties and larger household sizes exhibit lower odds of attendance. Children with mothers possessing higher education levels demonstrated increased odds of ECE enrollment. Wealthy households and urban or Mymensingh division residency were associated with higher odds of ECE enrollment, while Barishal, Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions indicated lower odds. To enhance ECE accessibility, the study recommends implementing a roadmap for ensuring universal early childcare and early education with an emphasis on socioeconomically underprivileged children, particularly in rural areas. Proposed strategies may include providing financial assistance to poor households and fostering public–private partnerships for ECE provision in remote regions like Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions. Moreover, it is crucial to make parents and communities aware about the significance of ECE in order to make sure that children ages 3–5 years are involved in ECE programs.

Considerations for enhancing participation and data accuracy in geospatial research in rural areas: experiences with PGIS in northern Malawi

ABSTRACT Rural environments are experiencing rapid changes that must be explored to understand, enhance, and facilitate positive changes and adapt to detrimental changes. However, the information researchers can obtain about the environment to identify effective management strategies for rural resources is hindered by several factors. Participatory geospatial research presents an approach that integrates local voices to map the facts and values of rural people and represent environmental changes. Here, we draw on more than six years of participatory geospatial research in rural northern Malawi to identify and present various considerations that participatory geospatial researchers and planners should be mindful of when working with rural people to enhance participation in research and improve spatial data accuracy. Based on experiences using various research methods and activities applied in several transdisciplinary collaborative research projects, we posit that rural geospatial researchers should keenly consider i) ethical issues concerning data collection, analysis, and representation, e.g. taboos and sacred spaces, ii) integrating local spatial ecological knowledge of people about the environment, and iii) economic conflicts and gender dynamics that tend to disempower and limit participation in research and affect data quality. Considering these would build rapport between participants and researchers to facilitate active participation and data accuracy.

Evaluation of a Menstrual Hygiene Education Program for Adolescent Girls in Rural India.

To assess the impact of a pharmacist-mediated education program on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in and around Balagangadaranatha (BG) Nagara, India. Pre- and postintervention study conducted over 6months. Adolescent girls in India, especially in rural areas, may lack proper knowledge and a supportive atmosphere to deal with menstruation-related concerns. Many myths and taboos also make it difficult or impossible to find accurate information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. The sample included 585 female high school students who had begun menstruation and lived in and around BG Nagara, India. An educational training session provided information about the menstrual cycle, sanitary products, proper disposal practices, and menstrual disorders. Information addressed the psychological and social dimensions of menstruation to mitigate stigma. Educational leaflets about personal menstruation hygiene practices were also provided. Pre- and posttests were administered to assess participants' knowledge of and practices regarding menstrual hygiene. Pretest scores indicated that 43.8%(n= 164) of participants had good knowledge of menstruation, 86%(n= 503) used sanitary pads, and 73.2%(n= 428) thought that increasing nutritious food was necessary during menstruation. Posttest scores indicated an increase in all areas (p< .001). Health education was associated with an improvement in female high school students' knowledge of and practices related to menstrual hygiene. More menstrual health education strategies and awareness programs are needed to improve the knowledge and health of adolescent girls.

Does escaping the multidimensional poverty line improve family food security? Evidence from rural Vietnam

BackgroundReducing poverty and ensuring food security are critical sustainable development goals for countries like Vietnam. However, research investigating the relationship between these goals remains limited. This study seeks to explore the correlation between poverty alleviation and food security in Vietnam's rural areas, offering insights for policymakers to address both objectives simultaneously.MethodsWe applied Vietnam's multidimensional poverty standard to determine if households classified as poor in 2016 had managed to escape poverty by 2018. We utilized the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and per capita food expenditure to examine the consumption patterns and food security levels within these households. Panel data encompassing 407 low-income households, gathered from the 2016 and 2018 Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS), constituted the dataset for this study.ResultsAmong the 407 impoverished households in 2016, 244 achieved poverty alleviation by 2018. Their average monthly per capita income increased by 416.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (17.8 USD) during this period, with wage income contributing significantly, rising by approximately 315.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (13.4 USD) per person. Regression analysis reveals that as households escaped the multidimensional poverty line, they diversified food consumption and increased per capita food expenditure. However, the household dietary diversity score only increased by 0.166. Meanwhile, monthly per capita food expenditure surged by 85,600 Vietnamese Dong (3.63 USD) per person.Conclusions and policy recommendationsImplementing poverty eradication policies could achieve both poverty reduction and improved food security. Policymakers should focus on creating stable wage employment for poor households, as this income source significantly aids in poverty alleviation.

Loneliness, Psychological Well-being, Depression, and Social Participation in the Older Persons: Rural and Urban Differences.

The purpose of this study is to compare the loneliness, psychological well- being, depression, and social participation of elderly people living in Turkish society between rural and urban areas. The sample group of the study, in which a correlational survey model was used, consisted of 610 elderly adults. The study population consists of two groups: the first group consists of individuals over 65 years of age living in the city (Istanbul) (n= 291), and the second group consists of individuals over 65 years of age living in rural areas (rural areas of Ordu) (n= 319). Socio-demographic Information Form, Loneliness in the Elderly Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Psychological Well-Being in the Elderly Scale, and Social Inclusion Scale were applied online. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted using SPSS 27.00, and the Independent Samples t-test and ANOVA test were used. According to the findings of this study, statistically significant results were found in psychological well-being, social inclusion, social relations, loneliness and depression, and place of residence. It was observed that the social isolation and social acceptance levels of those living in urban areas were higher than those living in rural areas. Social, loneliness, and depression scores of those living in the village/town were found to be higher than those living in the city centre. Furthermore, the social relationship scores of those living in the village/town were found to be higher than those living in the city centre. The increasing elderly population worldwide has become an issue that requires global measures. Place of residence is one of the factors thought to affect older people's health and well- being. It is thought that the study data will contribute to new policies that will ensure the protection and promotion of elderly health and those working in this field. In addition, the study, which provides information about Turkish culture, will also enable intercultural comparisons.

Stress profile of veterinarians in Switzerland: Young + female + employed = stressed?

The impairment of mental health among veterinary professionals has raised public awareness in recent years. The driving forces include a serious gap in veterinary services - with less available veterinary colleagues, especially in rural areas - and a general lack of veterinary graduates. This article presents the results of our first Swiss survey on psychological well-being in the veterinary profession. Our results are viewed both in the current context and in the context of developments that have already taken place in other medical disciplines. Results indicate higher levels of stress in veterinarians working as clinicians, in female colleagues, in veterinarians of younger age and veterinarians under employment. In the meantime, larger surveys such as the Vétos Entraide (https://vetos-entraide.com) were established in France and projects such as the Happy Vet project (https://happyvetproject.org) were launched in Switzerland for eg. the burnout prevention in the profession. However, the topic of «mental health» remains highly relevant in veterinary medicine and requires further research and measures, which should consider the identified predisposing factors, such as age and gender.

Promote students’ computational thinking in rural areas: The moderating role of gender

The purpose of this study was to assess rural students’ computational thinking abilities. The following proofs were observed: (1) Students’ abstraction affected algorithmic thinking skills; (2) Students’ decomposition influenced algorithmic thinking skills; (3) Students’ abstraction impacted evaluation skills; (4) Students’ algorithmic thinking affected evaluation skills; (5) Students’ abstraction impacted generalization skills; (6) Students’ decomposition impacted generalization skills; (7) Students’ evaluation affected generalization skills. Gender differences were observed in the relationship among the computational thinking factors of junior high school students. This included the abstraction-generalization skills; evaluation-generalization skills; and decomposition-generalization skills relationships, which were moderated by the gender of the students. 258 valid surveys were collected, and they were utilized in the study. Conducting the descriptive, reliability, and validity analyses used SPSS software, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) was also conducted through Smart PLS software to assess the hypothetical relationships. There were gender disparities in the correlation among computational thinking components of the junior high school students’ studying in rural areas. Research has shown that male and female students may have different abstractions, evaluations, and generalizations related to computational thinking, with females being more strongly associated than males in non-programming learning contexts. These results are expected to provide relevant information in subsequent analyses and implement a computational thinking curriculum to overcome the still-existing gender gaps and promote computational thinking skills.

Challenges, Opportunities, and possible Interventions in the Biogas sector in Rural areas of Limpopo, South Africa

Biogas technology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for addressing energy needs, particularly in rural areas. Despite its potential benefits, the adoption of biogas technology in rural Limpopo, South Africa, remains limited. This paper critically examines the factors hindering its uptake. Using an exploratory approach (Qualitative study), data were gathered through interview guide, field surveys, literature reviews, and expert opinions. The analysis indicates that while biogas is a superior thermal option for household energy crises, several challenges need resolution. Key obstacles include ineffective strategies for promoting biogas in Limpopo. Understanding stakeholder perspectives—such as government bodies, local communities, and private enterprises—is crucial for developing strategies to increase biogas use. Necessary interventions include training, capacity-building, and educational awareness initiatives in rural areas to boost adoption. The financial sector's role in renewable energy is critical, especially as cleaner fuels gain attention. Despite its significant benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing household energy security, biogas technology's acceptance and use remain low.

Impact of the Community Radio on Local Development in Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh

Community radio serves as a platform for rural, marginalized, and hard-to-reach populations to express and exchange views, ideas, and concerns with the wider community. Its increasing popularity in recent years has provided both policymakers and grassroots individuals with an avenue to engage in the development process of their communities. In Bangladesh, community radio stations now broadcast 170 hours of daily programs, with the majority aimed at addressing local development goals in rural areas. These programs motivate people, bridge gaps, and collaborate on agendas such as poverty reduction, reducing inequalities, promoting education, good health, clean water, and sanitation. Additionally, community radio has provided a platform for the poor and marginalized communities to raise their voices and become the voice for the voiceless. This study, conducted using participatory theory, aims to underscore the significance and impact of community radio on the development of marginalized community at Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The findings indicate that community radio plays a crucial role in local development, providing essential information and bridging the gap between ordinary people and local government in rural areas. The current research was carried out in Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, with the support of the local community radio station, Radio Mahananda 98.8 FM. The study found that involvement in and awareness of Radio Mahananda programs significantly influenced local development.

Rural Industries and Their Role in the Development of Rural Areas and Afghanistan's National Economy

This study explores the role of rural industries in addressing these issues by examining their potential to improve economic conditions in rural areas and their contribution to the national economy. This study aims to examine the role of rural industries in the development of rural areas and their impact on Afghanistan's national economy. Additionally, it seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities for developing these industries and propose strategies for improving their current state. In this study, I aim to address the following questions: What role do rural industries play in the economic development of rural areas in Afghanistan? What are the major challenges to the development of rural industries in Afghanistan? And how can the potential of rural industries be harnessed to strengthen the national economy? This review study utilizes both analytical and descriptive approaches and relies on credible scientific sources and field data. The information collected includes academic articles, government reports, and statistical data related to rural industries in Afghanistan. Data analysis is conducted descriptively and analytically, focusing on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of rural industries. The findings indicate that the development of rural industries can significantly improve the economy of Afghanistan's rural areas. These industries, by creating employment opportunities, increasing income, and reducing poverty, play a key role in strengthening the national economy.

Lower Socioeconomic Status Predicts Greater Obstacles to Care: Using Outpatient Cholecystectomy as a Model Cohort.

Patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) are disadvantaged in terms of access to health care. A novel metric for SES is the Distressed Communities Index (DCI). This study evaluates the effect of DCI on hospital choice and distance traveled for surgery. A Florida database was queried for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis or chronic cholecystitis who underwent an outpatient cholecystectomy between 2016 and 2019. Patients' DCI was compared with hospital ratings, comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and distance traveled for surgery. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine which factors most influenced distance traveled for surgery. There were 54,649 cases-81 open, 52,488 laparoscopic, and 2,080 robotic. There was no difference between surgical approach and patient's DCI group (p = 0.12). Rural patients traveled the farthest for surgery (avg 21.29 miles); urban patients traveled the least (avg 5.84 miles). Patients from distressed areas more often had surgery at one- or two-star hospitals than prosperous patients (61% vs 36.3%). Regression indicated distressed or at-risk areas predicted further travel for rural/small-town patients, while higher hospital ratings predicted further travel for suburban/urban patients. Compared to prosperous areas, patients from distressed areas have surgery at lower-rated hospitals, travel further if they live in rural/small-town areas, but travel less if they live in suburban areas. We postulate that farther travel in rural areas may be explained by a lack of health care resources in poor, rural areas, while traveling less in suburban areas may be explained by personal lack of resources for patients with low SES.

The effect of sociodemographic characteristics and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 370 older adults with and without polypharmacy. The data were gathered via the Personal Information Form, Loneliness Scale for Elderly, and Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised. A multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) was conducted to assess the impact of independent variables on the combined dependent variables. Loneliness and social isolation were found higher in older adults with polypharmacy. In addition, loneliness and social isolation are more common in women, individuals with low educational attainment, single individuals, individuals with low income, individuals living in rural areas, individuals with poor family relationships, individuals not living with their families and individuals with chronic diseases. It is thought that the findings of this study will be guiding for all health professionals working in the field of elderly health in interventions to be planned for the elderly population.

Environmental Protection for Bureaucratic Promotion: Water Quality Performance Review of Provincial Governors in China

We show including quantitative environmental targets for bureaucratic promotion incentivizes government officials to enforce environmental regulation but at significant economic costs. Taking advantage of the gradual expansion of China’s water quality performance review (WQPR) over time and space, we find that WQPR significantly reduced ambient concentrations of criteria pollutants, digestive cancer mortality, and GDP growth rate. WQPR’s effects are more pronounced along provincial borders, which are targeted by WQPR, and when provincial governors have more promotion potential. An important mechanism is investment in wastewater treatment facilities. There is evidence that WQPR passed the benefit-cost test, especially in rural areas.

Impact of Government Health Expenditure on Maternal and Child Mortality Rates in a CLMV Country

The health of the citizens is a concern for all levels of government, as well as for CLMV countries, which first prioritized a portion of health expenditure in the health sector to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, particularly in rural areas. In order to analyze the data using fixed effect regression and random effect regression, we used balanced panel data to examine the impact of government health expenditure on maternal and child under-five mortality rates in a CLMV country. As a result of this study, increased government health expenditure had a significant impact on reducing the maternal mortality rate while having no effect on the child mortality rate. Furthermore, there are additional independent variables that affect the maternal and child under-5 mortality rates in a CLMV country, such as GDP per capita, which has a significant impact on reducing the child mortality rate but no impact on reducing the maternal mortality rate. Nevertheless, women's primary school enrollment and use of basic water service rates were statistically significant in CLMV countries.

The Practice of Gifted Education in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Kaohsiung City’s Cross-School Blended Teaching Program

The Practice of Gifted Education in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Kaohsiung City’s Cross-School Blended Teaching Program

Towards a Standardized LCOE Calculation for Informed Decision-Making in Energy Policy and Investment: Application to the Colombian Context

The Levelized cost of electricity - LCOE represents a constant cost per unit of generated electrical energy, resulting from the analysis of the total costs throughout the life cycle of a generation plant. Its widespread use, thanks to its simplicity of calculation and potential of standardization, has made it one of the primary criteria for comparing electricity generation technologies. However, in the pursuit of simplification and generalization, certain aspects associated with the socioeconomic context of the region, as well as accounting and financial concepts, are excluded due to externalities or incentives related to regulatory and fiscal policies. These exclusions affect the accuracy of LCOE and introduce uncertainty when using it as a criterion for investment decision-making or allocation of public resources for the development of renewable sources. This article proposes a clear and standardized methodology for calculating LCOE, which allows for a fair and precise comparison of renewable energy generation options in rural areas. It contributes to informed and transparent decision-making in the fields of energy policy and public investment for expanding electricity service coverage. The proposed methodology is based on the financial cash flow matrix to address variability sources in the calculation, considering the local context of the generation project.

Heat and cause-specific cardiopulmonary mortality in Germany: a case-crossover study using small-area assessment

High temperatures have been associated with increased mortality, with evidence reported predominately in large cities and for total cardiovascular or respiratory deaths. This case-crossover study examined heat-related cause-specific cardiopulmonary mortality and vulnerability factors using small-area data from Germany. We analyzed daily counts of cause-specific cardiopulmonary deaths from 380 German districts (2000-2016) and daily mean temperatures estimated by spatial-temporal models. We applied conditional quasi-Poisson regression using distributed lag nonlinear models to examine heat effects during May-September in each district and random-effects meta-analysis to pool the district-specific estimates. Potential individual- and district-level vulnerability factors were examined by subgroup analyses and meta-regressions, respectively. Heat was associated with increased mortality risks for all cardiopulmonary sub-causes. The relative risk (RR) of total cardiovascular and respiratory mortality for a temperature increment from the 75th to the 99th percentile was 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.23, 1.26) and 1.34 (1.30, 1.38), respectively. The RRs of cardiovascular sub-causes ranged from 1.16 (1.13, 1.19) for myocardial infarction to 1.32 (1.29, 1.36) for heart failure. For respiratory sub-causes, the RR was 1.27 (1.22, 1.31) for COPD and 1.49 (1.42, 1.57) for pneumonia. We observed greater susceptibility related to several individual- and district-level characteristics, e.g., among females or in highly urbanized districts. Heat vulnerability factors remained consistent between urban and rural areas. Our study highlights heat-related increases in cause-specific cardiopulmonary mortality across Germany and identifies key vulnerability factors, offering insights for improving public health practices to mitigate heat-related health impacts. European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program; Helmholtz Associations Initiative and Networking Fund.

Energy Poverty Alleviation in the Era of Energy Transition—Case Study of Poland and Sweden

The energy transition, aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, presents both opportunities and challenges in addressing energy poverty. This article explores the differing approaches of Poland and Sweden in energy poverty alleviation within the context of this transition. Poland, with its historical dependence on coal, faces considerable obstacles as it seeks to shift towards cleaner energy sources while minimizing the impact on vulnerable populations. Conversely, Sweden, supported by its advanced energy infrastructure and strong welfare systems, has implemented effective strategies that have largely mitigated energy poverty, though challenges persist for low-income households, especially in rural areas. The article delves into the definitions, drivers, and alleviation strategies of energy poverty in both countries. Through a comprehensive literature review and the analysis of key initiatives such as Poland’s Clean Air Program and Sweden’s Warm Rent scheme, the study underscores the potential for policy interventions to address energy poverty. It concludes with recommendations on how both countries can further reduce energy poverty, highlighting the critical role of energy efficiency, social support systems, and the integration of renewable energy in achieving a fair and equitable energy transition.

МАТЕРИАЛЬНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ СЕЛЬСКОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА: СОСТОЯНИЕ, ПРОБЛЕМЫ, НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ

One of the determining conditions for competitive domestic agricultural production in foreign markets is the technical and technological modernization of the industry. However, despite the significance of the problem, over the past two decades, a stable trend of reduction in the number of employees in agricultural organizations in Russia has developed for all types of agricultural machinery. The highest rates of reduction in agricultural machinery were observed until 2010, and in subsequent periods the downward trend has significantly decreased. At the same time, it is not entirely correct to assess the current situation unambiguously, since the reduction in the fleet of machinery and equipment in agricultural organizations is due to certain objective circumstances and conditions: the area of cultivated land and cultivation of specific crops has decreased; the number of animals has decreased; the technical means used have become more energy-intensive and productive, which is especially important in the context of a shortage of personnel in rural areas. In 2018-2022 the production of domestic agricultural machinery in value terms increased by almost 2.5 times, while in physical terms the changes are insignificant. At the same time, domestic mechanical engineering practically does not produce machinery and equipment for pig farming, poultry farming, milk processing, potato harvesters, beet harvesting equipment, equipment for gardening, vegetable growing. As a result of the outstripping rate of disposal of agricultural machinery and equipment over the rate of their production and replenishment, the energy capacity of the industry is declining. The sanctions imposed on the Russian economy have led to increased risks of non-receipt of critical components and spare parts; disruption of stable logistics and distribution chains that have functioned for a long time, their rise in price; revision of contract terms, failure to meet delivery deadlines. Sanctions against the use of foreign high technologies used in precision farming, genetics, selection, enterprise management, etc. have a negative impact on the development of the agro-industrial complex.

Promoting PLACE in Rural Schools: A Praxis Exemplary Model of Gifted Education in Rural Areas

Promoting PLACE in Rural Schools: A Praxis Exemplary Model of Gifted Education in Rural Areas