Socioeconomic Obstacles Research Articles

Assessing the Health Impacts of Urban Air Pollution on Marginalized Populations in Bangladesh

Air pollution has become a paramount environmental and public health concern worldwide, significantly affecting socio-economic conditions and health, especially in emerging nations. The study aims to investigate the impact of air pollution on the health of marginalized populations in urban Bangladesh, concentrating on identifying pollution sources, analyzing health effects, assessing socio-economic vulnerabilities, and evaluating the efficacy of regulatory frameworks. A systematic review methodology was employed, integrating data from pertinent research and official publications to deliver a thorough study of air pollution sources and health effects in these communities. The results indicate that sources of air pollution, including automobile emissions, industrial waste, and unregulated brick kilns, disproportionately impact vulnerable communities due to their closeness to high-pollution areas. The health consequences, particularly exacerbated respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, are more pronounced in these populations due to restricted healthcare access and socio-economic obstacles. Socio-economic vulnerabilities, including income level, housing circumstances, and access to healthcare, intensify exposure risks, underscoring differences in pollution exposure between marginalized and non-marginalized areas. The study suggests that although legal frameworks such as the Air Quality Management Project and the Brick Kiln Control Act establish a basis for air quality management, their inadequate enforcement in low-income regions diminishes their efficacy. This research underscores the necessity for focused policy interventions and community-oriented methods.

Digital Divide: Examining Socioeconomic Inequalities in Internet Access and Usage

The term "digital divide" refers to the disparity that exists between those who have access to digital technologies, most notably the internet, and those who do not have such access. This disparity is caused by several socioeconomic, regional, and demographic reasons. The digital gap not only exacerbates existing disparities but also creates challenges for marginalized communities. This is because the Internet is becoming an increasingly vital instrument for education, communication, employment, and social involvement. The purpose of this review article is to analyze the underlying factors that contribute to these disparities, such as income, education, geographic location, and age, and to investigate the influence that uneven access to the internet has on different elements of contemporary life. In addition to this, it examines the policies and activities of the government, as well as the technical advancements that are being made to narrow this gap. Although attempts have been made to bridge the difference, the results imply that there is still a great deal of work to be done, especially in tackling structural inequities that continue to interfere with development. In conclusion, the article makes recommendations for comprehensive methods that aim to overcome socioeconomic obstacles and encourage fair access to Internet resources.

Colorectal cancer care continuum: Navigating screening, treatment, and outcomes disparities.

This review investigates the disparities in colorectal cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes among different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic groups. Although there has been progress, notable disparities continue to exist as a result of socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and systemic prejudices. Approaches to tackle these challenges involve expanding screening access, enhancing healthcare utilization, addressing socioeconomic obstacles, ensuring fair treatment, and boosting representation in research.

A Scoping Review of the Utilization of Opioid Use Treatment, Harm Reduction, and Culturally Tailored Interventions Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities in the United States

AbstractAs part of a multilayered scoping review, we assessed literature on prevention and management interventions for racial/ethnic minorities in the United States (US) who non-medically use prescription opioids and/or who use illicit opioids such as heroin. The review specifically focused on access to and uptake of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and harm reduction resources. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature and governmental reports published between January 2000 and August 2024 on patterns of access to, and acceptability and utilization of, overdose prevention and opioid use management resources among racial/ethnic minorities in the US. Searches were conducted on Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, with us examining studies on the uptake of MOUD, such as buprenorphine and methadone, syringe services programs (SSPs), safe consumption sites, and harm reduction resources like naloxone (used to reverse overdoses) and fentanyl test strips (used to test for the presence of fentanyl in drug supplies). Additionally, we sought to identify and describe existing interventions for opioid use prevention and management that have expressly incorporated cultural adaptations related to racial/ethnic minorities’ specific needs and preferences in an effort to improve participants' sense of salience and acceptability and thus enhance utilization. We further endeavored to leverage this scoping review towards the development of research and intervention guidelines contoured to improve future scholarship and programming with these populations. The existing evidence suggests that racial/ethnic minorities in the US, specifically Black individuals, have diminished access to and/or utilization of preventive and management resources and amenities such as buprenorphine and naloxone, owing to structural deficits, provider bias, socioeconomic obstacles, geographic barriers, and communal stigma and distrust. Black individuals, relative to White individuals, also appear less likely to report using SSPs to obtain syringes and related resources, but across racial groups, those who used SSPs were more likely to be trained in, possess, and/or use naloxone. Further, there have been very few culturally tailored interventions for harm reduction or MOUD; there were limited data across the reviewed works on Native American/Indigenous or Asian populations; and the broader body of literature lacks methodological rigor. We close by proposing a cultural humility-focused model for better meeting the complex needs of these populations through research and primary and secondary intervention.

A Critical Examination of Globalization's Impact on the Economies of Sub-Saharan African Countries

This essay critically examines the impacts of globalization on the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the method of literature review, this paper explores the impact of globalization on international trade, foreign investment, and local development trends, while also emphasizing the negative consequences, such as economic disparities and cultural shocks. The analysis delves into theories including Friedman's "The World is Flat" and Wallerstein's world systems theory, comparing their global perspectives with the realities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Case studies illustrate the dual nature of globalization: its contribution to economic growth and the emergence of socioeconomic obstacles. The essay provides policy recommendations to effectively utilize the advantages of globalization while mitigating its negative effects, aiming to achieve inclusive economic growth and save the local cultures and traditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The significance of this paper is to claim that although there are negative impacts of globalization, the benefits it brings are more important and that globalization should occur in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Socio-Economic Impediments in School Libraries

This study delves into the socio-economic challenges affecting Type 3 school libraries in the 'Thenmarachchi' education zone of Sri Lanka. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews with librarians from 27 schools, it identifies barriers such as financial constraints, resource limitations, and declining reader interest. Correlation analyses reveal intricate relationships between these barriers. Notably, collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) emerges as a significant strategy, showing potential to alleviate financial constraints and enhance resource availability. Qualitative insights highlight community involvement and reading initiatives as complementary to proposed strategies. This study advocates comprehensive approaches to address socio-economic obstacles in fostering school library development, emphasizing the need for further research to evaluate the long-term sustainability of interventions.

The Legacy of Shanti Teresa Lakra and Its Impact on Public Health in the Andaman Islands.

In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shanti Teresa Lakra, a committed Indian medical nurse, has made a major impact on public health. Lakra, who was born in Rangat on May 1, 1972, was motivated to become a nurse by her elder sister. Her work with the Onge tribe has earned her recognition, particularly in the wake of the 2004 tsunami that destroyed their settlements. Lakra has devoted her professional life to enhancing the health of these indigenous people and averting their extinction by working with particularly vulnerable tribal groups. When she started her work, there were just 78 Onge people living there. She worked constantly to improve healthcare and education, and in five years, the population grew to 100. Her effort required overcoming socioeconomic obstacles, linguistic limitations, and the tribe's initial apprehensions. Despite hazardous circumstances, Lakra helped by immunizing the Jarawa tribe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Her efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Florence Nightingale Award and the Padma Shri. Her legacy is marked by her empowerment of tribal communities, her role as a healthcare role model, and her advancements in public health in remote areas.

Demographic and socioeconomic obstacles to access to malaria services for Myanmar migrants in Thailand

BackgroundTypically mobile and vulnerable, migrants face significant barriers to access to routine malaria prevention, diagnostics and treatment, which leads to unchecked malaria transmission, particularly in border regions with a high population displacement. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and socioeconomic obstacles to access to malaria services among Myanmar migrants residing in the Thailand–Myanmar border areas.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2024 across three districts near the Thailand–Myanmar border. Quantitative data were collected from Myanmar migrants using standardized questionnaires through structured surveys. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and simple and multiple logistic regression models.ResultsOut of 300 participants, approximately a quarter (27.3%) reported adequate access to comprehensive malaria services, including prevention, diagnostics, treatment and malaria-related health information. In multiple logistic regression models, factors associated with inadequate access included Myanmar migrants aged over 60 years (aOR: 7.63, 95% CI 1.74–20.58), accompanied by one to three family members (aOR: 3.33, 95% CI 1.06–8.45), earning monthly incomes below 3000 THB (aOR: 5.13, 95% CI 1.38–19.09) and 3000 to 6000 THB (aOR: 3.64, 95% CI 1.06–12.51), belonging to the Karen ethnicity (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI 1.02–3.84), with poor perception toward malaria (aOR: 2.03, 95% CI 1.03–4.01) and with poor preventive and health-seeking practices (aOR: 5.83, 95% CI 2.71–9.55).ConclusionsA significant proportion of Myanmar migrants encounter demographic and socioeconomic barriers to access to routine malaria services in Thailand. Tailored interventions are required to expand such access, including the recruitment of worksite health volunteers, strengthening the role of ethnic health organizations across the border and collaboration with private sector stakeholders (e.g. farm/company owners) to distribute preventive tools and ensure timely referral of suspected malaria cases to health facilities.

Overcoming socioeconomic obstacles is important in achieving equity in health care.

Overcoming socioeconomic obstacles is important in achieving equity in health care.

The Role of Women in Political Participation in Cambodia: A Case Study of Svay Rieng Province

The government considers women as the backbone of Cambodia's economy and society. Despite a good sign, the female parliamentary representation in Svay Rieng fluctuated in the last three mandates (60% in 2008 and 2013, 80% in 2018, and 60% in 2023). The study aims to investigate the “socioeconomic”, “traditional-cultural”, “family”, and “personal” factors affecting gender roles in political involvement in Svay Rieng province, to assess perceptions and attitudes regarding women's political engagement. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, administering surveys to 119 participants and semi-structured interviews with 8 women actively participating in politics and leadership roles, using snowball sampling. The findings emphasize 1) Family-factors (domestic responsibilities, violence, and lack of support) hinder women's political participation the most, 2) Personal factors: limited education and self-confidence, 3) Socio-economic obstacles (the social devaluation of women, violence against women, limited outreach initiatives, and the impact of economic crises), and 4) Traditional customs, cultural norms including prescribed gender roles further contribute to the challenges faced by women in politics. Despite these obstacles, the study identifies positive perceptions and attitudes towards women's political participation. Participants underlined the need to empower women at both the national and sub-national levels, as well as fostering capacity development and extending possibilities. The recommendations include adopting gender equality legislation, increasing awareness, improving capacity-building programs, providing supportive infrastructure, engaging male allies, promoting cooperation, and assuring long-term commitment. A future study should look at additional elements that may impact women's political engagement, as well as evaluate the efficiency of existing policies for empowering women in Svay Rieng.

Building a Restorative Agricultural Economy: Insights from a Case Study in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Agriculture is the most important economic sector and simultaneously the greatest threat to the ecosystem functions on which all complex life depends. It is therefore a logical starting point for developing a restorative economy. We must develop and disseminate agroecosystems capable of providing food security for all, while simultaneously restoring vital ecosystem processes degraded by conventional agriculture. We review 25 years of transdisciplinary work towards this goal on an agroecology project in Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Catarina, Brazil and distill some key lessons for like-minded efforts. We apply the methods of Participatory Action Research and Post Normal Science to integrate the knowledge, insights and goals of farmers, diverse scientists, agricultural extensionists, and policymakers to design high-biodiversity silvopastoral systems and multi-function riparian forests capable of improving farmer livelihoods, and propose policies to support their adoption by aligning the interests of farmers and society. We explain the science underlying our project and document resulting improvements in farmer livelihoods and ecosystem services. We then examine the socioeconomic obstacles to disseminating our innovations and policies that might overcome them and describe our pragmatic approaches to working with policymakers. We conclude that integrating natural sciences, socio-economic analysis and politics are all necessary yet insufficient to promote the large-scale adoption of restorative agriculture. We contend that building a restorative economy will also require a fundamental extension of humanity’s moral values to the rest of nature, and use evolutionary science to support our views. Rather than offering a recipe for successful projects, our take-home message is that developing a restorative agricultural economy in an ever-evolving system is a continuous participatory process with no endpoint.

Impact of a teaching hospital-based multidisciplinary telemedicine programme in Southwestern Colombia: a cross-sectional resource analysis

BackgroundTelemedicine, a method of healthcare service delivery bridging geographic distances between patients and providers, has gained prominence. This modality is particularly advantageous for outpatient consultations, addressing inherent barriers of travel...

Exploring the Nexus between Poverty and Academic Performance: A Case Study in Lugazi Town Council, Mukono District, Uganda

Poverty remains a persistent challenge globally, affecting millions of individuals and families. In Uganda, poverty significantly influences various aspects of life, particularly education. This study investigates the intricate relationship between poverty and academic performance among learners in Lugazi town council, Mukono district, Uganda. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from teachers, students, and parents to comprehensively understand poverty's impact on education. Results reveal pronounced disparities in access to essential school facilities and resources due to financial constraints, including inadequate textbooks, classrooms, and practical materials. Moreover, limited staff development opportunities and large class sizes exacerbate teaching challenges, hindering effective learning. Poverty is found to be a key driver of high dropout rates among students, driven by the necessity to work, unfavorable school environments, hunger, lengthy commutes, and early marriages, particularly among girls. Additionally, poverty correlates with increased student indiscipline, including drug abuse and deviant behavior, further undermining the educational environment. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address structural challenges posed by poverty. Recommendations include increased funding for schools serving underprivileged communities, support for teacher training initiatives, and efforts to mitigate socioeconomic barriers to education. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering collaborative partnerships between government agencies, educators, parents, and community leaders to create a conducive learning environment that promotes academic achievement despite socioeconomic obstacles. Ultimately, addressing poverty's impact on education is essential for enhancing educational outcomes and reducing inequality in Uganda. Keywords: Poverty, Academic Performance, Education, Uganda, Dropout Rates, School Facilities, Teacher Training, Socioeconomic Barriers, Collaborative Partnerships

Challenges and Advancements in the Health-Related Quality of Life of Older People

Background. With the global trend of increasing life expectancy, the health-related quality of life of older people haspersonalised become an area of significant interest. It is crucial to comprehend the advancements and identify the ongoing challenges in this domain for better health management and policy formation. Objectives. This scoping review aimed to comprehensively investigate the existing challenges and recent advancements associated with the quality of health among older people. Methods. We utilized Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework for this study. A systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases, namely, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, targeting publications from 2018 to 2023. Selected studies were then rigorously examined based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by an in-depth thematic analysis. Results. Of the initial 406 identified studies, 72 were included in the final review. The analysis underscored enduring challenges in physical and medical issues, psychological difficulties, socioeconomic obstacles, and policy-related challenges. Meanwhile, significant advancements were noted in several areas, including technology, medicine, social and societal facets, and policy. Conclusions. Despite noteworthy improvements in the health-related quality of life of older individuals, the continued presence of substantial challenges emphasizes the need for more targeted initiatives. These results suggest an immediate requirement for revising policies and implementing interventions that specifically address identified challenges, with a particular emphasis on ensuring equitable health care access, effectively managing chronic conditions, and enhancing the training of geriatric health care professionals. This comprehensive review serves as a roadmap for guiding future research and shaping policy directions in the health care of older people.

Current trends and challenges: The landscape of perioperative mortality in intracranial surgeries in low- and middle-income settings:A narrative review.

Intracranial surgeries are pivotal in treating cerebral pathologies, particularly in resource-limited contexts, utilizing techniques such as craniotomy, transsphenoidal approaches, and endoscopy. However, challenges in low and middle income countries (LMICs), including resource scarcity, diagnostic delays, and a lack of skilled neurosurgeons, lead to elevated perioperative mortality (POM). This review seeks to identify major contributors to these challenges and recommend solutions for improved patient outcomes in neurosurgical care within LMICs. This review examines POM in LMICs using a detailed literature search, focusing on studies from these regions. Databases like PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were utilized using specific terms related to "intracranial surgery,""perioperative mortality,""traumatic brain injuries," and "LMICs."Inclusion criteria covered various study designs and both pediatric and adult populations while excluding stand-alone abstracts and case reports. POM rates for intracranial surgeries differ widely across many low and middle-income regions: Africa sees rates from 2.5% to 39.1%, Asia between 3.6% and 34.8%, and Latin America and the Caribbean have figures ranging from 1.3% to 12%. The POM rates in LMICs were relatively higher compared to most first-world countries. The high POM rates in LMICs can be attributed to considerable delays and compromises in neurosurgical care delivery, exacerbated by late diagnoses and presentations of neurosurgical pathologies. This, coupled with limited resources, underdeveloped infrastructure, and training gaps, complicates intracranial disease management, leading to elevated POM. Intracranial POM is a pronounced disparity within the neurosurgical field in LMICs. To mitigate intracranial POM, it is imperative to bolster healthcare infrastructure, amplify personnel training, foster global partnerships, and harness technologies like telemedicine. Tackling socioeconomic obstacles and prioritizing early detection through sustained funding and policy shifts can substantially enhance patient outcomes.

An Overview of Cancer in Djibouti: Current Status, Therapeutic Approaches, and Promising Endeavors in Local Essential Oil Treatment.

Djibouti, a developing economy, grapples with significant socioeconomic obstacles and the prevalence of infectious pathologies, including certain forms of neoplasms. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to affordable medical technologies for diagnosis, coupled with a lack of preventive interventions, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The attention devoted to local phytotherapeutic treatments underscores the uniqueness of Djibouti's flora, resulting from its distinctive geographical position. International focus specifically centers on harnessing this potential as a valuable resource, emphasizing the phytoconstituents used to counter pathologies, notably carcinomas. This comprehensive overview covers a broad spectrum, commencing with an examination of the current state of knowledge, namely an in-depth investigation of oncological risk factors. Essential elements of control are subsequently studied, highlighting the fundamental prerequisites for effective management. The significance of dietary habits in cancer prevention and support is explored in depth, while traditional methods are examined, highlighting the cultural significance of indigenous essential oil therapies and encouraging further research based on the promising results.

Solving teenage and young mothers' childhood immunization hesitance and non-compliance through mobile immunization friendly service for working mothers in Ibadan, Nigeria- A research note.

Mobile Immunization for working mothers (SheVaccs) is an intervention targeted at working mothers in the informal markets of Ibadan to address problem of vaccine hesitance and drop-out among different categories of mother. These mothers have great responsibilities-keeping their homes stable and their children healthy. But these mothers have challenges of different magnitudes that prevented them from immunizing their children, and for teenage mothers they are faced with socio-cultural and socio-economic obstacles and have not responded positively to childhood immunization. In relation to these challenges, SheVaccs intervention study provided friendly immunization, counselling services, and information around vaccination schedules to working mothers in Ibadan, Nigeria. The intervention covered adolescent and young mothers' population in the selected markets. Mobile clinic was set up in 3 different purposively selected markets in Ibadan. Data were collected through qualitative methods of observation and 21 in-depth interviews with teenage mothers, and 6 key informant interviews with their significant others. All data were subjected to content analysis. The age range of mothers involved in the study was between 17-23 years, almost all participants had no post- secondary school education. All mothers in this study find it difficult to attend conventional immunization centers, due to stigmatization, subtle hostility and embarrassment they experienced during pregnancy and after in some of these centers. Many of them were ignorant and have also been mis-socialized into motherhood and childcare. They preferred an immunization service that is mobile, with "strangers" who are friendly, understanding and will not judge them for ''being anti-social". Friendly Mobile immunization services targeted at teenage and young mothers will remove clog of stigmatization and hostility and minimize incidence of childhood Immunization Hesitance and non-compliance to schedule.

Unraveling EMI as a predictor of English proficiency in Vietnamese higher education: Exploring learners’ backgrounds as a variable

One key objective of English medium instruction (EMI) programs in non-Anglophone countries is to improve students’ English skills in both academic and professional environments. Despite the high cost and the popularity of the program policy, there remains a lack of empirical studies on the link between attending an EMI program and students’ English proficiency. This paper employs data from 111 students majoring in international business from a top Vietnamese university to compare English competency, measured by the Duolingo Test, between students enrolled in an EMI program and their counterparts who are taught the same curriculum but in the native language, through Vietnamese medium instruction (VMI). Controlling for different social backgrounds, the study shows that participation in EMI is associated with better English test performance. Analysis using multiple interaction terms shows that male EMI participants, or students coming from lower-income households, having lower English scores in high school, and attending more English private tutoring would benefit more from EMI. The analysis sheds light on potential socioeconomic obstacles to accessing EMI and English skill development. Follow-up interviews similarly show the relevance of demographic backgrounds to the students’ perceptions of EMI and their English proficiency. The study provides clear evidence of substantial associations between EMI and English skills. Further studies are needed to establish the causality of the results.

Women skill development: The path to economic change and sustainability

Women in the past experienced a variety of socioeconomic obstacles that prohibited them from fully participating in the workforce and limited their access to possibilities for development and advancement. Women's Skill development means the process of developing and perfecting the skills, knowledge and expertise of women so that they can be empowered and actively participate in various sectors of society. It aims to close the gender gap by giving women the skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Women have historically faced many barriers and discrimination that have limited their access to education, employment opportunities and Skill development programs. However, governments, organizations and communities have recognized the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment and have increasingly focused on promoting women's skills development. Scholarly studies on empowering females have gained popularity in the past few decades, and many investigations are being carried out to examine various facets of this issue. Financial independence constitutes an essential facet of women being empowered. The involvement of women in occupations is commonly acknowledged as an essential component in fostering growth in the economy and minimizing inequality. A research investigation conducted in 2004 by Kabeer and Mahmud showed that financial independence for women may manifest in higher incomes, greater nutrition and wellness, and increased authority over home decisions. By empowering women through technology and entrepreneurship, we can pave the way for economic transformation and sustainability. It is essential to work with governments, educational institutions, industry experts and women themselves to design and implement comprehensive programs that address the specific needs and challenges of women in developing their skills. We can create a more inclusive, fairer and more sustainable world by empowering women and enabling them to reach their full potential. In order to achieve sustainable economic change and ensure a brighter future for all, it is important that we continue to prioritize and invest in the development of women's skills.

Toward carbon neutrality before 2060: Trajectory and technical mitigation potential of non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from Chinese agriculture

In 2020, China announced that it aims to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Despite the recognition of agriculture's importance in emission mitigation strategies, assessing the non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potentials from this sector remains technically and conceptually challenging. This study developed a bottom-up inventory-based model (the Agriculture-induced non-CO2GreenHouse Gases INVentory model) to provide region-specific long-term projections (to 2060) of non-CO2 GHG emissions (including methane and nitrous oxide) from the Chinese agricultural sector. Seventeen production-side technologies were identified that could reduce on-farm emissions, and their mitigation potentials by 2060 were evaluated. Results showed that agricultural non-CO2 GHG emissions rose by 34% from 1980 to 2018, and they are projected to increase further by 33% to reach 1153 MtCO2-eq yr−1 by 2060. Implementing selected technological adaptations could lead to peak agricultural emissions before 2030 and then reduce them by 32%–50% by 2060. The most effective mitigation measures include feed supplements, feed quality improvements, slow-release fertilizers, and improved water management for paddy fields and uplands. All six regions of China will see a gradual increase in agricultural emissions. South Central China and Southwest China have the largest shares of total national emissions and the greatest mitigation potentials. However, technology adoption faces a series of socio-economic obstacles such as the high cost of technology promotion, smaller farm sizes, farmers' aversion to risk, and a complex set of objectives for agriculture.