Total Household Income Research Articles

Ethnic–Racial Discrimination Exposure and Anxiety in Latina Girls: Amygdala Volume as an Indirect Neurobiological Pathway

Ethnic–racial discrimination, the differential treatment of individuals based on ethnic or racial group membership, predicts poor mental health outcomes such as anxiety. This is supported by long-standing theories on the social determinants of health and minority stress. However, these theories are rarely expanded to neurobiological sciences, limiting our understanding of mechanisms underlying observed associations. One potential neurobiological pathway between ethnic–racial discrimination exposure and anxiety is that ongoing exposure to racially charged encounters presents imminent threats that may modify stress-sensitive neurocircuitry, like the amygdala.The current study evaluated whether amygdala volume mediated associations between ethnic–racial discrimination exposure and anxiety symptoms in Latina girls, a group exhibiting heightened levels of untreated anxiety and disproportionately subjected to ethnic–racial discrimination.Thirty predominantly Mexican-identifying Latina girls residing in Southern California (MAge = 9.76, SD = 1.11 years) completed a T1-weighted structural MRI scan. Using the Perceptions of Racism in Children and Youth, participants self-reported the prevalence and severity of various discriminatory experiences. Participants also self-reported their anxiety symptoms via the Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders. Controlling for total intracranial volume and annual household income, an indirect effect of ethnic–racial discrimination on anxiety symptoms via left amygdala volume was observed, β = −0.28, SE = 0.17, BC 95% CI [−0.690, −0.017]. The current findings suggest that the left amygdala is sensitive to racialized threats in childhood and that stress-related alterations may, in part, contribute to elevated anxiety in Latina girls. Our data elucidate a potential mechanism by which this form of sociocultural stress can adversely impact mental health, particularly in the transition from middle childhood to early adolescence, a period marked by a host of interlinked neurophysiological and social changes.

Prevalence and Assessment of Factors Associated With Malnutrition in Children Residing in Slums of Mumbai: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Malnutrition in children continues to be a serious public health problem in India. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and assess factors contributing to it in children of the marginalized slum population of India, masked in the metropolitan cities. Methods A retrospective data analysis with a cross-sectional model was conducted by medical volunteers affiliated with the Rotaract Club of Medicrew who had organized a free pediatric health check-up camp in the Dharavi village of Mumbai, India for children under five. Children under five years of age group of either sex residing in the slums of Dharavi and whose parents consented are included in the study. Neonates, children older than five years of age, and children whose parents did not consent for them to be included in the study were excluded. A pretested, pre-validated questionnaire was administered, and statistical analysis was done with p-values <0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results A total of 126 children were included. Out of these children, 109 of them (86.50%) had a mid-arm circumference of more than 12.5 cm (normal), 11 (8.73%) were between 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm (moderate acute malnutrition), and five (4.77%) were less than 11.5 cm (severe acute malnutrition). Among the 126 kids, 86 kids were above the age of two and their BMI was assessed, 36 (44.19%) were found to be underweight (<5th percentile) while 14 (16.3%) were obese (>95th percentile), and four (4.65%) were overweight (85th-95th percentile). For 106 (84.13%) of these children, the caregivers were mothers while others were fathers (n=4; 3.18%), grandmothers (n=5; 3.97%), sisters (n=5; 3.97%), and aunts (n=6; 4.76%). Out of those who had commenced receiving formal education, only 39 (55.71%) were in an appropriate grade for their age. The mean expenditure on food as a proportion of the total household income was 36.40% (standard deviation (SD) 15.0%). On the single-item sleep quality scale, the sleep of only 36 kids (28.58%) was reported by their caregivers as excellent. A high proportion of other medical problems were reported in the children. Conclusion Our study reports a substantial burden of malnutrition among children residing in the slums of Dharavi. Rigorous strengthening and conceptualization of on-ground nutritional programs targeted towardslum children should be done by Indian healthcare policymakers.

Identifying the poor – Accounting for household economies of scale in global poverty estimates

Estimates of the number of people living in extreme poverty, as reported by the World Bank, figure prominently in international development dialogue and policy. An assumption underpinning these poverty counts is that there are no economies of scale in household size – a family of six needs three times as much as a family of two. This paper examines the sensitivity of global estimates of extreme poverty to changing this assumption. The analysis rests on nationally representative household surveys from 162 countries covering 97.5 percent of the population estimated to be in extreme poverty in 2019. We compare current-method estimates with a constant-elasticity scale adjustment that divides total household consumption or income not by household size but by the square-root of household size. While the regional profile of extreme poverty is robust to this change, the determination of who is poor changes substantially – the poverty status of 264 million people changes. We then discuss evidence suggesting that the assumption of economies of scale more closely aligns with non-consumption measures of poverty. Specifically, we draw from existing literature of subjective assessments of poverty and wellbeing, along with new empirical evidence from examining the partial correlation (conditional on household size) between the two measures of poverty and a set of presumed poverty covariates (i.e., years of schooling, literacy, asset index, working in agriculture, access to electricity, piped drinking water, improved sanitation).

Factors Influencing Forest Dependency on the Gola Rainforest Reserve in Sierra Leone

Purpose: Forests are under intense human pressure due to a high level of dependency. Understanding socioeconomic and demographic incentives surrounding forest dependence is critical to mitigating the adverse impacts of forest degradation in Africa. Therefore, this study examines the factors promoting household forest dependence in Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest Reserve through four research questions: (1) What is the contribution of forest income relative to total household income? (2) What are the key sources of relative forest income? (3) How do gender, age, and education influence forest dependency? (4) What factors drive dependence on forest resources?&#x0D; Methodology: The study's target population was rural households living near the Gola Rainforest Reserve in Gaura and Tunkia Chiefdoms in the Kenema district. The study used convenience sampling. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used for data collection. It drew from 101 survey responses analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, binary logistic regression on S.P.S.S., and then —seven expert interviews and three focus group discussions explored with thematic analysis on Google Docs. The study used tables and figures for data presentation.&#x0D; Findings: The study's results showed four key findings. First, forest income accounts for 46% of monthly household income in the sampled community. Second, the top five sources of forest income are cocoa (74%), moringa tea (9%), timber wood (4%), forest spices (4%), and forest fruit and vegetables (3%). Third, age, education, and gender influence forest dependence. Fourth, livelihood and direct consumption are the key factors driving dependence on forest resources. Therefore, the study recommended that decision-makers and conservationists consider socioeconomic factors like gender, age, education, and livelihood when designing forest management projects, strategies, or policies. &#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The study’s outcome contributes to the growing literature on forest dependency. It provides key insights into the significant contribution of forest resources to household income. Analyzing the influence of socio-demographic factors, like gender, age, and education, on forest resources enhances the understanding of resource-use patterns. This study allows forest conservationists, government decision-makers, and academics to develop projects, policies, and strategies from an informed perspective, considering socio-economic realities, to promote sustainable forest management practices in Sierra Leone and other developing countries to mitigate deforestation.

Financial Impact on Malaysian Families with Children Admitted with Community Acquired Pneumonia

Introduction: Hospitalisation following community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children may cause considerable burden to a family. This study was conducted to determine the financial impact on the parents and risk factors for prolonged hospitalisation. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) among patients aged between 3 months and 12 years old with CAP. Parents were interviewed and medical records were reviewed. Results: A total of 95 patients were enrolled in this study with a median age of 13 months, of whom 52 were boys (54.7%) and 43 were girls (45.3%). The median (IQR) total expenses incurred by the parents was RM546.90 (USD 128.23), which constituted 12.6% of total household income. The median workday loss was 9 (4 – 29) days. Pre-existing chronic illness and underweight were found to be strong predictors of prolonged hospitalisation with odds ratio of 3.97 and 4.5, respectively. Conclusion: CAP resulted in a significant financial burden in terms of loss of productivity and costs incurred by parents.

Economic Empowerment of Tribal Women through Non-Timber Forest Products

"The present paper attempts to explore and analyze the purpose of women collecting Non-Timber Forest Products based on the socioeconomic status of the women and their households. The study finds that 59.14% of women respondents were engaged in collecting NTFPs. The study employed Binary Logistic Regression for data analysis. The logistic regression analysis shows that the respondent’s main occupation, total household income excluding income from NTFPS, respondent’s age, respondent’s educational level, household size and distance to market significantly influences the dependence of women in NTFPs to earn cash income. The study found the distance to the market an important deciding factor for women to earn cash income from NTFPs. Women staying nearer to the market were more likely to earn cash income from NTFPs than those who live far from the market. Therefore the study suggests the need for government and non-government institutions (NGOs) intervention to initiate training and capacity building for the tribal women at the village level to bring more women to the market."

Key factors influencing tree planting decision of farmers on farm land: A case study in Malakand, Pakistan

In order to cope with forest degradation and deforestation, farm forestry is a new tool for plantation purposes that combat these issues. Planting trees on farmlands is the most practical and viable approach given in the current situation in Pakistan for recovering the degraded forest lands, ensuring the sustainable use of marginal areas, and satisfying the rural requirements for the benefits of trees, both economically and non-economically. Therefore a socio-economic study of farmers in relation to tree planting is very important, to understand farmers perception about farm trees growing. In this study a total of 120 households were surveyed and interviewed in district Malakand for factor affecting farm tree planting decision. The result of step wise binary logistics regression analysis indicated that the factors including: Education level, Attitude of tree planting and silviculture knowledge were significantly influenced on tree planting decision of household in the study area. The total household income for planter was significantly higher than non-planter. The study result may provide the basis for proposing solution for future to strengthen trees planting decision for plantation, with the intention of promoting household engagement and attract farmers towards plantation activities in the study area.

The Contribution of Gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) Income to Farmers’ Households Income in Pesisir Selatan District

Gambier productivity in Pesisir Selatan District is low, affecting gambier farmers' household income. Furthermore, the price of gambier fluctuates, especially between 2019 and 2022. This study aims to describe gambier cultivation carried out by farmers in Pesisir Selatan and analyze the contribution of gambier income to farmers' household income in Pesisir Selatan. This descriptive study used the survey approach on two districts of gambier-producing centers in Pesisir Selatan, namely Koto XI Tarusan and Sutera Sub-district. The sample size is sixty farmers, who were chosen using a purposive sampling strategy based on the criteria of farmers who have harvested their gambier. The data gathered include gambier farming activities, markets, production, revenue, costs, gambier income, and household income. The findings revealed that weeding and pest spraying were done three times each year on average. Farmers fertilize their crops between two and four times every year. Harvesting was also done 2-4 times a year. Gambier production averaged 899.83 kg each period, or 2,384.56 kg per year. The gambler's average selling price was Rp. 41,250, -/kg. The average gambier revenue each year was Rp 98,363,031.25, -. The annual income from the gambier business was Rp. 21,656,558.34, - or Rp. 1,804,713.19, - per month. Farmers' total annual revenue was Rp. 59,911,051.33, - or Rp. 4,992,587.61, - per month. Gambier contributed 36% of the total household income in Pesisir Selatan. Gambier farmers in Pesisir Selatan do not just grow gambier for a living. Rice farming and oil palm plantations provide additional household income.

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills (AKAS) of Telemedicine and Its Use by Primary Healthcare Providers.

This study aimed to determine the rate of telemedicine (TM) use and the levels of awareness, knowledge, attitude, and skills of TM among primary healthcare (PHC) providers. In a cross-sectional study, 104 PHC providers were subjected to a validated AKAS scale via Survey Monkey. The tool consists of 4 parameters that users can respond to using a 4-point Likert scale to assess their awareness (12 statements), knowledge (11 statements), attitude (11 statements), and skills (13 statements) on TM. Total and percentage mean scores (PMS) were calculated for each parameter. Participants were categorized in each parameter into three categories: low (≤ 49% score), average (50-70% score), and high (≥ 71% score) levels. The association of AKAS levels with personal characteristics and TM use was investigated. The significance was set at p<0.05. One-half of participants (51%) reported current use of TM, and two-thirds (63.5%) reported a high level of AKAS, with a PMS of 72.9±14.7, 95% CI: 70.1-75.7. There were significant associations between the following: years of experience and levels of knowledge (Χ2LT = 6.77, p= 0.009) and skills (Χ2LT = 4.85, p = 0.028), respectively; and total household income and levels of skills (Χ2LT = 6.91, p= 0.009). The rate of TM use was significantly associated with awareness levels (Χ2LT = 6.14, p = 0.013). Lack of training ranked as the first barrier (45.5%), followed by connection problems and tools' unavailability (35.1% each). The participants recommended providing TM training (41.1%) and stabilization of connection and networking signals (30.1%). Despite their high level of TM awareness, the rate of TM use by PHC providers is less than satisfactory. Establishing standardized TM training and supporting the network signals are recommended. A large-scale study on the impact of TM integration with PHC services is necessary.

Financial protection in health revisited: Is catastrophic health spending underestimated for service- or disease-specific analysis?

Economists originally developed methods to assess financial catastrophe using total or aggregate out-of-pocket health spending. Aggregate out-of-pocket health spending is financially catastrophic when it exceeds a fixed proportion (i.e., threshold) of a household's total income or expenditure in a given period. However, these methods are now applied to assess financial catastrophe in disease- or service-specific rather than aggregate out-of-pocket health spending without using disease- or service-specific thresholds. This paper argues that not using disease- or service-specific thresholds for such assessments is misleading and underestimates the burden of financial catastrophe, especially among households from poorer backgrounds. It then proposed disease- or service-specific catastrophic payment thresholds, applied them to Nigeria and found that financial catastrophe was underestimated for the five service groups considered. The paper stresses the importance of using disease- or service-specific thresholds and avoiding unadjusted thresholds, which may leave poorer households behind as financially protected.

Household Livelihood Strategies and Forest Resource Use in Rural West Bengal, India

The economic contributions of forest resources to the well-being of rural households are enormous. However, the level of forest benefits and degree of forest reliance vary across households. Drawing on a sustainable livelihood framework, this article explores how these forest resource uses correlate to the choice of livelihood strategies of rural forest-dependent households with a specific focus on the increased income of households, filling income shortfall, coping with shocks and livelihood diversification. Data were collected from 407 rural forest-dependent households in West Bengal, India. Based on the share of forest income in total household income, households were classified into different livelihood strategy groups. One-way ANOVA was run to test the income differences among these groups. The forest extractive strategy was found least income-generating of all livelihood strategies. Multinomial logit regression was carried out to identify the asset-based explanatory variables that influence livelihood strategy choices and forest dependency of the studied households. Analyses show that households’ differential access to or endowment of livelihood assets determines the choice of a rural household’s livelihood strategy and that forest resource uses of the households are livelihood strategy driven. Asset-poor households should be given opportunities to pursue livelihood activities with higher economic returns. JEL Classifications: Q23, Q56, Q57

Consumption Response to Minimum Wages: Evidence from Chinese Households

Abstract The paper evaluates the impact of the Chinese minimum wage policy on consumption of low-wage households for the period 2002-2009. Using a representative panel of urban households, we find that the consumption response to minimum wage income hikes increases in the share of minimum wage income in total household income. In particular, poorer households fully consume their additional income, while meaningful negative employment effects are absent. The large marginal propensity to consume is driven by households with at least one child, while poor, childless households save two-thirds of a minimum wage hike. The expenditure increase is concentrated in health care and education with potentially long-lasting benefits to household welfare.

The role of livelihood diversification strategies in the total household income in Takusa Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The role of livelihood diversification strategies in the total household income in Takusa Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Factors associated with postpartum depression among high-risk women during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on multi-level factors associated with depression among a high-risk sample of postpartum women using longitudinal data collected at two timepoints. High-risk postpartum participants in the United States were recruited to participate in a parent study focused on mitigating risk of cardiometabolic disease in postpartum women. Individuals completed a baseline survey which included the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 6-weeks postpartum between 2017 through 2019. A modified survey with the inclusion of selected questions from the Coronavirus Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) questionnaire was administered again during the first 6-months of the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals who completed both the baseline assessment and the COVID-19 assessment were included for analyses (n = 46). Multivariate models were run to investigate the impacts of individual-, interpersonal-, and structural-level factors on change in EPDS scores across the postpartum period. Findings suggest that losing contact with social supports (β = 4.5, SE = 1.9, p = .02) and individuals who reported a total household income of less than $75,000 (β = 3.4, SE = 1.7, p = .05) were more likely to report significantly worsening postpartum depression scores compared to others. Recommendations to mitigate the stressors that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting mental health disparities include screening all high-risk postpartum women for depression and anxiety during both postpartum and pediatric healthcare visits, providing informational flyers with tips related to healthy coping behaviors and free/affordable community resources, and linking individuals to peer-led support groups.

Household Income in Cambodia: Gini Analysis

This study examined how income is distributed among rural households and the different sources that contribute to it, as well as their role in addressing income inequality. It used the Gini coefficient to assess the impact of rural household income and other sources of income on income equality in 16 villages in Chub commune, Tboung Khmum district, Tboung Khmum province, Cambodia. It was found that income from farm activities accounts for 68.78% of total income, and the income distribution is slightly unequal based on the Gini index and Lorenz curve (0.166614239; 0.169607843; 0.022865854). This suggests that diversification of income sources has influenced equality, highlighting the importance of households being able to diversify their income sources to achieve wealth equality. Access to resources such as inputs and finance could help improve income equality among rural families. The study highlights the need for policymakers to focus on the provision of productive resources and access to financial resources such as loans, as these can generate significant living income and potentially help prevent inequality in rural communities. Furthermore, the study revealed that non-farm and other activities contributed to the variation in income equality, accounting for 31.22% of the total income of rural households. The Gini index for non-farming income was 0.082741477; 0.176054916 compared to farming income, indicating slight inequality in household income.

Kontribusi Budidaya Lebah Kelulut (Trigona itama) Terhadap Pendapatan Anggota Kelompok Tani Hutan Rimbun Lestari di Kabupaten Kampar

The Rimbun Lestari Forest Farmers Group in Kampar District has cultivated kelulut bees (Trigona itama) for 5 years, currently the number of cultivated colonies is 110 colonies.This activity of kelulut cultivation has an important role as one of the strategies in in increasing farmer group household income, but not all members are aware of the great contribution of kelulut cultivation to their income.This study aims to: analyze the costs and income of KTH Rimbun Lestari kelulut cultivation and analyze the contribution of kelulut cultivation to the income of KTH Rimbun Lestari members. Collecting data using the method of observation, surveys and literature studies. Taking respondents using the census method. Data analysis in this study included the calculation of the kelulut beekeeping business and the calculation of household income for KTH Rimbun Lestari members. The results of the study show that kelulut beekeeping business run by KTH Rimbun Lestari, costs Rp. 8.734.000 /year and the total net income of the farmer groups is Rp. 102.111.000/year. The contribution to the income of the kelulut beekeeping business run by KTH Rimbun Lestari is 10,14% of total household income.

Causal effects of socioeconomic traits on frailty: a Mendelian randomization study.

The relationship between socioeconomic status and frailty has been extensively investigated in the literature, but it remains unclear whether a causal relationship exists. Our goal is to evaluate the causal relationship between six socioeconomic traits and the frailty index using summary-level data for single nucleotide polymorphisms from large genome-wide association studies with individuals of European ancestry. A two-sample MR was performed. We applied the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method for the primary estimate, with sensitivity analyses conducted using alternative MR methods to evaluate the robustness of the findings. A subsequent multivariable MR was undertaken to adjust for the effects of body mass index (BMI). Finally, the MR Steiger directionality test was performed to confirm the causal direction. The IVW MR analysis revealed significant associations between various socioeconomic factors and the frailty index. Specifically, genetically predicated age completed full time education (β = -0.477, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.634 to -0.319) and average total household income before tax (β = -0.321, 95% CI: -0.410 to -0.232) were negatively associated with the frailty index. On the other hand, genetically predicted job involves heavy manual or physical work (β = 0.298, 95% CI: 0.113 to 0.484), job involves mainly walking or standing (β = 0.179, 95% CI: 0.013 to 0.345), Townsend deprivation index at recruitment (β = 0.535, 95% CI: 0.285 to 0.785), and social isolation/loneliness (β = 1.344, 95% CI: 0.834 to 1.853) were positively associated with the frailty index. Sensitivity analysis using other MR methods and multivariable MR analysis adjusting for BMI yielded stable results. The MR Steiger directionality test confirmed the causal direction. Our findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic factors in affecting frailty risk. Future research should focus on unraveling the pathways through which these socioeconomic factors exert their effects on frailty, with the ultimate goal of developing targeted strategies to mitigate the risk of frailty.

Association between sanitary toilets and health poverty vulnerability among rural western Chinese adults aged 45 years and older: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the association between sanitary toilets and health poverty vulnerability among rural western Chinese adults aged 45 years and older. Using data from the 'Rural Household Health Inquiry Survey' conducted in 2022, a three-stage feasible generalized least squares method was employed to calculate health poverty vulnerability. Propensity score matching (PSM) and mediation effect analysis were used to assess the association between sanitary toilets and health poverty vulnerability among rural western Chinese adults aged 45 years and older and the mechanisms underlying this impact. This study revealed that the use of sanitary toilets was significantly associated with decreased health poverty vulnerability in adults over 45 years of age. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that this effect was more pronounced among males (β = -0.0375, P<0.05), those aged 60-74 years (β = -0.0476, P<0.05), and households with middle income (β = -0.0590, P<0.01). Mediation effect analysis identified total household income (a×b = -0.0233, P<0.05), household size (a×b = -0.0181, P<0.01), number of household laborers (a×b = -0.0107, P<0.01), and registered poor households (a×b = -0.0081, P<0.01) as the mediating factors between sanitary toilets and health poverty vulnerability. The provision of sanitary toilets has been instrumental in mitigating health-related poverty among middle-aged and elderly people residing in rural areas. By improving household livelihood capital, the vulnerability of these individuals to health-related poverty can be significantly reduced.

Examining the Economic Impact of Cardamom Farming on Household Resources

This study investigates the production economics and household contribution of cardamom farming, analyzing socio-economic characteristics, value chain, and issues in Likhu river corridor. Data from a mid-July 2022 survey of 100 households in Likhu-Pike Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu District, is supplemented by indirect interviews and secondary sources. For analysis and presentation, descriptive and inferential statistical tools are employed. Results reveal a significant 25.83% share of cardamom income in total household income, with wild animal crop destruction being a major problem. The study recommends expert training, identifying in-farm income sources, adopting a cooperative marketing approach, and improving grading and packaging practices for higher benefits.

Contribution of the Majang Forest Ecosystem to Local Communities' Livelihoods: The Case of Majang Forest Biosphere Reserve in Southwest Ethiopia

Ecosystems contribute to sustainable development by integrating economic and social development through sustainable natural resource conservation. This paper examines the contribution of the Majang forest ecosystem to livelihoods, the main products derived from the Majang forest ecosystem, and the factors affecting the dependence on ecosystem goods and services. Our present paper's main objective was to investigate how local livelihoods are impacted by Majang forest ecosystems and how those ecosystems contribute to local livelihoods. Before the main survey, we carried out reconnaissance and a pretest survey. The research was conducted using a mixed-method approach that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. Semi-structured survey questionnaires were used to gather the data. Our research showed that the products of the forest ecosystem are very important for the subsistence of the local populations and how dependent they are on them. Our research showed that the essential components of the Majang forest ecosystem products are beekeeping, fish, bushmeat, mushrooms, firewood, and building materials. According to our research, beekeeping accounts for 42.7% of household income, followed by firewood at 26.5 percent. Our findings indicate that income from the Majang forest ecosystems contributes 64.53% of total household income, compared to 35.47% from other alternative income sources. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that household characteristics had a significant impact on the reliance level of the forest ecosystem. Our research has shown how heavily local communities rely on the goods of Majang forest ecosystems. Our findings show the enormous socioeconomic importance of Majang forest ecosystem services to local communities. Our research's conclusions have significant implications for managers and decision-makers. Our results suggest that the conservation and sustainable use of forest ecosystems requires the intervention of decision-makers.