Changes in suicide rates in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interrupted time series analysis.

Job loss and mental health: The role of anticipation and re-employment in recovery patterns

Economic exclusion and criminal adaptations: A qualitative study of youth unemployment in Ghana

We conducted a Health Labour Market Analysis (HLMA) to evaluate the alignment of health workforce supply with population health needs and fiscal sustainability through 2030. A quantitative study design using secondary data was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) HLMA Framework and the 2021 WHO HLMA Guidebook. Quantitative data were gathered from the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), professional associations, training institutions, and national accounts, supplemented by grey literature and stakeholder consultations. Workforce supply and demand projections for 2024-2030 considered an attrition rate of 3.5%, a 20% unemployment rate for new graduates, and an 80% absorption rate. Financial analyses were aligned with Gross Dometic Product (GDP) and fiscal projections from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the National Bank of Ethiopia. Data quality assurance included multi-level validation using a standardized Ministry of Health (MOH) tool, with outlier checks and stakeholder verification. The supply of health professionals is projected to increase steadily, reaching approximately 74,693 nurses, 30,980 midwives, and 25,576 general practitioners by 2030. Despite these gains, significant shortages persist relative to Essential Health Services Package (EHSP)-based requirements, particularly among medical specialists, nurses, anesthetists, and laboratory professionals. Financial analysis indicates that cumulative fiscal space is projected at USD 945 million by 2030, while the cost of employing the available workforce is estimated at USD 1.08 billion, and the EHSP-aligned requirement at USD 1.8 billion. This results in an annual financing gap of USD 20-30 million for workforce absorption and over USD 800 million relative to service needs. Ethiopia's HLMA highlights gaps between workforce supply, health needs, and fiscal capacity. Despite an increase in graduates, unemployment persists. Improving Human Resource for Health (HRH) governance, expanding fiscal resources, and ensuring fair deployment are vital for effective workforce utilization and advancing universal health coverage.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end poverty is a global challenge, especially in urban areas. There is a gap in understanding how the built environment affects urban poverty. Although studies view poverty through economic and social lenses, few examine the role of the built environment in multidimensional poverty analysis. Understanding spatial associations and spillover effects between the built environment and poverty is incomplete, with many studies not considering spatial dependence, leading to biased results. We used spatial econometric analysis and Bayesian Model Comparison to explore local and global spillover effects. We quantified poverty using a multidimensional poverty index (MPI) and evaluated the built environment using spatial opportunity and accessibility indicators. We used data from a geocoded household survey of Kenyan urban areas. The results suggest that incorporating built environment indicators in the MPI increases the magnitude and incidence of poverty. We find significant spatial dependence and identify local rather than global spillover effects, leading to the specification of a Spatial Durbin Error Model (SDEM). Deprivation of road infrastructure and transport services had significant direct and spillover effects associated with higher household multidimensional poverty. These findings highlight an urban planning perspective in poverty analysis which uncovers hidden deprivation. The results suggest the need for urban policy interventions that adopt a multidimensional approach to poverty alleviation incorporating the built environment. An integrated approach blending public transport and road improvements, park provision, street lighting, with traditional social protection and employment creation plans at the local neighbourhood level is suggested. • Inclusion of built environment dimensions and indicators increases the magnitude and incidence of multidimensional poverty • Spatial dependence was observed in the association between multidimensional poverty and the built environment • Accessibility - road surface and transport- has significant direct and spillover effects on multidimensional poverty • Poverty measurement and analysis can be improved by including built environment dimensions • Poverty interventions can be strengthened by addressing built environment deprivation in roads and transport services

Workplace conflicts are common and complex, often leading to reduced job satisfaction, health problems, long-term absenteeism, and even job loss. When unresolved, they can seriously disrupt team dynamics and organizational functioning. Understanding the needs of employees, employers, and occupational health professionals in preventing, de-escalating, and resolving conflicts is essential for fostering healthier work environments. Therefore, this study explores the needs and challenges faced by these key stakeholders while triangulating the findings for effectively preventing, managing, and resolving workplace conflicts. A qualitative, explorative study design was used. Between June 2023 and January 2025 semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and focus groups (2x n = 9) were conducted with employees, employers, and occupational health professionals. A thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring themes in the data. The findings of this study highlight the complex and multi-layered nature of workplace conflicts. Three overarching themes were identified from the interviews: (1) Lack of mutual understanding and miscommunication hinder prevention, de-escalation and resolution of workplace conflicts; (2) opposing perspectives on workplace conflicts between employees and employers, often leading to misunderstandings and escalation; and (3) the needs for prevention, de-escalation, and resolution of conflicts. All stakeholder groups emphasized the importance of open communication, a safe and transparent organizational culture, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, approachable and well-trained managers, and accessible support systems such as clear protocols and professional guidance. These preconditions were seen as essential for enabling workplace conflicts to be addressed openly at an early stage. This is, to our knowledge, the first qualitative study integrating employee, employer, and occupational health professional perspectives on the prevention and solution of workplace conflicts in a Dutch context. The triangulation of these perspectives highlights the importance of incorporating these viewpoints when designing interventions. In developing interventions, fostering a culture of openness, safety and shared responsibility is essential for promoting workplace harmony and reducing the adverse effects of conflicts. The findings further suggest that occupational health policies could be strengthened through earlier involvement of occupational health services, clearer protocols to prevent and manage conflict-related sick leave, and the implementation of communication training focused on prevention of conflict escalation.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between social support and stress among Turkish citizens and immigrant pregnant women from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The study was conducted with 600 pregnant women at a tertiary training and research hospital in Istanbul, categorized into three cohorts: Turkish citizens (n = 200), short-term immigrants (n = 200), and long-term immigrants (n = 200). Participants were evaluated for perceived social support and prenatal stress levels using validated scales. Although sociodemographic characteristics were largely comparable across groups, short-term immigrants exhibited significantly lower educational attainment, higher unemployment rates, and greater income-expenditure imbalance. Turkish participants reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support, particularly from familial networks. Conversely, both immigrant cohorts demonstrated elevated pregnancy stress scores relative to the Turkish group. A statistically significant negative association between social support and pregnancy stress was identified across all cohorts. Notably, long-term immigrant women appeared to derive the most substantial benefits from social support in mitigating prenatal stress. Perceived social support was highest among Turkish pregnant women, followed by long-term and short-term immigrants, respectively. Pregnancy-related stress was significantly more pronounced in both immigrant groups compared to the native population. These findings underscore the critical role of social support systems in alleviating prenatal distress among vulnerable immigrant populations.

Life events (LE) are significant experiences (e.g., bereavement, illness, or job loss) that require psychological adjustment and may contribute to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Indonesia faces a rising burden of these conditions, yet limited research has explored their relationship with LE in its diverse socio-cultural context. This study examines the associations between LE, depression, and anxiety among adults in Java, Indonesia. It further explores how these associations vary by education, asset ownership (proxy of household wealth) index, and rural-urban area of residence. We used cross-sectional data from the baseline of the Sustainable Treatment and Care for Anxiety and Depression (STAND) 2023 longitudinal household survey. The study included 19,186 participants aged 18 years and older. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the CES-D-10 and GAD-7 scales, respectively, both validated for this population. LE was measured using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, which categorises exposure into low, moderate, and high-stress levels over the past 12 months. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health-related factors. Both primary models (main effects only) and interaction models (to explore moderation) were fitted. Overall, 4.4% of respondents reported depressive symptoms, and 8.5% reported anxiety. In the primary models, experiencing moderate or high levels of LE was significantly associated with depression (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 2.6–3.6; AOR = 10.2, 95% CI: 8.0–12.9, respectively) and anxiety (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 2.5–3.1; AOR = 6.5, 95% CI: 5.3–8.0, respectively). These associations were moderated by socioeconomic factors. Higher education, a higher asset index, and urban residence were associated with lower odds of anxiety and depression. Interventions should prioritise mental health literacy and access to care, particularly in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Green hydrogen emerges as a possible decarbonization solution due to its ecologically beneficial energy carrier qualities. Non-technical issues, such as social acceptance, are important to consider while developing new energy solutions. This study looks into social perspectives of green hydrogen production by water electrolysis with wind energy and its use as an energy vector in a specific region in Argentine Patagonia. An online survey was undertaken as a quantitative method, with 134 participants. The findings show that most respondents had a strong understanding of green hydrogen as a potential source of clean energy that does not emit pollutants. Social concerns about the manufacturing process were overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing projected benefits such as economic development, job creation, improved awareness of renewable energies, and energy independence. This latter characteristic is consistent with the majority preference for using produced energy to meet local demand, regardless of export potential. Overall, the findings indicate a growing knowledge of sustainable development challenges and a preference for ecologically friendly energy transitions in the local context.

This study examines the ethical issues related to AI-driven supply chain optimization, such as algorithmic biases, the effects of automation on employment, and accountability and transparency. Given the goal of increasing efficiency, machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are being actively used in a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, and logistics. Also, technologies are automating and improving tasks such as inventory tracking and demand forecasting. This lowers cost and increases supply chain flexibility. However, using them raises significant ethical problems, specifically the issue of making fair choices. With the presence of bias in the trained systems, there will be unfair distribution of resources and the conditions that define the consequences of decisions, such as the introduction of high-value goods over fundamental needs, and in this case, the population needs it most. Another important issue is job loss, especially in low-skilled jobs, as automation becomes the norm in the logistics industry. The study suggests that AI systems should adopt ethical principles, such as fairness, transparency, and accountability. It suggests practical steps that businesses should take to employ AI in ways that ensure everyone gets fair results. The study continues by emphasizing the need to be aware of ethical issues to use AI to improve efficiency while also promoting fairness and sustainability in global supply chain management.

IntroductionSexual and gender minority (SGM) workers are vulnerable to unemployment and experience alarming rates of depression. We aimed to assess how changes in employment status are associated with depressive symptoms among SGM workers.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used 3 annual questionnaires (2021-2023) of The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study, an online, community-engaged cohort study of SGM adult health in the United States. Participants were ≥18 years old, active in the labour market, identified as SGM people and completed at least the 2021 and 2022 questionnaires. Marginal structural models were used to assess the association between changes in employment status from 2021 to 2022 and depressive symptoms in 2023.ResultsThere were 2245 SGM workers included in this study who had a median age of 35.2 years (IQR, 29.3–45.2). The most reported gender identities were non-binary (25.9%) and cisgender woman (25.3%), and the most reported sexual orientations were queer (50.8%) and bisexual (29.8%). The sample included 44 (2.0%) participants who remained unemployed from 2021 to 2022, 50 (2.2%) who lost employment, 70 (3.1%) who gained employment and 2081 (92.7%) who maintained employment. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Score in 2023 was highest (ie, most depressive symptoms) among those who remained unemployed (mean: 11.1), followed by those that lost employment (mean: 8.7), gained employment (mean: 7.2) and maintained employment (mean: 6.1). After adjustment, compared with participants who maintained employment from 2021 to 2022, participants who lost their employment had a 2.84-point increase in PHQ-9 scores (95% CI 0.97 to 4.71) and those with prolonged unemployment had a 2.97-point increase (95% CI 0.98 to 4.95) in 2023.ConclusionsUnemployment is a meaningful contributor to depression among SGM populations. Health and social interventions should promote employment among SGM people.

This paper investigates the robust optimal investment for an ambiguity averse member of a defined contribution (DC) pension plan in a fully-fledged, time consistent mean-variance modeling framework. In particular, the paper extends the literature on defined contribution pension plans in three directions: (1) We relax its assumption of purely continuous stock and/or contribution processes, which allows to introduce the effects of news, job loss, macroeconomic conditions, etc., into the model; (2) Unlike most studies in DC pension plans, we allow for ambiguity about both the mean arrival rate and jump size distribution of the stock returns and contribution rate processes of the member; (3) Ambiguity in our setting is time-varying. The model thus features stochastic stock volatility, stochastic interest rate, stochastic contribution rate, jumps in both stock and contribution rate processes, and time-varying ambiguity about diffusion parameters. Welfare analysis indicates that ignoring ambiguity can be very costly to the member. The framework proposed in this paper is general and adds significant realism to existing models in the literature.

This study aims to analyze the effect of the unemployment rate and the Human Development Index (HDI) on economic growth in North Sumatra Province during the period 2009–2024. This research employs a quantitative approach using time series data and multiple linear regression analysis. Economic growth is used as the dependent variable, while the unemployment rate and HDI serve as independent variables. The data were obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and analyzed using EViews 11. The results indicate that the unemployment rate has a negative and significant effect on economic growth, while HDI has a positive and significant effect. Simultaneously, both variables also have a significant effect on economic growth. The model is able to explain a substantial proportion of the variation in economic growth, while the remaining variation is influenced by other factors outside the model. These findings highlight the importance of integrated policies in job creation and human development to promote sustainable economic growth.

This research is motivated by the high poverty rate in Indonesia and the ongoing theoretical debate regarding its influencing factors, specifically unemployment and Islamic philanthropic instruments such as zakat. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the open unemployment rate and zakat distribution on poverty levels across 38 provinces in Indonesia during the 2020-2024 period. The research method employed is quantitative with panel data, combining time-series and cross-sectional data. The data are sourced from official publications of the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and BAZNAS RI, subsequently analyzed using correlation tests to identify the direction and strength of the relationships between variables. Theoretically, the results indicate that unemployment is positively related to poverty due to the loss of income sources, while zakat plays a significant role as a wealth redistribution instrument that is negatively related to poverty levels. Empirically, unemployment dynamics in Indonesia experienced a significant increase in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before showing a declining trend until 2024, directly impacting the fluctuations in poverty rates across various regions.

Employment Stability for People with Traumatic Brain Injury Predicted by Vocational Rehabilitation, Rurality, and Transportation Independence.

Exploring adverse childhood experiences in the wake of system change - A natural experiment comparing East and West Germany.

ABSTRACT Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are central to employment creation and private sector development in Somalia, yet many in Mogadishu continue to operate under fragile, cash-based, and underbanked conditions that make long-term financial sustainability difficult to achieve. This study examines the effects of access to finance, financial awareness, accounting skills, and budgeting on the financial sustainability of SMEs in Mogadishu. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 221 SME owners, managers, and accounting personnel across trade and retail, services, construction, and manufacturing. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings show that budgeting and financial awareness have positive and statistically significant effects on financial sustainability, with budgeting emerging as the strongest predictor. By contrast, access to finance and accounting skills does not show significant direct effects in the structural model. These results suggest that in Mogadishu’s constrained business environment, sustainability depends less on finance availability alone and more on how effectively SMEs plan, prioritize, and manage the resources already under their control. The study therefore underscores the importance of practical budgeting systems and context-sensitive financial awareness initiatives for strengthening SMEs’ resilience and continuity in Somalia.

The widespread prescribing of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) is a public health problem worldwide. However, few studies have explored the relationship between the number of BZRA prescriptions and social determinants of health (SDH). Furthermore, to our knowledge, no reports have investigated the relationship between BZRA prescribing and social capital. Therefore, our objective was to conduct a prefecture-level ecological study focused on the number of BZRA prescriptions and SDH, including social capital. We drew data for the number of BZRA prescriptions for April 2018 to March 2019 from The National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan Open Data. For the SDH, we obtained data on the relative poverty rate, Gini coefficient, unemployment rate, post-high school education advancement rate, number of single-parent households per 1,000 households, single-person household rate, and social capital scores from publicly available internet sources and previous report. We calculated the standardized claim ratio (SCR) for the number of BZRA prescriptions by prefecture. We then investigated the relationship between the SCR for BZRA and SDH through an ecological study using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and multivariate regression analysis. The relative poverty rate, Gini coefficient, unemployment rate, number of single-parent households per 1,000 households, and single-person household rate were positively and significantly correlated with the SCR for BZRA. In addition, the social participation domain of social capital was significantly negatively correlated with the SCR for BZRA. In the multivariate analysis, the relative poverty rate and single-person household rate remained independently associated with higher BZRA utilization. However, the association between social participation and BZRA use was no longer significant after adjusting for these socioeconomic factors. This ecological study suggests that regional BZRA prescribing is associated with socioeconomic deprivation and household instability. While further individual-level research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms, our findings highlight the importance of addressing social determinants to manage regional disparities in BZRA use.

In this study, we assess the shift from demographic bonus to demographic dividend in Bangladesh and the elements needed to harness this opportunity for economic development. Using a mixed-method approach, the study employs quantitative analysis based on 62 survey participants and qualitative insights from 18 key informant interviews with experts, policymakers and stakeholders. The results show that Bangladesh has a burgeoning working-age population with considerable economic potential; however, it is not fully exploited due to the lack of policies to absorb young people into the workforce, the mismatch between education and skills required in the job market, and the lack of investment in skills. A positive correlation between education, income and productivity is found in quantitative analysis, with regression analysis confirming that the growth of the working-age population and human capital investment are key drivers of GDP growth. Qualitative insights also reveal the need for policy coherence in education and vocational training, and embracing the digital economy. Bangladesh's ability to harness a demographic dividend, the study argues, hinges on strategic investments in human capital, job creation, and policy reforms to ensure a productive inclusion of the growing population into the workforce, with significant lessons for other developing countries with similar demographic dynamics.

Workplace trauma, often minimized as "workplace drama," poses serious risks to employee well-being and organizational performance, warranting deeper exploration of employees’ lived experiences to inform trauma-informed leadership practices. This phenomenological study investigates workplace trauma’s impacts on well-being, motivation, performance, and financial outcomes. Using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of 24 participants. Three themes emerged: the experience of trauma, its effects, and coping strategies. Participants described trauma as a destabilizing disruption to emotional well-being and professional identity stemming from chronic exposure to toxic leadership, incivility, and organizational dysfunction. Consequences included emotional exhaustion, physical health issues, deteriorated relationships, and significant financial and career setbacks. Unlike prior research emphasizing burnout, stress, or isolated incidents, this study: (1) captures employees’ descriptions of workplace trauma spectrum from chronic “little T” mistreatment to acute “big T” events; (2) links trauma to professional identity disruption; and (3) documents tangible financial consequences including job loss, reduced earnings, and involuntary transitions. Findings identify the need for a trauma-informed leadership framework, reframing the minimization of trauma as "workplace drama" and positioning psychological safety as an ethical obligation and strategic priority.