scholarly journals COVID-19 DISRUPTION OF MIDDLE-CLASS MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND BUDGET

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 10-17
Author(s):  
Monika Gupta ◽  
Shubhi Bansal
PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256818
Author(s):  
Lisie Souza Castro ◽  
Grazielli Rocha de Rezende ◽  
Fernanda Rodas Pires Fernandes ◽  
Larissa Melo Bandeira ◽  
Gabriela Alves Cesar ◽  
...  

Background Hepatitis A is a fecal-oral infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) have been reported as target groups for HAV infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors, and circulating strains associated with HAV infection among MSM and TW in Central Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 to September 2013. Serum samples were collected from 425 individuals for anti-HAV antibody testing and HAV molecular characterization. Of them, 149 (35.1%) participants were self-identified as transgender women. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of HAV seropositivity. Results The seroprevalence of HAV exposure was 69.7% (95% Confidence Interval: 65.3–74.0%). Serological evidence of HAV was significantly higher in participants who self-identified as transgender women (83.2%) than MSM (62.3%). Increasing age, non-white race, and lower monthly household income were independently associated with HAV exposure among MSM. Only lower monthly household income was independently associated with HAV exposure among TW. One anti-HAV IgM positive sample, from a transgender woman (0.2%), was detected and classified as subgenotype IA. Conclusions High HAV prevalence was observed, markedly among TW. Considering the risky sexual behaviors this population is exposed to, HAV vaccination and prevention programs targeting this population should be considered to prevent outbreaks and the burden of the disease.


2019 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2018-054719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongda Socrates Wu ◽  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Sai Yin Ho ◽  
Ho Cheung William LI ◽  
Yee Tak Derek Cheung ◽  
...  

IntroductionWe investigated heated tobacco products (HTPs) use and associated factors in Chinese adults in Hong Kong where HTPs are not formally marketed yet, and cigarette smoking prevalence was the lowest in the developed world.MethodsA population-based landline telephone survey in 2017 interviewed 5131 (45.2% male; 26.7% aged ≥60) adults to collect information on awareness, intention to use, ever use of HTPs, cigarette smoking status and sociodemographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were weighted by the age, sex and smoking status of the Hong Kong adult population. Sociodemographics were mutually adjusted in logistic regression to yield adjusted ORs (AORs) for awareness of HTPs, controlling for smoking status.ResultsOverall, 11.3% (95% CI 10.0% to 12.7%) were aware of HTPs and 1.0 % (0.8%–1.2%) had ever used it. Awareness was associated with aged 40–49 years (AOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.87) or 30–39 years (2.03, 1.41–2.91) (vs ≥60 years), born in Hong Kong (1.37, 1.11–1.68) and higher monthly household income (p for trend 0.001). Ever HTP users had higher educational attainment and monthly household income, and more were aged 30–39 and economically active (all p<0.003). In never HTP users, intention to use HTPs (7.3%, 4.9%–10.8%) were more prevalent in respondents with similar characteristics (all p<0.008). More current (vs never) smokers were aware of HTPs, intent to use HTPs and had ever used HTPs (all p<0.001).ConclusionHigher socioeconomic status was associated with HTP use and intention to use. Public health education on HTPs is needed especially for this high-risk group.


Author(s):  
Andre N H Bulabula ◽  
Angela Dramowski ◽  
Shaheen Mehtar

Abstract Objectives To establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and self-medication among pregnant women. Methods We conducted a KAP survey of 301 pregnant women hospitalized at a tertiary hospital obstetric service in Cape Town, South Africa in November and December 2017, using an interviewer-administered 12 item questionnaire. We stratified analysis of attitudes and practices by participants’ mean knowledge score (K-score) group (<6 versus ≥6 out of 7 questions). Multivariate models were built to identify independent predictors of antibiotic self-medication and K-score. Results The mean age of pregnant women was 29 (SD 6.1) years, 44/247 (17.8%) were nulliparous, 69/247 (27.9%) were HIV-infected, 228/247 (92.3%) had completed secondary school and 78/247 (31.6%) reported a monthly household income in the lowest category of ≤50–100 US dollars (USD). The mean K-score was 6.1 (SD 1.02) out of 7 questions. Sixteen percent of the cohort reported antibiotic self-medication, with higher rates among pregnant women with K-score <6 [18/48 (37.5%) versus 32/253 (12.6%); P < 0.001]. The monthly household income category of >500 USD (the highest category) was the only predictor of antibiotic self-medication behaviour [adjusted OR = 6.4 (95% CI 1.2–35.2), P = 0.03]. Conclusions Higher antibiotic knowledge scores are associated with lower rates of antibiotic self-medication, whereas higher household income is correlated with increasing self-medication behaviours. Education of pregnant women regarding the potential dangers of antibiotic self-medication and stricter enforcement of existing South African antibiotic prescribing and dispensing regulations are needed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (11) ◽  
pp. 1188-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Gokalp Goktolga ◽  
Kemal Esengun

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the factors affecting the consumers' willingness to pay higher prices for genetically unmodified products.Design/methodology/approachTomato was selected as a model crop. Data used in this study were gathered from questionnaires conducted in Tokat province of Turkey in April 2006. Questionnaires were accomplished via face‐to‐face interviews over 262 households. “Ordered logit model” was used in determining the factors that affect the willingness of consumers for higher prices for genetically unmodified products. Ordered models are those that limit dependent variables to certain intervals. According to the results, variables of household size, monthly household income, household's monthly food consumption expenditure and level of consumers' sensitivity over the issue affected the willingness to pay higher prices for genetically unmodified products.FindingsResults of the study indicated that household size and monthly household income had negative effects on the willingness to pay extra, while monthly food expenditure and concern had positive effects.Originality/valueThe results of the study will be beneficial for the policy makers, producers, consumers and those conducting research in this area alike. Carrying out studies aimed at determining consumer preference, such as this, will help form consumer consciousness, especially in Turkey, to protect consumer health.


Author(s):  
Anne Booth

Abstract This article investigates the relationship between economic growth and changing class structures in Indonesia over the last century, with particular emphasis on the post-independence decades. Investigations carried out in the colonial era found that access to land and to government employment were crucial determinants of both income and social status. After 1950, these factors continued to be important, but in addition some studies also examined the growth of the private sector outside agriculture and its implications for changing social stratification among indigenous Indonesians. In recent times, contributions to the literature on the middle class have been made by international agencies (such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank). These studies have defined the middle class in terms of household income or expenditures and have argued that the middle class in Indonesia is growing and is now larger than the number of people living in poverty. The implications of this for future government policies are discussed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 40-45
Author(s):  
Mukrimah A. ◽  
Mohd Parid M. ◽  
Motoe M. ◽  
Lim HF

Ecotourism is one strategy for supporting conservation, generating income, and creating employment for communities living around protected areas. In Malaysia, the management of national parks (protected areas) focuses on the planning and implementation of various activities which contribute to the long-term conservation of the areas while mitigating or reducing conflicts between human and the environment. The issue is whether ecotourism development helps to improve income and reduce rural poverty. A case study was conducted in 2014 where 158 Malay households from Kampung Kuala Tahan were interviewed. Villagers engaged in economic activities related to ecotourism development in Kuala Tahan National Park (KTNP) area (2,477 sq. km) directly and indirectly. The result shows the average monthly household income of this village was RM4, 035. On the whole, about 90% of the average monthly household income was cash income while 10% income in kind. The income sources of villagers were from those within the state land forest areas (related to NTFP harvesting), and outside KTNP (related to forestry and ecotourism). Income generated outside KTNP(related to forestry and ecotourism) area was significantly high compared to those within state land forest and outside KTNP (non-forestry). On average, about RM1, 895 or 47% of the average monthly household income was generated from the ecotourism related activities and forest area. The highest percentage of cash income was from villagers’ engagement as tour guides. Income generated from this source accounted for 13% of household income. Ecotourism related retail stores or restaurant operators also significantly contributed to the average monthly household income at 10%. The incidence of poverty among the households in the village was 4% in 2014 compared to 3.4% among rural Malaysian households in 2012. The findings in this study showed that the income received from forestry related activities and ecotourism is important in reducing poverty among local households.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Luo ◽  
NIE Min ◽  
MENG Yan-ting ◽  
XU Chen ◽  
QIN Si ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: As promotion of the Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health 2016-2020 and the Outline of the "Healthy China 2030" Plan, healthy ageing becomes a hot pot. It is crucial to identify health status of senior women and acquire characteristics of them. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the health of women aged 50-70 in Hunan Province of China, come out coping strategy and prompt an active discussion for healthy ageing.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 20 communities randomly selected from 5 sampled districts and 5counties in Hunan Province. A self-designed and structured questionnaire was used, included demographic data, diseases-related information, self-reported health, health behaviors, and psychological health. The data was collected by well-trained workers, double-entered into EpiData 3.0 and analyzed by SPSS 19.0.Results: Among the 2585 senior women, 51.0% was chronic diseases, 49.6% was gynecopathy and 23.6% was mastopathy. Age [OR=1.394, 95% CI=(1.63-1.670)], household type [OR=1.700, 95% CI=(1.416-2.042)], BMI [OR=1.194, 95% CI=(1.043-1.367)], average monthly household income [OR=0.884, 95% CI=(0.809-0.965)] and self-reported physical health [OR=4.659, 95% CI=(3.913-5.546)] were significantly associated with chronic diseases. Age [OR=0.668, 95% CI=(0.564-0.792)], household type [OR=1.335, 95% CI=(1.094-1.629)], occupation [OR=1.045, 95% CI=(1.002-1.090)], average monthly household income [OR=1.243, 95% CI=(1.143-1.352)] and self-reported physical health [OR=1.748, 95% CI=(1.510-2.024)] were significantly associated with gynecopathy. Age [OR=0.749, 95% CI=(0.616-0.910)], household type [OR=1.603, 95% CI=(1.269-2.026)], occupation [OR=1.057, 95% CI=(1.009-1.108)], average monthly household income [OR=1.233, 95% CI=(1.127-1.350)] and self-reported physical health [OR=1.272, 95% CI=(1.077-1.502)] were significantly associated with mastopathy. Age [OR=0.778, 95% CI=(0.645-0.939)], household type [OR=2.090, 95% CI=(1.733-2.520)], and BMI [OR=1.218, 95% CI=(1.061-1.399)] were significantly associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Age [OR=0.829, 95% CI=(0.701-0.980)] and occupation [OR=0.956, 95% CI=(0.923-0.990)] were significantly associated with regular physical examinations. Household type [OR=0.642, 95% CI=(0.398-1.035)] and self-reported physical health [OR=1.983, 95% CI=(1.340-2.935)] were significantly associated with anxiety.Conclusion: This cross-sectional study shows good description as an appropriate investigation for the identification of women aged 50-70 with certain diseases, health behaviors and psychological health problems in a representative and community-conducted sample of women in Hunan Province of China. It discloses their poor health status.


Author(s):  
Leh Shii Law ◽  
Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽  
Wan Ying Gan ◽  
Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam ◽  
Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib

In spite of the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Orang Asli (OA) of Malaysia being an increasing concern due to the associated adverse health implications, information regarding this issue is scarce. This cross-sectional study is aimed to investigate the predictors of overweight and obesity and its association with blood pressure and quality of life among Senoi OA women. A total of 19 villages at Batang Padang, Perak, were selected out of a total of 56 villages using a simple random sampling, in which 355 Senoi OA women were participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, physical activity, and quality of life. Weight, height and blood pressure were also measured. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 32.4% and 26.2%, respectively. In terms of multiple linear regression, monthly household income, total energy intake, and metabolic equivalents (METs) for domestic activities were found to have significantly contributed to body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, BMI contributed significantly towards levels of blood pressure and quality of life after controlling for monthly household income, total energy intake, and METs for domestic activities. In conclusion, there should be urgent attention to poverty and overweight/obesity among the OA women. The findings would aid in alerting policy makers and health professionals as underweight is no longer a sole nutritional problem among OA but it appears to be coexisting with overweight and obesity. Strategies for improving their socioeconomic status, promoting a balanced and moderate diet, and encouraging involvement of OA women in physical activities should be implemented to prevent overweight and obesity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Chaturvedi

India is a growing economy and it is good that Indians buy smaller cars, which are most suited to a very large, lower and middle class of Indian consumer pyramid. Cars have always been a status symbol in India, and it has yet to become a necessity product. So the important question here is what rides the nerves of Indian consumers, while going through the buying process of personal cars. Probably the perception of people about buying and using a car has changed permanently after launch of the car 'NANO' from Tata. This very fact has been instrumental in prompting us to go for this research. As 'commoditization' has happened for Personal Computers and economy segment of mobile handset's market, similarly, the same is expected in economic personal cars market. Car industry now has already started taking shape in collaboration with segments identified, like purchasing power or family household income. In this research, efforts had been taken to identify what fascinates Indian consumers, while shopping a car. For the study, the whole population has been divided into two samples of 15 members each, one consisting of rich members of society and other not very rich, on the basis of their family household income. Parametric t-test is applied to study to find out the similarity and dissimilarity of consumer's preferences and likings belonging to these social segments. This study can prove to be an important input in shaping the marketing strategies of today's and tomorrow's car manufacturing and marketing companies by helping them to decide POD's and POP's for the segment they are catering or planning to cater.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Husna Sulaiman ◽  
Wei Lin Chang ◽  
Rosita Jamaluddin ◽  
Mohd Redzwan Sabran

Abstract Background: Aflatoxin occurrence could be affected by several factors. This study aimed to assess the association between knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards aflatoxin and sociodemographic factors with urinary AFM1 occurrence among residents in Hulu Langat, Selangor. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthy Malaysian adults aged 18 to 60 years in six subdistricts of Hulu Langat, Selangor. Sociodemographic factors and KAP towards aflatoxin were assessed via questionnaires while morning urine sample was collected for AFM 1 analysis. Of 444 respondents, the urinary AFM 1 level was detected in 199 samples (detection rate = 44.8 %). From 37 positive samples with AFM 1 level above the detection limit of 0.64 ng/ml, the mean value was 1.23 ± 0.91 ng/ml with a range of 0.65 – 5.34 ng/ml (median = 0.89 ng/ml). The variables were examined based on the occurrence of urinary AFM 1 biomarker. Results: Findings showed that there were significant differences in urinary AFM1 occurrence across ethnicity ( p <0.01), age group ( p <0.05), monthly household income ( p <0.01), as well as attitude ( p <0.01) and practice ( p <0.05) towards aflatoxin contamination in food. Binomial logistic regression confirmed that ethnicity and monthly household income were the factors contributing to urinary aflatoxin occurrence ( p <0.01). Chinese were 3.20 times more likely to have aflatoxin exposure than the non-Chinese. Detected urinary AFM 1 was more common among household with income more than RM 1500 monthly. Conclusion: The results provided an insight to explain the variation in aflatoxin occurrence among the population. Trial registration: Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects Universiti Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM), project number: FPSK (EXP16) P047


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