Articles tagged with Income Inequality
A recent study found improvements in vaccination timeliness among US children from 2011 to 2021, however widening disparities by socioeconomic indicators highlight the need for increased efforts to facilitate timely vaccination among lower-income families.
A new study from China found that higher GDP per capita and lower income inequality are associated with increased subjective well-being. However, when income inequality becomes too high, the link between economy and mental health disappears. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach to economic planning.
A cohort study of 64,000 Americans found that nearly 80% consumed excessive sodium, associated with 10-30% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality. Public health programs targeting reduced sodium intake may be beneficial for this underserved population.
A study of 276,000 children aged 6-23 months in 92 low- and middle-income countries reveals that 10.4% were zero-food children, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve infant nutrition. The prevalence is particularly urgent in West and Central Africa and India.
A study of emergency department visits reveals that most injuries from conducted energy devices, such as TASERs, involve young Black and white males from low-income areas. This finding is consistent with existing research on police violence and racial disparities in the US population.
A new study finds that widespread remote work adoption due to COVID-19 increased productivity among workers at home, but reduced collaborative work efficiency in the office. This shift led to higher housing costs in areas near downtowns and outer suburbs, as well as a widening of income inequality.
A new study by the University of Zurich found that children from low-income families have fewer opportunities to make friends and socially integrate at school. This has significant effects on their mental health, grades, and future careers.
Gaps in vision screening pathways disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups, leading to poor outcomes and inadequate care. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to address these disparities.
A study by Tufts University found that employer-sponsored health insurance costs are holding back wage growth, with premiums eating up a growing proportion of workers' compensation. This has contributed to income inequality, particularly among Black and Hispanic families, as well as lower-wage workers.
A recent study reveals that two-thirds of babies born with sickle cell disease are born in areas scoring high or very high on the scale of social vulnerability. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to support families affected by this genetic blood disease.
A study found that persistent COVID-19 symptoms and previous severe cases were associated with increased odds of pandemic-related economic hardship. Families with lower incomes before the pandemic were disproportionately affected, experiencing more employment disruptions and earnings losses.
A new study reveals that the protective effect of income has largely eroded in affluent neighborhoods over the past 40 years. This means that even if residents have more wealth, they won't be able to enjoy cooler temperatures as climate change worsens.
A recent study published in Work and Occupations found that gig workers experienced higher rates of food insecurity, skipped housing payments, and unpaid credit card bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic hardships were more pronounced for those with children, less savings, or working multiple gig jobs.
Adults with lower household incomes are less likely to receive cardiologist involvement during heart failure hospitalizations. Socioeconomic factors may influence the quality of care provided to these patients.
A Swedish study tracked millions of adults for thirteen years, revealing new trends on how income affects healthcare use. People with the lowest incomes utilized primary and outpatient care similarly to those with the highest incomes, yet had significantly higher mortality rates.
The study found an increase in breastfeeding initiation and duration among US children from 1999 to 2018. Higher rates of breastfeeding were observed among male infants, older mothers, Mexican American participants, and households with higher incomes.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A study found that school-based health centers (SBHCs) can improve access to care for low-income students. SBHCs were also associated with a reduction in income-based health disparities, supporting their expansion as a solution.
The Aztec Empire's highly centralized tax collection system and extreme income inequality allowed Spanish conquistadores to quickly overrun the empire. The richest 1% earned 41.8% of total income, while the poorest 50% earned just 23.3%, making for a skewed distribution.
The mass slaughter of bison by European settlers led to devastating economic shock for Indigenous peoples, with adult height dropping by over an inch within a generation. The study also found that child-mortality rates were higher and occupation reporting lower among bison-reliant nations compared to non-bison reliant nations.
A study found that joint exposure of unequal income distribution and lack of social mobility increases risks of deaths from suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. Addressing underlying social and economic conditions is crucial in responding to the deaths of despair epidemic.
A recent study found that older Americans living in warmer regions are more likely to experience serious vision impairment. The odds of severe vision impairment were 14% higher for temperatures between 50-54.99°F, 24% higher for 55-59.99°F, and 44% higher for those above 60°F.
A game theory study from Dartmouth College reveals that being uncooperative can lead to a more equal outcome, even for the weaker party. By refusing to fully cooperate, players can resist extortion and ultimately achieve a better payoff.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals racial disparities in food insecurity among low-income households without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access. The research highlights the importance of improving SNAP access to address these disparities.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher incomes tend to be more generous when living in areas with high levels of economic inequality. In contrast, the lowest-income groups show less generosity in more unequal areas. The researchers used local data from the US and UK to examine this relationship.
A study of 142 nations found a strong link between access to formal financial services and lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Access to bank accounts, credit cards, or loans from a financial institution is a key predictor of lower mortality risk, even stronger than comorbidities.
A nationwide VR research project is working to create diverse groups of participants to reflect real-world social dynamics. The Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA) aims to provide researchers with access to large, reliable, and diverse groups for various VR research projects.
A new study published in JAMA estimates the total economic burden of racial and ethnic health inequities in the US to be over $450 billion in 2018. The study also details costs of racial and education-related health inequities for each state, highlighting disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.
A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
A systematic review of 53 studies found significant increases in depression symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with female individuals and those from higher-income backgrounds most affected. Anxiety symptoms also rose slightly during this time.
A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.
A new URI study reveals that the association between life expectancy and income inequality is not as clear-cut as previously thought. In high-income areas, life expectancy was higher in regions with higher income inequality, suggesting that income inequality may not be a reliable predictor of population health outcomes.
A study published in Nature Sustainability found that countries with wide income gaps have significantly higher mortality rates during large-scale flood disasters. The researchers analyzed data from over 500 major floods and found a median mortality rate of 26 times higher in countries with an unequal distribution of income.
A new study finds that Black, Hispanic, and Asian children experienced substantial increases in firearm assault rates, while White children's rates remained the same. The disparity in risk of firearm injury nearly quadrupled between Black and White children.
A study of 4,000 middle-age workers reveals a link between sustained low hourly wages and elevated all-cause mortality risk. The findings suggest that improving the financial standing of low-wage workers through policies like minimum wage laws could lead to better mortality outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 studies found that antimicrobial stewardship programs effectively reduced antibiotic consumption in hospitals and non-hospital settings. Further research is needed to develop strategies for reducing antibiotic use in low- and middle-income countries.
A diabetes screening program in an urban emergency department found high rates of undiagnosed prediabetes and type 2 diabetes among racial and ethnic minority individuals and low-income patients. The study suggests that targeted outreach to those with higher hemoglobin A1c levels may be more cost-effective.
A nationwide study using Google Street View images found that predominantly White neighborhoods had better neighborhood conditions associated with good health, such as fewer neglected buildings and more greenery. In contrast, neighborhoods with residents who were primarily Black or of other minority races had fewer green spaces and mor...
A recent study published in Respiratory Medicine found that older adults with asthma are at high risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of those with a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence, while one in seven without a history of depression developed depression for the first time.
More than one-quarter of U.S. adults aged 71 and older had vision impairment in 2021, according to a nationally representative survey study. The prevalence of vision impairment was associated with factors such as older age, lower education and income, non-white race, and Hispanic ethnicity.
A study by MIT economists suggests that a modest tax on robots and foreign trade could help address income inequality in the US. The optimal policy includes taxes ranging from 1% to 3.7% of robot value, with smaller trade taxes, aiming to reduce wage gaps without stifling economic growth.
New research finds that White Americans' beliefs about their own poverty influence their attitudes towards the poor and support for welfare policies. These effects are strongest among those experiencing status threat from Black people, suggesting a motivation to maintain racial status quo.
A new study found that suicidal ideation increased by nearly five times during the pandemic, particularly among people living in low-income households and those struggling with loneliness. The study highlights the need for policies and programs providing financial and social support to vulnerable populations.
A new study finds that automation has contributed significantly to the growth in income inequality in the US, with 50-70% of the increase attributed to technological changes. The study analyzed data from 49 industries and 500 demographic subgroups, finding that automation has disproportionately affected low-skill service workers.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that overconfidence in one's ability can lead to a desire for income equality, but with nuances. Participants who experienced a gap between their income and self-evaluated ability were more likely to support reducing income inequality, particularly among left-wing individuals.
A new study found that women experiencing food insecurity report more symptoms of food addiction, such as compulsive eating and withdrawal symptoms. Participants in food-insecure households had significantly more food-addiction symptoms than those in food-secure households.
According to Penn Medicine experts, health systems can utilize several strategies to help Black communities build wealth, including promoting job opportunities and investing in local economies. Wealth building has also been shown to improve health outcomes, as it affords choice and stability in housing, education, and nutrition.
A new study by the University of Central Florida reveals that workers in countries with greater income inequality are more likely to perceive robots and artificial intelligence as job threats. This association was found despite the potential benefits of these technologies to improve work and increase flexibility.
A study found that women in public accounting firms are overrepresented as directors but underrepresented as partners, highlighting a persistent gender equity issue. The analysis of audit data revealed a disproportionate lack of female partners, with only 18% holding the position compared to 32% of directors.
A survey of 1,086 adults found that negative views towards harassing public health officials increased from November 2020 to July-August 2021. Higher earners and those with more education were more likely to hold such views.
Despite electronic health records, gaps in communication between primary care physicians and specialist physicians persist. The study found that 22% of PCPs report sending clinical information to specialists at the time of referral, and less than 35% receive information back after consultation.
Research finds no effect of tax policy change on executive compensation; tax regulations may not be effective in curbing excessive pay. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed to reduce CEO pay by limiting deductions for performance-based compensation, but studies have found little impact on the practice.
During the California pandemic, a significant decrease in life expectancy was observed for both 2020 and 2021 compared to pre-pandemic periods. The study found that the life expectancy gap by income level increased, with the poorest populations experiencing more pronounced declines in life expectancy.
New research suggests that people who become wealthy from humble origins are less likely to support social welfare and have reduced sympathy for the poor compared to those who were born into wealth. The study of 736 participants found a positive view of upwardly mobile individuals, but also discovered that they perceived improving thei...
Unemployment-related health insurance coverage loss was substantially higher in non-expanded Medicaid states, whereas expanded eligibility helped buffer households. Researchers found that Medicaid expansion reduced periods without health insurance coverage due to job loss.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, childcare-related employment disruption increased by approximately one-third. Caregivers for children with special health care needs experienced significantly higher disruptions, as did those from low-income families and racial and ethnic minority groups.
Researchers estimated that hypothetical income support policies could avert approximately 1,200 to 2,800 potential deaths among working-age adults in the United States. The study used econometric modeling to analyze the impact of different policy scenarios on mortality rates.
A study of 155,000 adults found that those with limited income, lower educational attainment, or living in rural areas were more likely to have a poor diet. Researchers from the American Cancer Society analyzed data to identify the association between socioeconomic and geographic factors and diet quality.
A study by MIT economists reveals that international trade widens income gap in individual countries, with Ecuador serving as a case study. The research shows that trade generates income gains primarily for those at the top and middle percentiles, exacerbating inequality.