Poverty

Lancet landmark Commission reports on global female health: takes lifespan approach to menstruation and bleeding disorders

The Lancet Haematology Commission reports on global female health challenges, focusing on hematologic health across multiple stages of life. The report outlines recommendations for improving outcomes, particularly for women with under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized heavy menstrual bleeding.

Study explores social media's role in tornado disaster communication

A study found that social media helped spread information during the Rolling Fork tornado, but also revealed communication challenges facing rural areas due to limited broadband access and fragmented media. Researchers suggest a need for personalized messaging strategies to address diverse community needs.

War on drugs or war on the poor? How bandit hunting formed a cover for Mexico's counterinsurgency campaign in the 1960s and 70s

The Mexican state's 'war on drugs' in the 1960s and 70s was actually a cover for its counterinsurgency campaign against rural guerrilla movements. The government framed petty crime and illicit drug farming as 'banditry', allowing it to suppress social unrest and maintain control over the countryside.

Rice-fish farming may help curb schistosomiasis while increasing food production

Researchers found that rice-fish coculturing reduced snail populations, leading to lower disease incidence among rice farmers and their families. The intervention also increased rice yields by over 25% and improved soil nutrients.

Homeless encampment sweeps spiked after Supreme Court decision

Researchers found the number of homeless encampment sweeps in Oakland significantly increased after the 2024 Supreme Court decision, with some sites being closed repeatedly. The analysis suggests that sweeps are dispersing people rather than addressing homelessness, pushing vulnerable individuals into more vulnerable neighborhoods.

New study finds Rx kids associated with significant reductions in infant maltreatment investigations

Nature loss brings catastrophic risks – new report

A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.

Landmark study improves adolescent mental health in India’s urban slums

A scalable digital mental health care model and anti-stigma campaigns reduced depression, self-harm, and suicide risks among Indian adolescents. The ARTEMIS project reached over 70,000 adolescents and showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward mental health.

Medicaid expansion helped enrollees’ long-term financial health, study finds

A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion helped enrollees significantly reduce their medical debt in collections by up to 75% within seven years of enrollment. Additionally, the study shows substantial drops in sub-prime credit scores, improving financial stability and long-term health outcomes.

Study finds long-term childhood poverty rose sharply after austerity reforms

A new study from the University of Oxford found that long-term childhood poverty increased sharply among children born after 2013 due to austerity reforms. Nearly one in five children born after this period experience poverty for at least half of their childhood, with severe consequences on education, employment, earnings, and health.

Distributed solar and carbon trading enable more affordable and equitable clean heating in rural Northern China

Researchers found that rural households in Northern China face significant challenges in affording clean heating as subsidies shrink. Distributed rooftop solar photovoltaics could help offset heating costs, with an estimated compensation of 32.2-64.5% in regions with strong solar potential.

Diabetes outcomes worsen after insurance loss, OHSU study finds

Researchers analyzed electronic health records from over 39,000 adults with diabetes, finding that those who lost insurance had poorer blood sugar control and needed more intensive medications. The study suggests that coverage gaps pose a direct threat to health, particularly for low-income patients.

European regions with the highest poverty levels are the most vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution

A new study reveals that socioeconomic factors and renewable energy adoption significantly influence the risk of mortality related to air pollution in Europe. Regions with lower GDP per capita and poverty rates, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe, experienced a higher risk of mortality associated with air pollution.

Half of Native Hawaiian University of Hawaiʻi students experience period poverty, study reveals

A new study of 462 college students in the University of Hawai’i system found that half of Native Hawaiian students experience period poverty, with significant mental health and academic consequences. The findings also highlight unequal outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status.

New research warns charities against ‘AI shortcut’ to empathy

A new report from the University of East Anglia warns that charities using AI-generated images risk breaking the fundamental bond of trust with the public. The study found that when AI images are used, the humanitarian cause disappears from the conversation, and the public engages with charity rather than the cause itself.

Babies exposed to poverty show delays in motor development as early as six months

A Brazilian study found that babies from families experiencing socioeconomic vulnerability showed delays in motor development, such as grabbing objects and rolling over, at just six months old. However, with simple stimuli like tummy time and interactive play, these delays can be easily reversed.

Trends in poverty and birth outcomes in the US

A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.

Neighborhood factors may lead to increased COPD-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations

A new study reveals that neighborhood characteristics, including poverty and lower educational attainment, are associated with higher COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Community-level interventions targeting these risk factors can help improve quality of life and reduce acute care use.

People from low-income communities smoke more, are more addicted and are less likely to quit

Research found that people experiencing economic disadvantages are more likely to smoke cigarettes, have higher levels of tobacco addiction, and find it harder to quit. Electronic cigarettes were the most common aid to help people quit, but those who rented or owned their houses had lower odds of quitting successfully.

Study finds banning energy disconnections shouldn’t destabilise markets

A new study by RMIT University found that protections in place in Europe can help phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilizing power markets. The research highlights the need for evidence-led action to extend disconnection prohibitions and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable consumers.

Nepal’s green success story has a hidden social gap, Notre Dame research shows

A new study reveals Nepal's community forestry program has widened the gap between rural poverty and social elite, leaving marginalized populations behind. Researchers suggest stricter monitoring and targeted payment schemes to reform the program and promote equity.

Minimum wage increases are linked to safer pregnancies

A Rutgers University study finds that state-level minimum wage increases are associated with lower rates of maternal hypertensive disorders, a leading cause of maternal mortality. The research found a $1 increase in the minimum wage to be linked to 64 fewer cases per 100,000 women over five years.

New study reveals major gaps in global forest maps

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that satellite-derived forest maps often disagree, creating uncertainty for conservation, climate, and development policies. The discrepancies can be as high as a factor of 10, affecting millions of hectares and human lives.

Child poverty trends by race and ethnicity in the U.S. from 2022 to 2025

From 2022 to 2025, US counties saw a population-level decline in child poverty rates overall. However, Black and Hispanic children continued to experience disproportionately higher poverty rates compared to white children.

Infant brain development reflects families’ financial ability to meet everyday needs

A new study finds that infants' brain activity is influenced by their caregivers' reported income sufficiency, with delayed maturation seen in households where income was never adequate. The research suggests that policies strengthening families' basic needs during infancy may have lasting developmental benefits.

Health experts release policy roadmap to alleviate the burden of high energy bills

A new policy brief outlines key policy actions to reduce energy insecurity, a growing threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. The report recommends strengthening energy assistance, redesigning utility rates, and creating a more resilient energy system.

From labs to local tables: How research Is helping fight food insecurity

The Binghamton University Food Justice Working Group developed the Broome County Food Access Plan, enhancing nutrition resources and community education. The group also created a story map illustrating food insecurity in Broome County.

Clean water access improves child health in Mozambique, study shows

A study published in the journal Children found that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20%. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 children and found that clean water access had a stronger impact on child growth than sanitation.

Child abuse and neglect rates in the U.S. are dropping, but disparities exist

Child abuse and neglect rates in the US have declined overall over the last decade, but disparities persist, particularly among Black children and female children. Poverty is identified as a critical target for intervention, and strengthening government financial assistance programs can help reduce disparities.

Study shows why living in a disadvantaged neighborhood may increase dementia risk

Research found a strong link between living in deprived areas and poorer cognitive performance, with damage to brain small blood vessels and modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to the effect. Lifestyle habits such as exercise and sleep management also play a crucial role in dementia prevention.

As Medicaid work requirements loom, U-M study finds links between coverage, better health and higher employment

A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid coverage is linked to employment gains among low-income adults with serious health problems. Employment nearly doubled among enrollees who experienced improved health, from 26% to 47%. This suggests that Medicaid expansion may actually help individuals participate in the workforce.

Algorithm-based strategy shows promise in reducing urban poverty

A Rutgers expert has developed an algorithm-based strategy that blends sociodemographic data and household surveys with community perceptions and satellite imagery to predict urban poverty. The approach puts people at the center of aid targeting, outperforming conventional methods in reducing targeting errors by up to 26%.

Data Protection is transforming humanitarian action in the digital age, new book shows

The book highlights the risk of 'scope creep' and emphasizes the need for strong data protection frameworks to preserve trust. It argues that collaboration between humanitarian actors, academics, regulators, and affected populations is crucial to ensure technology serves humanity.

Poverty, food insecurity, and housing instability among US health care workers

Significant financial hardship affects US healthcare workers, with over 1 in 4 direct care/support workers experiencing food insecurity. The study highlights worsening trends in hardship, exceeding previous reports.

New global multidimensional poverty index report reveals nearly 80% of the world's poor live in regions exposed to climate hazards

The new Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report finds that nearly 8 in 10 people living in multidimensional poverty are directly exposed to climate hazards. Exposure to these hazards exacerbates daily challenges faced by poor people, reinforcing their disadvantages.

So­cially en­gaged art prac­tices strengthen in­clu­sion and sup­port the re­silience of democ­racy

Socially engaged arts challenge complex problems by facilitating dialogue and collaboration across disciplines. This approach can contribute to societal transformation, strengthening social cohesion and human development while countering polarisation and promoting inclusivity.

Halting COVID-related SNAP benefits left families struggling to afford food, household expenses

A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.

Poverty and social disadvantage in women and men and fertility outcomes

A cohort study found that poverty and social disadvantage are associated with lower fecundability and increased risks of subfertility in both women and men. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind these findings.

Pathways to decarbonization

A comprehensive study assesses decarbonization's ramifications on global poverty and inequality, revealing the potential for redistributing domestic carbon revenues to alleviate poverty. However, careful policy design and international cooperation are crucial to address social development issues in developing countries.

How stress and social struggles fuel America’s obesity crisis

A new scientific review reveals that stress, hardship, and social challenges reshape a person's gut bacteria and brain performance, making it harder to keep weight off. Social determinants of health play a key role in obesity risk, and addressing these conditions is crucial for long-term solutions.

Access to green space was a mental health lifeline during COVID-19 pandemic

A Canadian national study found that older adults living in greener neighborhoods were less likely to experience depression during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to nearby green spaces acted as a mental health buffer, especially for those without a prior history of depression, lower-income Canadians, and individuals ...

PTSD costs the UK economy £40 billion a year, new research says

A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A financial toll on patients with type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that patients with type 2 diabetes experience worse financial outcomes, including below-prime credit scores and medical debt in collections. Nearly two-thirds of diabetes patients were estimated to have an adverse financial outcome, compared to half of other patients. The findings highlight the importance of screen...

State gun laws and firearm-related homicides and suicides

A cross-sectional study found that stronger gun laws were associated with lower overall firearm mortality, particularly for suicide. Policies addressing root causes of violence through economic mobility and social services may also reduce homicides.

Pusan National University researchers reveal middle-class families hit hardest by South Korea's cost-of-living crisis

A new study by Pusan National University researchers found that middle- and upper-income households in South Korea are disproportionately affected by inflation, challenging conventional views. The study suggests that policy responses need to evolve to address the unique needs of different household types.

Many people choose unemployment benefits over poorly paid jobs

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study published in PLOS One found that extremely low minimum wages and unemployment benefits can discourage people from working. The 'work incentive principle' aims to create a financial advantage for working over receiving benefits, but when both are very low, it loses its effectiveness.

Surrey teens’ path to healthier lives littered with barriers, finds study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that teenagers in affluent counties like Surrey struggle with access to healthy food and exercise due to systemic issues. The research highlights the need for structural changes to support young people's health and wellbeing.

Almost half of people in poverty feel lonely compared to only 15% of high earners, and it could be harming their health

A new study from Oxford University finds that people in poverty are more likely to feel lonely than those with higher incomes, despite similar socialization patterns. Strong social connections were shown to have the greatest symptom-reducing effects for those living in poverty.

Medicaid unwinding linked to disruptions in opioid addiction treatment

A new University of Michigan study suggests that Medicaid unwinding may have disrupted the care of people receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Patients were less likely to continue filling buprenorphine prescriptions and more likely to pay with cash or private insurance in states with large versus small Medicaid enrollment drops.

Legacy of ‘inequality and deprivation’ in former coal mining communities

A new report examines the long-term impact of coal industry loss on UK communities, finding entrenched inequalities and poverty. Researchers call for a 'just transition' with investment in public services, securing employment rights, and quality jobs to address social inclusion.

Babies follow social cues despite trauma

Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.

Medicaid telehealth study shows positive impacts

A new study found that Michigan Medicaid telehealth improved access to care for adults with low incomes, including those living in rural areas. The program increased the use of telehealth among enrollees, who were highly satisfied with the experience, and reduced barriers such as transportation and caregiving responsibilities.

With risk on the rise, University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care across the globe

A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.

Study highlights role of social workers in addressing marginalized communities bearing brunt of climate disasters

A new study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, with residents emitting significantly less carbon than the national average yet suffering disproportionately due to historical and systemic inequalities. Social workers are essential in driving society toward a future that reduces dependen...

Global poverty and the cost of a healthy diet

A new poverty metric assesses global well-being by incorporating the cost of a healthy diet, revealing significant regional differences and shifting the focus from sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia. The study highlights the long-term health consequences of malnutrition and calls for a revised approach to resource allocation.

State Minimum Wage and Food Insecurity Among US Households With Children

A pooled cross-sectional study found a positive correlation between state minimum wage hikes and improved food security rates among at-risk households. Policymakers can use these findings to set wages that reduce food insecurity burden on U.S. children and families.

Staff shortages exceed those for teachers in many Illinois public schools

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that many Illinois public schools are experiencing severe staff shortages. The findings indicate that teacher vacancies have decreased, while unfilled positions in support staff, such as nurses and librarians, remain persistently high.

Beyond money: the hidden drivers fueling child food insecurity

Research reveals housing instability, parental mental health, and social isolation are major drivers of child food insecurity. Long-term health consequences also arise from vulnerable households.

State earned income tax credits and firearm suicides

Researchers found a significant association between state earned income tax credits and lower firearm suicide rates. The study suggests that targeted antipoverty policies can help mitigate the link between economic hardship and gun violence.

No countries on track to meet all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

A new analysis reveals that no country is on track to meet all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by the target year of 2030. Machine-learning tools were applied to over 20 years' worth of data from 231 indicators and GDP data, highlighting complex linkages between goals.