Program brings lasting progress for world's poorest
A multifaceted program combining direct aid and training helps ultra-poor households accumulate assets and increase food consumption, with lasting impacts up to a year after the program ended.
Poverty
Articles tagged with Poverty
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Anti-poverty strategy offers sustained benefit for ultra-poor, says study in Science
A six-country study evaluates the effectiveness of the 'Graduation model' in boosting livelihoods, income, and health of ultra-poor individuals. The approach, which includes training, asset provision, and savings accounts, shows significant improvements, even three years after implementation.
Primary care visits available to most uninsured, but at a high price
A study found that nearly 80% of uninsured callers could schedule primary care visits, but the average cost was $160, which is unaffordable for many. Only 18% were told they could pay later, with a median payment plan of 61%. Expanding Medicaid would enable more people to afford basic healthcare.
Lack of safety at school and poverty linked to childhood obesity
Researchers at the University of Montreal found a complex link between feelings of being unsafe, poverty, and childhood obesity. Youth who experienced chronic poverty were more likely to be overweight despite higher levels of physical activity, suggesting a key role for feeling unsafe in perpetuating obesity.
Subsidies key in improving sanitation, new study finds
A new study released in Science found that subsidies are essential for increasing the use of hygienic latrines in developing countries. The community-motivation model alone was ineffective, but combining it with subsidies expanded latrine coverage substantially, particularly among poor households.
Asthma rates among black youth are similarly high in urban, rural communities
Researchers found asthma rates to be similarly high in urban Detroit and rural Georgia, contrary to the widely held theory that city life poses a risk factor. Poverty was identified as a common underlying cause of both conditions.
Poverty, not the 'teenage brain' account for high rates of teen crime
A recent study published in SAGE Open suggests that poverty rates are a more significant factor than age in determining high rates of teen crime. The study analyzed over 54,000 homicide deaths in California and found that when teenagers' poverty levels are low, they have similar murder rates to older adults.
Large scale study warns of unsustainable ecological decline in rural China
A large-scale study by University of Southampton researchers has found that the agricultural development of a region in eastern China is ecologically unsustainable, with losses of ecosystem services and declining water quality. The study suggests that economic development has created a trade-off between gains in agricultural productivi...
Diabetes interventions should be localized, WashU study finds
Research from WashU suggests that poverty and inactivity are linked to diabetes prevalence, but only in certain areas. Localized approaches can target the most common predictors of diabetes in each region.
Time to rethink the inner-city asthma epidemic?
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that urban living is not a significant risk factor for asthma, instead highlighting the importance of poverty, African-American race, and Puerto Rican ethnicity as potent predictors. The research found no differences in asthma rates between children living in urban areas and their suburba...
US children are safer, better-educated, and fatter
Despite lingering issues of child obesity and poverty, the US sees significant advancements in safety, education, and stability for its kids. Test scores have risen, and more children are pursuing higher education and enrolling in preschools.
Study shows cognitive training can improve brain performance of students in poverty
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that cognitive training can improve the brain performance of middle school students from poverty-stricken backgrounds. The program, called SMART, resulted in a 25% increase in gist reasoning and an 18% improvement in fact retention among students who received the training.
People in unhappy places are depressed more than a week a month
People living in communities with poorer mental health spend a quarter of the month in negative mood, while suburbs report fewest poor mental health days. Tighter knit communities and strong social connections lead to better wellbeing and happier residents.
Separate and unequal in suburbia
A new study reveals that suburban blacks and Hispanics live in poverty-stricken neighborhoods with lower test scores compared to their white and Asian counterparts. The research, part of the US2010 Project, highlights the persistent disparities in suburban segregation and unequal access to resources.
100 days in Michigan: U-M team releases new analysis of state's Medicaid expansion
A new analysis of Michigan's Medicaid expansion found that the state enrolled over 327,000 people in its first 100 days, beating projections. The program has also shown promise for reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes among low-income adults.
Why me? Many women living in poverty blame children, love life
A study by American researchers found that low-income mothers who attribute their poverty to having children tend to suffer greater levels of depression due to feelings of guilt and helplessness. Those who blame problems in romantic relationships experience more anxiety, possibly due to a lack of control over domestic issues.
How do lawyers matter? Study explores the question for low-income litigants
A study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison examines how attorney representation and limited legal assistance shape access to justice for low-income civil litigants. The research aims to inform policy and intervention strategies to address the 'justice gap' faced by three-quarters of unrepresented individuals in the US.
Scientists develop tool to help communities stay environmentally and socially 'healthy'
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a methodology to measure a region's 'health' by balancing social and environmental factors. The tool helps identify critical limits beyond which regions risk ecological and social collapse, providing crucial data for decision-makers.
Poverty, not bias, explains racial/ethnic differences in child abuse
A new study found that poverty, not biased reporting, is the primary cause of racial and ethnic disparities in child abuse and neglect. States with more minority children living in poverty show greater differences in abuse and neglect rates.
Financial weight makes it trickier to lose pounds where it counts
A new study from Concordia University reveals that financial struggles significantly impact weight loss efforts, with lower-income individuals less likely to engage in healthy habits like exercise or reducing fat intake. Instead, they often turn to quick fixes like diet pills or skipping meals.
New research finds working memory is the key to early academic achievement
Working memory skills in children are linked strongly to reading and academic achievement. The study found that a child's ability to hold and work with information predicted success in all aspects of learning, regardless of IQ or socio-economic status.
An area's level of poverty or wealth may affect the distribution of cancer types
A new analysis found certain cancers are more concentrated in areas with high poverty, while others arise in wealthy regions. Areas with higher poverty have lower cancer incidence and higher mortality than those with lower poverty.
Health issues, relationship changes trigger economic spirals for low-income rural families
Researchers found that health issues and relationship changes have a major effect on the economic well-being of low-income rural families. However, social support networks, usually extended family, can help mitigate hardship by providing emotional and financial support.
Long-term childhood poverty contributes to young adult obesity rates
A new study from the University of Houston finds that childhood poverty contributes to higher obesity rates among young adult women, with repeated exposure during childhood increasing their risk. The study also highlights the importance of helping families escape poverty in improving their long-term health status.
US welfare spending up, but help for the neediest down
Research by Robert A. Moffitt found that US welfare spending rose 74% since 1975, but aid to the neediest single parent families with low earnings decreased by 35%. Meanwhile, aid increased for those earning slightly more, while programs benefiting seniors and disabled individuals expanded.
Henry Ford Hospital study links social, community factors with hospital readmissions
A new study by Henry Ford Health System researchers found significant links between hospital readmission rates and social factors such as poverty level, marital status, and age. Patients living in high-poverty neighborhoods were 24% more likely to be readmitted, while married patients had lower readmission rates due to increased social...
Poverty threatens long-term health of children
Research shows that childhood poverty can lead to adult poor health through epigenetics and toxic stress. The American Academy of Pediatrics is working to address this issue through policy, education, and healthcare reform.
Uniting community development efforts could benefit members of underserved communities
Researchers found that Cooperative Extension is a vital hub for community development efforts, providing resources and services to underserved communities. By partnering with local organizations and experts, Extension aims to address specific concerns and empower residents to influence their neighborhoods.
Global poverty could be up to a third higher than reported
A new study suggests that global poverty figures could be underestimated by up to a third due to the use of an arbitrary 'dollar a day' poverty line. The research, conducted in Vanuatu, found that a more comprehensive picture of poverty takes into account basic human needs such as shelter, sanitation, and nutrition.
Single mothers don't delay marriage just to boost tax credit, study says
A new collaborative study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cornell University found that single mothers do not delay marriage to boost their tax credit. Instead, they focus on maximizing their refunds through tax filing status changes, such as claiming zero dependents.
Ecotourism reduces poverty near protected parks, Georgia State University research shows
Protected areas in Costa Rica reduce poverty by 16% through ecotourism and infrastructure changes. Increased tourism accounts for two-thirds of the reduction.
Self-worth boosts ability to overcome poverty
A new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that reconnecting low-income individuals with feelings of self-worth reduces stigma and improves cognitive function. Participants who engaged in oral self-affirmation techniques demonstrated a ten-point IQ increase and were more likely to seek aid services.
Poverty influences children's early brain development
Researchers found that children from low-income families have less gray matter in the parietal and frontal regions of the brain by age 4. This can lead to behavioral, learning, and attention problems. Providing an enriched environment with normal interactions may help alleviate this issue.
Social values vary across Canada
A national survey conducted by Concordia University found that Canadians have varying opinions on the country's social welfare programs and Aboriginal self-governance. While a majority (65%) supports universal access to assistance programs, there is significant variation in prioritization, with families with children living in poverty ...
Depression therapy effective for poor, minority moms
A new study finds that short-term depression therapy through weekly home visits can relieve symptoms in low-income minority mothers, even in the face of poverty and trauma. The intervention improved depressive symptoms for 8 months after treatment ended, with participants regaining a sense of hope and control over their lives.
As world sets new development goals, Malaysia calls for poverty relief within green agenda
Prime Minister Najib Razak emphasizes the need to address poverty and environmental concerns in a unified, people-centered agenda. Malaysia has achieved significant development milestones, but faces challenges like climate change and inequality.
Nurturing may protect kids from brain changes linked to poverty
A new study at Washington University School of Medicine found that nurturing home life can offset negative brain changes in poor children. The research suggests teaching nurturing skills to parents can provide a lifetime benefit for their children.
Poverty in early childhood appears associated with brain development
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that poverty in early childhood is associated with smaller brain volumes, including white matter, cortical gray matter, and hippocampal volume. The effects of poverty on brain development were also influenced by caregiving and stressful life events.
Call for World Bank to redefine poverty indicator to include the life of the unborn child
International experts call for a broader definition of poverty to account for risks to the unborn child, which can have devastating consequences. The World Health Organisation estimates that 200 million conceptions occur annually, mostly in disadvantaged areas, posing significant risks during pregnancy.
Growing up poor and stressed impacts brain function as an adult
Research finds that growing up poor and stressed can affect an adult's ability to regulate emotions, with lower family incomes at age 9 associated with greater activity in the amygdala and less activity in the prefrontal cortex. This dysfunction is linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Pain of poverty sticks, despite support of neighbors or spouses
A study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology found that economic hardship and financial strain exacerbate depressive symptoms among poor mothers, even with support from family and friends. Marital status did not significantly alleviate these symptoms.
Dartmouth study shows difference in cognitive ability between low-income rural, urban children
A Dartmouth study reveals that rural low-income children score lower on visual working memory tests, while urban counterparts perform slightly better. The research highlights a gap between verbal and visual working memories of children living in rural poverty.
Rutgers study challenges view that immigrants' children hinder US economic future
A Rutgers University study finds that the number of children in immigrant families is not the primary reason for child poverty in the US. Instead, local labor market conditions and parental education are major contributors. The study suggests that media coverage on immigration's impact on child poverty overstates the issue.
Health care safety net catches suburban poor
A new study shows significant health benefits for uninsured people living in suburban areas when they receive access to primary care. After one year, participants reported improved preventive care and screenings, as well as better overall health status.
Poverty impairs cognitive function
Research suggests that poverty can impair cognitive functioning, leading to poor decision-making and perpetuating financial struggles. The study found that individuals with pressing financial concerns exhibit a significant drop in cognitive function, similar to a 13-point dip in IQ.
Poor concentration: Poverty reduces brainpower needed for navigating other areas of life
A study by researchers at Princeton University found that poverty can impair cognitive function, making it difficult for individuals to focus on tasks unrelated to financial concerns. This impairment can lead to poor decision-making and increased mistakes in other areas of life.
The price of poverty
Researcher Sendhil Mullainathan discovers that poverty's financial constraints can lead to significant cognitive deficits, affecting IQ and impulse control. The 'cognitive tax' caused by poverty can result in reduced adherence to medication regimens, among other behaviors.
Cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty increase police force size
Research by University of Missouri sociologists found that cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty tend to increase their police forces. The study suggests that the perception of threat is influenced by a combination of large inequalities and severe poverty, leading city governments to boost police force size.
Childhood economic status affects substance use among young adults
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children from low-income backgrounds are more likely to smoke cigarettes and less likely to binge drink as adolescents. Economic strains in early life erode self-control, leading to substance use, while positive parenting mitigates this effect.
Literacy, not income, key to improving public health in India
New research shows that literacy is a stronger predictor of poor public health than low average income in India. A high literacy rate enables populations to access healthcare and engage with public health programs.
Living in poor area as teen could increase risk for chlamydia in young adulthood
Research suggests that living in a poor neighborhood as an adolescent increases the risk of getting chlamydia in young adulthood. A study published in Journal of Urban Health found that children who grew up in disadvantaged areas had a higher risk of contracting the bacterial infection, even if they didn't experience other risk factors.
Poverty threatens health of US children
The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for a national agenda to address the issue of childhood poverty, which affects 22% of US children. Childhood poverty has severe consequences on child health, including increased infant mortality, chronic diseases, and poor nutrition.
The risks of H7N9 infection mapped
A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.
Ben-Gurion U. students to present research projects at Clinton Global Initiative U. in St. Louis
Three Ben-Gurion University students present research projects focused on water conservation and renewable energy, addressing global challenges in education, energy, climate change, and poverty. Their initiatives aim to develop inexpensive technology for harvesting drinking water from the atmosphere and promote solar energy awareness.
Multiple moves found harmful to poor young children
A study by Cornell University and National Employment Law Project found that poor children who move three or more times before age 5 experience more attention problems, anxiousness, depression, aggressiveness, or hyperactivity.
Sustainable Development Goals must sustain people and planet
The International Council for Science recommends six new Sustainable Development Goals that integrate planetary stability with poverty eradication. The goals aim to alleviate poverty while protecting the Earth's life support system, which is facing increasing threats from climate change and environmental degradation.
Neighborhood poverty and health insurance figure in late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer
A large US study has found that living in high-poverty areas or being uninsured significantly increase the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing health insurance coverage and poverty levels as key predictors of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis.
New report analyzes potential impact of sequestration on CHCs and underserved communities
A new report estimates that sequestration will lead to a $120 million funding loss for community health centers, resulting in 900,000 fewer patients served and 3 million fewer visits. The impact will disproportionately affect the poorest Americans, children, young families, and members of ethnic and racial minority groups.
Infants in poverty show different physiological vulnerabilities to the care-giving environment
Research reveals that infants with high respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) are more vulnerable to poor caregiving and exhibit increased problem behaviors later in childhood. Conversely, those with low RSA fare better in nurturing environments.
Archaic Native Americans built massive Louisiana mound in less than 90 days
Researchers found that Mound A at Poverty Point was constructed in under 90 days, requiring an estimated 9,000 laborers. The site's unique soil composition and lack of erosion during construction support this rapid build timeline.