Articles tagged with Poverty
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 12-year analysis of Mexican banking data shows that cities and villages with higher credit-to-savings ratios have better quality of life and more educated citizens. The data also reveal that non-banking institutions play a crucial role in rural areas, offering financial services to populations with lower education levels.
A Penn State researcher examined a low-income community project that provided WiFi and computer training, finding technology alone cannot address underlying issues. The study highlights the need for political action over reliance on tech to solve poverty problems like low wages and childcare access.
A new study reveals that improving water supplies in rural African villages can lead to higher birth rates, larger family sizes, and increased household shortages. As a result, young adults are more likely to migrate to cities, exacerbating poverty and urbanization issues.
A recent study published in Journal of Pediatric Health Care found a strong correlation between childhood obesity and dental cavities among homeless children. Researchers analyzed data from 157 children aged 2-17 years old at an urban homeless shelter, revealing that as body mass index increased with age, so did cavity counts.
Researchers found that adding fruits and vegetables can reduce metabolic acidosis and preserve kidney function in CKD patients. Poor dietary habits and poverty are also linked to an increased risk of kidney disease, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address disparities in care.
A new study by MIT and Northwestern economists reveals that kinship networks are crucial for accessing credit, smoothing consumption, and financing large investments. The research suggests that indirect access to banks is as effective as a direct connection, highlighting the importance of social safety nets in reducing financial vulner...
Research by CDC reveals disparities in COPD mortality by state, poverty level, and urban vs. rural location, with poorest outcomes seen in rural and poor communities. Smoking prevalence, air quality, and access to healthcare are key contributing factors to these disparities.
A bi-national study reveals significant increases in social problems, rule breaking, and aggressive behavior among children living in poverty on the US-Mexico border. The study highlights the need to address mental health concerns to prevent long-term devastating effects on families, communities, and individuals.
Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS (GAPA) empowers grandmothers caring for HIV/AIDS-affected families with peer support, income-generating activities. Studies show GAPA members experience higher self-esteem and reduced poverty, stigma in their community.
A University of British Columbia study reveals that childhood poverty and stress as an adult leave imprints on genes and predict future immune responses. The research found correlations between DNA methylation patterns and early life experiences.
A new study by University of Chicago and University of Michigan researchers found that the 1996 welfare reform may have made life harder for the very poor, who face multiple barriers to work. The research shows a significant decline in cash assistance for deeply poor families with children, while near poor families receive increased aid.
A hybrid chicken known as the Kuroiler is being introduced in rural Uganda to improve productivity and provide economic benefits to local families. The project aims to increase returns from family flocks and reduce poverty among hundreds of thousands of households.
A study found that distressing life events and poverty are significant factors behind many abortions in the US. Nearly half of women who used contraception at the time of pregnancy reported disruptions from these events affecting their contraceptive use.
A Rutgers University study suggests that poor mothers are more likely to be classified with generalized anxiety disorder due to poverty rather than mental illness. The research found no evidence of a link between anxiety and parenting stress in these mothers.
New research warns that Asia cannot achieve its climate and poverty reduction goals unless women's rights to forest and land resources are recognized. Women continue to be marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes in resource management, leading to environmental degradation and food insecurity.
A major study by economists Joseph P. Kaboski and Robert M. Townsend found that a large microfinance program in Thailand increased wages by approximately 7% in villages that received funding. The authors argue that the wage impacts may be due to more efficient distribution of capital, benefiting labor demand.
Kaboski and Townsend's paper, published in Econometrica, used data from the Townsend Thai Data project to evaluate the impact of a large-scale microfinance initiative. The authors' work provides important insights into development policy, highlighting the benefits and challenges of such programs.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that social-class discrimination can contribute to poorer health in teenagers. The study found that perceived discrimination is a significant factor in explaining the negative influence of poverty on health, with stress and negative stereotypes playing key roles.
Researchers analyzed data from the 2000 census, finding that poor other-race neighbors disproportionately contribute to neighborhood poverty, especially among blacks and Hispanics. Concentrated poverty is attributed to three segregations: racial, poverty-status within race, and segregation from high-income members of other groups.
Infant mortality rates remain high in Appalachia, with white infants facing disproportionately higher deaths compared to non-Appalachian regions. Poverty and limited access to physicians contribute to the deficit, emphasizing the need for improved prenatal care and healthcare policies.
A new European Union-funded project at the University of Leicester will analyze the growth in tours of urban poverty areas, also known as slums, favelas or townships. The study aims to determine whether slum tourism can help tackle global inequalities and injustices.
Research shows that higher education significantly reduces the negative influence of community poverty and adversity on young adults' income, assets, and job quality. Education acts as a buffer, substantially mitigating the long-term effects of early life experiences.
Robert M. Townsend, a prominent development economist at MIT, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to understanding financial systems and their impact on developing economies.
Economists create new framework for examining developing economies by analyzing Thai villages. Preliminary findings show highly integrated capital markets across villages, with households relying on informal borrowing and gifts to finance opportunities.
Researchers from the University of Southampton are leading two international studies to improve the lives of over one billion people living in poverty. The ASSETS Project investigates ecosystem services at forest-agricultural interfaces in Amazonia and Africa, while assessing delta changes in Bangladesh and India.
A study by Indiana University found that racial disparities in school discipline are primarily due to school characteristics, not student behavior. Schools with higher proportions of black students are more likely to use exclusionary forms of discipline.
The Rio+20 conference needs to rethink innovation to ensure a sustainable development goals achieve poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. Leading scientists propose radical changes, including recognizing grassroots initiatives and promoting transparent corporate reporting.
A recent study reveals wide variance in results from the Thai Million Baht Village Fund, a large-scale microfinance program. Households' responses to increased credit vary greatly, with some reducing consumption and saving for larger investments.
Researchers mapped east London to identify 'hotspots' of disease risk associated with poverty, showing striking similarities to Victorian-era maps. The study found that up to 17% of residents were at high risk of developing diabetes in these areas, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.
A global analysis finds that over half the world's poorest people benefit from ecosystem services in areas prioritized for conservation. Ensuring fair payments to conservation stewards could increase benefits by 50% and amount to $1 per person per day for 330 million people.
Researchers from the University of Southampton contributed to a major UN report on the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. The report notes that global food production is projected to increase by 70% globally and nearly 100% in developing countries, putting pressure on agricultural systems.
A pilot program in Wisconsin found that forgiveness of child support debt could lead to increased payments and reduced overall debt. Low-income noncustodial parents who participated in the program paid more than similar parents who did not participate, contributing an average of $100 more per month.
Researchers discovered that neurotic individuals tend to avoid listening to or considering anti-smoking messages due to fear and anxiety. Positive messages emphasizing personal recovery from smoking may be more effective in addressing this population.
A new report from the University of Washington shows that housing and healthcare costs are driving an 8% increase in Washington's cost of living. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2011 reveals that families need significantly higher incomes to meet basic needs, with some areas experiencing massive increases.
A new study found that consumers living in poverty have little hope of achieving life satisfaction due to extreme material conditions. The research, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, highlights the pervasive and hopeless nature of individuals living in absolute poverty.
A new study by sociologists at Rice University and Stanford University explores how neighborhood poverty influences maternal fear of children's outdoor play. Mothers' household economic status, education, employment, and physical/mental health all contribute to their fears.
A new study found that nearly half of US adults were underinsured or uninsured in 2010, with many struggling to pay medical bills and skipping necessary care. Affordable Care Act reforms could substantially reduce the number of underinsured individuals by up to 70%.
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that the 9/11 anniversary should prioritize the victims and their families, beyond the global implications. The Editorial also highlights how poverty, injustice, and terrorist-related incidents have created conditions for instability and insecurity worldwide.
A 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households became better off, with improved access to clean drinking water, livestock, and shelter. However, 10% sold or lost their land, highlighting the importance of land as a productive asset for poor communities.
A decade-long study of people living near Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households improved their prosperity, despite conventional wisdom suggesting parks contribute to poverty. The study suggests that parks provide a source of insurance for poor families, allowing them to hunt or sell park resources.
Despite progress in vaccine distribution for childhood killer diseases, global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are lagging, argue researchers. NTDs, which affect the world's poorest, require more R&D funding and investment to develop effective vaccines.
Researchers estimate that poverty, low levels of education and social factors contribute to approximately 245,000 deaths in the US annually. These findings argue for a broader public health conceptualization of mortality causes and an expansive policy approach.
A recent study by Yale University economists found that microloans can increase ability to cope with risk and strengthen community ties, but may not lead to increased investment in businesses. The researchers also discovered that awardees' subjective well-being slightly declined, contradicting previous claims.
A Yale University study found that microloans in the Philippines led to fewer businesses and lower self-reported well-being among recipients, contrary to initial expectations. However, the practice did provide a buffer against income fluctuations and increased access to informal credit.
A recent SAGE publication examines how poverty and lack of education affect young, disadvantaged dads, with 68-75% being fathers by age 30. The issue explores solutions to reconnect disconnected dads to their children, improving child and family economic and emotional well-being.