Articles tagged with Poverty
A new Carnegie Mellon University study finds that low-income individuals spend a larger percentage of their incomes on lottery tickets due to the hope of improving their financial situations. The research suggests that lotteries exploit poor people's desires to escape poverty, exacerbating income inequality.
Uninsured Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to report experiencing racial bias in healthcare, with language impacting reporting rates. Good communication between doctors and patients protects against perceptions of racial discrimination.
Neglected tropical diseases in the US disproportionately affect poverty-stricken communities, particularly minorities. These chronic infections cause significant disability, impaired child development, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The Caribbean region has a high burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to poverty. A proposed $1 tourist tax could fund disease control efforts and is supported by industry donations of low-cost generic drugs.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that uninsured children in middle-class families are just as likely to go without health care as those in poorer families. Nearly 3 million children had no medical care and no prescription use for a full year, according to an analysis of nationally representative data.
Dr. Martin Fisher's low-cost, human-powered irrigation pumps have enabled over 310,000 people to rise out of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. The pumps improve farming efficiency and allow small-scale rural farmers to grow high-value crops year-round.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty, lower education, and more female-headed families tend to have lower exercise levels. Social and economic factors outside of individual control can impact physical activity.
A new UCLA report calculates that the federal poverty line grossly underestimates the basic costs of living for California's seniors, with average annual costs ranging from $21,011 to $37,263. The Elder Index provides a more comprehensive look at expenses elders face.
A new £7M research initiative aims to improve crop yields and alleviate poverty in developing countries. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is funding 12 projects to develop crops that can survive in harsh environmental conditions, reducing the impact of pests, diseases, and climate change.
Recent research finds that blacks are nearly twice as likely to develop severe sepsis as whites, with a significantly higher mortality rate. After controlling for poverty and geography, black race remained independently associated with higher severe sepsis incidence.
The US is likely to miss its goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2010 due to high latent TB infection rates among certain groups, including those living below the poverty line and foreign-born individuals.
Large numbers of poor Americans are suffering from parasitic infections like toxocariasis, cysticercosis, and toxoplasmosis. These neglected diseases disproportionately affect minority populations living in inner cities and poor rural areas, causing significant health issues such as lung disease, epilepsy, and congenital birth defects.
A recent paper suggests that reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) could be key to addressing climate change. By including REDD in the Kyoto Protocol, developing countries can claim compensation for sustainable forest management, potentially earning $630 million annually.
A new report from Cornell reveals that people with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce, with only 38% employed compared to 80% of those without disabilities. Additionally, Americans with disabilities face a higher risk of living in poverty, with 25.4% facing economic hardship.
More than 200 medical and scientific journals are publishing articles on poverty and human development to address this critically important global topic. The studies will focus on targeting funding and programs for the poor, as well as health effects of declining income and innovation in global health.
The journal PLoS Medicine gathered global health experts to identify the single intervention that would have the greatest impact on the health of those living on less than $1 a day. Experts recommend training village health workers, hunger alleviation, and prevention of malaria as key strategies.
Interventions prioritizing nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and household fuels can reduce child mortality by 14-31% in Latin America, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Implementing these interventions primarily for the poor would have larger benefits, closing up to 48% of regional gaps towards the MDG target.
A study found that care provided by nurses and clinicians in primary health care settings can lead to good outcomes for HIV-infected children in Africa. Children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) showed significant improvements in CD4 cell status, weight gain, and hemoglobin concentration.
A recent study highlights the significant impact of poverty on chronic disease in Asian countries, resulting in over 8 million avoidable deaths annually. Practical interventions such as tobacco-smoking cessation programs and regional partnerships between governments and institutions are proposed to mitigate these effects.
The article highlights effective, low-tech, and affordable ways to improve the lives of those living on less than $1 a day. Comments from global health experts emphasize the importance of interventions like training village health workers, hunger alleviation, prevention and treatment of malaria, and empowering women.
The Council of Science Editors has organized a Global Theme Issue on Poverty and Human Development, with contributions from Mary Ann Liebert journals. Research papers discuss HIV/AIDS treatment, breastfeeding as a solution to poverty, and the social responsibility of naturopathic physicians in addressing human development.
Researchers integrate information technologies into clinical studies to improve dengue infection research and access to healthcare in low-income countries. A framework for analysis and action is presented to explore and improve access to healthcare in resource-poor countries.
A community-based trial in Uttar Pradesh, India found that disseminating information on entitled services improved the delivery of pre-natal care, infant vaccinations, and village council meetings. The intervention resulted in significant improvements, while control villages showed little change or worsening outcomes.
AIDS Patient Care and STDs has been selected as one of seven papers presented orally at the NIH Launch of the Council of Science Editors' Global Theme Issue on Poverty and Human Development. The paper explores the importance of human resources for treating HIV/AIDS, highlighting gaps in needs assessment and capacity building.
The WHO EURO region's Ministerial Forum on tuberculosis must consider the global impact of the disease and take collective action to control poverty and inequality. The authors propose a six-pronged approach to tackle the threat, including addressing trade policies and global poverty.
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher found that AIDS compounds poverty in households, especially when a primary income earner dies. Older women play a crucial role in day-to-day survival through government pensions and are more likely to be affected than infected with HIV/AIDS.
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes the need for dramatically increasing legal organ donations to meet demand, as punitive measures only drive organ trafficking further underground. The Iranian model of paying and caring for donors is considered the gold standard, but its commercialization raises moral concerns.
A recent study by Dr Yin Paradies and colleagues reveals that indigenous people do not have a genetic predisposition to diabetes. The research shows that social factors such as poor diet, reduced physical activity, stress, and low birth weight contribute significantly to the high rates of diabetes among indigenous populations.
Seven countries have issued a declaration of co-operation on global health issues, aiming to address common threats and achieve goals through globalization. The Oslo Ministerial Declaration highlights the importance of health as a foreign policy issue and invites foreign ministers from all nations to join the initiative.
A new research program, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, aims to understand the impact of non-governmental agencies on reducing poverty and exclusion. The program will focus on a broad range of groups, including NGOs, advocacy networks, and social movements.
Over 200 million disadvantaged children under 5 are at risk of poor cognitive development due to factors like poverty, inadequate healthcare, and malnutrition. Interventions such as parental education, play-based programs, and improved diets can have lasting benefits on IQ and educational performance.
The US has failed to promote effective family planning policies due to the Bush administration's inaction. Europe may need to take a lead in revitalizing global commitment to family planning, as population growth poses a greater threat to development than HIV/AIDS in many poor countries.
The People's Health Movement urges transparent selection of WHO Director-General amid concerns about corporate influence and inadequate funding. Candidates' profiles and responses to public questions will facilitate a more open examination of their strengths and weaknesses.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $15 million to the Earth Institute at Columbia University to advance scientific research and efforts to end poverty, disease, and hunger in Africa. The grant supports a dynamic strategy for achieving sustainable development in some of the world's poorest countries.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that over 78 million Asians are living in extreme poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare payments. This is 2.7% higher than previously estimated poverty rates, with the burden of healthcare payments being highest in Vietnam and lowest in Malaysia.
A substantial decline in unintentional injuries among Canadian children living in urban areas has been documented since 1971. Greater injury prevention advocacy is needed to reduce child injuries in Canada, according to experts.
Researchers created a 'Poverty Atlas' using geographic information system applications to visualize poverty-related indicators. The maps provide a visual context for understanding the connection between poverty and geography, including factors like climate, soil fertility, and access to transportation networks.
A study led by USC researchers found that low-income adults are more likely to have high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a risk factor for heart disease. This association may be linked to the effects of poverty on health, particularly among African Americans, Hispanics, and women.
The study found that children under age 5 are twice as likely to live in severe poverty, with severe poverty affecting African Americans and Hispanics disproportionately. The increasing trend has significant implications for healthcare services and long-term child outcomes.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found significant differences in disability rates between people of different income levels, even among those at the higher end of the spectrum. Those living above 600% of poverty had elevated odds of disability compared to their counterparts at 700% and higher.
A new study found that children from minority groups face higher rates of neighborhood poverty than their white and Asian counterparts. Between 1990-2000, African-American children benefited the most from declining poverty rates, while poor white children were more likely to live in non-poor neighborhoods.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found higher ART adherence rates in sub-Saharan Africa compared to North America. The study suggests that factors beyond poverty, such as poor patient-clinician relationships and untreated depression, contribute to low adherence rates in North America.
A recent study by Judith Kleinfeld at the University of Alaska Fairbanks found that boys trail girls in literacy scores, with a larger percentage of boys scoring below basic in reading and writing tests. The study highlights the need to address the issue and boost boys' basic skills in reading and writing.
Prevention strategies for Noma include information campaigns, eradication of poverty, and improved living conditions. The disease is often linked to malnutrition, poor sanitation, and unsafe drinking water.
The prevalence of overweight adolescents has doubled in the past three decades, with poor teens experiencing faster weight gain and higher rates of physical inactivity. Increasing sweetened beverage consumption is a significant contributing factor, particularly among poor adolescents.
A new study reveals that living in poverty is associated with a higher risk of being overweight among US teenagers. The research analyzed data from four cross-sectional surveys and found that the disparity in overweight status across socioeconomic strata widened with increasing age, particularly among adolescents aged 15 to 17 years.
A recent study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals a link between Wal-Mart's expansion and increased poverty rates in local communities. The authors found that the arrival of large retail chains like Wal-Mart leads to the displacement of small businesses, resulting in reduced local leadership capacity.
A recent study found that 14 million Americans have visual impairment, but most cases can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The study emphasizes the importance of routine eye examinations and public awareness campaigns to address this public health issue.
The US aging population is expected to double in size within 25 years, driven by demographic shifts and increased life expectancy. Higher levels of education and better health are linked to improved socioeconomic circumstances and a higher standard of living in retirement.
Cornell professor Per Pinstrup-Andersen warns that the world is failing to address poverty and hunger, with 1.2 billion people living on $1 a day or less. He advocates for policies promoting economic growth in rural areas to alleviate hunger and poverty.
Researchers explore how science can help understand and alleviate poverty, with a focus on biophysical parameters and energy services. They find strong correlations between disaster vulnerability, soil fertility, drought frequency, and malaria exposure, highlighting the need for tailored solutions.
Researchers found that living in communities with high poverty rates and certain states significantly predict cervical cancer screening failures among black women. The study suggests community outreach programs should target high-poverty neighborhoods to improve screening rates.
A study confirms that rice research has contributed significantly to poverty reduction in China and India. The research shows that improved rice varieties can increase farmers' income, lower food prices, and boost demand for labor, ultimately lifting millions out of poverty.
A study found that patients who trust their doctors more have improved health outcomes, with less trust associated with delayed care and unmet healthcare needs. However, some groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, the poor, and uninsured individuals, showed no correlation between trust and these issues.
A landmark study finds state policies enabling low-income households to move from poverty to the middle class by rewarding work effort and enhancing job-related earnings. Asset building frameworks provide stability and opportunities for social mobility and economic security.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that child poverty rates have decreased in recent years, particularly among children whose mothers work full-time. However, significant racial and ethnic disparities persist, with black and Hispanic children facing higher poverty rates than their white counterparts.
The UN's Deputy Secretary General orders delay on measurement of life-saving goals, citing concerns over 'distracting' from desired results. This decision diverts attention from a key problem: concrete trends toward helping people in extreme poverty often lack verification.
A new study by the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Affairs found that federal funds intended for low-income schools are often diverted to affluent schools within the same district. The research documents how current rules allow taxpayer money meant to help overcome poverty to be shifted to wealthier neighborhoods.
The UN model predicts 60.8% of people will live in towns and cities by 2030, but a new model suggests this number is lower at 49.2%. Most population growth between 2025-2030 will come from 10 large developing countries.
A study by the NICHD Early Child Care Research Network found that children from families experiencing poverty at any age during early childhood did not perform as well as those who were never poor. The quality of home environments also dropped over time if families became poor after the child was 4.