Articles tagged with Social Welfare
A recent study published in Social Work Research found that strong social support networks can significantly reduce the likelihood of incarceration among youth in foster care. Emotional support was particularly crucial in this regard, with those who received adequate emotional support being less likely to experience incarceration.
A new study found that people are more likely to place bets during weeks with major sporting events when they believe their friends are doing the same. Researchers say early intervention is key to preventing harmful betting patterns, as it can be associated with depression, anxiety, and increased substance use. The study, led by Univer...
A new approach for welfare states updates policies to prioritize social investments and effectiveness, combining theoretical contributions and comparative studies. The approach aims to generate long-term benefits for individuals and society, with a focus on targeted solutions and systematic monitoring.
Researchers developed a dynamic optimization model to help NGOs in rural Africa optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and logistics costs. The model achieved significant reductions in maintenance downtime, ranging from 47-62% in Ethiopia and 53% in Malawi.
The federal disability benefits system has become more difficult to navigate due to staffing reductions and administrative changes. Researchers found that 16 million people, including those in severe medical crises or on the edge of homelessness, are facing increased barriers to accessing desperately needed cash assistance. The report ...
A study by City St George's criminologist Dr Tony Karas found that social media, particularly YouTube, was crucial in the radicalization process for 40 PA activists. The platform's autoplay function nudged them towards more extreme content, often with ethnonationalist views.
Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals that more than two years of war in Gaza has left Palestinian children too weak to learn or play, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day. The report warns of a 'lost' generation emerging in Gaza due to the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.
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.
The Israeli Femicide Observatory reports a sharp rise in femicide cases across Israel, with 44 women murdered between January and November 18. The report highlights key trends and calls for urgent policy action to address systemic failures in prevention and oversight.
A study conducted in a Japanese ICU found that healthcare workers experience reduced satisfaction and concentration due to poor lighting and excessive noise. The findings suggest that designing ICUs with improved natural light and mitigating noise can enhance worker satisfaction, productivity, and quality of patient care.
A new study by the University of Exeter warns that the current laws turn a 'blind eye' to the long-lasting financial consequences of domestic abuse. The research suggests that the law should be reformed to take into account the financial impacts of abuse when dividing assets, enabling enhanced awards for victim-survivors.
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.
A new study warns that dental shame can lead to lower self-worth and unfavourable oral health care behaviours, exacerbating existing oral health inequalities. Researchers emphasize the need for non-judgmental environments where patients feel empowered to prioritize their oral health.
A large international study found that arts-based programs can make health messages more memorable and relevant to people's lives, improving health behaviors and cultural relevance of disease prevention programs. The study suggests that arts could be a vital part of the toolkit for promoting health and preventing disease.
A study from Linköping University reveals that Ukraine's ability to maintain public services during the war can be attributed to the collaboration between citizens and authorities. The researchers highlight the importance of trust within society in creating a robust and credible response to crises like war.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers finds that foster caregivers across the US need more accessible, ongoing and community-driven training. They want sustainable learning, consistent support and meaningful connection with peers and experts to help them care for vulnerable children.
A new analysis of the gender pay gap in the UK reveals that women in wealthier households earn 25% less than men, while those in poorer households experience a smaller 4% gap. The study highlights the importance of addressing societal penalties for being female and improving job quality to reduce the pay gap.
A new NYU study found that an online grocery shopping program increased household purchases of healthy foods and reduced food insecurity among low-income caregivers. The program provided incentives such as free delivery, text messages, and financial assistance to encourage participation.
Research follows 8,795 Wisconsin children from birth to third grade, finding early foster care placement linked to improved reading skills and lower absenteeism. However, findings also reveal racial disparities, with limited benefits for white children, emphasizing the need for targeted support and resources.
A study by Uppsala University found that parents of children with type 1 diabetes experience a significant drop in work-related incomes, particularly mothers. The impact is most pronounced for mothers of children diagnosed in preschool years. Long-term effects show that pension-qualifying incomes gradually decrease over time.
New research from the University of Georgia finds that unpredictable environments during childhood can lead to poor behavior and mental instability in children as they grow up. Homes with consistent co-parenting and routines are associated with better youth outcomes, highlighting the importance of predictability for healthy development.
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.
Research suggests that childhood trauma can lead to a chain reaction of mental and physical health problems later in life. The study found that children who experienced negative events and unsafe environments in early adolescence were more likely to develop cardiovascular health issues and accelerated aging as young adults.
A study at UT Arlington will explore how social media interactions shape teen mental health and behavior, capturing daily surveys over six weeks. The research aims to identify short-term and long-term predictors of serious health problems.
NTU Singapore's new Care, Serve, Learn course series aims to nurture socially conscious and civic-minded graduates through meaningful community service and academic credits. The program builds on the university's existing culture of volunteerism and provides students with essential skills like active listening and project management.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that federal and state policies helping families in economic crises can reduce child abuse and neglect. Report rates of physical abuse dropped by 16%, sexual abuse fell 21%, and neglect decreased by 12% in states with eviction moratoria.
A comprehensive study found that the public generally supports individuals with black lung disease and genetic kidney disease over those with COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder. However, a lingering stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder led to it being considered least deserving of a transplant.
A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland reveals that linguistic barriers, lack of digital skills, and cultural differences hinder older immigrants' access to social and medical services. Family members and communities play a crucial role in facilitating access, but NGOs require state support to overcome resource limitations.
Research by Prof Nicholas Ngepah reveals that inequality cancels out the benefits of positive economic growth and social grants for people living in poverty, especially during economic downturns. In contrast, poor households experience more poverty reduction when the economy grows positively.
A new study by Lancaster University reveals that language in job ads can unintentionally reinforce or disrupt labour force gender/racial composition. Workforces with more women tend to use family-friendly policies in ads, while racial minority workers' ads lack impact, the research shows.
US schools are struggling to deploy social workers effectively due to a lack of standardization in roles and implementation. Many districts are unclear about the types of work school social workers can do, leading to inconsistent utilization.
Residents of Senboku New Town in Japan transformed vacant buildings into supportive housing, community restaurants, and group homes to address aging population challenges. The Senboku Hottokenai Network Project showcases the importance of community-led co-creation in creating Healthy New Towns.
A study by University of Cambridge historian Emily Rhodes found that 17th-century foster carers were entitled to payment from the parish and had significant authority over the authorities. They often accused local authorities of mismanagement and dishonesty, leading to increased funding for their care.
Researchers found that people's dislike of both advantageous and disadvantageous inequality influences their support for redistribution policies. Those who strongly dislike both types of inequality are more likely to support policies aimed at reducing income gaps.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) during infancy is associated with lower economic earnings in adulthood. The association was strongest in the Midwest and South, where an increase in PM2.5 exposure by one microgram per cubic meter was linked t...
A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that meals from community cafés had significantly higher diet quality than meals not eaten at the café, measured by the Healthy Eating Index. This improvement was particularly pronounced for individuals with very low food security. The study suggests that commu...
A new study from the University of Notre Dame shows that repeated trips to the grocery store can be a reliable indicator of creditworthiness. The research found that buying healthier groceries and consistent shopping habits are linked to on-time credit card payments.
Research suggests that mentally active employees are less likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia-related issues. The study analyzed various interventions aimed at boosting mental performance, revealing promising results for those looking to reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.
Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.
A new study finds that part-time parental leave fosters better labor market and educational pursuits among newly arrived migrant women in Sweden. The research challenges existing perceptions of parental leave among immigrant mothers, suggesting it can provide a support system during their initial transition period.
A study of over 12,000 people in the US compares Baby Boomer and Millennial financial outcomes. Millennials with typical middle-class life trajectories accumulated substantially more wealth than their Baby Boomer counterparts, while those with low-skilled service jobs or living with parents struggled financially.
A new study suggests that resume padding, while bad for individuals, can have a positive effect on society. Researchers found that the potential misrepresentation of education levels can reduce investment in education and lead to lower social welfare distortions.
Burn injury survivors face unique challenges, including infection, disfigurement, and disability, which can hinder their reentry into society. Researchers are using geospatial mapping techniques to identify barriers and hotspots for targeted support.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
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 100+ years of residents' records from various English almshouses found that these communities can reduce health and social wellbeing issues for older population members. Residents may live as long as wealthier peers despite socioeconomic disparities.
A study of 7,500 Irish children found that harsh discipline increases the risk of developing lasting mental health problems. Children exposed to 'hostile' parenting at age three were 1.5 times likelier to have high-risk mental health symptoms by age nine.
A University of Kansas study found that SMART Recovery holds promise in addressing specific concerns of the LGBTQ population, but improvement is still needed. Participants appreciated being part of an LGBTQ-specific group, but faced challenges such as emotion regulation, coping with stigma, and recalling cognitive tools.
A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics estimates that access to food pantries provides a value of $600-$1,000 per client household annually. The collective value of food pantry access among pantry client households may be between $19 billion and $28 billion dollars annually.
Researchers found a negative correlation between age-standardized death rates and levels of decommodification in 21 OECD countries. Decreased labor market polarization and risk were associated with improved population health, particularly in men.
Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Pooled estimates from 22 international studies indicate a 20% reduction in total daily physical activity among children and adolescents during the pandemic. The findings highlight the need for bolstered access to support and resources related to physical activity to ensure good health and social functioning during pandemic recovery.
A study of 56,000 older adults found that health-related social needs were associated with significantly higher rates of acute care utilization. Unreliable transportation was particularly linked to hospital stays and emergency department visits.
A new study published in Frontiers found that virtual reality environments with green vegetation and colorful patterns increase heart rate and promote a pleasurable experience. Conversely, colorful patterns alone stimulate interest and fascination without the same restorative effect as nature.
Researchers found that terminating Supplemental Security Income benefits at age 18 significantly increases criminal charges, with a 20% rise in income-generating crimes and a 60% increase in incarceration likelihood. The effect persists for more than two decades.
Introducing CBDC with strictly positive interest can remove economic inefficiency associated with tax evasion, improving welfare. However, its impact depends on the size of government expenditure and severity of tax evasion.