Global Social Welfare最新文献

Abstract

The study investigates the relationship between an individual’s sense of well-being and various factors related to their social environment, including parental relationships, peer connections, and perception of support from friends, neighbors, and institutions in the community. The analysis was conducted using data from the Young Lives Study in India. The final analysis included a sample of 894 participants aged 21–22 years. The study’s results, obtained through an ordinal logistic regression model, revealed significant positive associations between subjective well-being and perceived support from friends (β = 0.23, p = 0.000) and government organizations (β = 0.15, p = 0.001). In other words, participants who perceived higher levels of support from their friends and government institutions also tended to have a higher sense of well-being. A significant positive association was also observed between continued education in youth and subjective well-being (β = 0.41, p = 0.009). These findings suggest that social support groups for youth, which provide opportunities to connect with others in their community, can contribute to their overall well-being.

Additionally, the study highlights the importance of strengthening the outreach of existing government programs to support youth and promote higher education. By enhancing the availability and accessibility of these programs, the well-being of youth in the country can be positively influenced. Overall, this research emphasizes the role of social support networks and government initiatives in promoting the well-being of youth in India.

There has been a substantial decline in infant and child mortality in the recent decade compared to the Neonatal mortality rate; this has consistently resulted in an increased contribution of neonatal deaths to overall infant mortality over the years. The present study systematically tries to assess the trends and determinants of early neonatal mortality in India using the two rounds of National Family Health Survey data (namely; NFHS-3 and 5). Data analysis was carried out using bivariate and multivariate and decomposition techniques. The prevalence of early neonatal mortality has declined from 3% in 2005 to 2.1% in 2019–2021. Results from regression and decomposition analyses attribute mother’s height, birth order and sex of the child, child weight at birth, caste, religion, wealth quintiles, place of delivery, media exposure, health insurance coverage, and region of the residence as the major contributing factors for the decline in early neonatal mortality. The findings of the study indicate the importance of further improving women’s education, mother’s age at first birth, reducing gender differentials, and improving other socio-economic development indicators to reduce newborn mortality.

This cross-sectional study examines the effects of service quality dimensions on patient satisfaction in primary care settings. A structured questionnaire based on five service quality dimensions of assurance, responsiveness, empathy, reliability, and tangibility was administered to 300 patients who had recently utilized care services in five selected primary healthcare facilities in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Structural equation model was used to assess the causal relationships between service quality dimensions and patient satisfaction. The measurement model specified the relationships between the latent constructs and their respective indicators. Several model fit indices were employed to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of the structural equation model. Common indices such as chi-square (χ²), comparative fit index (CFI), the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA), and standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) were used to assess how well the model fits the observed data. The results showed that each variable involved in the latent construct obtained from observed latent indicators had no significant effect on patient satisfaction. The estimates of patients’ perception of service quality delivery against patients’ satisfaction were not significant at the 5% level, indicating that the service deliveries at primary care in Adamawa State did not meet customer satisfaction. This suggests that there are no causal effects between patients’ perception of quality service delivery and their service satisfaction. Thus, patients perceived that the quality of services provided to them did not improve their satisfaction. The study concludes that there is no significant effect of service quality dimensions on patient satisfaction in Adamawa State Primary Care. The study suggests that policymakers and hospital administrators should take measures to improve the quality of services provided to meet patients’ expectations and improve their satisfaction.

People living with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) tend to experience multiple sources of therapy complemented by self-care practices. In Nigeria, over 100,000 babies are born yearly with sickle cell anaemia. High prevalence of this disease in Nigeria is attributed to lack of adequate knowledge about it. Data exist on the role of Western medicine and traditional medicine in the management of several diseases including sickle cell anaemia but little is known about faith therapy. This study therefore examined faith healing techniques in the management of SCA outside the medical settings. Using Weber’s Social Action Theory and Health Belief Model as explanatory framework, qualitative data were obtained through snowball sampling technique which cut across seven local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State—Atakumosa West, Boripe, Osogbo, Ife East, Ifedayo, Ilesa West, and Ila. A total of twenty Key Informant Interview sessions were held while three case studies were generated from the respondents. The study revealed that treatment techniques include prayer, application of herbs, divination, and counselling. Poor adherence to treatment was noted to be due to emotional trauma being experienced by patients and caregivers. Prayer and counselling were effective therapy to manage the condition. Both Christian and Muslim clerics engaged used prayer and fasting as treatment techniques, even though they also recognized the need for modern medical services. Traditional healers diagnosed the disease with divination and applied herbs and charms as well as appease the perceived spirit causing the disease. The Muslim clerics also use herbs. Majority of the practitioners recognized that the problem of emotional trauma (the major threat to adherence to treatment and positive health outcomes) is best surmounted through prayer and fasting. In terms of treatment, the general trends thus entail combination of faith healing through prayer and fasting, spiritual consultation, and the practice of embracing modern medicine where SCA patients are referred to hospitals. This paper therefore concluded that culture and society provide the context for understanding the prevention and treatment of diseases.

This research aims to explore the potential for enhancing students’ motivation and practical skills within a resilient learning environment through digital technologies. The concept of the unity of education and nature was employed to examine the theoretical foundations of a school’s functioning regarding external conditions that influence overall learning productivity. The practical part of the research involved the application of a quasi-experimental method in which three schools in the Central District of the Russian Federation were selected. General sample consists of 354 people. The primary research method employed was the surveying of the teachers and administration of these educational establishments. The analysis was based on the random sampling approach. The findings revealed that a regular school exhibits slightly more democratic characteristics: 60% of teachers in the resilient school and 70% in the regular school adhere to the protocol-based teaching methodology. Of utmost importance is the indicator of the significance of integrating digital technologies into the educational process. A total of 78% of teachers confirmed the necessity of this measure, while 80% agreed that it would enhance student motivation. This study will contribute to the formulation of essential principles to advance studying process in resilient schools in the future, paying additional attention to the question of the need of learning process digitalization, as 90% of teachers believe in its effectiveness. For instance, this could involve the implementation of specialized educational platforms and applications (Google classroom, Kahoot, Educative Education World Wide, etc.) on the seminars and practical lessons. The results also can be used by the government to implement better schools programs in accordance with school sustainability aspects. Additionally, the question of the impact of a resilient environment on an individual’s success after receiving education (such as in job search and employment) remains an interesting and unexplored area for further experimentation.

Poverty alleviation remains a top priority on a global level, including Tanzania. Nonetheless, many Tanzanian farmers remain poor. The inclusion of various age groups and gender dynamics are overlooked characteristics in examining the factors influencing poverty status among smallholder maize farmers. To fill this gap, this study thoroughly examines the factors for poverty status across different age groups and gender dynamics among Tanzanian smallholder maize farmers. This study employs a non-experimental research design, utilizing secondary data sourced from the National Sample Census of Agriculture 2019/2020, encompassing data from 4747 smallholder maize farmers. Notably, farmer education, fertilizer use, cooperative membership, and access to social services all have a significant and negative impact on poverty status. Thus, farmers’ access to and usage of improved agricultural inputs, together with educational programs has the potential to alleviate poverty among farmers. Our findings highlight the importance of tailoring poverty-relief programs, initiatives, and policies to the specific conditions of different age groups and gender dynamics among farmers, acknowledging the personalized nature of poverty rather than its aggregate categorization.

Abstract

Abstract

Despite extensive global and regional efforts to mitigate population growth and HIV/AIDS, these challenges persist, with East African countries ranking among the top ten nations with the highest infection rates globally. This study employs a Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) econometric model to analyse the effects of HIV/AIDS prevalence on labour force participation in East African countries, using World Bank data from 1990 to 2020. Since 1990, descriptive statistics reveal a decline in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and labour force participation rates have also declined. In 2020, Uganda recorded the lowest rate of 48%, compared to Burundi's 76% in the past. Inferential statistics highlight that HIV/AIDS prevalence has a significant negative impact, lowering labour force participation by 10%. This study contributes to the literature by identifying the complex relationships between HIV/AIDS and labour force participation in East Africa. The results suggest that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS has reduced labour force participation in the region, emphasising the need for governments to prioritize disease prevention and treatment. Physical and mental health challenges impede the labour force participation of the working-age population. Urgent interventions, such as health counseling services and sensitization programs, are necessary. In East African countries, the focus of government welfare policies should be on supporting the working population. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and sustain an individual's labour force participation. This study concludes by underscoring the persistent challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and population growth to East African labour force participation. It calls for concerted efforts at the individual and government levels to address these issues and promote a healthier, more productive workforce in the region.

Recent poor ranking of India in the Gender Inequality Index highlights the reality of gender-based discrimination. The article addressed social issues regarding women’s agency, social status, and empowerment by examining negative externalities like intra-household intersectionality and inequalities in rural West Bengal. The authors emphasized the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5 and 8) in uplifting the social status of women. A household-level survey was conducted with a semi-structured survey schedule of 200 respondents and seven Focused Group Discussions (FGD) from 70 participants to unravel the ground reality related to education, income, employment, and domestic violence. We have highlighted the difficulties faced by women in their daily lives. The study enumerates the findings based on mixed methods. The qualitative analysis results give comprehensive information that aids in explaining the causal linkages figured out in the quantitative study. The result shows that low education standard is one of the parameters for underdevelopment as it limits the scope of livelihood. Intrahousehold intersectionality restricted girls and women from getting equal opportunities in education, food, and social services in the locality. Though women contribute almost equally on financial grounds, they are humiliated daily. This research advocates for the required infrastructure and legal and social backing to women, which helps them build integrated, productive employment and decent workforce participation. They promote sustainable economic growth in rural settings to improve women’s living standards.