scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking Patterns in Pakistan: Findings From a Longitudinal Survey of Smokers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamran Siddiqi ◽  
Faraz Siddiqui ◽  
Amina Khan ◽  
Saeed Ansaari ◽  
Mona Kanaan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Stability ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Quit Attempt ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Smoking Behaviors ◽  
Smoking Patterns ◽  
June July ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction We investigated the influence of COVID-19 on smoking patterns in Pakistan. Methods In a longitudinal survey, we asked cigarette smokers in Pakistan about their smoking behaviors before and since COVID-19. Smokers were recruited before COVID-19 using two-stage random probability sampling. Since COVID-19, three subsequent waves were conducted over the telephone, asking additional questions on social determinants, mental health, and well-being. Based on the first two waves, we estimated the proportion of smokers who stopped, decreased, maintained, or increased smoking. We also explored any factors associated with the change in smoking patterns. In those who stopped smoking soon after COVID-19, we estimated the proportion relapsed in subsequent waves. We estimated all proportions based on complete-case analysis. Results We recruited 6014 smokers between September 2019 and February 2020; of these, 2087 (2062 reported smoking outcomes) were followed up in May 2020 after COVID-19. Since COVID-19, 14% (290/2062) smokers reported quitting. Among those who continued smoking: 68% (1210/1772) reduced, 14% (239/1772) maintained, and 18% (323/1772) increased cigarette consumption; 37% (351/938) reported at least one quit attempt; 41% (669/1619) were more motivated; while 21% (333/1619) were less motivated to quit. Changes in smoking patterns varied with nicotine dependence, motivation to quit, and financial stability since COVID-19. Among those reporting quitting soon after COVID-19, 39% (81/206) relapsed in the subsequent months (June–July 2020). Conclusions There have been significant bidirectional changes in smoking patterns since COVID-19 in Pakistan. Although many people stopped, reduced, or tried quitting smoking, some increased smoking and some relapsed after quitting. Implications We observed significant and complex changes in people’s smoking patterns, which are likely to be attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and replicated in similar events in the future. Assessing these changes is essential for most low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, where the vast majority of tobacco users live, but cessation support is still rudimentary. If provided routinely, smoking cessation interventions can potentially support millions of highly motivated individuals in quitting successfully both in general and in global events like COVID-19, in particular.

scholarly journals Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of older persons in Thailand

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e047650
Author(s):  
Wiraporn Pothisiri ◽  
Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 situation in Thailand was controlled with various social measures. Much of the information covered in the media and in studies focused on the public health and economic aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the psychological well-being of older people, which is important especially in an ageing society categorised as low income or middle income due to the limits of economic and healthcare resources.SettingThe impact of COVID-19 on older persons in Thailand, an online survey, taken across nine provinces within the five regions of the country.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 1230 adults aged at least 60 years old.If an older person was illiterate, unable to access the internet or had a disability preventing them from responding to the survey, an intermediary residing in the community conducted the survey interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis focused on the worries of older adults and the factors associated with psychological distress experienced during the pandemic using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of people aged at least 60 years old experienced psychological distress during COVID-19. Employment loss (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.38), inadequate income (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.44) and debt incursion (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.80) were detrimental to psychological well-being. The negative changes in the perception of their health status (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.99) and decreased life satisfaction (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.87) also weighed on older Thais. The protective factors for psychological well-being were residing in rural areas (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61) and being married (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01).ConclusionObserving the concerns of the older population is important for introducing policies that can alleviate their precarious financial and health statuses.

scholarly journals Smoking Across the Menopausal Transition in a 10-Year Longitudinal Sample: The Role of Sex Hormones and Depressive Symptoms

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 872-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
MacKenzie R Peltier ◽  
José M Flores ◽  
Philip H Smith ◽  
Walter Roberts ◽  
Terril L Verplaetse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Menopausal Transition ◽  
Current Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Smoking Behaviors ◽  
Current Cigarette ◽  
Smoking Patterns ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Current cigarette smoking rates among older women remain problematic, especially given that this population experiences increased smoking-related health consequences. Despite these increased health concerns, little research to date has explored smoking patterns across the menopausal transition (pre-, early-peri-, late-peri-, and postmenopausal) or the effect of unique factors such as sex hormones and depression during this transition. Methods This study used 10 yearly waves of data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, a longitudinal dataset. Data included 1397 women endorsing ever smoking regularly at baseline. Random-effects logistic regression models were used to examine smoking transitions. Results Although there were no associations between menopausal transition stage and smoking behavior, increased estradiol was associated with an increased likelihood of quitting regular smoking (eg, transitioning from regular smoking to non-regular or no smoking; odds ratio [OR] = 1.28), whereas increased testosterone was associated with an increased likelihood of relapsing to regular smoking (eg, transitioning from former or nonregular smoking to regular smoking OR = 2.56). Depression was associated with increased likelihood of continued smoking (OR = 0.97) and relapse (OR = 1.03). Conclusions The results emphasize the need to develop interventions to target initiated or continued smoking among women across the menopausal transition and specifically highlight the importance of developing treatments that target depressive symptoms in this population. In addition, although singular hormone measures were associated with smoking behavior, there is a need for future study of dynamic changes in hormones, as well as the impact of progesterone on smoking behaviors across the menopausal transition. Implications To date, no studies have examined smoking behaviors across the menopausal transition. In this study, although menopausal transition status was not significantly related to transitions in smoking behavior, important relationships between sex hormones and depression were observed. Increased estradiol was associated with an increased likelihood of quitting regular smoking, whereas increased testosterone was associated with an increased likelihood of relapsing to regular smoking behavior. Higher depression scores were related to continued smoking and relapse to regular smoking behavior. These results highlight the need to develop interventions to target smoking cessation among women across the menopausal transition.

scholarly journals Older People, Mobility and Transport in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of the Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 6157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Gorman ◽  
Sion Jones ◽  
Jeffrey Turner
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The State ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Older populations are rising globally, which in high-income countries has helped to generate a growing literature on the impact of ageing on travel requirements and transport policy. This article aims to provide an initial assessment of the state of knowledge on the impact on transportation policy and usage of the increasing numbers of older people in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs), through a review of the literature relating to older people and transportation. As both the academic and policy/practice-related literature specifically addressing ageing and transport in LAMICs is limited, the study looks beyond transportation to assess the state of knowledge regarding the ways in which older people’s mobility is affected by issues, such as health, well-being, social (dis)engagement and gender. We find significant knowledge gaps, resulting in an evidence base to support the implementation of policy is lacking. Most research in low-income countries (LICs) is either broad quantitative analysis based on national survey data or small-scale qualitative studies. We conclude that, although study of the differing contexts of ageing in LAMICs as they relate to older people’s mobilities and transport use has barely begun, institutions which both make and influence policymaking recognise the existence of significant knowledge gaps. This should provide the context in which research agendas can be established.

Empowered to stop smoking: The impact of a SDT smoking cessation intervention on economically disadvantaged whites and blacks

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1012-1012
Author(s):  
C. D. Figueroa-Moseley ◽  
G. C. Williams ◽  
G. R. Morrow ◽  
P. Jean-Pierre ◽  
J. Carroll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Stop Smoking ◽  
Treatment Conditions ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Smoking Behaviors ◽  
The Impact

1012 Background: Few studies have examined the potential influence of an empowering Self Determination Theory (SDT) intervention on reducing smoking behaviors and outcomes for Whites and Blacks. Objectives: To determine if empowerment to stop smoking is associated with smoking outcomes in Whites and Blacks, and to examine if empowerment to stop smoking improved under the SDT Intervention vs. Usual Care conditions. Methods: A longitudinal randomized trial study was conducted to examine the effect of a SDT and health behavior change intervention for tobacco cessation among adult smokers. Participants were randomized into the SDT Intervention or the Usual Care condition. The present study includes data from a sample of 821 Whites and 177 Blacks who completed anonymous surveys at 1, 6, and 18-months intervals on empowerment to stop smoking (Perceived Competence Scale, Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire), demographics, and smoking behaviors. Results: Stepwise logistic regressions showed that empowerment to stop smoking was associated with quitting smoking at 1, 6, and 18 month follow-up for both treatment conditions. At one month, participants in the SDT Intervention with the highest levels of empowerment were 6.3 times more likely to quit smoking as compared with those in the usual care condition who were only 3.15 times as likely to quit smoking. Similar findings were found at 6 months and at 18 months (6- month SDT Intervention Empowerment High: (OR = 8.66, 95% C.I. 4.6, 16.3); 6 month Usual Care Empowerment High: (OR = 3.10, 95% C.I. 1.4, 7.0); 18- month SDT Intervention Empowerment High: (OR = 4.10, 95% C.I. 2.2, 7.5); 18 month Usual Care Empowerment High: (OR = 3.11, 95% C.I. 1.3, 7.7). In the SDT Intervention at 6 months being Black increased successful quitting by 2.4 times. Conclusions: Findings indicate that at each time-point the SDT Intervention empowered more participants to stop smoking than usual care alone. Findings also suggest that Blacks may increase their ability to stop smoking in the SDT Intervention condition. These preliminary findings highlight the need to further investigate the possible roles of empowerment interventions in smoking cessation among Whites and Blacks, especially cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals 407 - Living through the pandemic as an older person: Long-term psychological impacts in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Bwire Ivan ◽  
Maria Isabel Zuluaga ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Mark Gabbay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background:The pandemic has put a huge strain on people’s mental health, with varying restrictions affecting people’s lives. Little is known how the pandemic affects older adults’ mental health, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where restrictions are affecting people’s access to basic necessities. Thus, the aim of this 3-country study was to understand the long- term impacts of the pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia in LMICs.Methods:We are collecting 30 baseline and 15 follow-up interviews with older adults (aged 60+), people with dementia, and family carers in Colombia, India, and Uganda, as well as a baseline and follow-up focus group with health and social are professionals in each country. Interviews are conducted remotely over the phone due to pandemic restrictions, with data collection taking place between March and July 2021. Transcripts are translated into English before being analysed using thematic analysis.Results:To date, we have completed close to 90 baseline interviews and 3 focus groups with health and social care professionals. Analysis is ongoing, but findings are capturing the detrimental second wave in India and follow-up interviews will capture the longitudinal impacts on mental health.Conclusions:Whilst vaccines are starting to be rolled out in LMICs, albeit at different rates, the virus will likely take much longer to be somewhat managed in LMICs. This leaves more room for people’s physical as well as mental health to be impacted by the restrictions, and with often limited mental health service coverage, it is all the more important o understand the impact of the pandemic on older people’s mental health.

scholarly journals Innovations in achieving sustainable economic performance under income inequality

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-154
Author(s):  
Inna Cabelkova ◽  
Manuela Tvaronaviciene ◽  
Wadim Strielkowski
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact

The negative effect of income inequality on economic growth represents a topic that constitutes a broad topic of research in the standard economic theory. One of the immediate consequences of income inequality is diminished consumption. Many «poor» customers cannot provide sufficient demand for the producers, causing overproduction that might lead to an economic crisis. It constitutes a problem because sustainable economic performance needs to be achieved under the conditions of income inequality. Reducing social and economic inequality in countries is an essential step towards ensuring that no one is left behind. It is also part of the 10th Sustainable Development Goal aimed to reduce it by 2030. Inequality is based on the income distribution between the top 1% and the bottom 99% of households in any given country. The degree of inequality could play a beneficial role if it is driven by market forces and is associated with incentives to increase growth. In developing and emerging countries, greater equality and improvements in living standards are needed to enable populations to flourish. Inequality reduction is one of the most critical steps a government could take to improve the well-being of its population. The income inequality growth increases human capital in poor countries and reduces it in high and middle-income countries. In poorer countries, it increases them, but in higher – and middle-income countries, it reduces them. Income inequality could be reduced by improving human capital and general skill levels, correcting labor-market policies, and making better use of financial services. In turn, sustainable economic growth could reverse the negative effects of inequality, reducing the need for high-wage and higher-earning households. Thus, it provides higher economic growth. This paper discusses three ways to circumvent the impact of decreasing consumption on economic growth adopted in developing economies over the last fifty years, such as increasing exports, providing loans for consumption, and printing new money. The findings showed that none of these methods seem to be sustainable in the long run. Thus novel and innovative mechanisms that would allow our economy to reduce inequality are necessary and need to be put into place.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on the Care of Patients With Noncommunicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Online Survey of Patient Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110340
Author(s):  
Ratna Devi ◽  
Felicity Goodyear-Smith ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Low And Middle Income

We sought to gain insights into the impacts of COVID-19 and associated control measures on health and health care of patients from low- and middle-income countries with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions, using an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common concern for the 1487 patients who took part was contracting COVID-19 when they accessed health care. Of those infected with COVID-19, half said that their health had been worse since being infected. Collectively, most people reported an increase in feelings of stress and loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a range of health care impacts on patients with noncommunicable diseases, including constraints on access to care and health effects, particularly mental well-being.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impact of Social Responsibility on Poverty

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9395
Author(s):  
Egle Jakunskiene
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Production Sector ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Impact

Being one of the open social innovations of business entities, social responsibility is taking an important role in our society. It not only contributes to the improvement of the financial indicators of business entities, but also has a significant impact on the economic development of countries and the creation of well-being of the society members. The business contribution to environmental and social initiatives influences various economic processes and, at the same time, affects the level of poverty in countries. The purpose of this thesis is to review the concept of social responsibility and its content after the analysis of the scientific literature, and to assess the impact of social responsibility on poverty indicators after an empirical study. The assessment was performed by using the methods of analysis of the scientific literature, mathematical–statistical analysis, comparative analysis, correlation analysis, as well as by studying the presented statistical data at the level of the three Baltic States — Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The conducted research manifested a significant impact of the business units operating in the production sector on the employed people who are at the brink of poverty, by categorizing them by sex, age, and education. The research revealed the negative impact of the business social responsibility that is directed towards the environment field on the poverty rates of older age (65+) residents, due to the installation of new equipment and technologies. Additionally, business investments mostly affect people with secondary, and lower than secondary, education. The influence of the actual pollution amount in the production sector, to ensure the financial stability of the society, was observed. The research results are significant not only to the Baltic region, but to other economies that are seeking to reduce the poverty level in the country, by integrating the business social responsibility as well.

scholarly journals The impact of energy consumption on Carbon Intensity of Human Well-Being (CIWB)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thuan ◽  
Dang Bac Hai
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Carbon Intensity ◽  
Control Variables ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
The Impact

A key concern when constructing sustainable development policy is reducing the negative impact on environmental systems and maximizing human welfare. In this study, we assess how energy consumption effected on Carbon intensity of human well-being (CIWB). Using two-way fixed effects in panel regression, this relationship has been investigated during 2000-2018 for 9 lower middle-income countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, while adding GDP and FDI per capita as control variables. The study reveals that the use of energy for economic development is ineffective and inconsistent with the overview of sustainable development due to the result of increasing CIWB. However, the sign of negative coefficients of GDP and FDI per capita in control variables have given the striking findings that these factors will be helpful for lower middle - income countries to pursue sustainable development by reducing CIWB.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document