Why are crime rates higher in urban than in rural areas? — Evidence from Japan

1988 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis A Ladbrook

Three sociological explanations for why rates of conventional crime are higher in urban than in rural areas are tested with cross-sectional Japanese data for 1970. The three explanations ascribe the higher rates of urban crime to (1) the degree of urbanisation and populated density, (2) the greater rates of migration and population growth in urban populations, and (3) the differences in demographic structures between urban and rural areas, urban areas having greater proportions of young people. Eight indicators are used to test six hypotheses for six crimes against persons and property, with the 46 Japanese perfectures as units of analysis. Measures are taken to constrain the degree of multicollinearity that exists among the independent variables. While the structural indicators measured at an ecological level are not powerful in explaining inter-perfectural variations in rates of homicide, rape and arson, they are significantly associated with larceny, robbery and assault rates. Multiple regression analysis ascribes greatest weight in explaining the variation in rates of property crime to the higher proportion of young adults in urban populations, and to the higher rates of migration in these populations. The differences between Japanese and Western levels and patterns of crime are attributable to the operation of powerful mechanisms of family and community social control and to methods of policing. Trends comparable with those in the West are emerging through youth crime in the context of urban conditions.

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iza Cristina de Vasconcelos Martins Xavier ◽  
Carla Menêses Hardman ◽  
Maria Laura Siqueira de Souza Andrade ◽  
Mauro Virgilio Gomes de Barros

Objective: To compare the frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables and soft drinks among adolescents living in urban and rural areas of Pernambuco State. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on secondary analysis of data from a representative sample of high school students in Pernambuco (n = 4,207, 14 - 19 years) was conducted. Data were collected through a previously validated questionnaire. Adolescents who reported a daily consumption of soft drinks and occasional consumption of fruits, juices and vegetables were classified as exposed to inadequate standard of consumption of these foods. The independent variable was the place of residence (urban/rural). Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, χ2 test and binary logistic regression. Results: It was observed that students residing in rural areas had a higher prevalence of occasional consumption of natural fruit juices (37.6%; 95%CI 36.1 - 39.0) than those living in urban areas (32.1%; 95%CI 30.7 - 33.6). The proportion of students exposed to daily consumption of soft drinks was higher among those who reported they lived in urban areas (65.0%; 95%CI 63.5 - 66.4) compared to those who reported living in rural areas (55.3%; 95%CI 53.8 - 56.9). Conclusion: Adolescent students living in rural areas had a higher prevalence of low consumption of natural fruit juices while those residing in urban areas had a higher prevalence of daily consumption of soda drinks.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 2394-2401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Pérez-Ferrer ◽  
Anne McMunn ◽  
Paola Zaninotto ◽  
Eric J Brunner

AbstractObjectiveThe present study investigates whether the reversal of the social gradient in obesity, defined as a cross-over to higher obesity prevalence among groups with lower education level, has occurred among men and women in urban and rural areas of Mexico.DesignCross-sectional series of nationally representative surveys (1988, 1999, 2006, 2012 and 2016). The association between education and obesity was investigated over the period 1988–2016. Effect modification of the education–obesity association by household wealth was tested.SettingMexico.SubjectsWomen (n 54 816) and men (n 20 589) aged 20–49 years.ResultsIn both urban and rural areas, the association between education and obesity in women varied by level of household wealth in the earlier surveys (1988, 1999 and 2006; interaction P<0·001). In urban areas in 1988, one level lower education was associated (prevalence ratio; 95 % CI) with 45 % higher obesity prevalence among the richest women (1·45; 1·24, 1·69), whereas among the poorest the same education difference was protective (0·84; 0·72, 0·99). In the latest surveys (2012, 2016), higher education was protective across all wealth groups. Among men, education level was not associated with obesity in urban areas; there was a direct association in rural areas. Wealth did not modify the association between education and obesity.ConclusionThe reversal of the educational gradient in obesity among women occurred once a threshold level of household wealth was reached. Among men, there was no evidence of a reversal of the gradient. Policies must not lose sight of the populations most vulnerable to the obesogenic environment.


Author(s):  
M. Vijay Kumar ◽  
Indranil Acharya ◽  
Jayanti P. Acharya ◽  
Puligila Raj Shravani ◽  
Sabbineni Ramya

Background: Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 800 mothers from urban and rural areas of Rangareddy District. A pre designed pre tested questionnaire was used to interview the mothers. Questionnaire contained questions related to demographic factors and breast feeding practices. Institutional Ethical clearance was taken. Results: The overall prevalence of exclusive breast feeding was 65%, being comparatively more in rural area (68%) which was statistically significant. Colostrum was discarded by 15% mothers in urban and 9% in rural area. Breast feeding was initiated within 1 hour in 184 (46%) in urban area and in 148 (37%) in rural area. Conclusions: Though mothers from rural area had certain favorable breast feeding practices such as demand feeding, colostrum being given but still various inappropriate practices were prevalent in both rural and urban areas. 


Author(s):  
M. Pavani Varma ◽  
K. S. V. Prasad

Background: Tobacco smoking is habit which usually begins in the adolescent age. It is a risk factor for many non-communicable diseases and mortality can be prevented if smoking is quit.Methods: It is a cross sectional study.2 schools were randomly selected from urban and rural areas in field practice area of Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences. A GYTS questionnaire is modified to local setting and administered to the students.Results: A total of 367 students were enrolled. The level of awareness regarding harmful effects of tobacco consumption was good. It was 98.85% in urban areas and 94.84% in rural areas.Conclusions: As adolescent is the age of habit forming identification of the problem and correcting it at early stage itself will be beneficial for individuals, family and society. 


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 324-327
Author(s):  
Ahsan Beg Beg ◽  
Muhammad Younas ◽  
Touseef Asma

Objectives: To investigate the role of socio-economic factors for Acute RheumaticFever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in Pakistan. Methodology: Study Design:Descriptive cross-sectional. Setting: OPD of Pediatric Cardiology Department, CPE Institute ofCardiology, Multan. Period: July 2014 to December 2014. Convenience Sampling was done.Sample size of 130 cases with ages between 5 to 12 years were selected for the study. Results:Overcrowding was noticed in 61% and 85% in urban and rural areas, respectively. In rural areas,most parents were illiterate; similar status was seen in urban areas (64.4%; 67.1% respectively).60% and 55 % patients have habit of hand washing in rural and urban patients respectively.Toilet facility is available to 60% and 55.6% in rural and urban patients respectively. Economicstatus of the family is even worse. Average income per family was only Rs.3800 per month.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and acute rheumaticfever (ARF) in Pakistan. Overcrowding, poor hygienic conditions, low socio-economic status,illiteracy are major risk factors for ARF and RHD in Pakistan. In order to address this alarmingsituation, platforms like Pakistan Pediatric Cardiac Society and Pakistan Pediatric Associationneed to be mobilized.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e020406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wai Phyo Aung ◽  
Aung Soe Htet ◽  
Espen Bjertness ◽  
Hein Stigum ◽  
Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between urban–rural location and the occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Yangon Region, and to estimate the proportion of urban and rural participants already diagnosed with DM, and of those, the proportion under treatment and under control.DesignTwo cross-sectional studies, using the WHO STEPs methodology.SettingThe Yangon Region of Myanmar, urban and rural areas.ParticipantsMen and women, aged 25–74 years, included during the study period from September–November 2013 (urban) and 2014 (rural areas) (n=1372). Institutionalised people, physically and mentally ill person, monks and nuns were excluded.ResultsThe age-standardised prevalence of DM was 12.1% in urban and 7.1% in rural areas (p=0.039). In urban areas, the prevalence of DM was lowest in the highest educational groups (p<0.001). There were no differences in DM prevalence between gender or income levels. In rural areas, those who were physically inactive had a low intake of fruit and vegetable and were overweight/obese had a higher DM prevalence than others. In a logistic regression, the OR for DM in rural compared with urban areas was 0.38 (0.22, 0.65), adjusted for sociodemographic variables and behavioural risk factors. In urban areas, 43.1% of participants had the experience of receiving blood glucose measurements by a doctor or health worker, and 61.5% of all cases of DM were already diagnosed, 78.7% were under treatment and 45.8% were under control. The corresponding proportions in rural areas were 26.4%, 52.4%, 78.1% and 32.0%, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of DM in the Yangon Region was high, and significantly higher in urban than in rural areas. More health services are needed to serve this population with a large proportion of undiagnosed diabetes. Preventive measures to halt and reduce the prevalence of DM are urgently needed.


Author(s):  
Sandhya Rani Javalkar ◽  
Radha Y. Aras

Background: Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential. Complementary feeding is a process starting when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and therefore other foods and liquids are needed, along with breast milk. The objective was to study complementary feeding practices and the various factors influencing them in urban and rural areas.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Urban and Rural area of Mangalore Taluk. Data was collected by interview method among 408 mothers using a predesigned pretested questionnaire, information regarding demographic profile, socio-economic status, complementary feeding practices, etc was collected.Results: As many as 186 (45.3%) i.e., 129/186 (69.3%) mothers in the rural area and 57/186 (30.6%) mothers in urban area started complementary feeds at the age of 6 months. The most common food preferred as complementary food was combination of rice and dal together. The number of meals per day given to the child varied from 2-4/day. The number of snacks given per day to the child varied from 1-4 /day; commonly preferred snacks were Biscuits both in urban and rural areas Bottle feeding was practiced by 181 (44.4%) of the mothers, that included 113/181 (62.4%) from rural area and 68/181 (37.5%) from urban area.Conclusions: Poor complementary feeding practices were observed both in rural and urban areas. Family member’s advice, poor knowledge and influence of baby food marketing strategies have resulted in inappropriate practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália Paula de Souza ◽  
Eduarda Ângela Pessoa Cesse ◽  
Wayner Vieira de Souza ◽  
Annick Fontbonne ◽  
Maria Nelly Sobreira de Carvalho Barreto ◽  
...  

Abstract: To assess the evolution in prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension for over 10 years in Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, two cross-sectional studies were conducted based on random samples of households in urban and rural areas, in 2006 and 2015/2016, involving adults aged 20 years or older. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of at least 140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 90mmHg as well as the reported use of antihypertensive medication. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the influence of the social, behavioral and anthropometric determinants on hypertension. Although social and behavioral factors improved in this 10-year period, overweight and abdominal obesity increased. Approximately one third of the adult population of Pernambuco had hypertension in 2006 and this prevalence was maintained in 2015/2016. In rural areas, awareness concerning hypertension rose from 44.8% in 2006 to 67.3% in 2015/2016, and control from 5.3% to 27.1%, so that awareness and control were similar in urban and rural areas in 2015/2016. After an adjustment for potential confounding factors, the likelihood of having hypertension more than doubled among men (OR = 2.03; p < 0.001), middle (OR = 4.41; p < 0.001) and old-age subjects (OR = 14.44; p < 0.001), and those who had abdominal obesity (OR = 2.04; p < 0.001) in urban areas and among middle-aged (OR = 2.56; p < 0.001), less educated individuals (OR = 2.21; p = 0.006) and those who were overweight (OR = 2.23; p < 0.001) in rural areas. Despite the favorable evolution in the management of hypertension in Pernambuco, public health measures focused in vulnerable populations are still required, mainly in rural areas, to improve primary prevention and decrease the disease rate.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esti Nurwanti ◽  
Hamam Hadi ◽  
Jung-Su Chang ◽  
Jane C.-J. Chao ◽  
Bunga Astria Paramashanti ◽  
...  

Obesity has become a significant problem for developing countries, including Indonesia. High duration of sedentary activity and high intake of unhealthy foods were associated with high risk of overweight and obesity. The objective of this study was to compare the distributions of sedentary activity and dietary behavior with overweight/obesity risks between urban and rural areas among children and adolescents aged 10–18 years in Indonesia. This is a cross-sectional study. Data from a national survey in 33 Indonesian provinces (Basic Health Research /Riskesdas 2013) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) adjusted with all variables, such as age, gender, residency, education level, physical activity, and food intake. An urban–rural residence difference was found in the factors related to obesity. Daily caffeinated soft drinks and energy drinks consumption (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23) were related to risk of overweight and obesity in urban areas. Daily grilled foods (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22–1.42) and salty food (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15) consumption were significantly associated with obesity in rural areas but not in urban areas. Furthermore, sedentary activity was correlated with overweight and obesity among those who lived in urban and rural areas. Our findings suggest that education, environmental, and policy interventions may need to specifically target urban settings, where access is high to a wide range of processed and traditional high-sugar, high-fat snack foods and beverages.


Author(s):  
Hsiu-Ju Huang ◽  
Chih-Wei Lee ◽  
Tse-Hsi Li ◽  
Tsung-Cheng Hsieh

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the difference in ranking of risk factors of onset age of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between urban and rural areas in Eastern Taiwan. Data from 2013 initial onset of AMI patients living in the urban areas (n = 1060) and rural areas (n = 953) from January 2000 to December 2015, including onset age, and conventional risk factors including sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and body mass index (BMI). The results of multiple linear regressions analysis showed smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia were early-onset reversible risk factors of AMI in both areas. The ranking of impacts of them on the age from high to low was obesity (β = −6.7), smoking (β = −6.1), and dyslipidemia (β = −4.8) in the urban areas, while it was smoking (β = −8.5), obesity (β= −7.8), and dyslipidemia (β = −5.1) in the rural areas. Furthermore, the average onset ages for the patients who smoke, are obese, and have dyslipidemia simultaneously was significantly earlier than for patients with none of these comorbidities in both urban (13.6 years) and rural (14.9 years) areas. The findings of this study suggest that the different prevention strategies for AMI should be implemented in urban and rural areas.


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