scholarly journals Asset-Based, Sustainable Local Economic Development: Using Community Participation to Improve Quality of Life Across Rural, Small-Town, and Urban Communities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Kammer-Kerwick ◽  
Kara Takasaki ◽  
J. Bruce Kellison ◽  
Jeff Sternberg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Community Development ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Local Economic Development ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Broadband Internet ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract We analyze survey data from 5,487 residents of 85 Texas communities, including rural communities, small towns, medium-sized cities, and the five largest urban centers, to model the influence of the degree of urbanity and rurality of a community as well as residents’ social position, values, and their satisfaction with local assets. The paper’s central argument is that a wide range of factors impact how community members think about their needs and thus should be considered in any community development process. This human-centered approach to looking at how these factors impact economic and quality-of-life development project preferences will support the adaptation of community development decision-making processes to the conditions of each community. For the sake of parsimony, the present study presents results for three community development project concepts: 1) renovating some downtown buildings as mixed-use facilities with retail shops and apartments, 2) opening a community health center, and 3) and deploying gigabit high-speed fiber broadband internet in the downtown area. Our findings specifically highlight areas where participatory processes can be introduced to guide further interactions between experts and community members to 1) identify groups in the community to bring into the process who may be most impacted by the choice of one intervention over another, and 2) target areas where further community discussion and deliberation is necessary around which community dialogues (round tables, town halls, workshops, etc.) could be facilitated.

scholarly journals Developing an algorithm for rapid assessment of living standards and quality of life of the population in the region

2021 ◽  
pp. 50-63
Author(s):  
Marina Lesnichaya ◽  
Oksana Kolchina ◽  
Evgenii Pahomov
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Indicator System ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Different Dimensions

The article presents the rapid assessment methodology that allows analysts to carry out qualitative monitoring of the living standards of the population using a wide range of methods for statistics processing (factor analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, method of combining indicators of different dimensions). This methodology is characterized by the high speed of mathematical calculations, availability to users with different skill levels and universal applicability to various study objects. The rapid assessment method is intended for screening the living standards of the population and activity quality of the territorial authorities, taking into account a different set of indicators. This article offers the author’s indicator system for assessing the living standards and quality of life of the population. The methodology algorithm describes flowcharts of the index method for combining statistical observations of different dimensions, which make it possible to automate the process of territory ranking. The study covers 12 urban districts and 43 municipal districts of Rostov Oblast. The methodology described in the article will help eliminate a subjective factor while monitoring, rationally distribute financial resources allocated annually by the authorities to support programs for socio-economic development of the territory, increase the economic efficiency and implementation speed of innovative projects that have a direct impact on the living standards and quality of life of the population.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury (PASABI): A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Marta Pérez-Rodríguez ◽  
Saleky García-Gómez ◽  
Javier Coterón ◽  
Juan José García-Hernández ◽  
Javier Pérez-Tejero
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wide Range

Background and objectives: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the first cause of disability and physical activity (PA) is a key element in functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the subacute and chronic phases. However, it is necessary to develop PA programs that respond to the heterogeneity and needs of this population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a PA program on the HRQoL in this population. Materials and Methods: With regard to recruitment, after baseline evaluations, participants were assigned to either the intervention group (IG, n = 38) or the control group (CG, n = 35). Functional capacity, mood, quality of life and depression were measured pre- and post-intervention. The IG underwent the “Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury” (PASABI) program, which was designed to improve HRQoL (1-h sessions, two to four sessions/week for 18 weeks). The CG underwent a standard rehabilitation program without PA. Results: Results for the IG indicated significant differences and large effect sizes for the physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, as well as mood and functional capacity, indicating an increase in HRQoL. No significant differences were found for the CG across any variables. Conclusions: The PASABI program was feasible and beneficial for improving physiological and functionality variables in the IG. The wide range of the activities of the PASABI program allow its application to a large number of people with ABI, promoting health through PA, especially in the chronic phase.

Pharmacoeconomic features of the use of drugs used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Afanasyeva T.G. ◽  
Lavrova N.N. ◽  
Tumentseva V.R.
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Generic Drugs ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Nasal Congestion ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cost Minimization Analysis ◽  
Wide Range

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa; today, according to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of the disease is 40% of the world's population. Allergic rhinitis is the most common type of chronic rhinitis, affecting 10–20% of the world's population, and the severity of the disease is associated with a significant deterioration in the quality of life, sleep and performance. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to an allergen, causing IgE-mediated inflammation. Clinically, the disease is characterized by the following main symptoms: rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching and nasal congestion. Despite the general symptoms of allergic rhinitis, its impact on the quality of life of patients and the significant cost of treatment, including pharmacotherapy, many patients do not adhere to drug treatment regimens due to their insufficient effectiveness in eliminating the emerging symptoms. Pharmacoeconomic research identifies, measures and compares the costs and effects of drug use. This framework includes research methods related to cost minimization, cost-effectiveness, decision analysis, cost of illness, and patient quality of life. This article will consider one of the four main methods for assessing pharmacoeconomics - cost minimization analysis. A cost-minimization analysis is a pharmacoeconomic assessment by comparing the costs of two or more drug alternatives regardless of outcome. Since the pharmaceutical market is represented by a wide range of original, reference and generic drugs for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, an important aspect of our research is the selection of effective and economically acceptable therapy for outpatients.

The Impact of Economic Shocks on Quality of Life and Social Capital in Small Towns*

2008 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry L. Besser ◽  
Nicholas Recker ◽  
Kerry Agnitsch
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Economic Shocks ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Analysis of risk factors for vitamin D deficiency by results of the first stage of Russian non-interventional register study

2021 ◽  
pp. 109-118
Author(s):  
L. A. Suplotova ◽  
V. A. Avdeeva ◽  
L. Y. Rozhinskaya ◽  
E. A. Pigarova ◽  
E. A. Troshina
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Direct Sunlight ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Smoking Duration

Introduction. In Russian Federation, there are no comprehensive studies assessing the quality of life and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, taking into account its status in different geographic latitudes.Aim. To assess the quality of life and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among the population living in the regions of the Russian Federation located at latitudes from 45 ° to 70 °.Materials and methods. The first stage of the Russian multicenter non-interventional registry study using the “cross-sectional” method was carried out from March 2020 to May 2020.Results and discussion. According to the results of the correlation analysis, qualitative and quantitative factors were identified, presumably being risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and deficiency. Qualitative risk factors include: education; alcohol consumption; being in direct sunlight for more than 30 minutes a day; visit to the solarium; using sunscreen; drinking coffee; taking medications (not vitamin-mineral complexes). Quantitative factors include: visits to specialists (total per year); smoking (duration, years); exercise for more than 30 minutes a day, once a week; being in direct sunlight for more than 30 minutes a day.Conclusion. A wide range of risk factors for vitamin D deficiency dictates the need for their further study to clarify the category of persons who are shown targeted biochemical screening with subsequent drug correction.

scholarly journals The importance of anemia and health-related quality of life in the elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Raditya Wratsangka ◽  
Rully Ayu Nirmalasari Haryadi Putri
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hemoglobin Concentration ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Population ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Anemia is a global health problem with an extremely high prevalence and occurring in nearly 25% of the world population, particularly in the elderly group. Currently Indonesia is facing a rapid growth of the elderly population, with around 21 million elderly (8.2% of the total population), that is projected to increase to 33.7 million (11.8%) in the year 2025. Anemia in the elderly is frequently neglected, although the facts show that low hemoglobin concentration is an important marker of physiological decline and functional limitations. Although the factor of intrinsic aging may cause low hemoglobin concentration, anemia in the elderly is known to have a wide range w88ith regard to etiology, underlying disorders, and  possible mechanisms, such that it should be clinically followed up. Whatever its causes or underlying pathophysiological, anemia in the elderly has been proven to play a role in their morbidity and mortality, and may decrease their quality of life, that comprises all aspects of physical, mental, and social health, known as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The impact of anemia on HRQoL has been studied in various populations, and most studies report the presence of an association between HRQoL and anemia in elderly individuals, which on the subscale level is particularly associated with physical health. Early diagnosis of anemia is important to prevent aggravation of the condition, to retard the progress of the disease, and to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patient. Prior to determining the treatment plan, the primary diagnosis and the comorbidities, especially treatable disorders, had better be identified first. The available data show that the overall prognosis will improve for anemia in patients with well-managed and corrected chronic disorders.

scholarly journals 178Depression but not physical activity mediates the fatigue-mental quality of life relationship in multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Fidao ◽  
Alysha De Livera ◽  
Tracey Weiland ◽  
George Jelinek ◽  
Sandra Neate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Background Fatigue is among the most prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and significantly detrimental to mental quality of life. We examined the role of depression and physical activity as mediators in the fatigue-QoL relationship in MS. Methods Using an international study cohort measuring a wide range of lifestyle and clinical factors, determinants of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and mental quality of life (MSQoL-54; QoL) were assessed in 2,104 participants using log-binomial and linear regression, respectively. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the mediating role of depression and physical activity between fatigue and mental QoL. Results The median mental QoL score in the sample was 73.8/100. The mean fatigue score was 40.5/63, with 65.6% having clinically significant fatigue. In SEM analyses evaluating depression as a mediator of the fatigue-QoL relationship, mental QoL was 14.17-points lower in those with clinically significant fatigue, of which the indirect effect via depression accounted for over 30.8% (p < 0.001). This mediation effect was most pronounced for the Role Limitations from Emotional Issues (44.9%, p < 0.001) and Emotional Wellbeing (41.6%, p < 0.001) subdomains. Evaluating physical activity as a mediator of the fatigue-QoL relationship, mental QoL was 11.03-points lower in those with clinically significant fatigue, of which the indirect effect via physical activity accounted for only 1.0% (p = 0.001). Conclusions This study provides evidence that depression accounts for a majority of the fatigue-mental QoL relationship, while physical activity only plays a small role. While replication and longitudinal studies are required for validation, our findings may inform the development of treatments for reducing the impacts of fatigue and improving QoL in people with MS. Key messages Fatigue’s negative impact on emotional quality of life in multiple sclerosis is not a function of reduced ambulation but instead its impact on depression. Reducing depression may thus markedly improve quality of life in this population.

scholarly journals Assessing Urban Quality of Life: Developing the Criteria for Saudi Cities

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal Al-Qawasmi ◽  
Muhammad Saeed ◽  
Omar S. Asfour ◽  
Adel S. Aldosary
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Urban Quality Of Life ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Urban Quality

Urban quality of life (QOL) is a complex and multidimensional concept. A wide range of urban QOL assessment tools has been developed worldwide to measure and monitor the quality of urban life taking into account the particular conditions of cities/regions and the needs of their residents. This study aims to develop an urban QOL assessment tool appropriate for the context of Saudi Arabia (SA). For this purpose, this study developed and used a structured approach that consists of an in-depth analysis of 21 urban QOL assessment tools in use worldwide, combined with focus group analysis and feedback from a panel of experts. The results revealed that there is a lack of consensus among the existing tools regarding the usage of QOL indicators and domains, and that the majority of the tools demonstrate a lack of proper coverage of QOL subdomains. The results also show wide variations in the number of indicators used and that most of the examined tools are using objective measurable indicators. This study has identified 67 indicators distributed across 13 domains that constitute the core criteria of the proposed QOL assessment tool. The selected indicators and domains cover all the attributes of urban QOL and are evaluated by experts as important criteria to assess/measure QOL. Moreover, the results demonstrate the advantage of the developed framework and comprehensive list of criteria (CLC) as a structured and efficient approach to design better QOL assessment tools.

scholarly journals Universal Basic Income: Reflections on the Possible Impac on Improving the Living Standards and Quality of Life and the Sustainability of Society

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-24
Author(s):  
Vyacheslav Bobkov ◽  
Nikolay Dolgushkin ◽  
Yelena Odintsova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Basic Income ◽  
Social Reforms ◽  
Standards Of Living ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Transitional Forms

The article is devoted to the study of the possible impact of the introduction of universal basic income on improving the standards of living and quality of life and sustainability of societies. The theoretical part of the article reveals the problems that require further study of the category of " universal basic income" (UBI), such as its relationship with the transformation of the state and society, labour and employment, the standards of living and quality of life; the reasons for the introduction and tasks that are solved with the use of UBI, contradictions and limitations of this tool of political, economic and social reforms. In the practical part of the article on the basis of systematization of the most important experiments on the introduction of UBI the conclusion of the transitional forms of its experimental implementation is made: the conditionality (for the target categories of citizens), not the unconditionality of payments, limited period of payment, small size, commensurate with the national subsistence minimum. All this does not allow us to consider this payment as a basic one with all its local impact on the transformation of social systems in the countries concerned. The conclusion is made about the embryonic practical application of UBI elements in Rossiya. A number of recommendations for additions to the testing elements of the universal basic income in our country have been elaborated: to increase per capita income after the provision of targeted social support to low-income sections of the population; to select the trajectories of employment for registered unemployed persons; to reduce the time transitions of graduates from educational institutions to stable or satisfactory employment; and to increase the level of security for the employed with a wide range of characteristics of precarity of employment. The Object of the Study is country societies and their separate regional and social groups.The Subject of the Study is the transformation of employment, social protection and sustainability of societies in connection with the introduction of elements of universal basic income.The Purpose of the Study is identifying hypothetical possibilities of influence on the improvement of the standards of living and quality of life and sustainability of societies by the introduction of universal basic income and analysing the results of testing its transitional forms.

Measuring the quality of life in rural community development

1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Barnard ◽  
J. N. K. Van der Merwe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Rural Community Development
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