scholarly journals Association Between Happiness and Objective/Subjective Economic Status Among Older Adults in Myanmar

Author(s):  
Yuri Sasaki ◽  
Yugo Shobugawa ◽  
Ikuma Nozaki ◽  
Daisuke Takagi ◽  
Yuiko Nagamine ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundFew studies have examined whether objective or subjective economic status (ES) has a greater effect on the happiness of older adults in developing countries with ageing populations. This study examined whether objective/subjective economic status (ES) is associated with happiness in older adults in Myanmar.MethodA multistage, random sampling procedure and face-to-face interviews were conducted in urban and rural areas in Myanmar. The happiness of 1,200 participants aged 60+ was evaluated using a single happiness score of 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). The wealth index, used as an objective economic indicator, was calculated from household asset items. Subjective economic status was assessed by asking “Which of the following best describes your current financial situation in light of general economic conditions?” The possible responses ranged from (1) very difficult to (5) very comfortable. ResultsThe mean happiness score was lower among participants with low objective and subjective ES than among those with medium or high objective ES (6.24 versus 6.80 points, p < 0.001) and average or higher subjective ES (5.62 versus 6.83 points, p < 0.001), respectively. Both low objective and subjective ES were negatively associated with happiness after adjusting for confounding variables (B: -0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.69, -0.13 and B: -0.71, 95% CI: -1.00, -0.42, respectively) and stratification by region (low objective ES, urban: B: -0.52, 95% CI: -1.03, -0.02; low subjective ES, urban: B: -0.50, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.03; low objective ES, rural: B: -0.37, 95% CI: -0.73, -0.02; and low subjective ES, rural: B: -0.80, 95% CI: -1.18, -0.41). ConclusionsIn Myanmar, both objective and subjective ES might influence happiness among older adults. Although they had a similar impact on happiness in urban areas, subjective ES had a stronger impact in rural areas. Interventions for promoting happiness in older adults should consider differences in how objective/subjective ES impacts happiness in different regions, and focus should be placed not only on improving objective ES but also subjective ES in society.

Author(s):  
Yuri Sasaki ◽  
Yugo Shobugawa ◽  
Ikuma Nozaki ◽  
Daisuke Takagi ◽  
Yuiko Nagamine ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to investigate rural–urban differences in depressive symptoms in terms of the risk factors among older adults of two regions in Myanmar to provide appropriate intervention for depression depending on local characteristics. This cross-sectional study, conducted between September and December, 2018, used a multistage sampling method to recruit participants from the two regions, for face-to-face interviews. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Depressive symptoms were positively associated with living in rural areas (B = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12,0.72), female (B = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31,0.79), illness during the preceding year (B = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.45,0.91) and non-Buddhist religion (B = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.001,1.15) and protectively associated with education to middle school level or higher (B = −0.61; 95% CI: −0.94, −0.28) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.10). In women in urban areas, depressive symptoms were positively associated with illness during the preceding year (B = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.20) and protectively associated with education to middle school level or higher (B = −0.67; 95% CI: −1.23, −0.11), middle or high wealth index (B = −0.92; 95% CI: −1.59, −0.25) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.38, −0.03). In men in rural areas, illness during the preceding year was positively associated with depressive symptoms (B = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.42). In women in rural areas, depressive symptoms were positively associated with illness during the preceding year (B = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.30) and protectively associated with primary education (B = −0.62; 95% CI: −1.12, −0.12) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.44; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.21). Religion and wealth could have different levels of association with depression between older adults in the urban and rural areas and men and women. Interventions for depression in older adults should consider regional and gender differences in the roles of religion and wealth in Myanmar.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shekhar Chauhan ◽  
Shobhit Srivast ◽  
Pradeep Kumar ◽  
Ratna Patel

Abstract Background: Multimorbidity is defined as the co-occurrence of two or more than two diseases in the same person. With rising longevity, multimorbidity has become a prominent concern among the older population. Evidence from both developed and developing countries shows that older people are at much higher risk of multimorbidity, however, urban-rural differential remained scarce. Therefore, this study examines urban-rural differential in multimorbidity among older adults by decomposing the risk factors of multimorbidity and identifying the covariates that contributed to the change in multimorbidity.Methods: The study utilized information from 31,464 older adults (rural-20,725 and urban-10,739) aged 60 years and above from the recent release of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1 data. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate decomposition analysis techniques were used.Results: Overall, significant urban-rural differences were found in the prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults (difference: 16.3; p<0.001). Moreover, obese/overweight and high-risk waist circumference were found to narrow the difference in the prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults between urban and rural areas by 8% and 9.1%, respectively.Conclusion: There is a need to substantially increase the public sector investment in healthcare to address the multimorbidity among older adults, more so in urban areas, without compromising the needs of older adults in rural areas.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Chen ◽  
Zeting Lin ◽  
Ran Gao ◽  
Yijian Yang ◽  
Liping Li

Abstract Background: To investigate the prevalence of falls and risk factors among older adults in urban and rural areas and to facilitate the design of fall prevention interventions.Methods: We used cluster random sampling to investigate the sociodemographic information, living habits, medical history, and falls among 649 older adult participants. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine fall risk factors in urban and rural areas.Results: The fall rate and rate of injury from falls among older adults in urban areas were 27.3% and 18.6%, respectively, which were higher than those in rural areas (17.0% and 12.2%; P<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that the risk factors for falls among urban older adults included a high school or below education level (OR=3.737, 95% CI: 1.503~9.291); diabetes medicine use (OR=4.518, 95% CI: 1.228~16.626); incontinence (OR=8.792, 95% CI: 1.894~40.824); lack of fall prevention education (OR = 11.907, 95% CI: 1.321~107.354); and reduced balance function (OR = 3.901, 95% CI: 1.894~7.815). The risk factors among rural older adults included a previous nonfarming occupation (OR=2.496, 95% CI: 1.416~4.398); incontinence (OR =11.396, 95% CI: 1.901~68.327); poor living environment (OR=3.457, 95% CI: 1.488~8.033); and reduced balance function (OR =4.260, 95% CI: 2.361~7.688).Discussion: The rate of falls among older adults in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas of Shantou City. Fall prevention in urban areas should target older adults with low education and modify the diabetes medication use. Interventions should focus on improving the home environment of older adults in rural areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 867-867
Author(s):  
Teresia Mbogori

Abstract Objectives To determine the social economic and rural/urban disparities in the nutritional status of children aged 0–23 months in Kenya. Methods This study utilized data from the most current Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), a nationally representative cross-sectional study conducted in 2014. Data from children 0–23 months with complete information on weight, height, age and sex were used for analysis. Height for Age Z scores (HAZ), Weight for Age Z scores (WAZ), Weight for Height Z scores (WHZ), and BMI for Age Z scores (BAZ) were computed using WHO Anthroplus program to determine the nutritional status of the children. Chi square statistics were used to determine the relationship between wealth index, education status of mother, rural/urban residence, gender, and the nutritional status of the children. Significance was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results Among all participating children aged 0–23 months (n = 7578), 22.7% were stunted (HAZ &lt; −2), 10.7% were underweight (WAZ &lt; −2), 6.2% were wasted (WHZ &lt; −2), and 6.1% were either overweight or obese (BAZ &gt; 2). Wasting, stunting, and underweight were significantly higher in children from rural areas, poorer wealth index and from mothers with no education. In contrast, children from urban areas, from richest wealth index category and from mothers with secondary or higher education were significantly more likely to be either overweight or obese. There were no gender differences in all the indicators of malnutrition. Stunting, wasting and underweight were also significantly higher in older children (6–23 months) as compared to the younger children (0–5 months). Conclusions Disparities exist in childhood malnutrition in Kenya with children from low social economic status and those living in rural areas experiencing higher rates of under-nutrition whereas those living in urban areas and those from higher social economic status experiencing higher rates of overweight and obesity. Current and new policies need to address these disparities to ensure that childhood malnutrition continues to improve in all sectors of the society. Funding Sources No funding source.


2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Kennedy ◽  
Guy Nantel ◽  
Inge D Brouwer ◽  
Frans J Kok

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between childhood undernutrition and poverty in urban and rural areas.DesignAnthropometric and socio-economic data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in Angola-Secured Territory (Angola ST), Central African Republic and Senegal were used in this analysis. The population considered in this study is children 0–59 months, whose records include complete anthropometric data on height, weight, age, gender, socio-economic level and urban or rural area of residence. In addition to simple urban/rural comparisons, the population was stratified using a wealth index based on living conditions and asset ownership to compare the prevalence, mean Z-score and odds ratios for stunting and wasting.ResultsIn all cases, when using a simple urban/rural comparison, the prevalence of stunting was significantly higher in rural areas. However, when the urban and rural populations were stratified using a measure of wealth, the differences in prevalence of stunting and underweight in urban and rural areas of Angola ST, Central African Republic and Senegal disappeared. Poor children in these urban areas were just as likely to be stunted or underweight as poor children living in rural areas. The odds ratio of stunting in the poorest compared with the richest quintile was 3.4, 3.2 and 1.5 in Angola ST, Senegal and Central African Republic, respectively.ConclusionsThis paper demonstrates that simple urban/rural comparisons mask wide disparities in subgroups according to wealth. There is a strong relationship between poverty and chronic undernutrition in both urban and rural areas; this relationship does not change simply by living in an urban environment. However, urban and rural living conditions and lifestyles differ, and it is important to consider these differences when designing programmes and policies to address undernutrition.


2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
PATRICK CLOOS ◽  
CAROLINE F. ALLEN ◽  
BEATRIZ E. ALVARADO ◽  
MARIA VICTORIA ZUNZUNEGUI ◽  
DONALD T. SIMEON ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to document the perceptions of elders in six Caribbean countries about ‘active ageing’ and on the basis of their reports to make recommendations to improve their situation. Data were collected principally through 31 focus group discussions conducted in both urban and rural areas. Comparative analysis was carried out of the qualitative information, focusing on three components of ‘active ageing’: health and social services access and use, social support, and economic circumstances. Most of the participants were women, aged 60–79 years, of lower socio-economic status and from urban areas. Large disparities in the responses of Caribbean societies to population ageing were indicated, as well as unequal opportunities to obtain health care and social services, public transport, income and food by both socio-economic status and location. Home-care services are either insufficient or non-existent. Some elders receive social and financial support from relatives while others fear isolation and face deprivation. Social participation varies by place, physical condition, financial situation, association membership, and transport opportunities. Social protection benefits do not provide adequate income and some older people face food insecurity. It was concluded that a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach using the ‘active ageing’ framework should be implemented to ensure a healthy ageing process.


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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Bambang Priyono ◽  
Hari Kusnanto ◽  
Al Supartinah Santoso ◽  
Dibyo Pramono

Background: Adolescence is a period when an individual experiences physical and psychological growth, thus requiring higher energy intake. As a result, they have a high appetite, but at the same time the supervision of parents on their oral hygiene behavior is decreases. They become free to choose their preferred food, sometimes containing high carbohydrates that may increase risks of dental caries and overweight. Sleman is one of districs in Yogyakarta, also considered as an agglomeration area of Yogyakarta town, which still has urban and rural areas. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the correlation between residence area and parental socioeconomic conditions with prediction to get a new dental caries. Method: This study was an analytic survey study conducted on 275 adolescents in Sleman. Samples were selected by using stratified cluster random sampling technique. Prediction to get a new dental caries was measured by using cariogram, involving 10 variables. Residence area was observed based on territorial characteristics, such as urban and rural areas matched to their ID card. Meanwhile, parental socio-economic condition was measured on daily expenses of their parents. A multiple regression analysis with dummy variables was used to analyses the correlation between the independent and dependent variables at a confidence level of 95%. Result: The results showed that the prevalence of caries in those adolescents in urban areas was 70.7%, while 81.95% in rural areas. The DMFT index in urban areas was 2.27, while 2.65 in rural areas. The mean percentage of prediction to get a new dental caries in urban areas was 47.83 ± 23.63, while 53.61 ± 24.68 in rural areas. The results of the statistical analysis then showed that there was no significant correlation of residence area and parental sosio-econimic conditions with prediction to get a new dental caries. Conclusion: In conclusion, residence areas, rural and urban areas, and parental socio-economic conditions, from low to high economic status were not correlated with prediction to get a new dental caries in adolescents.


10.3823/2571 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josep Vidal-Alaball ◽  
Jacobo Mendioroz Peña ◽  
Glòria Sauch Valmaña

Background Telemedicine is particularly useful in rural areas where can facilitate access to specialised care in regions far from urban hospitals and can prevent unnecessary travel. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the degree of resolution of an asynchronous teledermatology service in the Bages County, comparing urban and rural primary care centres. Methods and findings A longitudinal descriptive study of referrals from 14 Primary Care Teams to a hospital dermatology service as a result of a previous referral to a teledermatology program was performed, comparing years 2015 and 2016 and urban with rural practices. Both in urban and rural areas there was an increase in referrals to the teledermatology service in 2016 compared to the previous year (12.9% and 0.3% respectively). In the two years analysed, referral rates to the teledermatology service per thousand inhabitants from rural centres was statistically much higher than that of urban centres (p<0.001). The number of referrals to the face-to-face dermatology service after a teledermatology consultation decreased significantly in both urban [OR=0,81 (0,70-0,93) p=0,001] and rural centres [OR=0,64 (0,57-0,72) p<0,001]. Conclusions The asynchronous teledermatology service established in the Bages County increases the resolution of primary care teams as reduces referrals to the face-to-face dermatology service. This effect is more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. Such finding may indicate the need to prioritize telemedicine services in rural primary care practices.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-12
Author(s):  
Umer Arshad

Since independence, with the expansion of the scale of Pakistani’s education, the level of education, urban and rural residents has been improving year by year, but the educational inequality problems have not been effectively solved. The Survey of the last two decades shows the influence of education, household registration, family, social and economic status, parental education, a number of brothers and sisters, which has been evaluated on three factors high school, college, and university. The study found that the high school entrance opportunity differences in urban and rural areas have not been changed, technical college, college, or university entrance opportunities between urban and rural areas have potentially expanded, father’s occupational status affects children’s education but other factors remain same. The study shows that since 1981 no obvious change in unequal educational opportunities, the other rising trend in educational inequality due to the different number of brothers and sisters. The study shows that after the independence of Pakistan, the education structures and evolution of inequality should be focused on people’s micro mechanism of education decision.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document