Migraine and Stress – An Explorative Cross-Country Study of External Stress Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene van Staveren
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
External Stress ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Proxy Variables ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Cross Country

Abstract BackgroundAccording to the Global Burden of Disease 2016 project, migraine ranks first for 15-49 years and second for all ages. The project has reported no significant relation with socio-economic status of a country. To the contrary, migraine ranks first for all ages in low- and middle-income countries suffering from civic unrest and conflict. This raises the question whether external stress factors may be correlated with migraine years lived with disability (YLD).MethodsIn the absence of cross-country studies on migraine and stress, this is a unique exploratory study. The analysis uses two country groups: developed countries (including some middle-income countries) and developing (middle- and low-income) countries. For the first group, proxy variables for stress are included that relate to flexible and highly competitive labour markets (productivity and unemployment), whereas for the second group, proxy variables are used that relate to conflict and migration. The data were analysed with multiple ordinary least squares cross-section regressions.ResultsThe results show a positive relationship between the stress variables on the one hand and migraine YLD on the other hand for both country groups. Almost all results are statistically significant at p<0.01.ConclusionsThe findings from the exploratory cross-country analysis suggest that societal stress factors may be potential candidates for modifiable factors for the prevalence and severity of migraine at the country level.

scholarly journals Migraine and stress—an exploratory cross-country study of external stress factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene van Staveren
Keyword(s):  
Labour Productivity ◽  
External Stress ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Proxy Variables ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
The One ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Years Lived With Disability

Abstract Objective The data collected by the Global Burden of Disease 2016 project indicate that migraine ranks second in high-income countries with very competitive and flexible labour markets, and first in low- and middle-income countries suffering from civic unrest and conflict. This raises the question whether external stress factors may be correlated with migraine years lived with disability per 100,000 inhabitants (YLD). The objective of this exploratory study is to test the hypothesis that external stress factors are correlated with the prevalence and severity of migraine at the country level. The analysis uses two country groups: developed and developing countries. For the first group, the proxy variables for stress are labour productivity and unemployment rate. For the second group, the proxy variables measure conflict-related deaths and share of migrant/refugee population. Results The results show a positive relationship between the stress variables on the one hand and migraine YLD on the other hand for both country groups. Almost all results are statistically significant at p < 0.01. These exploratory findings suggest that societal stress factors may be potential candidates for modifiable factors for the prevalence and/or severity of migraine at the country level.

The Evolution of the Digital Divide across Developing Countries

2013 ◽  
pp. 1554-1570
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Corrocher ◽  
Anna Raineri
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Competition Policy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Emerging Patterns

This chapter aims at investigating the evolution of the digital divide within a set of developing countries between the years 2000 and 2005. In doing so, it moves away from the traditional analysis of the digital divide, which compares developed countries and developing countries, and examines the existing gap within a relatively homogeneous group of countries. On the basis of the theoretical and empirical contributions from scholars in different disciplines, we select a series of socioeconomic and technological indicators and provide an empirical assessment of the digitalization patterns in a set of 51 low income and lower-middle income countries. By means of cluster analysis techniques, we identify three emerging patterns of the digital divide and derive a series of policy implications, related to the implementation of an effective strategy to reduce digital backwardness. The characteristics of each pattern of digitalization can be also usefully employed to understand whether past interventions, especially in the area of competition policy, have been successful in addressing country-specific issues.

The Evolution of the Digital Divide across Developing Countries

2010 ◽  
pp. 58-74
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Corrocher ◽  
Anna Raineri
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Competition Policy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Emerging Patterns

This chapter aims at investigating the evolution of the digital divide within a set of developing countries between the years 2000 and 2005. In doing so, it moves away from the traditional analysis of the digital divide, which compares developed countries and developing countries, and examines the existing gap within a relatively homogeneous group of countries. On the basis of the theoretical and empirical contributions from scholars in different disciplines, we select a series of socioeconomic and technological indicators and provide an empirical assessment of the digitalization patterns in a set of 51 low income and lower-middle income countries. By means of cluster analysis techniques, we identify three emerging patterns of the digital divide and derive a series of policy implications, related to the implementation of an effective strategy to reduce digital backwardness. The characteristics of each pattern of digitalization can be also usefully employed to understand whether past interventions, especially in the area of competition policy, have been successful in addressing country-specific issues.

Internet Use around the World: An Empirical Assessment

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 683-699
Author(s):  
Minh Dao
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Computer Access ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
Internet Application ◽  
Developing And Developed Countries

Abstract This paper empirically assesses the effect of the determinants of Internet use, using several samples of both developed and developing countries. Based on a sample of 23 low-income economies in 2015, we find that Internet use depends upon computer access. Using a sample of 38 lower middle-income countries we find that Internet use depends upon Internet quality and Internet affordability. Using a sample of 41 upper middle-income countries, we find that computer access and Internet affordability influence Internet use. From a sample of 45 high-income countries, we are able to show that computer access, Internet quality, and affordability do affect Internet use. Using a sample of thirty oecd countries, we find that Internet use depends upon computer access and Internet quality. When a sample of 150 developing and developed countries is used, results show that Internet use is influenced by computer access, Internet quality, Internet affordability, and Internet application.

scholarly journals The search for the holy grail: frugal innovation in healthcare from low-income or middle-income countries for reverse innovation to developed countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 212-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasser A Bhatti ◽  
Matthew Prime ◽  
Matthew Harris ◽  
Hester Wadge ◽  
Julie McQueen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Reverse Innovation ◽  
Holy Grail ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Frugal Innovation ◽  
Middle Income Countries

scholarly journals A patient–clinician James Lind Alliance partnership to identify research priorities for hyperemesis gravidarum

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041254
Author(s):  
Caitlin R Dean ◽  
Hyke Bierma ◽  
Ria Clarke ◽  
Brian Cleary ◽  
Patricia Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hyperemesis Gravidarum ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
James Lind Alliance ◽  
Research Questions

ObjectiveThere are many uncertainties surrounding the aetiology, treatment and sequelae of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Prioritising research questions could reduce research waste, helping researchers and funders direct attention to those questions which most urgently need addressing. The HG priority setting partnership (PSP) was established to identify and rank the top 25 priority research questions important to both patients and clinicians.MethodsFollowing the James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology, an HG PSP steering group was established. Stakeholders representing patients, carers and multidisciplinary professionals completed an online survey to gather uncertainties. Eligible uncertainties related to HG. Uncertainties on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and those on complementary treatments were not eligible. Questions were verified against the evidence. Two rounds of prioritisation included an online ranking survey and a 1-hour consensus workshop.Results1009 participants (938 patients/carers, 118 professionals with overlap between categories) submitted 2899 questions. Questions originated from participants in 26 different countries, and people from 32 countries took part in the first prioritisation stage. 66 unique questions emerged, which were evidence checked according to the agreed protocol. 65 true uncertainties were narrowed via an online ranking survey to 26 unranked uncertainties. The consensus workshop was attended by 19 international patients and clinicians who reached consensus on the top 10 questions for international researchers to address. More patients than professionals took part in the surveys but were equally distributed during the consensus workshop. Participants from low-income and middle-income countries noted that the priorities may be different in their settings.ConclusionsBy following the JLA method, a prioritised list of uncertainties relevant to both HG patients and their clinicians has been identified which can inform the international HG research agenda, funders and policy-makers. While it is possible to conduct an international PSP, results from developed countries may not be as relevant in low-income and middle-income countries.

Operating Across Levels in the Global Economic Hierarchy

2018 ◽  
pp. 796-820
Author(s):  
Helena Barnard ◽  
Theresa Onaji-Benson
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
High Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Pecking Order ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Emerging Multinationals

The categories “emerging” and “advanced” multinationals gloss over the “middleness” of multinationals from and even in middle-income countries. Middle-income countries face weaker institutions and smaller markets than high-income countries, but conditions are better than in low-income, typically least developed countries. Similarly, skills levels and wages are higher than in low-income countries, but lower than in high-income countries. We argue that this “middleness” matters. Emerging multinationals leverage their position in the global economic hierarchy as brokers working with lead firms, local optimizers operating only downstream, specialist niche providers working only upstream, and sometimes global consolidators operating across the hierarchy. Advanced multinationals use the global economic hierarchy to expand as lead firms in global value chains or pecking order exploiters that enter low-income countries through middle-income countries. Our research, using evidence from South African multinationals, expands our understanding of multinationals’ operations, especially in Africa.

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