scholarly journals Assessing the Impact of the Twin Track Socio-Economic Intervention on Reducing Leprosy-Related Stigma in Cirebon District, Indonesia

Author(s):  
Dadun Dadun ◽  
Ruth Peters ◽  
Wim van Brakel ◽  
Joske Bunders ◽  
Irwanto Irwanto ◽  
...  

The consequences of leprosy go beyond the physical, social and psychological, as leprosy can drive persons affected and their families into poverty, stigmatization and disability. This paper describes the impact of a socio-economic development (SED) intervention that uses a twin-track approach (two micro-credit models) to reduce leprosy-related stigma in Cirebon District, Indonesia. A randomized-controlled mixed-methods study design was used to test the effectiveness of the SED intervention. Three scales were used to measure stigma and participation restrictions among 30 SED clients and 57 controls, 20 in-depth interviews with SED clients and seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key persons were held and 65 profiles of the clients were written up and analysed. The qualitative data shows the socio-economic status of 44 out of 65 SED clients (67%) improved. The median family income increased by 25%, more clients reported higher self-esteem, better interaction with neighbours and less stigma than before, although disclosure concerns remained an issue. The scales indicate a positive effect of the intervention on reducing stigma (e.g., Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact (SARI) stigma scale mean difference total score of pre and post assessment for SED clients versus the control group was 8.5 versus 5.6). A twin track socio-economic intervention, if embedded and integrated, can increase participation, and be constructive in reducing leprosy-related stigma.

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Zuurmond ◽  
Velma Nyapera ◽  
Victoria Mwenda ◽  
James Kisia ◽  
Hilary Rono ◽  
...  

Background: Although the consequences of disability are magnified in humanitarian contexts, research into the difficulties of caring for children with a disability in such settings has received limited attention.Methods: Based on in-depth interviews with 31 families, key informants and focus group discussions in Turkana, Kenya, this article explores the lives of families caring for children with a range of impairments (hearing, vision, physical and intellectual) in a complex humanitarian context characterised by drought, flooding, armed conflict, poverty and historical marginalisation.Results: The challenging environmental and social conditions of Turkana magnified not only the impact of impairment on children, but also the burden of caregiving. The remoteness of Turkana, along with the paucity and fragmentation of health, rehabilitation and social services, posed major challenges and created opportunity costs for families. Disability-related stigma isolated mothers of children with disabilities, especially, increasing their burden of care and further limiting their access to services and humanitarian programmes. In a context where social systems are already stressed, the combination of these factors compounded the vulnerabilities faced by children with disabilities and their families.Conclusion: The needs of children with disabilities and their carers in Turkana are not being met by either community social support systems or humanitarian aid programmes. There is an urgent need to mainstream disability into Turkana services and programmes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xupeng Yuan ◽  
Jiahao Yan ◽  
Ruizhi Hu ◽  
Yanli Li ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
...  

Recent evidences suggest that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating physiological and metabolic activities of pregnant sows, and β-carotene has a potentially positive effect on reproduction, but the impact of β-carotene on gut microbiota in pregnant sows remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of β-carotene on the reproductive performance of sows from the aspect of gut microbiota. A total of 48 hybrid pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with similar parity were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 16) and fed with a basal diet or a diet containing 30 or 90 mg/kg of β-carotene from day 90 of gestation until parturition. Dietary supplementation of 30 or 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the number of live birth to 11.82 ± 1.54 and 12.29 ± 2.09, respectively, while the control group was 11.00 ± 1.41 (P = 0.201). Moreover, β-carotene increased significantly the serum nitric oxide (NO) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P < 0.05). Characterization of fecal microbiota revealed that 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the diversity of the gut flora (P < 0.05). In particular, β-carotene decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes including Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-008, but enriched Proteobacteria including Bilophila and Sutterella, and Actinobacteria including Corynebacterium and Corynebacterium 1 which are related to NO synthesis. These data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-carotene may increase antioxidant enzyme activity and NO, an important vasodilator to promote the neonatal blood circulation, through regulating gut microbiota in sows.


Author(s):  
Kudzanai Mateveke ◽  
Basant Singh ◽  
Alfred Chingono ◽  
E. Sibanda ◽  
Ian Machingura

HIV related stigma and discrimination is a known barrier for HIV prevention and care. We aimed to assess the relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and HIV related stigma in Zimbabwe. This paper uses data from Project Accept, which examined the impact of community-based voluntary counseling and testing intervention on HIV incidence and stigma. Total of 2522 eligible participants responded to a psychometric assessment tool, which assessed HIV related stigma and discrimination attitudes on 4 point Likert scale. The tool measured three components of HIVrelated stigma: shame, blame and social isolation, perceived discrimination, and equity. Participants’ ownership of basic assets was used to assess the socio-economic status. Shame, blame and social isolation component of HIV related stigma was found to be significantly associated with medium [odds ratio (OR)=1.73, P<0.01] and low SES (OR=1.97, P<0.01), indicating more stigmatizing attitudes by participants belonging to medium and low SES in comparison to high SES. For HIV related stigma and discrimination programs to be effective, they should take into account the socio-economic context of target population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 04009
Author(s):  
Irina Chervonova

The article presents the results of studying the impact of the spore-forming probiotic “Olin” and the prebiotic “Eсofiltrum” on the meat quality of broiler chicken carcasses of the Ross-308 cross. In the course of the research, it has been found that the inclusion of these preparations in the broiler diet has a positive effect on the studied indicators: the pre-slaughter weight increased by 4.3-5.7%, the weight of the gutted carcass by 4.6-6.2%, the muscle weight 4.8-6.5%, the weight of the loin muscles by 5.7-8.2%. The ratio of edible parts to inedible parts is 4.14 in the third experimental group, 4.08-in the second, and 4.04-in the control. Based on the results of the anatomical cutting of broiler carcasses and according to the fatness indicators the poultry carcasses of the third and second experimental groups, 87.5% and 87.2%, respectively, belong to the first grade, and the yield of the first grade carcasses is 86.2% in the control group. Meat products obtained from both the control poultry and the poultry of both experimental groups has no off-aroma odor and taste, the meat is juicy, tender and aromatic. The products obtained from broiler chickens, whose ration includes the probiotic “Olin” and the prebiotic “Ecofiltrum”, do not have any deviations from the established standards and norms. During the research, it has been found that the use of the studied drugs has a positive effect on the meat quality of poultry carcasses. However, broiler chickens receiving the probiotic “Olin” has more pronounced meat qualities.


Author(s):  
Alimohammad Ranjbar ◽  
Elahe Kamali Ardakani ◽  
Rahele Zareshahi

Aims: In Iranian culture, due to some narratives from the prophet Mohammad about the use of frankincense during pregnancy for increasing IQ in children, some women consume frankincense during expectancy. This study's goal is to evaluate the relationship between frankincense used during pregnancy and the incidence of ADHD. Methods: In this study, the case group comprised children 4-17 years old referring to Shahid Chamran Pharmacy in Yazd from summer to winter 2018 for receiving Methylphenidate, those with whom a psychologist had identified ADHD based on DSM-V factors.  The control group included children of the same age group but without ADHD. For data gathering, a checklist was used with some questions on smoking, family history of ADHD, presence/absence of a specific disease during pregnancy, frankincense used during pregnancy, and a chemical medication consumed during pregnancy. Results: The main result demonstrated that the children whose mothers used frankincense during pregnancy were 0.67 times less likely to be affected by ADHD than those whose mothers did not use this substance. However, the difference failed to be statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Some studies report that frankincense can bear a positive effect on the development of the brain and possibly adequate formation of dendrites trees, axons and induce proper communication between them, so the impact of frankincense on the brain may be justified by its protective effect against the hyperactive child.


Author(s):  
Keitseope Nthomang

Empirical studies on the impact of micro level intervention strategies on poverty among poor women in Botswana are lacking, yet women are a valuable asset for the economy of the country. Continued marginalization and disempowerment of women has become a serious problem which merit urgent attention. This article investigates the potential of the Grow Model in transforming the lives of 14 women who belong to the Kgopolano GROW Group in Molepolole, Botswana. Data was collected in May 2014 using primarily in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The analysis utilized both content and thematic approaches. The results showed how the Grow Model has inspired women to empower themselves and self-transform into productive and prosperous lives. The results affirm the strength of the GROW model in promoting empowerment for social change in marginalized contexts. Key policy recommendations recognizes the limitations of the GROW model and build on its strengths.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Ghulam Nabi ◽  
Muhammad Amin ◽  
Jeena Urooj ◽  
Muhammad Kamil ◽  
Ayaz Ali Khan

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of wood, cigarette and marijuana smoke on the reproductive health of tandoor occupants. A total of 100 male individuals were selected (50 control and 50 tandoor occupants). A standard questionnaire was designed regarding their age, economic status, marital status, fuel type, exposure time (per day), use of mask, addiction and reproductive health. Morning blood samples of 5 mL of the size were taken from all participants. Serums were obtained and analyzed for total serum testosterone concentration. Bio-check (USA) kit was used according to the manufacturer protocol and procedures for testosterone analysis. In control group the mean ± SEM of total serum testosterone was 671.9 ± 20.02 ng/dl where as in tandoor occupants it was 542.7 ± 16.40 ng/dl. There was a significant reduction (P**** < 0.0001) in total serum testosterone concentration in tandoor occupants as compared to control group. Reproductive health problems like, low libido, erection problems, infertility, decreased frequency for shaving and absent morning and nocturnal erection were common in tandoor occupants as compared to control group. Wood, cigarette and marijuana smoke negatively affects testosterone concentration and lowers it significantly. This reduced testosterone concentration then produces ill effects like low libido, erection problems, infertility and absent morning and nocturnal erection. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Fangjing Hao ◽  
Yuantao Xie ◽  
Xiaojiao Liu

This study investigates the impact of China’s Green Credit Guidelines on the technological innovations of heavily polluting enterprises. This study uses data obtained from the CSMAR database (2007–2018) and China Marketization Index Report by Province 2018 and uses the Green Credit Guidelines as a quasi-natural experiment. The sample was divided into an experimental group and a control group; the experimental group disclosed environmental and sustainable development information, while the control group did not. This study’s primary finding is that the Green Credit Guidelines can improve the level of technological innovation of heavily polluting enterprises and have a greater impact in areas with high levels of marketization, indicating that the Green Credit Guidelines have a positive effect on the technological innovation of heavily polluting enterprises. This provides China with an experience constructing relevant policies and regulations and provides empirical evidence regarding the technological innovations of heavily polluting enterprises from the perspective of factor market distortions and the Porter hypothesis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Wong-Parodi ◽  
Baruch Fischhoff ◽  
Benjamin Strauss

Abstract Although the risks of flooding demand responses by communities and societies, there are also many cost-effective actions that individuals can take. The authors examine two potential determinants of such adoption: individual predisposition to act and the impact of decision aids that emphasize the risk, the actions, both, or neither (control). Respondents are a representative sample (N = 1201) of individuals in the areas most heavily affected by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The authors find that, in the overall sample, seeing protective actions coupled with risk information or alone produced higher rates of individuals reporting that they intended to take action preparing for future storms, compared to a control group receiving no additional information. Moreover, that occurred despite the aids reducing their perceptions of risk. The authors find that individuals who reported having taken previous action are more responsive to decision aid messages with the exception of the combined message (risk and protective actions)—which had a positive effect on those who had not acted previously, but a negative effect on those who had. These results suggest that, in communities that already are aware of their flood risks, the critical need is for authoritative, comprehensible information regarding the most feasible and cost-effective protective actions that they can take. Providing such information requires analysis to determine which actions qualify and a design process that incorporates user feedback to ensure that recommendations are easily understood and credible.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 598-606
Author(s):  
Majid Hussain Alias Ghalib Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Umer Hayat ◽  
Abdul Rasheed ◽  
Saif Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Nadir Shahzad

Purpose of the study: This study aims to find out local perception for utilization of remittances on the construction of luxurious houses in Village Khohar. Further, it aims to document the causes of international migration from this village. This study focuses on the chain migration from Pakistan to South Africa and to highlights the socio-economic status attached with showoff wealth through the construction of luxurious houses. Methodology: For this study qualitative anthropological research methods including in-depth interviews; informal discussions; and focused group discussions were used to collect empirical data. For this study, 23 migrants were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted from the selected population for which a semi-structured interview guide was used. Main Findings: There is a history of migration from this village, residents of the village migrate and financially contribute to their left-behind families. The migrants spent billions of rupees on the construction of luxurious houses in which their left-behind family members live a comfortable life. The geographical and environmental reasons are important factors for international migration. Applications of this study: This study can help academicians, researchers, demographic experts, financial planners as well as policymakers to understand the factors associated with international migration along with the local perceptions about showoff wealth through the utilization of remittances. This study will also be valuable for the remittances beneficiary countries like Pakistan. Novelty/Originality of this study: Wealth is a symbol of status in traditional areas of Pakistan. The showoff wealth is associated with prestige. This topic is novel in terms of traditional and cultural practices for the utilization of wealth (remittances) on the construction of luxurious houses. The subject of this study was underexplored in the context of Pakistan in terms of the symbolic relationship between prestige and construction of luxurious houses.


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