scholarly journals Influence of weather shocks and coping strategies on food consumption: Evidence from rural Niger

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-215
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Gao ◽  
◽  
Bradford Mills ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Weather Shocks ◽  
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Rural Niger

Weather is an important determinant of household well-being in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explores the relationship between novel measures of cropping-season weather conditions and household food consumption in rural Niger, and how household coping mechanisms mediate that relationship. We employ a panel logit model to show that the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and extreme heat degree day (EHDD) measures are associated with subjective self-reporting of drought in a panel dataset of 2 264 households. We then show, with a household fixed-effects panel model, that low NDVI and high EHDD measures are associated with significant decreases in household per capita food consumption. Household coping strategies, such as the disbursement of savings, temporary migration of a family member, and the adoption of heat-resistant agricultural technologies, are found to partially mitigate, but not fully alleviate, the negative effects of weather shocks on consumption. More comprehensive coping mechanisms are needed to improve household resilience to weather shocks.

scholarly journals Satisfaction with Life: Mediating Role in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 787
Author(s):  
Daniela Almeida ◽  
Diogo Monteiro ◽  
Filipe Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between fourteen coping strategies and depressive symptoms in the Portuguese population. To undertake this work, 313 Portuguese adults aged 18 to 70 years (M = 30.73; SD = 10.79) were invited to participate in this study. Their participation was completely voluntary, and participants granted and signed informed consent previously to the filling of the validated Portuguese questionnaires. These questionnaires measured depressive symptoms, coping, and life satisfaction. The results revealed that life satisfaction displayed a mediating role in the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms, specifically between active coping, planning, reinterpretation, and acceptance and depressive symptoms, showing a negative and significant indirect effect. Maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame, denial, self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use had a significant positive association with depressive symptoms, considering the mediating role of satisfaction with life. Current investigation provides initial evidence of how each coping mechanism is associated with satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. This study clearly demonstrates that not all coping strategies are capable of influencing well-being indicators and that health professionals should focus on endorsing those that are significantly associated with lowering depressive symptoms and increasing overall satisfaction with life.

Incorporating vegetation trends to the MEDALUS-ESA approach for assessing environmental sensitivity at the national scale: the case of Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias Symeonakis ◽  
Eva Arnau-Rosalén ◽  
Antony Wandera ◽  
Thomas Higginbottom ◽  
Bradley Cain
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Land Degradation ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Environmental Sensitivity ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Livestock Density ◽  
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Sub Saharan

<p>Land degradation is one of the main causes of loss of productivity and ecosystem services worldwide. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), sub-Saharan Africa is on a path to experiencing some of the strongest increases in pressures on land and land-based resources than any other continent. Assessing the sensitivity of sub-Saharan African countries to land degradation is, therefore, important for identifying areas of concern, setting a baseline for national land degradation neutrality targets, and for the prioritisation of mitigation measures. The widely used MEDALUS-ESA framework is employed here to assess the sensitivity of Kenya to land degradation using the year 2010 as a baseline. We modify the MEDALUS-ESA approach by adding two important variables that are closely linked with observed land degradation in Kenya: soil erosion and livestock density. Altogether, 16 indicators are estimated from existing global-to-national-scale land cover, vegetation (MCD12Q1, MOD44B), soil (ISRIC African SoilGrids), elevation (SRTM), population and livestock density data, divided into 4 main environmental quality indices (vegetation, soil, climate and management). In order to address the dynamic nature of the land degradation process, we incorporate two additional vegetation indicators: the statistically significant (p≤ 0.05) trend over the last three decades in the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Rain Use Efficiency (RUE; estimated using the GIMMS3g dense NDVI dense time-series and precipitation from CHIRPS). Our results show that ~40% of the country is in critical and ~48% in fragile condition, with respect to environmental sensitivity. Our approach is successful in identifying areas of known long-term degradation, for example the rangelands South and East of Nairobi (e.g. Machacos and Kitengela) and the parts of the northern rangelands (e.g. Yamicha and eastern parts of Isiolo District). It is also successful in mapping the areas of least concern, including some of the major protected areas(e.g. Tsavo National Parks, Meru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve) and forested areas (Mt Kenya and the Aberdares). Our modification of the MEDALUS-ESA is an important tool that can be employed at the national scale using free and open-access data to assess environmental sensitivity and assist in the UNCCD efforts to successfully define land degradation neutrality targets.</p>

scholarly journals A survey to evaluate mental well being and coping strategies of adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangalore, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arna Bhattacharya ◽  
DR Jigyansa Ipsita Pattnaik ◽  
DR Suhas Chandran
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the lifestyle of adolescents. Adolescence is a development stage of high vulnerability that can impact well-being later in life. Mental health plays an important role in one’s quality of life. Understanding coping mechanisms helps make a person safe and resilient from psychological distress. The present study aims to evaluate the mental well-being and coping strategies used by adolescents in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a school in Bangalore, India via an online survey, circulated via the class teacher. Participants included 222 adolescents with ages ranging from 13 to 19. The DASS-21 and Brief COPE scales were used to assess mental well-being and coping mechanisms respectively. The questionnaire concluded with validated general lifestyle related questions. This included inquiring relationships between students and their families, friends, academic performance, social media consumption etc. The data was collected over a period of one month.  Results: In the DASS-21 scoring, 31.9% (n=69), 24.8% (n=55) and 5.4% (n=12) received scores indicating extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Females were statistically found to be more depressed and anxious than males. Behavioural disengagement and self blame were commonly used coping mechanisms by those who were found to be psychologically distressed.  Conclusions: Psychological distress has been observed in adolescents in varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This should be addressed in order to prevent further distress. Keywords: adolescents, covid-19, mental well being, DASS-21, Brief COPE, depression, anxiety, stress

scholarly journals 93 “I don’t want them to think that what they said matters”: How Adolescents with Severe Obesity Cope with Bullying

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. e38-e39
Author(s):  
Linlei Ye ◽  
Orla Walsh ◽  
Elizabeth Dettmer ◽  
Andrea Regina ◽  
Jennifer Christian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Avoidant Coping ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews

Abstract Background Adolescents with severe obesity are subject to a high prevalence of weight-based victimization that may contribute to mental health symptoms. The ability to better cope with this victimization could potentially modulate the psychological sequelae. This is the first qualitative study to address the paucity of literature focusing on how adolescents with severe obesity cope with victimization. Objectives To explore how adolescents with severe obesity cope with weight-related victimization and how it subsequently affects their psychological well-being. Design/Methods This was a qualitative research study using an interpretive phenomenological analytic approach. One-on-one semi structured interviews were completed with 19 adolescents (73% female) aged 16 – 19 years, enrolled in a tertiary hospital weight management program. A diverse array of patient experiences of weight-based victimization were sought to explore their coping mechanisms and how the experiences affected them. The interviews were transcribed and sequentially independently analyzed by the research team until thematic saturation was achieved. Results The majority of participants (89.5%) described being a victim of weight-based victimization and highlighted its significant emotional impact. Two key themes were identified that captured the various coping strategies used by participants. The minority (52.9%) described approach coping strategies where they acted on the source to invoke change by standing up for themselves, helping others in similar situations or becoming a bully themselves. Whilst the majority (94.1%) used avoidant coping strategies such as feigning a strong exterior façade, denial, isolation and self-harm. Nearly half (47.1%) used both strategies. It is possible that the study participants did not feel they had control over the weight related bullying, and therefore, were more likely to choose avoidant coping styles. Conclusion Adolescents with severe obesity commonly use avoidant coping strategies to passively regulate emotions, including problem avoidance, wishful thinking, self-criticism and social withdrawal to cope with weight-based victimization. As part of a comprehensive approach to the management of adolescents with severe obesity, counseling should be offered on how to use alternative coping mechanisms in the face of weight-based victimization.

A Qualitative Account of Children’s Perspectives and Responses to Intimate Partner Violence in Chile

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052090313
Author(s):  
Jenniffer K. Miranda ◽  
Catalina León ◽  
Marcelo A. Crockett
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Children’S Perspectives ◽  
And Coping

The literature has shown that including children’s perspectives in intimate partner violence (IPV) field research will improve our understanding of this violence and its impact on the well-being of victims. Furthermore, the literature suggests that children are not passive witnesses. Rather, they use a variety of strategies to cope with IPV. The aim of this research is to understand the experiences and coping strategies of children who have lived through IPV between their parents/caregivers. The participants of this study were nine children between the ages of 8 and 12 years (five girls and four boys). These participants were recruited from a specialized program in Chile focused on the maltreatment of children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a thematic narrative analysis was used to identify recurring themes from the interviews. The results showed that children used a variety of coping strategies when an episode of violence was occurring. The aim of these coping strategies included the following: (a) emotional and behavioral self-regulation, (b) seeking social support, (c) avoiding emotional reactions related to IPV episodes, (d) escaping violent episodes, and (e) intervening to stop the IPV and protect their mothers. Along with these coping mechanisms, the results reveal that children often not only have to confront IPV when it is present in their families but are also potentially subjected to other types of victimization. The findings of this study highlight that children are active subjects with agency in response to episodes of IPV and respond through a range of actions and coping mechanisms. The researchers emphasize the relevance of integrating and validating the voices of children in research, given that children are direct victims of IPV and a high-risk group for other types of child victimization.

The Micro-Foundations of the Resource Curse: Mineral Ownership and Local Economic Well-Being in Sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-543
Author(s):  
Tim Wegenast ◽  
Arpita Asha Khanna ◽  
Gerald Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Resource Curse ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Control Rights ◽  
Economic Wealth ◽  
Mining Companies ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Economic Well Being

Abstract The quantitative evidence on whether extractive industries generate economic wealth at the local level is far from conclusive. In line with recent studies highlighting the moderating role of institutions and governance structures in the resource–development nexus, we argue that the effect of mining on local economic well-being is largely driven by different control rights regimes. We claim that domestic mineral production stimulates local income more than internationally controlled extraction, since national mining companies promote more backward economic linkages and have higher incentives to engage in local capacity building. To test our micro-level arguments, we combine information on districts’ economic well-being as well as individual's assessments of their personal economic situation with our own dataset on the control rights of copper, gold, and diamond mines. Relying on these data, we perform district- and individual-level analyses of sub-Saharan Africa covering the period from 1997 to 2015. Our instrumental variable estimations and fixed effects models show that the presence of domestic mining companies is associated with increased local wealth. Multinational firms, by contrast, are linked to increased regional unemployment. They largely fail to promote subnational economic well-being.

Gender attributes of the impact of informal savings and loans associations on food security in rural Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Terrence Kairiza ◽  
George Kembo ◽  
Vengesai Magadzire ◽  
Asankha Pallegedara
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Savings And Loans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Household Panel Data

PurposeIn the absence of well-developed financial markets, Informal Savings and Loans Associations (ISLAs) provide rural households with an alternative consumption coping mechanisms when confronted by transitory and seasonal food insecurity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the household food consumption coping strategies and gendered importance of ISLAs in improving household food security in rural Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses household panel data on rural livelihoods from the 2019 and 2020 household surveys conducted by the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC). Employing propensity score matching approach to cater for the self-selection bias associated with household ISLA membership, the study estimates average treatment effect of household ISLA membership on food security and gendered importance of the propensity of the household to engage in consumption coping strategies.FindingsResults shows that the ISLA membership increases household food security and reduces the household propensity to apply non-ISLA consumption coping mechanisms. Female-headed households with ISLA members are more able to increase food security as well as reduce reliance on non-ISLA consumption coping mechanisms than their male counterparts with ISLA members.Research limitations/implicationsUse of household dietary diversity score and food consumption score as two proxies to measure household food security.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on food consumption coping strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa using recent household panel data.

scholarly journals Urbanization and greenness in HBSC survey: association with life satisfaction and health complaints

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Gintoli ◽  
V Bellisario ◽  
G Squillacioti ◽  
M Caputo ◽  
A Borraccino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Complaints ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Several studies have shown that neighborhood greenness is associated with lower problematic behaviors in children and better perceived well being. While urbanization showed opposite results. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between urbanization and greenness levels with perceived health, life satisfaction and health complaints on adolescents. Methods The study is based on data from 2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children in the region of Piedmont(Italy), which involved 3022 11-,13-,15-year olds, sampled in 122 schools across the region. Every school was georeferenced. Greenneess was measured by Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-satellite images) and urbanization by population density, traffic intensity (satellite measurements) and air pollution concentration (sampling stations). Health complaints were evaluated with a set of 8 psychosomatic symptoms(reported more than once a week). Life Satisfaction (LS) was measured by using the Cantril scale (low LS < 5, high LS > =6). Self-Rated Health was measured by means of a four points scale (fair or poor, good or excellent). Results More than 66% of adolescents reported frequent health complaints; 11% declared low life-satisfaction and 9% of adolescents scored poor or fair self-rated health. The proportion of the three variables increased with age in both genders, and was higher among girls. Gender differences increased from 11- to 15-years of age. Preliminary results showed a positive association between greenness and life satisfaction, urbanization and health complaints. Conclusions In times of increasing urbanization and reduced availability of green areas, characterizing the association between urbanization, greenness and perceived health is revealed to be the challenge for Public Health. Redefine the urban spaces accordingly requires collaboration between different disciplines. Coherently with the recent studies, communities can be actively involved through qualitative approaches. Key messages The topic of urban nature is becoming central for healthy and sustainable urban planning, not the least for population groups like adolescents and children. The relation between urbanization, with decreasing access to green spaces, and the impact on physical as well as mental health presents an important issue and a big challenge for Public Health.

The Self-Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS) Scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 352-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Bonino ◽  
Federica Graziano ◽  
Martina Borghi ◽  
Davide Marengo ◽  
Giorgia Molinengo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Rasch Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
And Coping

Abstract. This research developed a new scale to evaluate Self-Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS). The aim of this study was to investigate dimensionality, item functioning, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity of the SEMS scale. Data were collected from 203 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (mean age, 39.5 years; 66% women; 95% having a relapsing remitting form of MS). Fifteen items of the SEMS scale were submitted to patients along with measures of psychological well-being, sense of coherence, depression, and coping strategies. Data underwent Rasch analysis and correlation analysis. Rasch analysis indicates the SEMS as a multidimensional construct characterized by two correlated dimensions: goal setting and symptom management, with satisfactory reliability coefficients. Overall, the 15 items reported acceptable fit statistics; the scale demonstrated measurement invariance (with respect to gender and disease duration) and good concurrent validity (positive correlations with psychological well-being, sense of coherence, and coping strategies and negative correlations with depression). Preliminary evidence suggests that SEMS is a psychometrically sound measure to evaluate perceived self-efficacy of MS patients with moderate disability, and it would be a valuable instrument for both research and clinical applications.

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