Search

There has been an increasing focus on the interplay between physical frailty and cognitive impairment, as both conditions pose significant risks for life-threatening health complications and are receiving considerable attention in global geriatric health initiatives. A recent consensus introduces "cognitive frailty," denoting the co-existence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment without dementia. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of cognitive frailty and investigate the factors contributing to gender differentials of cognitive frailty among older adults in India. This study has used the data from the nationally representative survey Longitudinal Ageing Study in India 2017–18. This study included a sample of 13,946 males and 14,989 females aged 60 and above. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. A proportion test was employed to assess gender disparities and determine the statistical significance of risk factors. Furthermore, multivariate decomposition analysis was performed to identify the extent to which various covariates contribute to explaining the gender differences observed in cognitive frailty. The overall prevalence of cognitive frailty was 4.4%. There was a significant gender difference in cognitive frailty among older adults in India (Difference: 4.3%; p-value < 0.001] with 2.1% (95% CI: 1.8–2.3) older males and 6.4% (95% CI: 6.0-6.8) older females suffering from cognitive frailty. The considerable gender gap in cognitive frailty would be reduced if women had similar levels of education (37% reduction) than men. Results highlight that increasing age, being a woman (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.33–1.95), out-of-wedlock, less education and non-working status (AOR:2.19; 95% CI: 1.71–2.80) were significantly associated with cognitive frailty. Poor nutritional status, and depression are also prone among the cognitively frail participants. Gender sensitive interventions improving education access for women are crucial. Developing countries like India urgently require a multidimensional approach to ensure appropriate and comprehensive healthcare for the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the wide range of measurement techniques used to evaluate innovation in businesses. We suggest a potential method for developing theories by combining the collective knowledge of academics and practitioners with a synthesis of prior empirical findings. There are differences in opinion among experts and scholars regarding innovation measurement in the discourse. While some argue that analyzing the mechanisms promoting innovation is important, others stress the significance of analyzing its results. The discussion also touches on how much companies should develop their capacity for innovation in order to remain competitive in the marketplace. The usefulness and validity of different metrics and tools for measuring innovation remain controversial despite decades of research, with conflicting findings frequently appearing in published literature. We argue that innovation is a continuous process, as demonstrated by the results of applied research and development (R&D), which are informed by engineering practices, theoretical understandings, end-user needs, sustainability, and environmental impact. This study adds to the current conversation by putting forth a nuanced viewpoint that recognizes the complexity of innovation and pushes for an all-encompassing method of measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the role of human resource management (HRM) policies within marketing organizations and their impact on business and marketing strategy implementation. It emphasizes the importance of effective HRM in enhancing overall performance, communication, development, collaboration, and training within an organization. The article suggests that incorporating technology, encouraging employee participation, improving communication, and developing infrastructure can further enhance the effectiveness of HRM in marketing organizations. However, the study acknowledges limitations in the research method and suggests future research should consider quantitative methods and address customer satisfaction. Overall, the article provides insights into the role of HRM in marketing organizations and offers potential strategies for improvement. [Extracted from the article]

Background: In India, more than half of the newborns experience delayed breastfeeding, and non-exclusive breastfeeding is practiced in 63% of babies below the age of six months. The goal of this study is to investigate the extent to which external environment, demographic and socioeconomic, pregnancy and birthing characteristics, as well as utilization of maternal care services, are associated with delayed initiation and non-exclusive breastfeeding among children in India. Methods: Data was gathered from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which was conducted in 2019-21. This study used information on 85,037 singleton infants aged 0–23 months and 22,750 singleton infants aged 0–5 months. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding was used as outcome variables in this study. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to analyse the association of delayed breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding with selected background characteristics. Results: Factors significantly associated with increased risks of delayed initiation of breastfeeding included infants from in the central region (OR 2.19; 95% CI 2.09, 2.29), mothers in the 20 to 29 years age group at the time of childbirth (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.98, 1.05), caesarean deliveries (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.90, 2.05). The likelihoods for non-exclusive breastfeeding significantly increased among children belonging to the richest household status (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.17, 1.45), mothers who had less than nine months of pregnancy period (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06, 1.25), and mothers who gave birth in non-health facility (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05, 1.31). Conclusions: The connections between several different categories of factors and non-exclusive breastfeeding and delayed breastfeeding initiation show the need for comprehensive public health programmes using a multi-sectoral approach to promote breastfeeding behaviours in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the life of the victim's parents in Karnataka and to gain a better understanding of the consequences or impact of sex trafficking on them. Design/methodology/approach: A narrative research design was used in the study. Applying the method of narrative inquiry and the concept of three common spaces, the study explored the actual life situations and experiences of the victim's parents. The study covered three pairs of parents as participants from two cities, i.e. Mysore and Bangalore in the state of Karnataka. Data was collected through in-depth face-to-face interview, informal conversations, photographs and field notes. Findings: The study found that the victims' parents are living an isolated or socially alienated life with potential symptoms of behavioural, cognitive and emotional disorders. The study also found that the victim's parents fundamental right to live with dignity and respect have been violated. A significant finding in the study was that the parents did not cite or refer to any substantial efforts undertaken by non-governmental organisations in reintegrating the victim's families within their communities. There are many rehabilitative services available for the victims. Unfortunately, the victim's parents mostly remain unnoticed and unattended by therapists, social work practitioners and policymakers. An appeal is made to therapists, social workers, policymakers and individuals to support the victim's parents. Originality/value: All forms of human trafficking, especially sex trafficking has drawn considerable interest from researchers, policymakers, charities and non-government agencies. However, very little is known about the living conditions of the victim's parents, especially the psycho-social status in their families and neighbourhood. Therefore, it was pertinent to explore the life of the victim's parents including violation of their human rights. It highlights the importance of support from the society in reintegrating the victim's families with their communities. This paper contributes to the qualitative literature by providing narrative evidence, which will lead to better policymaking and designing effective support services for the victim's parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper explores the complex relationship between gender and politics, specifically focusing on women's representation and empowerment within political systems. It examines the historical context and contemporary challenges faced by women in accessing and participating in political decision-making processes. The paper analyzes the benefits of increasing women's representation in politics, including enhanced governance, policy outcomes, and social progress. Furthermore, it delves into the various barriers and strategies for promoting women's political empowerment. By critically assessing existing literature, this research paper provides insights into the current state of women's representation in politics and highlights the importance of promoting gender equality for achieving inclusive and effective governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Employee stress and job satisfaction are significant issues in the hospitality industry. Moreover, employee stress has cost implications on the stakeholders, i.e. employers and employees alike. There is inadequate empirical evidence that could shed light on job stress and burnout issues of hotel employees with reference to India. Also, the nature and level of hospitality employee stress is not fully understood. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of job satisfaction and job stress on the life of employees in the hospitality sector in Mumbai. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from a total of 510 respondents (23 for inductive and 487 for the deductive study) from six five-star category hotels in Mumbai. It utilizes a sequential mixed-method approach to measures the study variables through phenomenography and then validates their causal relationship through partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart PLS-SEM. Findings: In the inductive analysis it was found that "work related" factors such as unsafe working conditions, work load, relationship on the job were the most prominent sources of stress for the respondents. In the deductive analysis the causal relationship between job satisfaction, job stress and stress impact verified through Smart PLS-SEM turned out to be significant. It could be inferred from the results that job satisfaction negatively influences job stress and job impact. Similarly, job stress positively influenced stress impact among the hotel employees. Research limitations/implications: The results of the current study should be interpreted with caution. First, the current study only includes self-reporting stress levels. Direct observation was not feasible, since it is subjected to the researchers' bias. The sample in this study did not include employees of limited-service hotels. As limited-service hotels may have different requirements, challenges and culture for employees than full-service or five stared hotels, thus the findings of the study may not be generalized to limited service hotels. Practical implications: The study has dual implications. First, similar research interventions through the mixed-method approach must study the causal relationship between job satisfaction, job stress and stress impact by effectively exploring the participants "lived experience." Second, employers must validate customer feedback to evaluate employee job performance. Originality/value: This is the first study to explore interrelationships between the three important variables, namely, employees' job satisfaction, job stress and its impact on the life of employees in the hospitality industry using the sequential mixed-method approach. The study findings open new avenues for future research using structural equation modeling, thus representing an important contribution of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills are the two most important competency areas of every social worker. There is a universal acknowledgement that adherence to ethics is a fundamental requirement to transform practice into an effective, humanitarian and just process, where the interests and dignity of all stakeholders are protected. The present study was conducted to explore how far social workers in India follow the ethical guidelines in their respective practice settings. Since social work education and training in India had a strong American influence for more than six decades, the National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) Code was taken as reference document for testing its compatibility to Indian practice settings. The study was based on 133 practitioners drawn from four different zones of India. A mailed questionnaire was used for data collection. The findings do not reveal the need for entire rejection of the NASW code, but the study provides evidence of a need to contextualise the code to the Indian social milieu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]