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Abstract Background Based on CSS 2019 data, this article analyzes the impact of Basic Medical Insurance for Urban and Rural Residents (BMIUR) on perceived social equity of residents. Method Using the CSS data of 2019, this article analyzes the influence of BMIUR on the perception of social equity of residents, on the basis of 2SLS model and mediating effect model. Results We find that BMIUR has a significantly positive impact on the perception of social equity. That is to say, BMIUR can improve residents’ evaluation of social equity and further promote the level of social equity, which makes residents more happiness. The conclusion remains valid after using robustness test and propensity score matching to conduct counterfactual reasoning. The discussion of mechanism indicates that the influence of BMIUR is mediated by enhancing social capital, improving satisfaction of income distribution and reducing self-paid medical expenses. This study also finds that the influence of BMIUR is more obvious in the low-income, low-skilled and mid-west groups. Conclusion The reform of the medical security system should be regarded as a foothold for improving people’s well-being and promoting social equity; Expanding people’s social capital through multiple channels and improving income distribution mechanisms; Strengthen vocational skills training, especially to provide more public services and social security for low-income groups, low-skilled groups, and groups in the western region of China, in order to improve the welfare and policy effectiveness of China's social security reform.

Background: Based on CSS 2019 data, this article analyzes the impact of Basic Medical Insurance for Urban and Rural Residents (BMIUR) on perceived social equity of residents. Method: Using the CSS data of 2019, this article analyzes the influence of BMIUR on the perception of social equity of residents, on the basis of 2SLS model and mediating effect model. Results: We find that BMIUR has a significantly positive impact on the perception of social equity. That is to say, BMIUR can improve residents' evaluation of social equity and further promote the level of social equity, which makes residents more happiness. The conclusion remains valid after using robustness test and propensity score matching to conduct counterfactual reasoning. The discussion of mechanism indicates that the influence of BMIUR is mediated by enhancing social capital, improving satisfaction of income distribution and reducing self-paid medical expenses. This study also finds that the influence of BMIUR is more obvious in the low-income, low-skilled and mid-west groups. Conclusion: The reform of the medical security system should be regarded as a foothold for improving people's well-being and promoting social equity; Expanding people's social capital through multiple channels and improving income distribution mechanisms; Strengthen vocational skills training, especially to provide more public services and social security for low-income groups, low-skilled groups, and groups in the western region of China, in order to improve the welfare and policy effectiveness of China's social security reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition deficiency is commonly observed in lactating mothers and is a rising trend in India due to improper dietary patterns, physiological factors, socio-economic and demographic factors. The aim was to study the nutritional status and its related factors among lactating mothers in the urban areas of Delhi region, India. A structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to capture the socio-demographic information, including economical and medical conditions, of 150 lactating women in Delhi, India. Pearson correlation coefficient and association of various factors were determined. 72.5 per cent of women were in the age bracket of 20–25 years and in low-income group (70 per cent). The prevalence of underweight was 21.33 per cent, and the mean and SD of body mass index (BMI) of mothers were 19.17 ± 2.1 and 20.70 ± 2.3 for sedentary and moderate workers, respectively. There were significant correlations found between BMI, energy, carbohydrates, fat and protein intake (p <.05). Multivariate regression model was used to associate the nutrition of participants' income group, education, type of work, age of mothers and frequency of meals. Based on the results, intervention programmes for dietary correction and the effect of nutrition on the body have to be emphasised to lactating mothers for better health and nutritional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-income group is viewed as a vulnerable segment of the society, with many difficulties in various aspects of life, including finances. While the government is concerned with the financial well-being (FWB) of its citizens, particularly those in low-income groups, little is known about the FWB of women in this group in Malaysia. The objectives of this study are two-fold. First, we investigate the effect of low-income women’s financial literacy (FL) on their FWB. Second, we examine the moderating effect of capability on the relationship between low-income women’s FL and FWB. A survey of 320 low-income women in Malaysia was conducted. The results showed that FL, in terms of financial behavior, had a significant positive effect on the FWB of low-income women. FL in terms of financial attitude and financial knowledge, on the other hand, had significant negative effects on the FWB of low-income women. However, capability did not moderate the relationship between any of the FL components and FWB. The results provide insights for relevant parties to develop strategies to improve the FWB of low-income women in Malaysia.

Abstract Objective Multi-drug resistance (MDR) has notably increased in community acquired uropathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), predominantly Escherichia coli. Uropathogenic E. coli causes 80% of uncomplicated community acquired UTIs, particularly in pre-menopausal women. Considering this high prevalence and the potential to spread antimicrobial resistant genes, the current study was conducted to investigate the presence of clinically important strains of E. coli in Pakistani women having uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis. Women belonging to low-income groups were exclusively included in the study. Seventy-four isolates from urine samples were processed, phylotyped, and screened for the presence of two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) particularly associated with a clinically important clonal group A of E. coli (CgA) followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing and genome sequence analysis. Results Phylogroup B2 was most prevalent in patients and 44% of isolates were positive for the presence of CgA specific SNPs in Fumarate hydratase and DNA gyrase subunit B genes. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed widespread resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production. The infection analysis revealed the phylogroup B2 to be more pathogenic as compared to the other groups. The genome sequence of E. coli strain U17 revealed genes encoding virulence, multidrug resistance, and host colonization mechanisms. Conclusions Our research findings not only validate the significant occurrence of multidrug-resistant clonal group A E. coli (CgA) in premenopausal Pakistani women suffering from cystitis and pyelonephritis but also reveal the presence of genes associated withvirulence, and drug efflux pumps. The detection of highly pathogenic, antimicrobial-resistant phylogroup B2 and CgA E. coli strains is likely to help in understanding the epidemiology of the pathogen and may ultimately help to reduce the impact of these strains on human health. Furthermore, the findings of this study will particularly help to reduce the prevalence of uncomplicated UTIs and the cost associated with their treatment in women belonging to low-income groups.

Objective: Multi-drug resistance (MDR) has notably increased in community acquired uropathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), predominantly Escherichia coli. Uropathogenic E. coli causes 80% of uncomplicated community acquired UTIs, particularly in pre-menopausal women. Considering this high prevalence and the potential to spread antimicrobial resistant genes, the current study was conducted to investigate the presence of clinically important strains of E. coli in Pakistani women having uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis. Women belonging to low-income groups were exclusively included in the study. Seventy-four isolates from urine samples were processed, phylotyped, and screened for the presence of two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) particularly associated with a clinically important clonal group A of E. coli (CgA) followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing and genome sequence analysis. Results: Phylogroup B2 was most prevalent in patients and 44% of isolates were positive for the presence of CgA specific SNPs in Fumarate hydratase and DNA gyrase subunit B genes. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed widespread resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production. The infection analysis revealed the phylogroup B2 to be more pathogenic as compared to the other groups. The genome sequence of E. coli strain U17 revealed genes encoding virulence, multidrug resistance, and host colonization mechanisms. Conclusions: Our research findings not only validate the significant occurrence of multidrug-resistant clonal group A E. coli (CgA) in premenopausal Pakistani women suffering from cystitis and pyelonephritis but also reveal the presence of genes associated withvirulence, and drug efflux pumps. The detection of highly pathogenic, antimicrobial-resistant phylogroup B2 and CgA E. coli strains is likely to help in understanding the epidemiology of the pathogen and may ultimately help to reduce the impact of these strains on human health. Furthermore, the findings of this study will particularly help to reduce the prevalence of uncomplicated UTIs and the cost associated with their treatment in women belonging to low-income groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government policies to encourage homeownership rates for low-income communities (MBR) are implemented through the Housing Finance Liquidity Facility (FLPP) program, executed since 2010. However, more than half of the built subsidized homes need to meet the minimum construction standards and infrastructure requirements that can impact the health quality of their occupants. This study aims to investigate the impact of government support for purchasing subsidized housing from Indonesia's FLPP program on district/city-level public health. The results of this study indicated that the FLPP program affects home occupancy rates and the FLPP program also has a negative relationship with community morbidity levels in the MBR group. As well, state intervention in the housing sector with the FLPP subsidized housing program can demonstrably improve the quality of public health. This study recommends that the government maintain the FLPP program because, apart from increasing occupancy, it indirectly impacts health quality improvement

Government policies to encourage homeownership rates for low-income communities (MBR) are implemented through the Housing Finance Liquidity Facility (FLPP) program, executed since 2010. However, more than half of the built subsidized homes need to meet the minimum construction standards and infrastructure requirements that can impact the health quality of their occupants. This study aims to investigate the impact of government support for purchasing subsidized housing from Indonesia's FLPP program on district/city-level public health. The results of this study indicated that the FLPP program affects home occupancy rates and the FLPP program also has a negative relationship with community morbidity levels in the MBR group. As well, state intervention in the housing sector with the FLPP subsidized housing program can demonstrably improve the quality of public health. This study recommends that the government maintain the FLPP program because, apart from increasing occupancy, it indirectly impacts health quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Based on CSS 2019 data, this article analyzes the impact of Basic Medical Insurance for Urban and Rural Residents (BMIUR) on perceived social equity of residents. Method: Using the CSS data of 2019, this article analyzes the influence of BMIUR on the perception of social equity of residents, on the basis of 2SLS model and mediating effect model. Results: We find that BMIUR has a significantly positive impact on the perception of social equity. That is to say, BMIUR can improve residents' evaluation of social equity and further promote the level of social equity, which makes residents more happiness. The conclusion remains valid after using robustness test and propensity score matching to conduct counterfactual reasoning. The discussion of mechanism indicates that the influence of BMIUR is mediated by enhancing social capital, improving satisfaction of income distribution and reducing self-paid medical expenses. This study also finds that the influence of BMIUR is more obvious in the low-income, low-skilled and mid-west groups. Conclusion: The reform of the medical security system should be regarded as a foothold for improving people's well-being and promoting social equity; Expanding people's social capital through multiple channels and improving income distribution mechanisms; Strengthen vocational skills training, especially to provide more public services and social security for low-income groups, low-skilled groups, and groups in the western region of China, in order to improve the welfare and policy effectiveness of China's social security reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economics of distance higher education have not attracted enough attention. Few studies have analyzed the different returns to distance higher education at various income levels. Based on empirical analysis of data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study explored the differences of return to distance higher education at different income levels by using Mincer earnings function and quantile regression. Compared with face-to-face education, the study found that distance higher education brought considerable benefits to learners. While the return to face-to-face higher education has continued to decline, return to distance higher education has risen. Comparing the returns to distance education at different income levels showed that low-income groups obtained greater benefits from distance higher education, which can help to improve the income of vulnerable groups and promote social equality. China's distance education institutions should promote the idea that distance higher education can improve the income growth of low-income groups, and increase the financial support for low-income groups to access distance higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese Dietary Guidelines propose a balanced diet for healthy living, but the affordability of this diet needs to be considered, especially for low-income households. To investigate the affordability of a healthy diet, this study analyzes the daily retail prices of 46 food items in 36 Chinese cities from 2016 to 2021. This study compares expenditure, diet composition, and nutritional status in two scenarios aligned with the guidelines. The results show that the mean minimum cost of a balanced diet exceeds the current per capita food expenditure for at least 182.85 million urban households. This suggests that low-income people would need to increase their expenditure by at least 20–121% to achieve the recommended diets. This study also identifies affordable and nutrient-dense foods such as standard flour, eggs, black beans, and cabbage, which policymakers should focus on when monitoring food prices. The findings recommend a combination of social and food system policies to reduce prices and make healthy diets accessible. This study identifies the gaps in the Chinese Dietary Guidelines for ensuring accessibility for vulnerable groups and provides a template for policymakers and researchers to track diet affordability using available food price data in China, contributing to China's 2030 Health Plan and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social housing policy enabled the provision of housing units below market values through the different provision and finance methods based on the changing policy of countries,. Although the policy most probably focused on rental social housing units, Turkey's social housing policy has followed its distinct way via building for sale social housing units. After evaluating the applications that met the necessary conditions, housing units were distributed by lot, and a framework for new owners of units was created to obey. One of the most critical items of the framework is that owners cannot lease and sell social housing units until their debts are paid. However, whether the owner continues to live in the social housing unit or the unit is sold to someone else has not been extensively investigated, although it has taken its place in the discussions. Within the scope of this study, the housing transaction for the Housing Development Agency's (TOKİ) two different housing projects (The low-income social housing project and the administration housing project) were discussed through the Title Deed Transaction Statistics. As a result, it has been revealed that although the Administration restrains the projects, handover transactions occur. Last but not least, the consequences and reasons for these handovers have been overviewed for the sake of social housing policy in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many workers face challenges in suburban areas when commuting to the urban areas from home to work. Public transportation is a fundamental component of efficient transportation in urban areas. Efficient transportation will increase economic opportunity, accessibility, and social development. This paper explored the characteristics of commuting behavior of the workers in the Klang Valley who commute to work in Kuala Lumpur, including their choice of transportation modes and the challenges they faced in traveling from home to work. This study engaged a mixed methodology where data were collected from 709 respondents voluntarily. The survey was initiated in December 2020 and lasted for six months. The respondents were approached through voluntary face-to-face and electronic means. Interviews were conducted with 14 key informants in April 2021 with workers from various backgrounds who commute to work every day. The interviews were done one-on-one. The result showed that the likelihood of choosing public transport over driving privately owned car was unfavorable where most individuals stated that the public transportation was insufficient; they had to take more than one modes to reach their workplace, and the facilities provided were insufficient for them to choose public transportation for commuting to work. These results shown that the urban workers in Kuala Lumpur preferred to drive to work rather than using public vehicles. This shows that Malaysians, especially in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, are not ready to adapt to SDG 11. Therefore, the government needs to create more initiatives to encourage the use of public transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the burgeoning development of urbanization in China, the low-income groups have received attention recently. By applying a linear regression model and utilizing the date from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, this study has explored the effects of urban environments on the community trust in low-income groups, paying particular attention to the difference between local residents and migrants in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The empirical findings suggest the following: (1) community trust in low-income groups is influenced by social environment dimension, urban space dimension, and sociodemographic characteristics. Specifically, urbanization rate, population density, POl density, land development intensity, social contact, self-rated health, and age have significant effects on the community trust of low-income groups. (2) For local residents, social environment dimension (social contact), urban space dimension (urbanization rate), and sociodemographic characteristics (political status, hukou status, age, and self-rated health) have significant effects on community trust. (3) In the case of migrants, only the sociodemographic characteristics (working in private enterprises or organizations and in agriculture) have a significant impact on community trust. According to the empirical results, the optimization of physical space and social space should consider low-income groups' needs in livable community planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's economy, information technology is present in all aspects of life and has the potential to be used for the development of society. The study aims to find hidden connections between the evolution of poverty in developing countries and information technology. The methodology of the study is based on the monitoring of statistical data from the world atlas Knoema, which characterizes the economic development of countries and the level of poverty, as well as data from the International Telecommunication Union, which characterizes the level of development of information technology in countries around the world. As a result of the study, the evolutionary changes of gross domestic product and the development of information technology were traced, with the subsequent establishment of a relationship between them, confirmed on the basis of the method of rating scores. Finally, a comparative analysis was made to identify the causal links between the evolution of poverty and information technology through the precise indicators that Knoema and the International Telecommunication Union collect to trace the regulatory environment within a country such as the affordability of ICT services, ICT literacy, and the poverty rate. It was found that despite the availability of information technology price policy in developing countries and the uneven growth of GDP mainly in post-Soviet countries, except for the period of the COVID-19 crisis, gaps were identified in the form of low or no ICT literacy at poverty thresholds of 3.8–9.8%. This demonstrates the hidden links between poverty and population's practical knowledge of information technology, and may constrain the socio-economic development of developing countries. The findings can be used by policymakers as a tool to combat poverty, and are also useful to scholars and economists who work on the digitalization of the population and inclusive education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tourism and inequality: problems and prospects is an excellent research collection to present a range of theoretical perspectives and empirical insights into justice and tourism sustainability. This book uses the unique perspectives of consumers and producers to discuss the inequality that exists in the tourism industry, and further explores what can be done to deal with this inequality, aims to provide readers with a broader dimension to think about the inequality in the tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the burgeoning development of urbanization in China, the low-income groups have received attention recently. By applying a linear regression model and utilizing the date from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, this study has explored the effects of urban environments on the community trust in low-income groups, paying particular attention to the difference between local residents and migrants in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The empirical findings suggest the following: (1) community trust in low-income groups is influenced by social environment dimension, urban space dimension, and sociodemographic characteristics. Specifically, urbanization rate, population density, POl density, land development intensity, social contact, self-rated health, and age have significant effects on the community trust of low-income groups. (2) For local residents, social environment dimension (social contact), urban space dimension (urbanization rate), and sociodemographic characteristics (political status, hukou status, age, and self-rated health) have significant effects on community trust. (3) In the case of migrants, only the sociodemographic characteristics (working in private enterprises or organizations and in agriculture) have a significant impact on community trust. According to the empirical results, the optimization of physical space and social space should consider low-income groups’ needs in livable community planning.

Abstract The current issue of BMC Public Health presents work by the Consortium of Low Income Population Research (CB40R), highlighting a comprehensive aspect of health, i.e., physical health, mental health, health behaviour and health financing; and also nutrition involving all stages of lifespan of the socioeconomic deprived group in Malaysia. Consortium of B40 Research (CB40R) reposited and harmonised shared, non-identifiable data from epidemiological studies involving low income population (B40) in Malaysia. CB40R also performed joint or mega-analyses using combined, harmonised data sets that yield collated results with enhanced statistical power, more variabilities (study population, geographical regions, ethnicities and sociocultural groups) to better understand the needs, characteristics and issues of B40 groups in Malaysia. It also aimed to develope a system/framework of minimum/standard variables to be collected in research involving B40 in future. For this special issues, members of the consortium have been invited to contribute an original article involving analysis of the health aspects, access to health and nutritional issues of the B40 samples. All the papers in this special issue have successfully highlighted the health and nutritional issues (i.e., non-communicable disease (NCD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), knowledge towards sexually transmitted disease (STD), low birth weight, Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome, urinary incontinence), mental health, oral health and inequalities among the low-income group in Malaysia, including the rural population and also the urban poor. The low-income population in Malaysia is also at risk of both under- and over nutrition, of which specific cost effective strategies are indeed needed to improve their quality of life. The low income population in Malaysia is facing various health challenges, particularly related to NCD and poor mental health, nutritional and physical function. There is a need for a sustainable intervention model to tackle the issues. It is also important to highlight that reducing SES disparities in health will require policy initiatives addressing the components of socioeconomic status (income, education, and occupation) as well as the pathways by which these affect health.

A microfinance scheme was introduced in Malaysia in the year 1987 as one of the alternatives to poverty eradication strategies in the country by the government. Since then, several institutions have created to carry out the agenda of providing small loans to the low-income group to start up their small-scale business to generate more sources of income to support their household consumption. However, for a certain reason, the people still do not find microfinance an important tool to uplift their economic positions. Most of the low-income groups are still unaware of this golden opportunity tailored for them. Besides, the sustainability of these subsidized microfinance systems implemented by Malaysia had not been appropriately studied. This study explores the attractiveness of the products offered by microfinance institutions and emphasizes the option that the participants must start utilizing the product. This research also explores microfinance facilities that contain conventional finance element which is prohibited in Islamic trade. The study also discusses the measures and actions taken by microfinance institutions in serving the low-income group in Malaysia. This paper employs a qualitative method through interviews and content analysis. The report, journal publications, and other related documents were also analyzed in achieving the objectives. The study provides the impact that it may pave the way to an indistinct understanding of how Islamic microfinance institutions sustain their operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to determine whether privacy has a moderating effect on the relationship between residential livability and life satisfaction among low-income groups in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The study utilised a quantitative research design, whereby descriptive and inferential analyses were employed. This was achieved through a wellstructured questionnaire administered to low-cost housing residents in the state. The data were subjected to descriptive analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software and structural equation modelling (SEM) using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). The results indicated that about 73.4% of the residents experienced a low level of life satisfaction. The findings from the SEM showed that the moderating effect of privacy in the relationship between the dwelling unit and life satisfaction was good. Meanwhile, privacy was not a moderator in the relationship between social environment and life satisfaction. Finally, the article revealed that the residents' life satisfaction could be improved if dwelling unit features and privacy were considered in the low-cost housing design. Practically, the study serves as a blueprint for government policy in designing low-cost housing in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current issue of BMC Public Health presents work by the Consortium of Low Income Population Research (CB40R), highlighting a comprehensive aspect of health, i.e., physical health, mental health, health behaviour and health financing; and also nutrition involving all stages of lifespan of the socioeconomic deprived group in Malaysia.Consortium of B40 Research (CB40R) reposited and harmonised shared, non-identifiable data from epidemiological studies involving low income population (B40) in Malaysia. CB40R also performed joint or mega-analyses using combined, harmonised data sets that yield collated results with enhanced statistical power, more variabilities (study population, geographical regions, ethnicities and sociocultural groups) to better understand the needs, characteristics and issues of B40 groups in Malaysia. It also aimed to develope a system/framework of minimum/standard variables to be collected in research involving B40 in future. For this special issues, members of the consortium have been invited to contribute an original article involving analysis of the health aspects, access to health and nutritional issues of the B40 samples.All the papers in this special issue have successfully highlighted the health and nutritional issues (i.e., non-communicable disease (NCD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), knowledge towards sexually transmitted disease (STD), low birth weight, Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome, urinary incontinence), mental health, oral health and inequalities among the low-income group in Malaysia, including the rural population and also the urban poor. The low-income population in Malaysia is also at risk of both under- and over nutrition, of which specific cost effective strategies are indeed needed to improve their quality of life.The low income population in Malaysia is facing various health challenges, particularly related to NCD and poor mental health, nutritional and physical function. There is a need for a sustainable intervention model to tackle the issues. It is also important to highlight that reducing SES disparities in health will require policy initiatives addressing the components of socioeconomic status (income, education, and occupation) as well as the pathways by which these affect health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely known that parenting behavior has an impact on the development of delinquent behavior among adolescents. However, there is paucity of studies focusing on parenting behavior and its relation to juvenile delinquency among low-income families from India. The authors examined a wide range of parenting behavior and its relationship to juvenile delinquency in low-income families among Indians. Data were collected from 27 juvenile delinquent boys who were residing temporarily in an observation home in Kolkata (West Bengal, India) and 100 matched control (with respect to their socioeconomic status) juvenile boys, 11-18 years old, also from the same city. The overall findings revealed that there were higher levels of permissive parenting in the families of delinquent adolescents. It may be because low-income families have many family members that initiated the adolescents to take up some jobs to increase the family income, and this in turn affected their parents’ parenting behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2000, Federal Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT), Abu/a launched a mass housing scheme (MHS) under the platform of a public-private partnership (PPP).This paper reports an evaluation of this reform in order to understand the scheme's impact on the cohort of low-income group (LIG) in Abu/a, Nigeria. The study explores the multiple data sources available, including literature and policy material and empirical evidence collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The findings of the study suggest that the scheme did not significantly improve the housing status of LIG. The research suggests that the cohorts' history of exclusion in housing delivery in the Abuja deepened further due to partly an inadequate mortgage infrastructure to support their participation. Moreover, with poor scheme implementation, it is clear that the scheme strengthened the polarised position of the Abuja with respect to housing which runs counter to the stated policy objective to provide all Nigerians with decent and affordable housing. The paper concludes by showing the wider implication of the contemporary approach of the housing strategy in Abuja and Nigeria in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: We investigated the impact of environmental high temperature on mortality in Seoul, Korea, and the consequences of high temperature-induced mortality with a focus on the low-income elderly. Methods: Changes in the risk of death by age and income were estimated by a 1 °C increase in temperature using a generalized additive model adjusting for non-temperature related factors: time trends, seasonality, and air pollution. The study covered the years of 2000, 2001, and 2002. Results: We found that income and age were potential factors in high-temperature-induced excess mortality. Evidences to support these results are as follows: first, regarding the effect of an economic factor in the association between mortality and high temperature, the study shows that the mortality rate of the low-income group is higher, by as much as 1.3- to 1.7-fold, than that of the general population. Second, taking age into consideration, the mortality of low-income elderly people is 1.5-fold higher than that of the whole low-income group. The combined effect of income and age on mortality is estimated as 2.3-fold higher than that of the general population. But the results of the low-income and elderly group were not statistically significant due to wide standard deviation. Conclusions: The relationship between high-temperature-induced excess mortality, income, and age suggests the need for a public health message, yet many results were not statistically significant: preventive and health care interventions need to be administered to the elderly and low-income group during periods of high temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Public–private partnership (PPP) is the most prominent urban housing policy that has emerged in the last decade in India. Housing reforms in Kolkata, under the flagship of PPP has taken the city into a different league after decades of ineffective housing policy. This paper investigates the dynamics of PPP policy in Kolkata, where public housing agencies have assumed both facilitator and regulator roles within a socialist institutional setting to achieve a balance between market forces and the needs of the low-income people. At the performance level, the joint sector brings together the efficiency in production and technical and marketing expertise of the private sector with the accountability and righteousness of the public sector. However, and despite some reform attempts, at the operational level, major bottlenecks are identified including antiquated legislation, besides high municipal taxes, stamp duties and sanction fees. Housing production under the PPP model to date is impressive in terms of costs and quality, but minuscule in terms of numbers. It is still early to comment on the likely long-term success of such partnerships. However, given the huge housing stock deficiency, high proportion of low-income groups in the city and slow pace of regulatory reforms, it is argued that future success is contingent upon the inclusion of low-income communities, which comprise half of the population of Kolkata. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As part of a course teaching household budgeting, a nutrition education intervention was provided to people with financial problems. The present study aimed at assess the effects of this intervention on the nutritional quality of their main meal and fruit intake, and to collect process information on intervention participation, reactions and opinions.For the effect study, a quasi-experimental multiple pre and post-test control group design was used. Telephone dietary recalls were conducted with 35 people in the intervention group and 39 people in the control group. Observations, personal interviews and written questionnaires were used to collect the process data.A significant reduction in saturated fat intake during the mail meal was found. Also, an intervention effect was found for fruit juice consumption, but not for daily fruit intake or vegetable intake during main meal occasions.The process data revealed some improvements that should be made to the intervention, such as providing more individualized information and tailored recipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]