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Open Access February 24, 2025

Women Hearts on the Line: Exploring the Correlation Between Anthropometric Parameters, Blood Pressure, and Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening heart muscle disease of unknown aetiology that affects women during the peripartum period, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. While many studies have observed normal blood pressure (BP) in PPCM patients, none have explored whether their BP is appropriate for their body size. This study investigated the correlation between [...] Read more.
Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening heart muscle disease of unknown aetiology that affects women during the peripartum period, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. While many studies have observed normal blood pressure (BP) in PPCM patients, none have explored whether their BP is appropriate for their body size. This study investigated the correlation between body anthropometric parameters and BP in PPCM patients, comparing the findings with those of age-matched normal peripartum controls. Methods: A cohort of 105 women, each from PPCM and matched normal peripartum control groups, were recruited from three healthcare facilities in Sokoto. Blood pressure (BP) parameters were assessed in relation to their anthropometric measurements, and the findings were compared between the two groups. Results: The PPCM patients were significantly smaller in body weight (57.0 ±11.6 Kg vs 66.8 ±13.8 Kg, P <.0001), body mass index (BMI) (21.9 ±4.1 Kg/m2 vs 25.4 ±5.4 Kg/m2, P <.0001, body surface area (BSA) (1.3 ±0.7 m2 vs 1.7 ±0.2 m2, P <.0001), Lean body mass (LBM) (45.3 ±7.0 Kg vs 49.4 ±4.1 Kg, P <.0001) and Percentage body fat (BF) (23.5 ±10.9 % vs 31.2 ±6.9 %, P <.0001). Similarly, PPCM patients had significantly higher systolic BP (SBP), Pulse pressure (PP) and Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) compared to the normal peripartum PPCM control. Further, linear regression analysis showed that there was higher slope of the relationship between anthropometric indices and SBP and PP in the PPCM cohort, compared to the normal peripartum control group. A similar trend of the slope was seen in the Pearson’s coefficient of the relationship of the anthropometries and BP parameters. Conclusions: This study found that women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) exhibited disproportionately higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) for each unit increase in anthropometric measurements compared to normal peripartum controls. Notably, PPCM patients had significantly lower anthropometric measures, potentially attributable to poverty and chronic undernutrition. Additionally, the effects of poor antenatal care, lack of immunization and recurrent infection should be considered. These findings suggest an abnormal relationship between anthropometry and blood pressure in PPCM patients, which may have detrimental effects on their cardiovascular health. This abnormal relationship may contribute to the development of heart failure (HF) in PPCM patients and potentially increase the risk in women susceptible to PPCM. Even-though our assumption, yet to be proven. To address this concerning trend in vulnerable populations, improvements in nutritional status, socioeconomic determinants health, adequate antenatal care (ANC), immunization, and infection prevention should be considered.
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Open Access February 21, 2025

Diminished Returns of Educational Attainment on Unpaid and Paid Maternity Leave of Mothers Giving Birth in Poverty

Abstract Background: Maternity leave, whether paid or unpaid, is a critical resource that can significantly impact maternal well-being and newborn outcomes. However, its availability and utilization among mothers living in poverty remain understudied. Education is widely recognized as a key factor that increases access to both paid and unpaid leave. However, the theory of Minorities’ [...] Read more.
Background: Maternity leave, whether paid or unpaid, is a critical resource that can significantly impact maternal well-being and newborn outcomes. However, its availability and utilization among mothers living in poverty remain understudied. Education is widely recognized as a key factor that increases access to both paid and unpaid leave. However, the theory of Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) posits that structural racism, segregation, and labor market discrimination limit the benefits of socioeconomic resources, such as education, for Black and Latino individuals. This suggests that the effects of education on maternity leave may not be uniform across racial and ethnic groups. Objective: This study aimed to examine the MDRs of education on access to unpaid and paid maternity leave among Black and Latino mothers compared to White mothers giving birth while living in poverty. Methods: We utilized baseline data from the Baby’s First Years Study (BFY), a longitudinal investigation of the effects of poverty on child development. The sample consisted of 1,050 mothers living in poverty who had recently given birth. Maternity leave (paid and unpaid) was assessed via self-report, and educational attainment was measured in years of schooling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and interaction terms were employed to analyze racial and ethnic differences in the relationship between education and access to maternity leave. Results: Educational attainment was positively associated with access to unpaid maternity leave for the overall sample of mothers giving birth in poverty, but this association was weaker for Black and Latino mothers compared to non-Latino White mothers. Education did not significantly increase the likelihood of paid maternity leave, and there were no group differences for this association. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent needs to address structural racism, labor market discrimination, and residential segregation that diminish the impact of education on living conditions for Black and Latino mothers, compared to non-Latino White mothers, even for those living under poverty. Policymakers and practitioners should develop targeted interventions to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in access to paid and unpaid maternity leave and other critical resources, particularly for new mothers living in poverty. Addressing these inequities is essential for improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and promoting social justice.
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Open Access November 29, 2022

The Application of Machine Learning in the Corona Era, With an Emphasis on Economic Concepts and Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract The aim of this article is to examine the impacts of Coronavirus Disease -19 (Covid-19) vaccines on economic condition and sustainable development goals. In other words, we are going to study the economic condition during Covid19. We have studied the economic costs of pandemic, benefits in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), public finances and employment, investment on vaccines around the [...] Read more.
The aim of this article is to examine the impacts of Coronavirus Disease -19 (Covid-19) vaccines on economic condition and sustainable development goals. In other words, we are going to study the economic condition during Covid19. We have studied the economic costs of pandemic, benefits in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), public finances and employment, investment on vaccines around the world, progress and totally the economic impacts of vaccines and the impacts of emerging markets (EM) on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), including no poverty, good health and well-being, zero hunger, reduced inequality etc. The importance of emerging economies in reducing the harmful effects of the Corona has also been noted. We have tried to do experimental results and forecast daily new death cases from Feb-2020 to Aug-2021 in Iran using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Beetle Antennae Search (BAS) algorithm as a case study with econometric models and regression analysis. The findings show that Covid19 has had devastating economic and health effects on the world, and the vaccine can be very helpful in eliminating these effects specially in long-term. We observed that there is inequality in the distribution of Corona vaccines in rich countries compared to poor which EM can decrease the gap between them. The results show that both models (i.e., Artificial intelligence (AI) and econometric models) almost have the same results but AI optimization models can robust the model and prediction. The main contribution of this article is that we have surveyed the impacts of vaccination from socio-economic viewpoint not just report some facts and truth. We have surveyed the impacts of vaccines on sustainable development goals and the role of EM in achieving SDGs. In addition to using the theoretical framework, we have also used quantitative and empirical results that have rarely been seen in other articles.
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Open Access October 20, 2025

From Subordination to Empowerment: The Journey of Yi Women in Daliangshan

Abstract This paper examines the transformation of Yi women’s social status in Daliangshan, Sichuan Province. It analyzes historical practices—including child marriage (wawaqin [...] Read more.
This paper examines the transformation of Yi women’s social status in Daliangshan, Sichuan Province. It analyzes historical practices—including child marriage (wawaqin) and the tradition of high bridal gifts—along with the role of education, economic modernization, and cultural advocacy initiatives. The study situates these developments within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on gender equality, poverty alleviation, and equitable development. Field interviews, observations, and community-based projects inform this analysis, which highlights both progress and persisting challenges for Yi women.
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Open Access April 09, 2025

Color of Poverty Matters: Socioeconomic Resources and Health of Mothers Giving Birth to Children into Poverty

Abstract Background: Childhood poverty is a critical determinant of developmental, health, and behavioral outcomes. However, racial and ethnic differences in how families experience and navigate poverty suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be an effective approach for alleviating disparities. Understanding baseline demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral characteristics among [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood poverty is a critical determinant of developmental, health, and behavioral outcomes. However, racial and ethnic differences in how families experience and navigate poverty suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be an effective approach for alleviating disparities. Understanding baseline demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral characteristics among families in poverty is crucial to designing equitable interventions. Objective: To examine racial and ethnic differences in baseline demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral characteristics among families living in poverty, using data from the Baby's First Years (BFY:2018-2019) Study. Methods: This analysis used baseline data from the BFY study, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effects of monthly cash assistance on children’s developmental outcomes. The sample included 1,050 children and their families, consisting of mothers and, when available, fathers. Descriptive analyses were conducted to compare demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral outcomes across racial and ethnic groups, focusing on Black, Hispanic, and other mothers. Results: Significant racial and ethnic differences were observed. Regarding demographic factors, Hispanic mothers were older than White mothers. In terms of socioeconomic factors, Hispanic mothers had fewer years of education compared to White mothers, while Black mothers were more likely to receive food stamps than mothers from other groups. Regarding health and behaviors, Black mothers reported worse self-rated health but were less likely to plan for breastfeeding compared to White mothers. In contrast, Hispanic mothers reported lower levels of depression and were more likely to plan for breastfeeding. Conclusion: These findings highlight the heterogeneity of experiences among families living in poverty, with significant differences across racial and ethnic groups. Such disparities underscore the importance of tailoring anti-poverty policies to the unique needs of diverse populations. Future research should explore how the effects of interventions, such as cash assistance or guaranteed income, may differ across racial and ethnic groups to inform equitable and effective policy development.
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Open Access March 20, 2025

Weaker Effects of Parental Education on Oral Nicotine Use of High School Students in Rural Areas: Marginalization-Related Diminished Returns

Abstract Background: Nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional tobacco products among U.S. adolescents. While parental educational attainment is generally associated with youth substance use, marginalization-related diminished returns (MDRs) suggest that this effect may be weaker in marginalized populations, including non-Latino White communities. In [...] Read more.
Background: Nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional tobacco products among U.S. adolescents. While parental educational attainment is generally associated with youth substance use, marginalization-related diminished returns (MDRs) suggest that this effect may be weaker in marginalized populations, including non-Latino White communities. In particular, place-based marginalization—such as neighborhood economic disadvantage and school-level poverty—may attenuate the benefits of parental education. This study examines MDRs in the relationship between parental educational attainment and nicotine pouch/gummy/candy use among non-Latino White 12th graders in the 2024 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study. Methods: This study analyzed nationally representative data from the 2024 MTF study, focusing on non-Latino White 12th graders who reported parental education levels and adolescents’ use of nicotine pouch/gummy/candy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the effects of parental education on adolescents’ use of nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies, while adjusting for demographic covariates. Place-based marginalization was operationalized using rural vs urban /suburban residence. Interaction terms tested whether the effect of parental education varied based on place of residence. Results: Higher parental educational attainment was associated with lower use of nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies. However, this effect was significantly weaker in rural areas. Conclusion: Public health interventions should account for place-based disparities rather than assuming a uniform effect of SES factors. This study highlights the need for policy responses that address structural inequities beyond individual family SES.
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Open Access February 17, 2025

Gender Differences in the Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Cardiometabolic Health: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-established determinant of health, often associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). However, the extent to which SES influences CMD may vary by gender due to differences in social roles, health behaviors, and biological susceptibilities. This study examined the relationship between SES, measured by the [...] Read more.
Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-established determinant of health, often associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). However, the extent to which SES influences CMD may vary by gender due to differences in social roles, health behaviors, and biological susceptibilities. This study examined the relationship between SES, measured by the poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), and CMD indicators—including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)—among men and women using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized NHANES data (1999-2018), adjusting for race/ethnicity and age. SES was operationalized using PIR, with CMD outcomes (obesity, diabetes, and CVD) as dependent variables. Generalized linear models (GLM) were employed to evaluate the main effects of SES on CMD, with gender included as a moderator. Results: Higher SES was associated with lower overall CMD risk. However, the protective effects of SES were more pronounced in women than in men for all outcomes. These findings suggest that gender-specific pathways may mediate the relationship between SES and CMD. Women may derive greater health benefits from higher SES due to factors such as reduced stress exposure, healthier behaviors, and increased healthcare utilization. Conversely, the weaker association observed in men may reflect differences in social hierarchy sensitivity, responses to unemployment, or other contextual factors. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of gender-specific considerations when addressing SES-related disparities in CMD outcomes. Policies and interventions aimed at reducing CMD burden should account for these gender differences to promote equitable improvements in cardiometabolic health. Further research is needed to unravel the mechanisms driving these differences and to inform targeted strategies.
Article
Open Access February 14, 2025

Trauma Erodes Financial Returns of Educational Attainment

Abstract Background: Educational attainment is often regarded as a pathway to economic stability and social mobility. However, the Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) framework has demonstrated that the effects of educational attainment on various economic, behavioral, and health outcomes are weaker for marginalized populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, [...] Read more.
Background: Educational attainment is often regarded as a pathway to economic stability and social mobility. However, the Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) framework has demonstrated that the effects of educational attainment on various economic, behavioral, and health outcomes are weaker for marginalized populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in disadvantaged areas. While MDRs have been documented for various marginalized demographic groups, the role of trauma in moderating socioeconomic outcomes remains underexplored. Objective: This study examines whether lifetime trauma exposure diminishes the positive association between educational attainment and poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), a key indicator of economic well-being. Methods: Using data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), we analyzed a nationally representative sample of 6,008 adults, including Black, White, Latino, and Other racial/ethnic groups. We employed linear regression models to evaluate the association between the independent variable educational attainment and the outcome PIR. We then tested lifetime trauma as a moderator of this association. Models controlled for age, gender, employment, and race/ethnicity. Results: Educational attainment was positively associated with PIR across all groups, but the strength of this association was significantly attenuated for individuals with a history of lifetime trauma. These effects were independent of covariates. Conclusions: These findings extend the MDRs framework by highlighting trauma as a potential contributor to diminished returns of education on socioeconomic wellbeing. Structural inequities that increase trauma exposure in minoritized populations may also limit the economic benefits of education, particularly for groups with multiple trauma exposures. Policies aimed at addressing economic inequality must integrate social policies that reduce trauma and stress.
Article
Open Access January 24, 2025

High Socioeconomic Status Black Adolescents Attend Worse Schools than Whites

Abstract Background: School characteristics — including poverty levels, teacher experience, graduation rates, and college enrollment — are essential determinants of students’ academic outcomes and long-term success. Families often use their socioeconomic resources, such as parental education and household income, to secure access to high-quality schools with favorable attributes. However, [...] Read more.
Background: School characteristics — including poverty levels, teacher experience, graduation rates, and college enrollment — are essential determinants of students’ academic outcomes and long-term success. Families often use their socioeconomic resources, such as parental education and household income, to secure access to high-quality schools with favorable attributes. However, Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that Black families may not experience the same benefits of high family SES due to structural barriers. This study examines the association between family SES and school characteristics, focusing on racial disparities in access to high-quality educational environments. Objective: To investigate the relationship between family SES (parental education and household income) and multiple school characteristics (poverty, teacher experience, graduation rates, and college enrollment), and to assess racial differences in these associations. Methods: Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a national sample of US adolescents, was analyzed. We used multivariate regression models to examine associations between family SES and school characteristics and to test for interactions by race, specifically comparing Black and White adolescents. Results: Higher family SES was associated with positive school characteristics overall, including lower school poverty, greater teacher experience, and increased graduation and college enrollment rates. However, these positive effects of high family SES on school characteristics were significantly weaker for Black adolescents than for White adolescents. Black adolescents from high-income families were more likely than White adolescents from similar backgrounds to attend schools with higher poverty rates, less experienced teachers, and reduced graduation and college enrollment rates. Conclusion: Our findings highlight persistent racial inequities in access to educational opportunities, even among families with comparable socioeconomic resources. The diminished returns of family SES for Black adolescents underscore the role of structural barriers in limiting access to high-quality schools. These findings emphasize the need for policy interventions to address systemic inequalities that hinder Black families from fully leveraging their SES to access favorable educational environments.
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