The association of increased SNAP benefits during COVID-19 with food insufficiency and anxiety among US adults: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent policy response to mitigate disease spread had far-reaching impacts on health and social well-being. In response, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) underwent several pandemic-era modifications, including a 15 % monthly benefit increase on January 1, 2021. Research documenting the health effects of these SNAP modifications among low-income households and minoritized groups who were most impacted by the economic fallout during the first years of the pandemic is lacking. We aimed to estimate the health effects of the 15 % SNAP benefit increase in January 2021, among SNAP-eligible US households. DESIGN: We estimated the effects of the SNAP increase on food insufficiency, mental health, and financial well-being using a rigorous quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DID) analysis. SETTING: August 19, 2020, to March 29, 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were drawn from the national US Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey waves 13-27 (n 44 477). RESULTS: Compared with SNAP-eligible non-recipients, SNAP-eligible recipients experienced decreased food insufficiency (-1·9 percentage points (pp); 95 % CI -3·7, -0·1) and anxiety symptoms (-0·09; 95 % CI -0·17, -0·01), and less difficulty paying for other household expenses (-3·2 pp; 95 % CI -4·9, -1·5) after the SNAP benefit increase. Results were robust to alternative specifications. CONCLUSIONS: Expansions of federal nutrition programmes have the potential to improve health and financial well-being. This study provides timely evidence to inform comprehensive safety net nutrition policies during future economic crises and public health preparedness response plans.

The effect of education level on depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults-parallel mediating effects of economic security level and subjective memory ability.

BACKGROUND: Depression in older adults needs urgent attention. Increased education level may reduce depressive symptoms in older adults, and that economic security level and subjective memory ability may also have an impact on depressive symptoms in older adults, but the mechanisms between education level and depressive symptoms in older adults are unclear. This study endeavors to investigate the parallel mediating roles of economic security level and subjective memory ability between education level and depressive symptoms in older adults. METHODS: A total of 4325 older adults people aged 60 years and above were selected from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) as the study population, and all data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between the variables. Model 4 from the SPSS macro was used to assess the parallel mediating role of economic security level and subjective memory ability in the relationship between education level and depressive symptoms in older adults. RESULTS: Education level, economic security level, and subjective memory ability were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults (p < 0.01). Educational level was a negative predictor of depressive symptoms (ß=-0.134, P < 0.001). Education level was a positive predictor of economic security level (ß = 0.467, P < 0.001) and subjective memory ability (ß = 0.224, P < 0.001). Education level, economic security level, and subjective memory ability were significant negative predictors of depressive symptoms (ß= -0.039, P < 0.05; ß= -0.122, P < 0.001; ß= -0.169, P < 0.001). Education level influenced depressive symptoms through parallel mediating effects of economic security level and subjective memory ability, with mediating effects accounting for 42.70% and 28.30% of the total effect, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Education level not only directly influences depressive symptoms in older adults, but also indirectly through the economic security level and subjective memory ability. Educational level can reduce depressive symptoms in older adults by increasing their economic security level and enhancing their subjective memory ability. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of improving the educational level of the population as it affects people's mental health in old age.

Spatial variation in livelihood security among livestock-based agricultural farming systems in climatically vulnerable Indian Sundarbans.

Farm households in the UNESCO World Heritage site Sundarbans face serious problems, including increased soil salinity, frequent extreme weather events, seawater intrusion and flood damage, all of which cause distress to the livelihoods of the farm families. Policymakers commonly acknowledge livestock as a crucial resource for mitigating economic losses caused by crop failures due to extreme weather events. Despite Sundarbans' vulnerability to extreme weather events, smallholder farmers' livelihoods vary across the region. Identifying spatial livelihood variations aids in targeted strategies to address climate extremes. We chose the highest cow- and buffalo-populated blocks among the 19 blocks in the Sundarbans to assess variations in livelihood dimensions, including nutritional, economic, social and infrastructural security. We used dummy variable regression models to examine the differences in livelihood security dimensions among households living in different locations. The study found that Namkhana had the highest livelihood security score among the blocks studied, while Gosaba had the lowest score because it's in a remote area with limited infrastructure. The study found a significant difference in the overall livelihood security score among the blocks we examined, indicating the need for a location-specific, cluster-based approach for the overall development of the Sundarbans. The study can shape a policy framework for socio-economic development in the Indian Sundarbans through its findings on location-specific livelihood security. For securing smallholder farmers' livelihoods in the vulnerable Sundarbans region, policymakers must give priority to improving infrastructure, viz., roads, marketing facilities and animal healthcare centers.

COVID-19 financial resources for physicians.

The appropriate focus in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has been addressing access and delivery of care to the population affected by the outbreak. All sectors of the U.S. economy have been significantly affected, including physicians. Physician groups of all specialties and sizes have experienced the financial effects of the pandemic. Hospitals have received billions of dollars to support and enable them to manage emergencies and cover the costs of the disruption. However, many vascular surgeons are under great financial pressure because of the postponement of all nonemergency procedures. The federal government has announced a myriad of programs in the form of grants and loans to reimburse physicians for some of their expenses and loss of revenue. It is more than likely that unless the public health emergency subsides significantly, many practices will experience dire consequences without additional financial assistance. We have attempted to provide a concise listing of such programs and resources available to assist vascular surgeons who are small businesses in accessing these opportunities.

The Dynamics of U.S. Household Economic Circumstances Around a Birth.

With the arrival of an infant, many households face increased demands on resources, changes in the composition of income, and a potentially heightened risk of income inadequacy. Changing household economic circumstances around a birth have implications for child and family well-being, women's economic security, and public program design, yet have received little research attention in the United States. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this study provides new descriptive evidence of month-to-month changes in household income adequacy and the composition of household income in the year before and after a birth. Results show evidence of significant declines in household income adequacy in the months around a birth, particularly for single mothers who live without other adults. Income from public benefit programs buffers but does not eliminate declines in income adequacy. Results have implications for policies targeted at this period, including public benefit and parental leave programs.

Older Adults and the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities throughout the United States and worldwide. While the implications of the concomitant economic downturn for older adults are just beginning to be recognized, past experience suggests that the consequences could be devastating for many. Analyses indicate that more than one out of five Americans aged 65 years or older live in counties where high infection rates and high economic insecurity risks occur simultaneously. These findings highlight the overlap between current infection patterns and subsequent challenges to economic security that are impacting older people. Strategies and supports for getting people back to work must take into account the large segment of older people who rely on earnings well into later life. Social Security serves as the foundation of economic security for older adults across the income continuum, but it is frequently insufficient in and of itself, let alone during a crisis. Recognizing the importance of cost of living in shaping economic security highlights the need for the federal and state governments and municipalities to take older people into account in the economic recovery effort.

Protecting and Improving the Lives of Older Adults in the COVID-19 Era.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people throughout the world, either directly, due to exposure to the virus, or indirectly, due to measures taken to mitigate the virus' effects. Older adults have been particularly hard hit, dying in disproportionately higher numbers, especially in long-term care facilities. Local, regional, and national government actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have thus served, in part, to shield older adults from the virus, though not without adverse side effects, including increased social isolation, enhanced economic risk, revealed ageism, delayed medical treatment, and challenges getting basic needs met. This special issue of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy explores the myriad ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected older adults and their families, caregivers, and communities. It proposes policies and strategies for protecting and improving the lives of older people during the pandemic. It draws lessons for aging policy and practice more generally, given underlying challenges brought to the fore by government, provider, community, and individual responses to the pandemic.

How strong is the Social Security safety net? Using the Elder Index to assess gaps in economic security.

Older Americans rely heavily on Social Security benefits (SSBs) to support independent lifestyles, and many have few or no additional sources of income. We establish the extent to which SSBs adequately support economic security, benchmarked by the Elder Economic Security Standard Index. We document variability across U.S. counties in the adequacy levels of SSBs among older adults. We find that the average SSBs fall short of what is required for economic security in every county in the United States, but the level of shortfall varies considerably by location. Policy implications relating to strengthening Social Security and other forms of retirement income are discussed.

Teaching retirement financial literacy in an undergraduate gerontology classroom: broadening the concept of the tripod or three-legged stool of retirement income utilizing active learning.

The three-legged stool concept is widely used in gerontological and geriatric education as an explanation on how one should fiscally approach his or her retirement. Financial managers, planners, retirees, business owners, even the Social Security Administration uses this metaphor of fiscal soundness in retirement planning. Gerontologists are moving away from the "tripod of retirement income" and "three-legged stool" term, as more often market work is needed for financial security. This activity focuses on the tripod or three-legged stool concepts of retirement planning using active learning, allowing the students to work collaboratively in a group, reflect upon the activity, and most importantly have fun. The game also allows for an expansion of the tripod concepts into the four pillars of economic security, broaching the use of personal assets and the possible need for longer employment. Game scenarios also emphasize macro- and microlevel forces, such as race, gender, health status, education, or marital status, which can influence timing of retirement or the level of retirement income available. The authors include instructions on how to set up the learning experience including worksheets, as well as reflection questions posed throughout the process.

Financial capability, asset ownership, and later-age immigration: evidence from a sample of low-income older Asian immigrants.

We examined financial capability and asset ownership among low-income older Asian immigrants with special attention given to later-age immigrants who came to the United States when they were 55 years old or older. Survey data collected from supported employment program participants (N = 150) were used. The analyses demonstrated a low level of financial knowledge and asset ownership in the sample. The findings also indicated that later-age immigrants' financial-management skills, knowledge of social programs, and asset ownership were significantly lower than those of young-age immigrants. These findings call for active interventions to enhance economic security among low-income older Asian immigrants.

Substance use, economic vulnerability, and HIV/STI risk among female sex workers in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Economic hardship (e.g., difficulty to pay for basic needs) has been associated with increased HIV/STI risk among female sex workers (FSW), and may be exacerbated by high levels of substance use. Few studies have assessed the intersection of economic hardship, substance use, and HIV/STI risk among FSW. METHODS: Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires among 469 FSW residing in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Using logistic regression, we assessed the role of economic hardship on the association between substance use (past 30-days alcohol use, drug use, or injection drugs use with clients, and past 6-months drug use) and testing positive for an STI (also an indicator of HIV risk). RESULTS: Drug use in the preceding six months was significantly associated with testing positive for an STI (AOR = 1.8, CI: 1.1 = 2.9, p = .02); no difference in this association was found by whether women reported economic hardship. Past 30-day drug use with clients was associated with STI infection, but only among those who did not report economic hardship (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that economic hardship influences the association between substance use and increased risk for HIV/STI among FSW; however, these associations may be more complex than previously hypothesized.

Distribution of CARES Act Provider Relief Funding to Psychiatric Care Organizations.

More than $100 billion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding was intended to support financially stressed health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution of the CARES Act's Provider Relief Fund among psychiatrists is poorly understood. Analyzing funding received by 2,593 psychiatric care organizations (PCOs), the authors found that funding was more equally distributed across care organizations of different sizes in psychiatry versus other specialties. Substantially less relief funding was received by PCOs per provider relative to other specialties. This disparity in relief funding is surprising given that specific earmarks of the CARES Act were intended to improve U.S. mental health care capacity, meriting further attention.

Indigenous chicken production system in different agro-ecology of Indian Himalayan Region: implication on food and economic security.

The indigenous chicken production system (ICPS) has several use values and ecosystem services. In the last few years, ICPS has been recognized for its possible contribution to household food security, income generation, wildlife protection, and bettering the women's lives. This study aimed to collect, for the first time, comprehensive information about ICPS in three different agro-ecologies (tropical, sub-tropical, and sub-temperate) of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and its role in food and economic security of traditional communities. In this study region, ICPS is semi-extensive, providing homegrown feed and temporary night shelter. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, females owned non-significant (p = 0.170) more indigenous chicken flocks than males. Households in sub-temperate agro-ecologies had significantly (p ≤ 0.001) larger flock sizes and tropical livestock units (chicken-TLU). However, the livestock diversity index (LDI) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in tropical and subtropical agro-ecology. The households in the sub-temperate region highly (p ≤ 0.001) valued indigenous chicken because of its survivability and adaptability. In absolute numbers significant (p ≤ 0.001) higher numbers of adult birds died in past 1 year in sub-temperate agro-ecology. The mortality rate of adult birds in sub-temperate agro-ecology was 9%, and it was 14 and 15% in tropical and sub-tropical agro-ecologies, respectively. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, larger flock size translated into significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) egg production and subsequently a significant (p ≤ 0.001) higher egg consumption per household per month. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, households' dietary diversity score was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) higher. Similarly, the average annual income from ICPS was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in sub-temperate agro-ecology and accounted for 18% of household income. ICPS' marketing chain was relatively short in the sub-temperate region. In all agro-ecologies, indigenous chicken and egg demand was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the winter. ICPS litter is used as farmyard manure, enhancing ecological resilience. In all agro-ecologies, the three most frequently cited obstacles to extending the indigenous chicken production system are illnesses, predators, and a lack of chicks availability. ICPS contributes to food and nutritional security, economic stability, and ecological resilience in this hilly and fragile ecosystem. Even though the system is self-sustaining, management and health interventions can increase production and productivity.

A risk measurement study evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on China's financial market using the QR-SGED-EGARCH model.

Due to the significant impact of COVID-19, financial markets in various countries have undergone drastic fluctuations. Accurately measuring risk in the financial market and mastering the changing rules of the stock market are of great importance to macro-control and financial market management of the government. This paper focuses on the return rate of the Shanghai Composite Index. Using the SGED-EGARCH(1,1) model as a foundation, a quantile regression is introduced to establish the QR-SGED-EGARCH(1,1) model. Further, the corresponding value at risk (VaR) is calculated for a crisis and stable period within each model. To better compare the models, the Cornish-Fisher expansion model is included for comparison. According to the Kupiec test, VaR values calculated by the QR-SGED-EGARCH(1,1) model are superior to other models at different confidence levels most of the time. In addition, to account for the VaR method's inability to effectively measure tail extreme risk, the expected shortfall (ES) method is introduced. The constructed model is used to calculate the corresponding ES values during different periods. According to the evaluation index, the ES values calculated by the QR-SGED-EGARCH(1,1) model have a better effect during a crisis period with the model showing higher accuracy and robustness. It is of great significance for China to better measure financial risk under the impact of a sudden crisis.

Multiplexing efficiency of environmental taxes in ensuring environmental, energy, and economic security.

This paper assesses the multiplexing efficiency of environmental taxes in ensuring environmental, energy, and economic security which is an integral part of sustainability in six European countries that are leaders in the Environmental Performance Index. This study aims to confirm the hypothesis that environmental taxes and payments could simultaneously affect changes in important environmental, energy, and economic security as well as sustainability parameters. Not all the previously selected taxes, which affect the parameters of all three areas of environmental, energy, and economic sustainability and security can ensure their simultaneous growth. Calculations made for the period 1994-2019 showed that in the system of environmental taxation of Denmark, five environmental taxes and fees provide an increase in the integrated level of environmental, economic, and energy security and sustainability; in Belgium, two environmental taxes are characterized by multiplex efficiency; in France, seven environmental taxes and payments; in Austria, four; in Finland, one; and in the UK, four. The paper's findings could create the basis for improving environmental taxation systems in the countries to increase comprehensive national security growth and ensure sustainable development path of the countries.

Spatio-Temporal Differences in Economic Security of the Prefecture-Level Cities in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Region of China: Based on a Triple-Dimension Analytical Framework of Economic Geography.

The assessment of regional economic security (RES) is mainly based on the theoretical ideas of political economy and marginalism, and the research areas are mainly concentrated in European and American countries/regions, especially Eastern Europe. Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China as an example, this paper constructs a triple-dimensional analytical framework, resources, and environmental-economic foundation-driving forces, based on the institutional approach of economic geography, with the purpose of making up for the deficiency of the extant literature, which pays little attention to regional characteristics and the dynamic mechanism concerning RES, and to provide a tool to identify key factors affecting RES. This paper obtained the main conclusions as follows. (1) The index of the economic security in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is on the rise, and the difference at the level of RES among cities is significant but tends to decrease. (2) There is a significant spatial autocorrelation among cities in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in terms of RES. The high-value areas are concentrated along the southeast edge, and the low-value areas are concentrated in the central areas of the west. (3) Despite lower weight values, the weakness of the economic foundation and the fragility of the ecological environment has increasingly hampered the improvement of the economic security in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In terms of driving forces, it is the support of the central government and aid programs of other provinces that contributes to its economic development.

Forgotten Front Line: Understanding the Needs of Unionized Home Health Aides in Downstate New York During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, home health aides (HHAs) provided daily medical and personal care to community-dwelling older adults and those with chronic conditions. Prior qualitative studies have found that providing care during COVID-19 left HHAs susceptible to physical, financial, and emotional risks. However, limited quantitative data exist The objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HHAs and to understand the challenges and opportunities for current and future pandemic planning. A cross-sectional survey of 256 HHAs in the downstate New York region was conducted by telephone in English, French Creole, Chine, Spanish, and Russian between August and November 2020. The survey found that HHAs experienced a variety of physical, financial, and emotional challenges during COVID-19. To better support this work force, action by public health officials and policymakers is warranted, particularly with respect to workplace protections and safety, mental health, compensation, and access to basic resources.

Mitigating the Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Rural Low-Income Families.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted rural communities and is exacerbating the economic, health, and social inequality for poor Americans in rural areas. Mounting job losses and illness in these communities are also pushing low-income families further into poverty. Based on previous research on rural poverty, this paper highlights the difficulties that marginalized rural families could experience due to the current pandemic. We focus on five major areas that affect the lives of the rural poor: economic security, family well-being, food insecurity, health security, and the challenges of rural living with a special focus on racial and ethnic minority families. We provide tangible recommendations on what can be done in the short term to enable rural families to cope with the consequences of the pandemic. We also discuss long-term policy recommendations that would be necessary for rural communities to thrive after the pandemic and survive future outbreaks.

Findings from an online survey on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

BACKGROUND: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has led to worsening mental health outcomes throughout the Canadian population, its effects have been more acute among already marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. This paper examines how heightened fears of contracting the virus, financial impacts, and social isolation contribute to declining mental health among this already vulnerable group. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This paper investigates how increases in anxiety, stress, and despair are associated with concerns about getting infected, COVID-19-induced financial hardship, and increased social isolation as a result of adhering to protective measures among people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. METHODS: This study uses original national quota-based online survey data (n = 1027) collected in June 2020 from people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Three logistic regression models investigate the relationship between COVID-19's effects on finances, concerns about contracting the virus, changes in loneliness and belonging, and measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 and reports of increased anxiety, stress, and despair, net of covariates. RESULTS: Models show that increased anxiety, stress, and despair were associated with negative financial effects of COVID-19, greater concerns about contracting COVID-19, increased loneliness, and decreased feelings of belonging. Net of other covariates, increased measures taken to combat COVID-19 was not significantly associated with mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings address how the global health crisis is contributing to declining mental health status through heightened concerns over contracting the virus, increases in economic insecurity, and growing social isolation, speaking to how health pandemics exacerbate health inequalities.

Well-Being and Stability among Low-income Families: A 10-Year Review of Research.

Scholarship on families in poverty, in the last decade, documented various struggles and challenges faced by low-income families and expanded our understanding of their complicated life circumstances embedded within the contexts of community, culture, and policies. The research articles published in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues during this time, that highlighted poverty, focused primarily on three topic areas: economic security, family life issues, and food security. Overall, findings conclude that family well-being and stability cannot be promoted without the consideration of environmental factors. They depend on the interaction among individual (e.g., increased human capital), family (e.g., positive co-parental relationship), community (e.g., affordable childcare), and policy changes (e.g., realistic welfare-to-work programs). Collectively, the articles have provided a road map for future research directions.