Journal of Population and Social Studies [JPSS]

From Crisis to Recovery: Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Indonesian Employment Dynamics

Lilik Sugiharti — 2025-02-22

This research analyzes the impact of the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Indonesia’s labor market by utilizing data from SAKERNAS, or the National Labor Force Survey, for 2020 and 2021. A logistic regression model is used to analyze the impact of sociodemographic factors, job-related variables, and the Kartu Prakerja (a pre-employment program focused on training and skill development) on unemployment, labor force participation, and reduced working hours caused by the economic disruption of COVID-19. The findings underscore the enduring repercussions of the pandemic on employment landscapes, with pronounced impacts observed among older workers, married individuals, less educated workers, and urban residents. The manufacturing and service sectors experienced more significant implications than agriculture, revealing sector-specific challenges. Kartu Prakerja influenced working hour reductions in 2021, showing the effects of evolving government intervention. Increased Internet use was linked to reduced working hours, signaling the need for accelerated digital skill programs for jobs dependent on Internet use.

Healthy Aging in Place: Technology Utilization Among Older Adults in Khlong Mahasawat, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand

Mark Stephan Felix — 2025-02-15

This research sought to explore the social support needs of older adults who age in place and their health-related technology utilization. A qualitative exploratory phenomenological approach framed the research. Twenty-one participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling in collaboration with health and community leaders from a sub-district hospital in Khlong Mahasawat, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Data were collected using one-on-one interviews. All interviews were audio recorded, translated, and transcribed. Data were analyzed via content analysis matrices and interpreted using the phenomenological principles of intersubjectivity, internalization, and externalization. Sources of social support for using health-related technology by older adults who age in place included family members, community members, and health professionals. Data indicated the necessity for the social support of affordable digital devices, educational health-related social support, and customized social support for and by older adults. The heterogeneity of the older adult population who age in place, its increasing health concerns, and literacy levels require personalizing social support measures to promote further use of health-related technology. The limited use of health-related technology may be ameliorated by including stakeholders in creating customized social support programs, including older adults in policymaking regarding health-related technology creation and use, and including older adults in online scam education and prevention.

Children Having Children: Unveiling Child Marriage and Its Impact Among Boys and Girls in Vietnam

Nguyen Van Bao — 2025-02-10

Research on child marriage has predominantly focused on girls, leaving boys’ experiences largely understudied. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the experiences of child brides and grooms, emphasizing the distinct disadvantages each gender faces. Specifically, it investigates the following research questions: (i) What health and reproductive outcomes are associated with child brides and grooms? (ii) How does child marriage influence discriminatory attitude and stigma among boys and girls? (iii) How does child marriage impact the subjective well-being of both genders? Logistic regression analyses were performed using data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), a nationally representative survey conducted in Vietnam. The findings revealed significant associations between child marriage and early parenthood for both boys and girls. Child brides were more likely to express negative attitudes toward domestic violence and hold discriminatory views about HIV-positive individuals. Meanwhile, child grooms exhibited a higher likelihood of feeling ashamed of living with HIV-positive individuals. Gender differences also emerged in subjective well-being outcomes. Boys who married early were less likely to perceive their lives improved than those who married later, whereas early-married girls were more likely to have a positive view of their lives. The findings hold significant implications for shaping initiatives to prevent and mitigate child marriage, not only in Vietnam but also throughout the Southeast Asia region.

Exploring the Reduction in Childhood Undernutrition in Morocco (2003–2018): Insights From a Decomposition Analysis

Mustapha Berrouyne — 2025-02-10

Despite significant progress, childhood undernutrition remains a critical public health challenge in Morocco, impacting child development and well-being. This study examines the drivers behind the reduction in undernutrition between 2003 and 2018, employing multilevel logistic regression and Fairlie decomposition analysis to assess the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, and contextual factors. Using data from the 2003–2004 and 2018 National Survey on Population and Family Health (NSPFH), the findings underscore the pivotal roles of improved maternal education, enhanced child healthcare access, and better household living conditions, including access to clean water and sanitation. However, rural areas lag significantly behind their urban counterparts, highlighting persistent regional disparities that demand urgent attention. These results underline the critical need for targeted interventions to advance maternal education, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and prioritize rural development. This study highlights past achievements by aligning with long-term development objectives and global health initiatives. It provides actionable insights to sustain and accelerate reductions in childhood undernutrition in Morocco.