Journal of Population and Social Studies [JPSS]

Barefoot Health: The Healthy Lifestyle Path of Monks in Thailand

Saichol Panyachit — 2025-04-25

The dimensions of cultural norms and health lifestyles reveal that individuals within each society group have distinct health lifestyles. Based on 96 Thai monks, this research aims to study the healthy lifestyle path of Buddhist monks in Thailand. This investigates the plausibility of healthy lifestyles under the control of existing cultural contexts and religious institutions. The data collected from this research, which are based on free-listing and semi-structured interviews with monks, show the complexity of the health lifestyle of Thai monks. The results reveal that Thai monks need to consider living by Buddhist doctrine and healthy behavior. Therefore, the development of monks’ health needs to be done using health knowledge, the Dhamma code of discipline, and mutual Buddhist education. Monks live under the Dhamma-Vinaya, a social structure that shapes their health behaviors. Moreover, the health of monks is different from that of other population groups due to the conditions of the Book of Discipline; health behavior cannot be considered separate from the social structure, such as the health disparities observed due to dietary practices.

Understanding Commuting Mode Choices in Bangkok: The Role of Sociodemographics and Urban Structure in Shaping Transportation Preferences

Wichan Choorat — 2024-04-25

This study investigates commuting patterns in Bangkok between 2015 and 2023 and examines the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and spatial factors on commuting mode choices. The microdata from the 2015 and 2023 Migration Survey from the Thailand National Statistical Office were used to identify significant shifts in age distribution, educational attainment, and employment status among commuters. The findings reveal a growing preference for private transport among older, higher-education, and higher-skilled individuals, while public transport continues to serve as a vital mode of commuting for women, employees, and lower-skilled commuters. Therefore, the development of basic infrastructure and transport systems is needed to ensure that they are equally accessible, convenient, and safe for all people. It is also essential to expand public transport routes such as buses, BTS Skytrain, and MRT subway system to the outskirts of Bangkok to reduce reliance on private cars.

Analyzing Menstruating Interval to the First Conception: An Application of CPH and AFT Models

Brijesh P. Singh — 2025-04-25

Survival analysis techniques analyze the time-to-event data. In survival analysis, there are two essential methods: Semiparametric and parametric methods. The semiparametric Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model is frequently used to analyze demographic survival data. However, the presumption of proportional hazard (PH) is not always met in real-life data. Meanwhile, one can use parametric Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) models as an alternative when the PH assumption does not hold. The main purpose of this article is to analyze and compare the performances of the CPH model and AFT models in identifying the significant covariates affecting the menstruating interval to first conception (MIFC). In this article, three parametric AFT distributions based on Exponential, Weibull, and Log-normal distributions are used to check the performance. We have shown the violation of having a proportional hazard assumption with the help of a graphical technique and statistical test. According to the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), we have found that the Weibull AFT model is best suited for the data. Further in this paper, we have identified the significant factors affecting the MIFC. Analysis reveals that covariates such as age at marriage, place of residence, wealth index, mother’s education, and Mass media exposure are significant factors affecting the menstruating interval to first conception in Uttar Pradesh.

Resilience, Dispositional Hope, and Psychological Well-Being Among Chinese College Students: Perceived Social Support as a Mediator

Yan Zheng — 2025-04-25

Research on the psychological well-being of college students has been gaining significant attention. Over the past decade, there has been a considerable rise in anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and suicide attempts among Chinese college students. This study used cross-sectional data to understand how perceived social support mediates the relationships between psychological well-being, dispositional hope, and resilience. The participants involved 776 students (475 females and 301 males) from five colleges in China. Four questionnaires were used to collect data. PLS-SEM analysis demonstrated that dispositional hope and resilience directly enhance psychological well-being and indirectly influence it through increased perceived social support. The bootstrapping analysis further revealed that perceived social support partially mediates the relationships between resilience and psychological well-being and dispositional hope and psychological well-being. These findings extend previous work on the complex interplay between psychological strengths and well-being, with potential implications. The limitations—including its cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported data, and restricted sample—underscore the need for future longitudinal research to better understand causal and reciprocal relationships.

The Latent Domains of Religious Moderation Attitudes and Intercultural Competencies Within the Contexts of Multireligious and Multicultural Societies

Shonhaji — 2025-04-14

Religious moderation attitudes (RMAs) and intercultural competencies (ICs) are two crucial elements that must be internalized within Indonesia’s multireligious and multicultural societies. This study aimed to investigate the latent domains of RMAs and ICs and the cultivation of such latent domains to facilitate RMAs and ICs’ internalization. This phenomenological study purposively recruited 224 multireligious and multicultural people living in 8 regions of Indonesia. These regions became the loci due to recommendations of prior studies. Data on RMAs and ICs’ latent domains were collected through interviews and observations, and those of the cultivation of the foregoing latent domains were obtained from focus group discussion (FGD). The data analyzed using an interactive model revealed that RMAs had eight latent domains, which subsumed respect for religious freedom, openness to belief differences, awareness of pluralism, promoting harmony, active community participation, understanding extremism, cooperative religious leadership, and commitment to peace. The data then revealed latent domains of eight ICs: inclusive education, cross-cultural collaboration, reflective education, social criticism, empathy, cultural sensitivity, effective communication skills, and understanding diversity benefits. The data also showcased many strategies used by various societal parties to cultivate RMAs and ICs’ latent domains effectively. These parties were religious leaders, community leaders, social and cultural institutions, society members, educational institutions, local government, and media. It is recommended that further studies be carried out to psychometrically work on these latent domains.

Time Series Analysis of Demographic Parameters in Bangladesh

Md. Sabbir Hossain — 2025-03-20

Demographic parameters focus on the overall health status of a country. These are necessary indicators for analyzing the health status of the sustained population in Bangladesh. Econometric models fitted on six important demographic parameters separately, three of six parameters for mortality measures and the remaining for fertility measures of Bangladesh. Autoregressive models developed on the time series data of demographic parameters such as life expectancies at birth for male and female populations, crude death rates, crude birth rates, gross reproduction rates, and net reproduction rates by year from 1980 to 2015 collected from Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Mortality and fertility measures were predicted up to 2030 using the fitted models. The crude death rates, crude birth rates, gross reproduction rates, and net reproduction rates decreased by years from 2016 to 2030, while life expectancies at birth for the male and female populations were increasing. Government and non-government organizations and policymakers can make several decisions for more development of the sectors such as health, education, planning of food supply, and housing. Government and insurance companies in Bangladesh can also utilize the results of life expectancies at birth for the male and female population in setting the retirement age of government employees, fixing the minimum age of old age allowance, and innovating age-related rules of life insurance companies.

“If the Nipple Cracked in a Cross, the Breastmilk Will Be Poisonous”: The Barrier to Exclusive Breastfeeding in Indonesia’s Islands Area

Yasmini Fitriyati — 2025-03-16

Successful exclusive breastfeeding enhances sensory and cognitive capabilities and protects children against infectious and chronic ailments. Children’s growth and development are adversely affected by inadequate neonate feeding practices. The study aims to explore the barrier to exclusive breastfeeding in the Indonesia’s Islands area. This was a qualitative study using a thematic data analysis. Focus group discussions and interviews were conducted with community leaders, senior citizens, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant mothers, health cadres, midwives, nutritionists, health officers, religious leaders, and traditional birth attendants. The study highlights three main themes that categorize the barrier to exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia’s Islands. The first theme is the belief barrier, including the perception of the form and size of the nipples related to breastfeeding quality, religion-related traditions toward newborns, and perception of milk adequacy. The second theme related to the physiological barrier, which covered the physical condition of the breasts and the lack of milk production. The third theme is a sociological barrier associated with the working mother’s status, the child born out of wedlock, and the influence of the older family members. Identifying specific barriers within communities enables health workers to create targeted health promotion strategies, thereby enhancing the coverage and effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding initiatives.

The Role of Community Empowerment as Mediator on the Relationship Between Psychological, Social, and Financial Capital on Rural Community Well-Being

Sarjiyanto Sarjiyanto — 2025-03-10

Community well-being is a key indicator of successful development. Community empowerment is a pivotal strategy for significantly boosting well-being, with primary goals to enhance community capacity and leverage various forms of existing capital within the community, including psychological, social, and financial capital, particularly in rural areas. This investigation focuses on how psychological, social, and financial capital enhance community well-being. This study employed a quantitative approach to explore the impact of an empowerment program in Karangasem village, Sukoharjo, Central Java. Data was gathered through questionnaires, with responses from 255 community beneficiaries. To analyze the data, SEM-PLS was utilized, leveraging the advanced capabilities of Smart PLS software, and the study reveals that while these forms of capital alone do not significantly impact well-being, their positive effects are amplified when mediated by community empowerment programs. Empowerment initiatives optimize community resources, enhancing capacity, productivity, and social networks, ultimately reducing poverty and rural development. The findings underscore the importance of integrated empowerment strategies in leveraging community capital for sustainable well-being improvements.

Sociodemographic and Health Characteristics as Influencing Factors of Adolescent Marriage: A Cluster Analysis

Yuly Sulistyorini — 2025-02-25

Adolescent marriage, for those under 20 years old, in Indonesia is mainly due to early pregnancy. In Malang Regency, adolescent marriage has led to a high fertility rate among women aged 15–19 years old, reaching 46.3 births per 1,000 women in 2020. This study aims to create cluster areas with the highest incidence of female adolescent marriage based on similarities in sociodemographic and health characteristics. This study used a cross-sectional approach using data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Religious Courts, covering 33 subdistricts with 378 villages in Malang Regency, Indonesia. Sociodemographic and health characteristics were analyzed using a k-means cluster and analysis of variance utilizing ANOVA. Cluster maps were generated using the quantum geographic information system (QGIS) application. The clusters were divided into three groups. The results showed that the sociodemographic characteristics, including youth organization and rice assistance programs, and health characteristics, including the number of hospitals, community health centers, and health clinics, were the key indicators of cluster formation. The highest incidence of female adolescent marriage was observed in Cluster 2 (mountainous areas), followed by Cluster 3 (rural areas), while Cluster 1 (urban areas) had the lowest incidence.

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.