Journal of Population and Social Studies [JPSS]

Strategic Insights and Trends in Population Data Security for Urban Demography in Smart Cities

Herman Lawelai — 2026-07-01

This study examines how scholarship on population data security has evolved within urban demography and smart city research. Using a scientometric and bibliometric design, the study analyzed Scopus-indexed publications from 2014 to 2023 with RStudio/Bibliometrix and CiteSpace to map publication growth, international collaboration, keyword trends, citation bursts, conceptual clusters, and thematic evolution. The findings show rapid publication growth, with a marked increase in 2023, and identify China, India, and the United States as major collaboration hubs. Topic mapping indicates a shift from general smart city and Internet of Things security concerns toward blockchain, machine learning, privacy by design, advanced analytics, and decentralized data governance. The conceptual structure reveals three interconnected knowledge clusters: information security governance, technical cybersecurity implementation, and urban infrastructure management. This study contributes to population and social studies by clarifying how data protection, demographic governance, and digital urban infrastructure intersect in smart city development. Rather than proposing a new framework, it synthesizes the intellectual structure of the field and offers evidence-based insights for strengthening privacy protection, institutional coordination, and adaptive cybersecurity governance in future smart cities.

Exploring the Struggles of Caregivers of Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Implications for Social Work Services in Malaysia

Surendran Rajaratnam — 2026-06-24

Childhood cancer can cause extreme discomfort and stress for the caregivers of affected children. These challenges affect caregivers and their children and need to be recognized and addressed. This study used individual, in-depth interviews to explore the challenges faced by caregivers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Malaysia, to identify the social work services available to them, and to understand the support they need. The interviews with eight informants were transcribed, translated, and systematically analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify emerging themes and patterns. The study highlights several issues and coping strategies: financial burdens from indirect treatment costs and job or income loss; medical caregiving responsibilities, including accompanying their child during admission, treatment, and prolonged hospital stay; difficulties in addressing and providing for their ill child’s emotional needs and those of their other children; social support received from close and extended family members, and friends. There are also coping strategies, such as comparing one’s child with other children in the ward who are in a more disadvantaged condition, talking to other caregivers, and sharing information and experiences. The study provides recommendations for oncology social work services in the country’s healthcare system.

Family Well-Being, Hardiness, and Coping Under Socioeconomic Disruption: Evidence From Thai Families Raising Young Children Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sawitri Thayansin — 2026-06-23

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified vulnerabilities among families raising young children, particularly those exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Evidence remains limited on how family well-being, resilience orientations, and coping interact under sustained structural constraint in middle-income contexts. This mixed-methods study examined family well-being, family hardiness, and family coping among 212 Thai families raising children aged 0–6 years with ACE scores ≥ 2 in Bangkok, of whom 26.9% had ACE scores ≥ 4. Quantitative analyses used descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation, complemented by qualitative interviews. Overall family well-being was moderate (M = 3.38), with stronger relational and value-based domains but weaker economic conditions. Families demonstrated high family hardiness (M = 42.32), particularly in cohesion and commitment, alongside limited perceived control. Family well-being was strongly associated with family hardiness (r = .64) and moderately associated with family coping (r = .46). Qualitative findings highlighted self-reliance and emotional endurance amid economic insecurity. These findings suggest that families sustain relational well-being through internal resilience orientations despite structural constraints. Family hardiness serves as a foundational resource, while coping operates within bounded conditions, underscoring the need for policies that address material vulnerability, including income security and accessible childcare support, particularly among single-parent and skipped-generation households.

Urban–Rural Differences in the Determinants of Depression Among Mothers of Children Under Five in Indonesia

Tri Wurisastuti — 2026-06-23

Mothers of children under five are vulnerable to depression, which may adversely affect child growth and development. This study examined urban–rural differences in the biopsychosocial determinants of maternal depression in Indonesia. Data were obtained from the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey and included 70,851 mothers with children aged 0–59 months. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and determinants were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. In urban areas, maternal depression was associated with younger maternal age (15–19 years; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.14, 95% CI [2.15, 7.94]), current pregnancy (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI [1.54, 3.43]), and chronic disease (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI [2.08, 3.95]), unintended pregnancy (AOR = 3.50, 95% CI [2.76, 4.44]), divorced status (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI [1.59, 4.27]), unemployment (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.43, 2.28]), and lower educational attainment. In rural areas, depression was associated with chronic disease (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI [1.37, 3.66]), unintended pregnancy (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI [1.79, 3.95]), unemployment (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.15, 1.98]), and divorced status (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI [1.94, 6.14]). These findings demonstrate distinct urban–rural patterns in the determinants of maternal depression, highlighting the importance of context-specific maternal mental health interventions.

Occupational Mismatch and Income Effects in Indonesia’s Gig Economy: A Gender Perspective

Axellina Muara Setyanti — 2026-06-22

This study examines the relationship between occupational mismatch and income in Indonesia’s gig economy, with particular attention to gender differences. Using nationally representative data from the 2020 Indonesian National Labor Force Survey, gig workers are identified based on self-employment status and digital engagement in work activities. To address potential endogeneity, this study employs a treatment-effects model using district-level mismatch rates as an instrumental variable. The results show a negative association between occupational mismatch and income, indicating that mismatched workers have lower income than their well-matched counterparts after accounting for selection bias. This finding is consistent across ordinary least squares (OLS), propensity score matching (PSM), and treatment-effects models, supporting the robustness of the results. Gender-disaggregated analysis further shows that the negative effect is statistically significant for male workers but not for female workers, indicating important gender heterogeneity. Quantile regression results show that income penalties are present across the income distribution for male workers and become more pronounced at higher income levels. In contrast, the estimated effects for female workers remain statistically insignificant across quantiles. These findings suggest that occupational mismatch in digitally mediated labor markets reflects structural constraints rather than efficient skill allocation. This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence on the distributional and gender-specific effects of occupational mismatch. It also offers policy implications for improving skill alignment and reducing regional labor-market disparities.

Trends and Determinants of Condom Use Among Indonesian Adolescents: Evidence from 2007–2017 IDHS

Shabrina Arifia Qatrannada — 2026-06-22

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia, particularly amid increasing reports of unprotected premarital sex. In 2022, adolescents accounted for approximately 50% of new HIV cases, underscoring the need for improved protection and education. This study aimed to examine trends in condom use among Indonesian adolescents from 2007 to 2017 and identify factors associated with protected sexual behavior. Data were drawn from three waves of the Indonesian Demographic and Health Surveys (IDHS) conducted in 2007, 2012, and 2017 using a two-stage stratified sampling design. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. The proportion of adolescents reporting protected sex increased from 11.8% in 2007 to 20.6% in 2012, followed by a slight decline to 18.1% in 2017. HIV stigma was associated with a lower likelihood of condom use in 2017 (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.57, 0.97]). Male adolescents had higher odds of condom use across survey years, as did adolescents residing in urban areas. Adolescents aged 18–24 and those with higher education showed increased odds of condom use in 2017. Exposure to condom-related information on television was consistently associated with higher odds of protected sex. In contrast, adolescents reporting sexual activity with non–sex workers had a lower likelihood of condom use in 2017 (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.13, 0.70]). Although condom use has improved over time, its overall prevalence remains low. Strengthening comprehensive sexuality education and addressing structural and sociocultural determinants are essential to improve protective sexual behaviors among adolescents.

Bodily Practices and Subjectivities of Lao Migrant Female Sex Workers in a Thai Border Town

Theeraporn Chaimala — 2026-06-19

This study examines the bodily practices of Lao female sex workers in a Thai border town, focusing on how these practices are shaped by subjectivity and negotiated within a context of transnational mobility and legal ambiguity. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study draws on in-depth and narrative interviews, as well as participant observation, with 20 Lao women. Findings show that bodily practices—such as cosmetic surgery, skin whitening, and emotional labor—are strategies of negotiation and identity-making within the ambiguities of borderland sex work. By foregrounding the body as a site of negotiation and agency, this study contributes to scholarship on migration and gender studies by illustrating how bodily practices serve as proactive tools for self-fashioning and agency within the complexities of borderland sex work.

Age-Specific Patterns and Dual Economic Burden of Dyadic Chronic Disease Combinations Among Older Inpatients in Inner Mongolia, China

Bensong Xian — 2026-06-12

With global aging and rising multimorbidity, China’s large older population strains its healthcare system. This study analyzes age‑specific patterns and dual economic burden (medical and out‑of‑pocket expenses) of common dyadic chronic disease combinations among older inpatients in Inner Mongolia. Using multistage random sampling, we analyzed data from six hospitals (four secondary, two tertiary) in 2022. Patients aged ≥50 years with a diagnosis of a chronic disease were included. The ten most frequent dyadic combinations were extracted from the first five diagnoses. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA were used (p < .05). Among 106,202 older inpatients, 73.8% had multimorbidity, and 27.7% presented dyadic combinations. The ten most common combinations (n = 5,190) showed age-clustering (p < .001). Hypertension appeared in six of the top ten patterns, highlighting its pivotal role. “Hypertension + Joint arthrosis” was the costliest, with mean expenses 3.0 and 3.2 times the overall averages for medical and out-of-pocket expenses. Three distinct cost patterns emerged: increasing, declining in the oldest‑old, and stable. High-cost combinations showed financial-risk heterogeneity, especially for cancer patients aged ≥ 80 years. Dyadic combinations are pivotal in multimorbidity progression, and age interacts with disease patterns to shape economic burden. Therefore, tiered, age‑specific interventions are essential to mitigate risk and optimize resource use.

Development and Dispossession: Land-Use Transformation and Conflict in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Chainarong Krueanuan — 2026-06-05

This study examines conflicts arising from land-use reorganization in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), focusing on Chachoengsao province and the Chachoengsao-Chon Buri border areas. The analysis is grounded in the concept of accumulation by dispossession. The study employs qualitative methods, including documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings show that land-use conflicts within the EEC constitute a complex arena involving state agencies, private capital, and civil society networks. These conflicts emerge from interactions between centralized legal mechanisms, land-use planning decisions, and development discourses. Land-use reorganization has transformed agricultural and community lands into industrial zones, leading to dispossession, livelihood insecurity, and unequal power relations. Conflicts unfold through negotiation, social mobilization, and legal contestation. Theoretically, this study contributes to debates on accumulation by dispossession by demonstrating how dispossession occurs through planning processes, land-use reclassification, and regulatory arrangements before direct land acquisition. The findings also extend debates on land conflict in the Global South by highlighting policy-driven forms of dispossession shaped through planning and development frameworks. The study recommends balancing industrial development with the protection of community resources through participatory planning and inclusive land-use governance.

Experiences, Challenges, and Practices in Accessing Digital Health Services Among Manipuri Indigenous Older Adults in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

Amina Khatun — 2026-05-29

Employing a qualitative design, this study investigates how indigenous Manipuri older adults in Bangladesh access and use digital health services to manage their health needs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 older members of the Manipuri community and four key informants, including retired teachers and a religious leader. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure relevance and depth of insight. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns related to digital health engagement. The findings indicate that most participants had limited awareness and understanding of digital health platforms and services. Older adults often relied on younger family members to schedule medical appointments and access online consultations, including telemedicine services provided from India. Educational background, age, religious beliefs, language proficiency, and technological skills influence their access to and engagement with digital health resources. Many participants preferred health programs broadcast on Indian Manipuri television channels as these aligned with their language and cultural identity. The study highlights the importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives, linguistic needs, and cultural contexts into digital health strategies to improve access to and adoption of e-health services among marginalized populations in Bangladesh.

Performance Analysis and Science Mapping of Agricultural Research Within the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework: A Bibliometric Analysis Using the Scopus Database

Jesika Ghatode — 2026-05-24

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established to eradicate poverty, achieve food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and develop resilient communities, making sustainable livelihoods a global priority. As a key livelihood sector, agriculture plays a central role in advancing these goals, particularly for vulnerable populations in the Global South. While agricultural sustainability has been widely studied through various lenses, there is growing interest in using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to explore the complex interplay among social, economic, and environmental factors shaping rural livelihoods. This study contributes to the literature through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis that maps the evolution of agricultural research within the SLF. Drawing on 1,977 documents indexed in the Scopus database (1960–2023), it employs performance analysis to identify influential authors, institutions, countries, and journals. It further applies scientific mapping to trace thematic shifts and collaboration networks. The thematic analysis reveals that clusters such as livelihood–resilience–sustainability occupy a central position, indicating their role as the primary drivers of contemporary sustainable livelihood scholarship. In contrast, themes such as climate change, adaptation, vulnerability, sustainable livelihoods, and livelihood assets, particularly in lower-income contexts like Ghana, appear as basic yet underdeveloped, signaling critical research gaps. By identifying these uneven thematic trajectories, the study offers new theoretical insights into how the SLF has been operationalized in agricultural research and provides evidence-based guidance for policymakers and researchers seeking to strengthen livelihood resilience and sustainability in vulnerable agrarian contexts.

Clinical Prediction Model for Predicting Risk of Failure from Non-Pharmacological Treatment in Smoking Cessation

Patchaya Kochsiripong — 2026-05-22

In Thailand, smoking cessation treatment primarily relies on counseling. Identifying patients at risk of treatment failure early could help healthcare providers tailor more effective interventions. This study aimed to develop a clinical prediction model to assess the risk of failure in non-pharmacological smoking cessation therapy. Retrospective cohort data were collected from medical records at the Rangsit FahSai Clinic, Rangsit University, between June 18, 2014, and November 16, 2023. The primary outcome was treatment failure at six months post-treatment. Stepwise backward logistic regression was used to develop the model. Discriminative performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, while calibration was evaluated with calibration plots and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. A total of 316 participants were included, with an 81.3% treatment failure rate. Clinical prediction factors included stage of change, severity of nicotine dependence, gender, having a spouse/partners/children, and health issues. The model showed acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI [0.69, 0.82]) and accurate predictions, as indicated by the calibration plot and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (p = 0.479). Patients scoring 5.5 or higher on the 11-point prediction model should be considered for pharmacological interventions to improve cessation outcomes.

‘Please Let Me Breathe’: A Case Study of Digital Parenting Beliefs and Fears Among Middle-Class Thai Generation Y Parents in Bangkok

Chulanee Thianthai — 2026-05-15

In Thailand’s hyperconnected society, middle-class Thai Generation Y parents—raised alongside the internet—are now navigating parenting in a digital age where screens are ever-present. This qualitative study examines how Generation Y parents of children aged 3–6 integrate digital technology into their parenting, the fears they associate with its use, and the belief systems that shape these perceptions. Based on in-depth interviews with fourteen Bangkok-based parents, the data were thematically analyzed to uncover key patterns. The findings reveal that digital technology serves multiple roles in daily parenting: as a caregiver, a pacifier, an educator, and a surveillance tool. Parents expressed seven core fears, including exposure to harmful content, emotional disturbance, developmental delays, pseudo-autism, attention deficits, vision problems, and poor socialization. These fears reflect a hybrid belief system shaped by Western medical knowledge, Buddhist morals, Eastern family norms, and parental intuition. Thus, daily parents of this generation act like negotiators and protectors, balancing institutional guidance and personal judgment. In conclusion, the study moves beyond binary views of techno-optimism and techno-fear, revealing how culturally embedded belief systems shape digital parenting. These insights offer a valuable foundation for reflecting on digital parenting frameworks that are more nuanced and that recognize the various layers that respond to local realities.

Citizenship on Trial: The NRC, Exclusion, and the Making of Foreigners in Assam, India

Bidhayak Das — 2026-05-08

This paper examines the evolution and enforcement of the ‘foreigner’ category in Assam, India, focusing on how the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has produced exclusionary citizenship and statelessness. It asks how and why the notion of the ‘foreigner’ has taken shape in Assam, and what sustains its persistence in contemporary state practice. The study shows that citizenship in Assam is determined less by legal rights than by descent, ethnicity, and documentary proof, resulting in the disproportionate exclusion of linguistic, religious, and gender minorities. Drawing on documentary analysis and ethnographically inspired fieldwork that foregrounds lived experiences, the paper traces how colonial, Partition, and post-Partition anxieties have crystallized into a regime of suspicion and surveillance. It demonstrates that bureaucratic discretion, legal ambiguity, and inconsistent NRC procedures have institutionalized widespread legal limbo and arbitrary exclusion, producing deep social and psychological harm. Assam’s experience illustrates how securitized citizenship regimes erode the “right to have rights” and signal broader patterns of democratic erosion in India and South Asia.

Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Postpartum Mothers at Independent Midwifery Practices Across Bengkulu City, Indonesia

Indah Muthara — 2026-04-30

Breastfeeding self-efficacy reflects a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed successfully, particularly during the early postpartum period. This study aimed to determine factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy among postpartum mothers. This study used an analytical survey method with a cross-sectional design. A total of 105 mothers, 3–4 days postpartum, participated in this study. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the Chi-square test, and multivariate analysis with logistic regression to identify the dominant factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy. The results showed that parity (p = .028), previous breastfeeding experience (p = .026), and husband’s support (p < .001) were significantly associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy. Employment status (p = .452), education level (p = 1.000), and health worker support (p = .062) were not significantly associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy. Husband’s support was the strongest predictor of early postpartum breastfeeding self-efficacy (OR = 27.715). Breastfeeding self-efficacy among postpartum mothers is influenced by parity, breastfeeding experience, and husband’s support, where husband’s support is the most dominant factor. Mothers who receive support from their husbands demonstrate higher levels of early breastfeeding self-efficacy. Educational programs that involve husbands, empower new mothers, and increase support from health workers are important steps toward improving breastfeeding outcomes.

Determinants of Maternal Adaptation to Childhood Vaccination in 21st-Century Southernmost Thailand

Anlaya Smuseneto — 2026-04-26

This study investigates maternal behavioral adaptation toward childhood immunization within the sociocultural context of Southernmost Thailand, evaluating how individual capacities and contextual correlates influence vaccination completion. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,200 mothers of children aged five years or older in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Using a three-stage, stratified, multi-stage random sampling technique, geographic and demographic representativeness was ensured. Data were collected via structured interviews using a validated instrument (IOC ≥ 0.60), and binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant predictors of immunization adherence. Results indicated a childhood vaccination completion rate of 63.7%. Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal adaptation was strongly driven by socio-economic stability and modern health literacy. Mothers with stable socio-demographic profiles, particularly government officials (OR = 7.98; 95% CI [2.67, 23.81]) and business owners (OR = 6.74; 95% CI [2.54, 17.87]), had significantly higher odds of completing. High service satisfaction (OR = 4.39; 95% CI [3.09, 6.23]) and maternal COVID-19 vaccination history (OR = 3.28; 95% CI [1.53, 4.22]) emerged as robust positive predictors. Conversely, specific contextual determinants, including paternal decision-making authority and vaccine safety anxiety, significantly hindered adherence, reflecting the enduring influence of traditional patriarchal structures. The persistent disparity in Southernmost Thailand is driven by a complex interplay between modern enablers and traditional constraints. Strictly medical or economic approaches are insufficient to address this variation in uptake, as barriers are deeply rooted in the region’s unique sociocultural and structural scaffolding. Future public health interventions should prioritize precision public health and improvements in service design while addressing patriarchal influences and linguistic gaps to bridge the existing coverage deficit.

A Sustainable Sufficiency Economy Model Based on Community Identity in Security-Challenged Areas: A Case Study of Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces

Danuvat Suwanvong — 2026-04-17

This study aims to examine current contextual and spatial changes in Thailand’s southern border provinces, assess residents’ quality of life amid persistent security challenges, analyze security-related environmental factors that influence everyday life, and develop a sustainable sufficiency-economy model grounded in community identity within security-challenged contexts. This study employed a mixed-methods design that integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 representatives from government agencies and a focus group with 30 community leaders. Semi-structured interview guides and focus group protocols were employed, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. For the quantitative component, surveys were administered to 384 residents in the southern border provinces, and the data were analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings revealed three significant contextual challenges: ongoing unrest and security issues; the spread of drug abuse; and the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects and Malaysia’s rapid development. Regarding quality of life, concerns emerged in four areas: rising chronic conditions such as office syndrome, increased cases of depression and anxiety, persistent economic hardship and unemployment, and heightened feelings of insecurity in daily life. Survey results confirmed that the environmental dimension of quality of life scored lowest, particularly with respect to financial sufficiency for basic needs. Despite these challenges, the findings indicate that substantial social and cultural capital remains in the region, reflected in high evaluations of several security-environment dimensions, except for the economic dimension. Based on these findings, the proposed model for a sustainable sufficiency economy consists of six mechanisms: network building, participatory research, knowledge-based learning, communication for change, behavioral incentives, and community-based development through integrated collaboration. The study highlights how community identity and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy can be mobilized to enhance quality of life, strengthen security, and promote sustainable development in security-challenged border areas.

Core Competencies, Challenges, and Predictive Factors in Health Service Management: A Study of Transferred Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals in Phitsanulok

Phitsanu Aphisamacharayothin — 2026-04-10

The transfer of Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals to the Provincial Administrative Organization aims to improve primary care but faces management and workforce challenges, particularly in core competencies. This study assessed core competencies among staff of SHPHs transferred to the Phitsanulok PAO, identified related factors and challenges, and proposed policy recommendations. A mixed-method approach was conducted across 47 decentralized SHPHs, including qualitative interviews with 16 executives and staff and a quantitative survey (n = 141). Results showed high competency levels across all eight domains, with mean scores (M) ranging from 3.82 to 4.06 and standard deviations (SD) ranging from 0.609 to 0.764 on a 5-point scale. Personal factors, including job position, age, and work experience, were significantly associated with specific domains. Organizational factors, such as workforce development support, participation support, internal communication, resource management, and PAO support, were positively and significantly correlated with all domains. Predictive analysis indicated that these factors (β = 0.034–0.123) significantly enhanced competencies, with participation support identified as the most significant predictor, followed by internal communication. This suggests that policy-makers should prioritize inclusive governance and effective communication to enhance workforce readiness. Qualitative findings highlighted challenges of limited access, staff shortages, and outdated systems, whereas enablers included community engagement, leadership, integrated data, and professional development. While high competencies reflect strong workforce resilience, overcoming the resilience–infrastructure paradox through systemic and technological upgrades is essential for sustainable decentralized health management.

Rural Migration in Korea: Patterns and Implications Under Rapid Fertility Decline

Seong Cheon Choi — 2026-04-03

Studies on South Korea’s population have primarily relied on aggregate data or focused exclusively on urban areas. However, rural population dynamics differ significantly from national trends, making it challenging to apply national population projections directly to rural and agricultural populations. This study estimates the in-migration and out-migration rates of rural areas using municipality-level statistical data from 2012 to 2022 and forecasts regional net migration rates. The population is categorized by gender and age group, and in-migration and out-migration rates are estimated for each cohort. Given that regional migration rates are non-negative, the Tobit model is employed for the estimation. The analysis reveals heterogeneity in migration behaviors across different demographic groups. In particular, young adults in their twenties exhibit the highest out-migration rates, mainly due to limited access to higher education and employment opportunities in rural areas. In contrast, for individuals in their thirties and early forties, the availability of childcare and family-supportive environments plays a significant role in migration decisions. These findings highlight the need for differentiated policy strategies tailored to the specific needs of each age group. This study enhances understanding of rural population dynamics and provides evidence to inform the formulation of regional revitalization policies.

Irregular Migration Through the Lens of Migration Theories: Testing Classical Theories in Explaining Visa Overstay in South Korea

Bilol Buzurukov — 2026-03-27

The Republic of Korea presents an interesting case for testing the predictive power of migration theories in explaining a specific group of undocumented migrants: visa overstayers. Studies of irregular migration often overlook the potential of migration theories to explain migrants’ decisions to overstay their visas. Against this background, this study attempted to contribute to understanding the main drivers of irregular migration to the Republic of Korea from 143 countries between 2003 and 2013. Building on a synthesis of existing migration theories and their testing in the context of U.S. irregular migration, we replicated the analysis for the Korean case using five prevailing migration theories. The findings suggest that the neoclassical theory of migration, segmented labor market theory, and social capital theory are the most effective in explaining variations in irregular migration. Overall, our results are consistent with the predictions of international migration theories, except for social capital theory. Contrary to the generally accepted hypothesis, this study found that greater social capital among Korean migrants is more likely to facilitate legal migration, thereby reducing the need for undocumented stay. Owing to differences in how men and women decide to overstay their visas, we also conducted a gendered analysis. Strict measures against migrant violations, such as deportation, have a deterrent effect on female visa overstays, but do not affect their male counterparts. On the other hand, a strong driver of both female and male undocumented migration remains the labor demand for cheap, low-skilled foreign workers.

Combined WhatsApp and Face-to-Face Intervention Improves Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices in Indonesia: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Study

Eka Nurhayati — 2026-03-13

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a WhatsApp-delivered infant and young child feeding (IYCF) education program for Indonesian women pregnant with their first or second child, and changes in local community health worker (‘cadre’) knowledge and skills following program implementation. A longitudinal quasi-experimental design was used with 24 trained cadres who delivered three WhatsApp video counselling sessions, three consultations with a nutritionist, and monthly home visits from late pregnancy through seven months postpartum; control participants received standard prenatal care. Knowledge and skills were assessed pre- and post-training, and breastfeeding outcomes among women (n = 113) were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for key sociodemographic and clinical factors. Cadres showed significant increases in IYCF knowledge after training, although skill levels did not change. Early initiation of breastfeeding increased from 7.1% to 54.4% in the intervention group, with intervention participants having higher odds of early initiation than controls (OR = 4.3, p < .05). Exclusive breastfeeding was also more common in the intervention group (80.7% vs. 58.9%) (OR = 3.02, p < .05). Maternal age and type of delivery were significantly associated with early initiation (OR = 4.4, p < .05; OR = 3.0, p < .05). Findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of mobile IYCF education to strengthen maternal practices and support stunting prevention.

Spatial Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases in Indonesia: Patterns, Clusters, and Environmental Determinants

Muhammad Nur Aidi — 2026-03-06

Indonesia’s vast geography, high population density, and environmental diversity contribute to uneven patterns of infectious disease transmission. This study aims to explore the spatial distribution and environmental influences of seven key infectious diseases—acute respiratory infections (ARI), pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, diarrhea, malaria, and filariasis—across the country's 34 provinces. We used data from the 2018 National Health Survey and the 2018 Environmental Quality Index (EQI). Spatial statistical techniques—including the Variance Mean Ratio (VMR), Moran’s I, Moran Scatter Plots, and Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) modeling—were applied to detect spatial clustering, spatial autocorrelation, and neighborhood effects. We also examined the role of environmental quality in shaping disease patterns. Most infectious diseases demonstrated significant spatial clustering, with Java Island and its surrounding areas showing the highest concentration. Strong spatial correlations were observed among ARI, pneumonia, TB, hepatitis, diarrhea, and filariasis. In contrast, malaria displayed a distinct, uncorrelated pattern. SAR modeling revealed positive spatial spillover effects, indicating that neighboring provinces influenced disease occurrences in the province under study. Moreover, provinces with higher EQI scores tended to have lower rates of ARI, TB, diarrhea, and other diseases—except for malaria, which followed a different pattern. The findings suggest that infectious disease patterns in Indonesia are not random but geographically clustered and environmentally influenced. Targeted health interventions that consider both spatial dynamics and environmental quality are essential for effective disease control and prevention.

Essential Indicators and Stunting Prevalence: An Aggregate Analysis in the Locus Villages of the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program

Heryudarini Harahap — 2026-02-23

The analysis aimed to evaluate the attainment of essential indicators of stunting prevalence in local villages under the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program. Data were sourced from the Emonev Stunting Ministry of Home Affairs Dashboard, comprising aggregated information from 232 locus villages across 12 districts/cities in Riau Province for 2023. Stunting prevalence was the dependent variable, whereas essential attainment indicators served as the independent variables. Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses were performed. The findings revealed that 15 fundamental indicators, including exclusive breastfeeding (52,9%), did not meet the targets. Indicators that achieved targets included adolescent girls consuming iron pills, reduced unwanted pregnancies, adequate complementary feeding for children aged 6–23 months, and management services for malnourished children under the age of five. Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of stunting (r = -0.134, p < .05). Interventions targeting exclusive breastfeeding could reduce stunting by up to 6.9% per 1% increase in coverage. The analysis emphasized the importance of improving essential indicators that remain below target indicators that directly influence stunting, such as exclusive breastfeeding, and require specific interventions. Recommendations include addressing the underlying challenges and providing lactation counselors at health centers in locus villages to promote breastfeeding practices and reduce stunting prevalence.

Toward a Thai-Specific Generational Cohort Framework: A Basic Individual Values Perspective

Nuttapol Assarut — 2026-02-13

This study takes a step toward developing a Thai-specific generational cohort framework grounded in the country’s historical, economic, and social transformations. Drawing on Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Individual Values, the study examines how shared formative experiences are reflected in relative value prioritization across generational cohorts. Using secondary survey data from Thailand, the study employs a comparative cohort-based analysis to contrast the proposed Thai generational classification with the U.S.-based generational framework commonly used in prior research. The results indicate that the Thai classification offers a more nuanced and culturally grounded segmentation, capturing generational differences that are less apparent when Western cohort definitions are applied. In particular, younger Thai cohorts place greater relative emphasis on Face and Conformity, while patterns in Achievement, Security, and Universalism diverge from those observed under U.S.-based cohort classifications. These findings contribute to the literature on generational analysis by demonstrating the value of context-specific cohort frameworks and highlighting the importance of incorporating national historical and socio-economic conditions when studying generational value differences. The results have implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who rely on generational classifications in the Thai context.

Conditional Cash Transfer and Food Insecurity: Evidence from Low-Income Households With Children in Indonesia

Adnan Abdurrahman — 2026-02-06

This study examines the link between conditional cash transfers (CCTs) and food insecurity among low-income households with children in Indonesia, using data from the 2022 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS). The insecurity is assessed using calorie intake and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), while the link is examined using binary and ordinal logistic regression models. The results indicate that insecurity is substantially higher than estimates: 82.37% based on calorie intake and 32.61% based on the FIES. These percentages highlight the disproportionate burden of food insecurity faced by vulnerable groups, with the prevalence being the highest in eastern Indonesia, particularly in Maluku, Papua, and Nusa Tenggara. The results also show that CCT is associated with a lower likelihood of both calorie- and FIES-based food insecurity.

Trends in Research on Sustainable Development of Craft Village Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis Using CiteSpace Software

Nguyen Quang Vu — 2026-01-31

This study examines global research trends on sustainable development in craft village tourism from 1976 to 2024 using CiteSpace software, explicitly to address a critical structural and conceptual gap in the existing literature: a lack of a macro-level, systematic synthesis of the field. A dataset of 185 documents drawn from the Scopus and Web of Science databases was analyzed to identify key themes, influential authors, and collaborative networks. Results show an evolving focus—from early works on cultural preservation and traditional crafts toward multifaceted approaches encompassing economic sustainability, environmental management, and community-based strategies. Despite a recent surge in publications, co-authorship and keyword analysis reveal moderate to low network densities, indicating fragmented collaboration and limited thematic integration. Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, leads empirical research on heritage conservation and community empowerment, while China and developed countries often contribute frameworks for policy and technology adoption. Emerging topics include digital transformation, circular economy models, and post-pandemic resilience. Future studies should establish standardized sustainability criteria, strengthen cross-regional partnerships, and apply advanced digital tools to enhance stakeholder engagement. By converging cultural preservation, economic viability, and environmental stewardship, craft village tourism can be positioned as a resilient and equitable model of rural development.