Populations

Partner selection is a complex process shaped by structural, social, and personal factors. For refugees and forced migrants, displacement and adaptation add further challenges, with families—even from far away—playing a crucial role in shaping expectations and influencing partnership decisions. This influence can be direct—through arranged marriages or introductions—or indirect, by setting expectations based on ethnicity, religion, or social status. Family endorsement is often crucial in reinforcing ethnic, religious, or language group continuity and community acceptance. This study examines the role of family in partner selection among refugees who arrived in Germany largely during the 2015–2016 period, a group characterized by a high proportion of unmarried men with limited family support. This group is compared to the German resident population, both with and without a migration background. For the descriptive analyses, we draw on two data sources: the PARFORM dataset, collected in 2022–2023, which covers male Syrian and Afghan refugees who arrived between 2014 and 2018; and the ninth wave of the CILS4EU-DE, collected in 2022. The multivariate analyses rely exclusively on the PARFORM dataset and utilize linear probability models with selection correction. We contribute to the literature in three key ways: identifying mechanisms of family influence despite physical distance; introducing a multidimensional framework to measure partnership outcomes based on ethnic, religious, and linguistic endogamy; and providing new insights into the underexplored partnership formation of this refugee cohort. Full article

Although the relationship between grandparent and grandchild is often unique due to the supportive and foundational roles grandparents can have in the lives of young or youthful grandchildren, the extent of grandparent–grandchild coresidence globally is under-researched. We harmonized household roster survey data on grandchild coresidence using population-based data on adults 55+ years across 24 countries. Grandchild coresidence rates ranged from 41.1% in Mexico to 0.1% in Sweden. Across contexts, grandchild coresidence was more common among women (compared to men), non-partnered individuals (compared to partnered individuals), those who reported difficulty with activities of daily living (compared to those without such difficulties), and those with education levels below the median (compared to those above the median). Logit regressions indicated gaps in rates of grandchild coresidence by partner status, ADL status, and education were generally not driven by income or other socio-demographic variables. Coresidence with adult grandchildren was not uncommon in most countries with non-negligible rates of grandchild coresidence. In about 25% of households of middle-aged and older adults coresiding with grandchildren, grandchildren ages 0–5 years were present. Future research should consider the meaning of grandparent–grandchild coresidence for the health outcomes of middle-aged and older adults globally, particularly when grandparents are not caregivers of grandchildren. Full article

Despite ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria, the uptake of skilled birth attendance remains persistently low, especially in rural areas. While structural and socio–demographic barriers have been widely studied, less attention has been paid to psychological determinants of maternal healthcare-seeking behavior in low-resource settings. This study explores how the locus of control influences the use of skilled birth care among postpartum women in rural Edo State, Nigeria, and whether neuroticism serves as a mediating factor in this relationship. We draw on data from a cross-sectional survey involving 1411 women aged 15–45 who had given birth within the two years preceding the study. Participants were recruited from 20 randomly selected communities across two rural Local Government Areas. Data were collected using structured interviews that included validated measures of locus of control, neuroticism, and self-reported use of skilled birth care. We applied the Baron and Kenny mediation framework using linear and logistic regression models with standardized coefficients, adjusting for education, household wealth, and women’s decision-making autonomy. The findings show that women with a more external locus of control were significantly less likely to utilize skilled birth care (p < 0.01), and that neuroticism partially mediated this effect. Higher levels of neuroticism were associated with a reduced likelihood of engaging with skilled maternity care services. These results highlight the importance of psychological traits in shaping maternal health behaviors. Integrating psychosocial interventions, such as emotional support, cognitive reframing, and community health education, into maternal healthcare programs may improve service uptake in marginalized rural populations. Full article

This study predicts how sociodemographic trends—smaller family sizes, increased longevity, and marital patterns—could affect family care for people with dementia through 2060. By coupling dementia information from the Health and Retirement Study with a well-established kinship microsimulation model, we analyze the impact of demographic changes on the future care landscape, focusing on changes in race and gender differences in two key areas: (1) the availability of family caregivers for people with dementia, and (2) the likelihood of having a family member with dementia, among those without dementia. Our model projections suggest that future dementia cohorts will be more likely to have a living spouse than the current ones, with diminishing gender disparities due to increased male longevity. However, racial disparities will persist, particularly for Black women. The likelihood of older adults lacking spouses, children, and siblings will increase, but remain low. For potential caregivers, we predict an increased likelihood and longer duration of exposure to family members with dementia in future birth cohorts, particularly for Black individuals, potentially placing more people at risk of the adverse health and well-being outcomes associated with caregiving. Full article

The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are experiencing growing inequalities in living and health conditions across the three Italian macro-areas (the North, Centre, and South and Islands), as well as between genders. This study aims to examine the sustained growth of older adults in Italy, with a particular emphasis on their most vulnerable segment—i.e., the over-85s. Drawing on mortality trends and the consequent increases in life expectancy at advanced ages, through indicators of mortality and life expectancy, the analysis explores how variations in the structure and distribution of pension benefits have produced significant territorial disparities. These disparities have, in turn, contributed to widening inequalities in household living conditions, especially regarding access to social assistance and long-term care services. Full article

Although other studies have utilized demographic variables to characterize pet owners, this study incorporates a demographic framework that considers different family structures—couples and singles, with or without children—to better understand the place of pets within families. This article explores the extent to which pets fit into families in either substitute or complementary family roles, whether the inclusion of pets in families is subject to resource constraints or cultural proclivities. Data are from the 2023 Pew Research Social Trends study, a nationally representative telephone survey of 5073 respondents, analyzed using bivariate and multinomial models. Results indicate that couples without children are just as likely to be a dog-only household as are the traditional pet-owning families of couples with young children. They are also more likely to have cats, with or without dogs, compared to couples with young children. Homeownership makes pets, especially dogs, more feasible for families. The results suggest that pets are considered as substitutes and/or complements for other family members. Pets may be more affordable and attainable substitutes and/or complements for human family members, provided there are both human and spatial resources, filling a niche created by changes in family formation patterns, while providing affection, companionship and a sense of home. Full article

Ageing in place is the ability to remain in one’s community, where living conditions foster a sense of attachment that enhances holistic well-being. To facilitate this, both the built and social environments within which the home is nested must be conducive to successful ageing. This paper deconstructs the merits of ageing in place, specifically how attachment to the lived environment contributes to holistic well-being. We analysed data from 6020 participants in the Singapore Life Panel^® using path models, where we examined three dimensions of ageing in place: place identity, continuity, and social inclusion. Five path analyses show that two dimensions of ageing in place mediated the relationship between well-being and factors such as social isolation, number of close neighbours, social support, and satisfaction with amenities, but not living arrangements. Social inclusion consistently showed no significant relationship with well-being across all models. These findings suggest that the quality of social connections, rather than physical living arrangements, is important for well-being, and that social inclusion needs to be more appropriately contextualised. Our study contributes to policy discussions on how supporting older adults to age in place can enhance their overall well-being. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap in mortality between different population groups. While socioeconomic status has been shown to be an important determinant of mortality, the relationship between migration status and mortality risk remains unclear. The objective of this paper is to explain whether and why foreign populations had a higher risk of mortality than Swiss nationals during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. We use original linked data to measure the risk of COVID-19 mortality for different groups of foreigners, compared to Swiss nationals, using logistic regression. We find that the risk of death from COVID-19 in 2020 was significantly higher for some groups of foreign nationals—but not all groups—compared to Swiss nationals. Increased mortality is observed among foreign communities who have been living in Switzerland for more than 20 years, notably, Italians, people of Balkan origin, and Latin Americans. For these three communities, we suggest that high mortality is due to a combination of overexposure, for socioeconomic reasons, and reduced access to health systems. These findings contribute to the understanding of migrant health disparities during pandemics and inform future public health interventions. Full article

I rely on the key concepts of diffusion and percolation to characterize the sequential but overlapping phases of the spread of infection through entire populations during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from Los Angeles County demonstrate an extended initial diffusion phase propelled by radial geographic spread, followed by percolation within hotspots fueled by the presence of multigenerational households. Data from New York City, by contrast, reveal rapid initial diffusion along a unique, extensive subway network. Subsequent percolation within multiple hotspots, similarly powered by a high density of multigenerational households, exerted a positive feedback effect that further enhanced diffusion. Data from Florida counties support the generality of the phenomenon of viral transmission from more mobile, younger individuals to less mobile, older individuals. Data from the South Brooklyn hotspot reveal the limitations of some forms of government regulation in controlling mobility patterns that were critical to the continued percolation of the viral infection. Data from a COVID-19 outbreak at the University of Wisconsin—Madison demonstrate the critical role of a cluster of off-campus bars as an attractor for the continued percolation of infection. The evidence also demonstrates the efficacy of quarantine as a control strategy when the hotspot is contained and well identified. Full article

This study uses data from the 2006–2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) genetic sample (N = 11,667) to explore the “immigrant health paradox” from a novel perspective by examining the nativity differences in genetic predisposition to health-related outcomes. Polygenic indices (PGIs) were used to evaluate whether older non-Hispanic white foreign-born individuals have genotypes that predispose them to better health profiles compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. The results show an immigrant advantage with respect to genetic predisposition to cognitive function, BMI, and smoking frequency. There are no significant differences in genetic predisposition to height, smoking initiation, and depression. Including respective PGIs in multinomial regression models partially explains an immigrant advantage with respect to cognitive function and obesity. The findings are consistent with the “healthy immigrant effect” or selective migration of individuals with a favorable genetic predisposition to health as one of the explanations of the immigrant health paradox. Full article

For the United States, detailed estimates of the number of resident migrants and the rates of migrant arrival are valuable for understanding population dynamics and for determining the impact of economic and political changes that influence migration. The goal of this analysis was to derive estimates of the U.S. foreign-born population and how this population has changed in recent years, as well as estimates of recent and historical immigration volumes. Using data from large population surveys (the 2000 U.S. decennial census and 2001–2019 American Community Survey (ACS)), a Bayesian evidence synthesis was conducted to pool survey data across years while accounting for various biases and logical constraints that apply to these data. This analysis produced highly disaggregated estimates of the foreign-born population residing in the United States over the period 2000–2019, as well as estimates of immigration volume for 1950–2019. These population estimates demonstrated high in- and out-of-sample predictive performance, with substantially greater precision than that for raw survey estimates. Estimated immigration flows tracked other available time series, although with higher precision and with the potential to include undocumented immigration not represented in other immigration data. This study documents immigration from 100 countries of origin into the United States and demonstrates how the results of repeated cross-sectional population surveys can be used to infer migration dynamics that are difficult to measure directly. Full article