In this study, we used data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey Wave 2014 to explore the association between tobacco use (measured in smoking habit, smoking cessation, and smoking intensity) with demographic, socioeconomic, and religious factors among the Muslim population in Indonesia ( n = 28,285). Our study found that Muslims who pray regularly as regulated in Islam are less likely to have a smoking habit or more likely to stop smoking and to smoke less. Other factors associated with no smoking or smoking less include education, having health insurance, and having a medical checkup. Reducing tobacco prevalence in Indonesia and other predominantly Muslim communities may include incorporating religious interpretation about tobacco use, education on the risk of tobacco through school systems, and increasing access to health insurance that covers addictions prevention and recovery.
This study explores the relevance of microfinance to social work in India, Indonesia, and the United States. Interviews with microfinance practitioners and social work educators and a comparison of the Master of Social Work (MSW) curricula in these countries identified the values, skills, and educational opportunities shared between the two fields. Microfinance resonates with core social work values and benefits from social work skills such as holistic assessment, interpersonal and group skills, and community organizing. Although the connection was most evident in India, microfinance has potential to be further engaged in social work profession and education in other countries.
Although better access to financial services is known to lead to various economic opportunities, most studies have approached ‘access’ as a one-dimensional variable, such as availability of services or distance to services. This study proposes approaching access as a multidimensional concept and examining its impact on household economic outcomes. Using panel survey data collected in Indonesia between 2000 and 2014, this study examines how economic, geographical and social aspects of access relate to poverty alleviation and business development outcomes. The findings suggest that the economic and social aspects of access, especially savings (both formal and informal) and knowledge of loan sources, contribute to both overall household economy and business opportunity, whereas road condition was only significant for business development. These insights could help policymakers focus on improving certain aspects of access to financial services that can lead to positive business outcomes and ultimately to socioeconomic well-being.
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