Open Access

Review

Article ID: 3309

Juxtaposing overpopulation, depopulation, and population optimum paradigms in the context of the Earth carrying capacity

by Wojciech Janicki

Global Population Perspectives, Vol.1, No.1, 2025;

Studies on the threat of overpopulation of the Earth have been, as a rule, closely related to optimum population studies. At the same time, studies on depopulation have been conducted entirely separately. This paper juxtaposes the main currents of research on these three issues, trying to find an answer to the question of whether the ideas of global overpopulation and local underpopulation can be reconciled on conceptual grounds. The main research method was an in-depth analysis of scientific texts on the three concepts mentioned above. It has been proposed, first, to come to terms with the irreversibility of demographic changes accompanying social change, and second, to appreciate the role of migration as a balancing factor reconciling the demands of proponents of both extreme concepts. The latter points to a research field that has been poorly marked in the literature, the subject of which should be the analysis of the possibility of balancing local population surpluses and shortages by means of migration processes.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 3139

Review of Body Shape and Size Index and obesity insights from recent studies in Pakistan

by Waqas Ghulam Hussain, Muhammad Azeem Qureshi

Global Population Perspectives, Vol.1, No.1, 2025;

Obesity has emerged as a significant public health crisis globally, with its prevalence rising at an alarming rate across various demographics. Characterized by excessive fat accumulation, obesity is associated with numerous health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, along with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In Pakistan, the situation is particularly critical; studies indicate that adult obesity rates have increased from 21% in 2016 to 29% in 2024, while childhood obesity has surged from 9% to 19% over the same period. These trends highlight the pressing need for effective obesity assessment strategies and targeted public health interventions to mitigate the impact of obesity on health outcomes in the country. The traditional measure of obesity, the Body Mass Index (BMI), has been widely used due to its simplicity in calculating weight relative to height. While BMI provides a quick classification of individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, it has inherent limitations. BMI fails to consider variations in body composition, fat distribution, and demographic factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Reliance solely on BMI may lead to misclassification of individuals’ health risks, undermining the effectiveness of obesity management strategies. There is a growing recognition for alternative measures, including the Body Shape and Size Index (BSSI), which accounts for multiple anthropometric variables to provide a more comprehensive assessment of obesity and its associated health risks. This review focuses on methodological advancements in the field of obesity assessment, specifically the evolution of BSSI, and synthesizes findings from recent studies conducted in Pakistan. Drawing on data from diverse populations, these studies highlight the potential of BSSI to improve obesity risk stratification by integrating measurements such as body surface area (BSA), weight, and height. The use of quantile regression (QR) techniques to create growth charts for BSSI enhances understanding of body composition across different age groups and genders, offering valuable insights for public health policy formulation. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of integrating BSSI into national health monitoring systems and public health initiatives, which could lead to more effective obesity prevention and management strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of Pakistani populations. Implementing innovative assessment tools like BSSI is crucial for addressing the pressing public health crisis of obesity and improving health outcomes in diverse communities.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3361

Understanding Canadian ageing workers’ perceptions of workplace changes caused by COVID-19

by N. Renuga Nagarajan, Pamela Kaye Tuazon

Global Population Perspectives, Vol.1, No.1, 2025;

Today’s workers are remaining in the workforce longer than previous generations, resulting in a growing ageing workforce. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made retaining older workers more complex. Ageing workers were particularly vulnerable to the virus, which heightened their fear of infection and reinforced employers’ negative perceptions about their performance due to health concerns. To better understand the challenges faced by ageing workers, we conducted a survey investigating their perceptions of workplace changes caused by COVID-19. The survey instrument was systematically developed through a comprehensive literature review to ensure the clarity and relevance of questions. Our findings suggest that both health conditions and organizational support deteriorated between the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Interestingly, the number of respondents who felt comfortable with technology increased after COVID-19, indicating a growing adaptability among Canadian ageing workers.

Open Access

Editorial

Article ID: 3480

Launch of a new journal: Global Population Perspectives

by Xianhong Qin

Global Population Perspectives, Vol.1, No.1, 2025;

Along with the rapid global change, population dynamics research has become more and more crucial. The world is witnessing unprecedented shifts in population size, age structure, migration patterns, and fertility rates, which have far-reaching implications for economic development, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and public policy. There is an urgent need for a dedicated open access platform that can compile the latest research and insights in the field of demography. In this context, we are excited to introduce Global Population Perspectives. This new journal aims to be a premier venue for high-quality research and comprehensive reviews in population studies. We envision a publication that not only showcases cutting-edge research but also stimulates dialogue and collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2308

Forced marriage among Somali refugee girls: A qualitative study on poverty, gender-based violence, and human rights violations

by Andromachi Bouna-Vaila, Andriana Papadopoulou, Gerasimina-Theodora Zapanti, Aikaterini Gkountra, Nikolaos Klioumis, Athena Deligianni, Constantina Skanavis

Global Population Perspectives, Vol.1, No.1, 2025;

The political landscape of the Horn of Africa has been marked by persistent instability over recent decades. This fragility, compounded by recurrent natural disasters, has profoundly impacted civilian populations, exacerbated food insecurity and triggered widespread displacement. Heightened political tensions between federal and regional authorities during the 2020/2021 elections further hindered the implementation of judicial, constitutional, and human rights frameworks. Protracted conflicts and droughts, floods, and locust infestations have intensified the humanitarian crisis, displacing millions. Among the displaced, a significant number of children flee the Horn of Africa to escape poverty, and conflict, and in pursuit of education and a better future. However, these children often become victims of abuse, including sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), exploitation, and forced marriage—a phenomenon that has risen sharply according to recent UN reports. Forced marriage, particularly affecting women and girls, represents a severe form of GBV and a violation of fundamental human rights. Refugee women are especially vulnerable to forced marriage due to economic hardships, patriarchal structures, cultural traditions, and religious pressures. This study explores the phenomenon of forced marriage as a violation of human and children’s rights, utilizing oral testimonies from unaccompanied minor refugee girls. The research sample comprised 20 refugee girls aged 16–17, residing in an Accommodation Centre for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece. These girls, originally from Somalia, either experienced forced marriage in their home country or fled to escape impending marriages. The study employed semi-structured individual interviews to gather in-depth insights. The findings reveal interlinked issues of poverty, GBV, the social construction of childhood, and the psychosocial dimensions underpinning the culture of forced marriage. The study also highlights the influence of cultural principles and beliefs in African societies.