Related Terms

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Background

• The word "poverty" is derived from the Latin word "pauper," which means poor. Poverty, according to the World Bank, is defined as the lack of sufficient income and other basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, health, and education, which are necessary to lead a healthy life.
• Poverty is generally distinguished into absolute or extreme poverty and relative poverty. Absolute or extreme poverty, the most severe state of poverty, is a condition characterized by the deprivation of basic human necessities, such as food, shelter, safe drinking water and sanitation, healthcare, and education. Relative poverty is a condition where in the person's level of income is lower than a fixed proportion of average national income. In relative poverty, the basic human necessities for survival are met but to a minimal extent.
• The poverty line, or poverty threshold, is the minimum level of income necessary to satisfy the basic needs of life. The value could differ with place and time; each country sets a specific poverty line depending on its level of development, economy, and societal norms and values. The national poverty line in Cambodia for 2004 was 1,826 riels (equivalent to about $0.45, as per the 2004 exchange rate) per person per day. In order to assess poverty globally, an international poverty line is established, which is the average of poverty lines for the 15 poorest countries worldwide. The international poverty line is expressed as a common unit across countries. The World Bank, according to the 2005 economy, has set a common international poverty line of US$1.25 a day. Poverty threshold was invented in 1965 by Mollie Orshansky, an American economist and statistician.
• Some of the major underlying causes of poverty include economic crisis, illness and diseases, illiteracy, unemployment, natural calamities (such as drought, earthquakes, and floods), warfare, and lack of good governance. Poverty could again lead to hunger and poor health, illiteracy, unemployment, and exert a significant negative impact on the economic growth of the country. The causes and effects of poverty are thereby interrelated.
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Technique

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Theory/Evidence

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Health Impact/Safety

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Future Research or Applications

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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