Estimation of disease outbreak vulnerability index (DOVI) and resilience index (DORI) at household-level among states of India, (2019–21)

Abstract

Resilience at the household level is crucial to reduce the impact of disease outbreaks among the mass population. The intensity and nature of preparedness of households are affected by the socio-economic disparities. This study aimed to measure the level of household resilience, by place of residence across states of India. From India's Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data, 12 indicators were taken, representing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), physical distancing, energy and communication, and economic security dimensions. Alkire and Foster's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) method was used to compute the Disease Outbreak Vulnerability Index (DOVI) and Disease Outbreak Resilience Index (DORI). Results displayed that 0.166 of households were found vulnerable and 0.834 of households were found resilient towards disease outbreaks. Rural households (0.175) were found more vulnerable than urban households (0.144), notably, in the WASH, and energy-communication dimensions, however, urban households were vulnerable in physical distancing and household economic security. Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir states revealed higher resilience, whereas, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, NCT Delhi, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, and Andhra Pradesh states showed the least resilience towards disease outbreak. This study has suggested that policymakers should focus on the WASH, electricity, and mass-media services among rural households and physical distancing, and economic security among urban households, to increase resilience and preparedness for future outbreaks, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3. D, by the end of 2030.