Levels Of Social Vulnerability Research Articles

Assessing building thermal resilience in response to heatwaves through integrating a social vulnerability lens

Major cities worldwide are increasingly experiencing intense heatwaves, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. This suggests the urgent need for focused attention and mitigation strategies to protect those most at risk from the impacts of heatwaves. The presence of vulnerable groups in buildings with varying thermal conditions can result in different outcomes during extreme heat events, making it crucial to evaluate the thermal resilience of buildings in conjunction with social vulnerability. This research advances the understanding of thermal vulnerability by integrating building thermal characteristics with social vulnerability. While previous studies have predominantly focused on socio-ethnic and economic dimensions of vulnerability, this study specifically investigates the relationship between social vulnerability and thermal resilience, with a focus on building thermal parameters. Datasets from Zillow and ResStock are used to capture the thermal properties of buildings, while social vulnerability data is obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB) model is applied to enhance building envelope attributes from Zillow, leveraging detailed information from ResStock data. Additionally, a Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test is conducted to analyze diverse thermal attributes, such as age of buildings, room size, number of stories, building area, envelope characteristics, systems, infiltration, across differing levels of social vulnerability (high and low). Specifically, Philadelphia is selected as the analysis focus. The analysis reveals significant associations between thermal resilience and social vulnerability. Groups with higher social vulnerability are more likely to be exposed to elevated levels of thermal vulnerability compared to less vulnerable groups. This highlights the necessity for tailored interventions aimed at promoting the development of more resilient and equitable buildings, capable of reducing the impacts of heatwaves on vulnerable communities.

Assessing Greece’s social vulnerability patterns in times of perma-crisis (2008–2022)

IntroductionThe study aims to map and analyse the development of social vulnerability patterns in Greece through a perma-crisis context (economic crisis, austerity, covid-19, energy, and inflation crisis) over the period 2008-2022.MethodsThe paper rests on the construction of a composite index of four key pillars of social vulnerability (employment, living conditions, health, and education) consisting of 15 selected variables obtained from the official Eurostat datasets and using PCA analysis.ResultsOur findings show that social vulnerability patterns in Greece demonstrate a considerable shift during the stated period where certain social groups (i.e., NEETs and precarious workers) seem to suffer the most. The first pattern (2008-2016) is largely characterized by the intensity and severity of the economic crisis and austerity measures, which contributed to the exacerbation of social vulnerability. The second pattern (2017-2022) presents a gradual decline mainly due to the recovery of the economy and a decrease in unemployment rates featuring a strong tendency to reach the pre-crisis levels in the years to come.DiscussionThe high levels of social vulnerability leading to social exclusion, poverty, and the widening of inequalities, impede the country’s resilience and recovery efforts and undermine social cohesion.

Triple exposure: the geographic correlation between flood risk, climate skepticism, and social vulnerability in the United States

Abstract This study investigates the geographic correlation between flood risk, climate skepticism, and social vulnerability across the United States. Our results reveal a systematic underestimation of flood risk in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps, especially in Appalachia, parts of New England, and the Northwest. These three regions face two additional risks: high levels of social vulnerability and skepticism about climate change. Nationally, there is a statisically significant correlation (0.19, p < 0.005) between flood risk and climate change skepticism, which increases (0.28, p < 0.005) in regions with high FEMA undercounts and elevated flood risk. Climate change skepticism manifests as distrust in science, an underestimation of property and community risk, and a resistance to mitigation and adaptation efforts. Indicators of social vulnerability, such as poverty rates, physical disabilities, unemployment, households in mobile homes, and lack of vehicle access, are especially pronounced in Appalachia. Addressing this geographically-embedded triple exposure—flood risk, social vulnerability, climate change skepticism— requires strategies to enhance local resilience. These include revising the 100-year floodplain categorization in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program to better reflect climate change, conducting public education campaigns in vulnerable communities, and scaling-up financial assistance for flood mitigation and adaptation projects.

Community-Level Social Vulnerability and Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Receipt Among Medicare Enrollees With Arthritis.

(1) Explore associations between county minority health social vulnerability index (MH-SVI) and total joint replacement (TJR), and (2) assess associations by individual-level race/ethnicity. An expanded understanding of relevant social determinants of health is essential to inform policies and practices that promote equitable access to hip and knee TJR. Retrospective cohort study of Medicare enrollees. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data were linked with MH-SVI. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the odds of TJR according to the MH-SVI quartile in which enrollees resided. A total of 10,471,413 traditional Medicare enrollees in 2018 aged 67 years or older with arthritis. The main outcome was enrollee primary TJR during hospitalization. The main exposure was the MH-SVI (composite and 6 themes) for the county of enrollee residence. Results were stratified by enrollee race/ethnicity. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Black or African American (Black), and Hispanic enrollees comparatively had 26%-41% lower odds of receiving TJR than White enrollees. Residing in counties within the highest quartile of composite and socioeconomic status vulnerability measures were associated with lower TJR overall and by race/ethnicity. Residing in counties with increased medical vulnerability for Black and White enrollees, housing type and transportation vulnerability for AANHPI and Hispanic enrollees, minority status and language theme for AANHPI enrollees, and household composition vulnerability for White enrollees were also associated with lower TJR. Higher levels of social vulnerability were associated with lower TJR. However, the association varied by individual race/ethnicity. Implementing multisectoral strategies is crucial for ensuring equitable access to care.

Lower social vulnerability is associated with a higher prevalence of social media-involved violent crimes in Prince George’s County, Maryland, 2018–2023

BackgroundSocial vulnerability may play a role in social media-involved crime, but few studies have investigated this issue. We investigated associations between social vulnerability and social media-involved violent crimes.MethodsWe analyzed 22,801 violent crimes occurring between 2018 and 2023 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Social media involvement was obtained from crime reports at the Prince George’s County Police Department. Social media application types included social networking, advertising/selling, ridesharing, dating, image/video hosting, mobile payment, instant messaging/Voice over Internet Protocol, and other. We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index to assess socioeconomic status (SES), household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, housing type and transportation, and overall vulnerability. Modified Poisson models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) among the overall sample and stratified by crime type (assault and homicide, robbery, and sexual offense). Covariates included year and crime type.ResultsRelative to high tertile areas, we observed a higher prevalence of social media-involved violent crimes in areas with low SES vulnerability (aPR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.37-2.43), low housing type and transportation vulnerability (aPR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17-2.02), and low overall vulnerability (aPR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.23-2.17). Low SES vulnerability areas were significantly associated with higher prevalences of social media-involved assaults and homicides (aPR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02-2.62), robberies (aPR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.28-3.12), and sexual offenses (aPR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.02-4.19) compared to high SES vulnerability areas. Low housing type and transportation vulnerability (vs. high) was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of social media-involved robberies (aPR: 1.54, 95% CI:1.01-2.37). Modified Poisson models also indicated that low overall vulnerability areas had higher prevalences of social media-involved robberies (aPR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.10-2.67) and sexual offenses (aPR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.05-4.39) than high overall vulnerability areas.ConclusionsWe quantified the prevalence of social media-involved violent crimes across social vulnerability levels. These insights underscore the need for collecting incident-based social media involvement in crime reports among law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally. Comprehensive data collection at the national and international levels provides the capacity to elucidate the relationships between neighborhoods, social media, and population health.

A Retrospective Study of Cat Hoarding Cases and Their Management Through Voluntary Spay/Neuter and Relinquishment In New York City

Introduction: Animal hoarding cases are complex sources of shelter intake. Cases require significant planning, collaboration, and resources, often from multiple responding organizations. Study objectives included description of cat hoarding cases in New York City not criminally pursued, case outcomes when managed by a spay/neuter and relinquishment program utilizing a collaborative approach with caregivers, and characteristics or interventions leading to better outcomes. Methods: Data were extracted from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Community Engagement (CE) case files. Eligible cases were retrieved using a keyword search and screened for inclusion criteria. Client demographics, case factors, and outcomes were described with descriptive statistics. Data were further analyzed using adjusted logistic regression models to investigate variables predictive of outcomes. Results: The study population included 79 cases with a median population size of 22 cats. The majority of clients were female, lived alone, and had high levels of social vulnerability. Object hoarding was reported in 29.1% of cases and unsanitary conditions in 68.4% of cases. Almost one-third (30.4%) identified as rescuers or community cat caregivers. At the time of the first interaction with CE, 88.6% of clients were interested in spay/neuter and 76.0% in surrender services. Social service agencies were involved in the initial CE intervention in 26.4% of cases. Successful outcomes were defined as cases in which clients were left with a manageable population of cats, or all cats were removed. Successful outcomes were achieved in 67.1% of cases after the first CE intervention. Recidivism occurred in 41.5% of these cases. Clients who showed an initial interest in surrender were 10 times more likely (OR 10.0, P = 0.014) to experience a successful outcome than clients not interested in surrender. Significant predictors of re-collection included clients identifying as rescuers (OR 4.8, P = 0.039) and the involvement of human service agencies during or after the CE intervention (OR 6.1, P = 0.041). Conclusion: Results demonstrate animal hoarding cases involving cooperative caregivers and rescuers can be successfully managed by programs using a collaborative approach with clients. The high rates of initial interest in spay/neuter and surrender in caregivers suggest a need to expand access to veterinary care and strategically manage case intake into shelters. Further interdisciplinary research is needed on how mental health, social service, and animal service providers can attain successful outcomes long-term and reduce recidivism in animal hoarding cases.

Characteristics Associated With Mental Health Treatment Prior to Suicide Among Youth in the United States

To examine individual and contextual characteristics associated with receipt of mental health treatment prior to youth suicide. Data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System, Area Health Resource File, and Social Vulnerability Index were used to examine characteristics associated with receipt of mental health treatment within 2 months before death among youth suicide decedents aged 5 to 17 years from 2013 to 2020 (N= 6,229). The association between individual (demographic, precipitating circumstances, and clinical characteristics) and contextual-level variables (county health resources, Social Vulnerability Index) and mental health service use was modeled using logistic regression. Mental health treatment was received by 31.6% of youth suicide decedents (n= 1,967) in the 2 months before suicide. Male individuals and youth from all racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive mental health treatment in the 2 months prior to suicide, as were youth residing in non-metropolitan counties and living in counties characterized by high compared to low levels of social vulnerability. A history of family problems, a recent crisis, criminal/legal problems, and suicidal thoughts and attempts were associated with increased odds of receiving mental health services. Youth suicide decedents who were male, members of a racial or ethnic minority group, and residing in counties that are non-metropolitan and/or socially disadvantaged were less likely to have received mental health services in the months prior to death. Suicide prevention efforts that focus on improving access to care are essential for these vulnerable populations at risk for suicide.

Associations between flood risk and US Census tract-level health outcomes.

Human-induced climate change has led to more frequent and severe flooding around the globe. We examined the association between flood risk and the prevalence of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and poor mental health in the United States, while taking into account different levels of social vulnerability. We aggregated flood risk variables from First Street Foundation data by census tract and used principal component analysis to derive a set of 5 interpretable flood risk factors. The dependent variables were census-tract level disease prevalences generated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bayesian spatial conditional autoregressive models were fit on these data to quantify the relationship between flood risk and health outcomes under different stratifications of social vulnerability. We show that 3 flood risk principal components had small but significant associations with each of the health outcomes across the different stratifications of social vulnerability. Our analysis gives, to our knowledge, the first United States-wide estimates of the associated effects of flood risk on specific health outcomes. We also show that social vulnerability is an important moderator of the relationship between flood risk and health outcomes. Our approach can be extended to other ecological studies that examine the health impacts of climate hazards. This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.

Social Vulnerability and Firearm Violence: An Examination of the Correlates of Fatal and Nonfatal Shootings

The current study uses the CDC’s social vulnerability index (SVI), an underutilized measure in criminology, to examine patterns of fatal and nonfatal firearm violence. The SVI is an index that captures the level of social vulnerability within communities that can reflect a community’s ability to withstand many stressors, including firearm violence. Results indicate that vulnerable communities, as measured by the SVI, experience disproportionate firearm violence. Results also show that neighborhood firearm violence is influenced by nearby neighborhoods’ levels of social vulnerability. That is, neighborhoods that are surrounded by other neighborhoods with high levels of social vulnerability experience more firearm violence. These results are important for policymakers who seek to address the root causes of vulnerabilities that impact firearm violence indirectly, and the results provide a foundation for future application of the SVI within criminology.

Influence of social vulnerability index on Medicare beneficiaries' expenditures upon discharge.

Medicare beneficiaries' healthcare spending varies across geographical regions, influenced by availability of medical resources and institutional efficiency. We aimed to evaluate whether social vulnerability influences healthcare costs among Medicare beneficiaries. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine whether the social vulnerability index (SVI), released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was associated with average submitted covered charges, total payment amounts, or total covered days upon hospital discharge among Medicare beneficiaries. We used information from discharged Medicare beneficiaries from hospitals participating in the Inpatient Prospective Payment System. Covariate adjustment included demographic information consisting of age groups, race/ethnicity, and Hierarchical Condition Category risk score. The regressions were performed with weights proportioned to the number of discharges. Average submitted covered charges significantly correlated with SVI (β = 0.50, p < 0.001) in the unadjusted model and remained significant in the covariates-adjusted model (β = 0.25, p = 0.039). The SVI was not significantly associated with the total payment amounts (β = -0.07, p = 0.238) or the total covered days (β = 0.00, p = 0.953) in the adjusted model. Regional variations in Medicare beneficiaries' healthcare spending exist and are influenced by levels of social vulnerability. Further research is warranted to fully comprehend the impact of social determinants on healthcare costs.

Integrating social vulnerability into high-resolution global flood risk mapping

High-resolution global flood risk maps are increasingly used to inform disaster risk planning and response, particularly in lower income countries with limited data or capacity. However, current approaches do not adequately account for spatial variation in social vulnerability, which is a key determinant of variation in outcomes for exposed populations. Here we integrate annual average exceedance probability estimates from a high-resolution fluvial flood model with gridded population and poverty data to create a global vulnerability-adjusted risk index for flooding (VARI Flood) at 90-meter resolution. The index provides estimates of relative risk within or between countries and changes how we understand the geography of risk by identifying ‘hotspots’ characterised by high population density and high levels of social vulnerability. This approach, which emphasises risks to human well-being, could be used as a complement to traditional population or asset-centred approaches.

Merit-Based Incentive Payment System: How Are Plastic Surgeons Performing?

Merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) is a payment model implemented to promote high-value care through performance-based adjustments of Medicare reimbursements. Higher scores indicate superior performance in healthcare quality, efficiency, and interoperability, which can result in financial advantages. Given the paucity of literature, we aimed to characterize plastic surgery performance in MIPS. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) online data repository was queried for data on MIPS performance of plastic surgeons from 2019-2021. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to identify predictors of receiving bonus payment for exceptional performance. Approximately 1400 surgeons were sampled in each year. The median number of Medicare beneficiaries and percent of dually eligible beneficiaries-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid-were higher in 2019 (p<0.001). Beneficiary median HCC risk score, which measures expected healthcare costs and needs based on health status, was lower in 2021 (p<0.001). The most common reporting schema was reporting as a group. Total MIPS score increased from 2019 to 2020 to 2021 (90.2 vs 96.4 vs 98.3, p<0.001), but quality score progressively decreased (98.8 vs 95.5 vs 89.90, p<0.001). Fewer physicians received positive adjustment and bonus payments in 2020 and 2021. Predictors of receiving bonus payments were reporting as an alternative payment model, practice size >24, and having 10-49% of dually eligible beneficiaries (p<0.05). Understanding performance of plastic surgeons in MIPS can guide future policy direction and ensure that high-quality care translates into improved patient outcomes across all fields and levels of social vulnerability.

Unveiling Resilience: Exploring the Adaptive Capacities of Ghana’s Forest Fringe Communities in the Face of Climate Change

This study employed a comprehensive two-stage sampling method to investigate climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Ghana, focusing on three distinct ecological zones: Dry Semi Deciduous (DSD), Moist Semi-deciduous (North West) MSDNW, and Savannah (SAV). 600 households from randomly selected communities within each ecozone participated in interviews and questionnaire administration over a two-year data collection period. Data was gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods for analysis. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to determine socio-economic factors and social vulnerability levels across the ecological zones. The study revealed significant variations in adaptive capacity among the ecological zones. The Savannah (SAV) zone exhibited higher scores in non-farm income-generating activities, adaptive capacity for changing cropping patterns, and adoption of irrigation in response to climate change. Conversely, the Dry Semi-Deciduous (DSD) zone excelled in forest plantation modules, relocation of farming activities due to climatic factors, and modification in agrochemical use. Access to information on climate change varied significantly among ecological zones, emphasizing the necessity for tailored and context-specific strategies. The study's conclusion underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing diverse challenges and opportunities faced by communities in different ecological zones. To enhance adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change in Ghana, the study recommends targeted information dissemination for improved access, support for economic diversification, and promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices. Emphasizing the role of economic diversification, adaptive agricultural practices, and forest-related measures, the study highlights their critical contribution to building resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.

Birth Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease and County-Level Social Vulnerability - Sickle Cell Data Collection Program, 11 States, 2016-2020.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a public health priority in the United States because of its association with complex health needs, reduced life expectancy, lifelong disabilities, and high cost of care. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to calculate the crude and race-specific birth prevalence for SCD using state newborn screening program records during 2016-2020 from 11 Sickle Cell Data Collection program states. The percentage distribution of birth mother residence within Social Vulnerability Index quartiles was derived. Among 3,305 newborns with confirmed SCD (including 57% with homozygous hemoglobin S or sickle β-null thalassemia across 11 states, 90% of whom were Black or African American [Black], and 4% of whom were Hispanic or Latino), the crude SCD birth prevalence was 4.83 per 10,000 (one in every 2,070) live births and 28.54 per 10,000 (one in every 350) non-Hispanic Black newborns. Approximately two thirds (67%) of mothers of newborns with SCD lived in counties with high or very high levels of social vulnerability; most mothers lived in counties with high or very high levels of vulnerability for racial and ethnic minority status (89%) and housing type and transportation (64%) themes. These findings can guide public health, health care systems, and community program planning and implementation that address social determinants of health for infants with SCD. Implementation of tailored interventions, including increasing access to transportation, improving housing, and advancing equity in high vulnerability areas, could facilitate care and improve health outcomes for children with SCD.

Assessing Social Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards: A Case Study of Bandar Lampung City Coastal Area

Bandar Lampung City’s coastal area is highly susceptible to coastal hazards due to its location within the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Additionally, the presence of the Anak Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait further increases the vulnerability of the city’s coast to natural disasters. This study analyses the current social vulnerability in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City. The aim is to provide a starting point for disaster management and policy planning in the city. To determine the level of social vulnerability in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City, social vulnerability mapping is conducted by overlaying four indices: population, population density, sex ratio, and dependency ratio. The data indicates that there is significant variation in the level of social vulnerability among the coastal areas of Bandar Lampung City. Specifically, 8 out of 25 villages in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City exhibit high levels of social vulnerability. The villages of Bumi Waras, Pesawahan, and Keteguhan have the highest levels of social vulnerability in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City. As revealed by this study, the indicators of population size and dependency ratio have the most significant impact on the level of social vulnerability. These findings are expected to provide valuable input to stakeholders in their efforts to reduce social vulnerability in coastal areas.

Livelihood vulnerability of post-disaster rehabilitation in Banda Aceh and its neighbouring gampongs

The reconstruction regime provides the foundation for the progress and sustainability of development in disaster-affected areas. The process and results of the intervention have relations and implications for change, resilience, and vulnerability of people’s livelihoods. This study aims to assess the dynamics of change, livelihood aspects, and social vulnerability of communities in Banda Aceh and surrounding gampongs. This study used a household approach as the unit of analysis. The survey was conducted on 1000 households in 50 gampongs using proportional random sampling. Data analysis employs a descriptive approach. The main findings of this study show changes in livelihood structure, especially in the trade and services sector. The condition of people’s livelihood assets is relatively moderate, and human capital and financial capital have a weak score compared to others. The level of social vulnerability of the community is low, where the economic aspect is an important indicator that contributes to vulnerability.

Social and seismic structural vulnerability in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico

The spatial distribution of the social and seismic structural vulnerabilities in Zihuatanejo (ZIH), Guerrero, Mexico, was estimated. Social vulnerability was assessed considering twelve indicators, including parameters such as access to health services, education, housing, employment, and unfavorable family conditions. Seismic structural vulnerability was evaluated characterizing the structural features of local houses, assessing the type and age of construction, and the quality of building materials. Surveyed households were randomly selected from a statistically significant sample. Our findings indicate that in the western and eastern areas of ZIH the population has high and very high social vulnerability. The main factors that condition these levels of social vulnerability are low-income, female-headed families, and households with marginal access to information technology, such as internet and telephone. Although seismic ground amplification in ZIH is relatively low, the regions to the west and southwest of the city are zones where the impact of strong earthquakes to constructions may be greater than in other areas. In particular, the districts of Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Emiliano Zapata, Las Mesas, Buenos Aires, Lomas del Quebrachal, and Lomas del Riscal would be affected. In general, houses vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes are in regions where the population is socially more vulnerable. More than 50% of the population and 30% of the houses have high and very high level of social and structural vulnerability, respectively. Our results provide information to the local and federal authorities to strengthen their civil protection and mitigation plans.

Identifying vulnerable populations in urban society: a case study in a flood-prone district of Wuhan, China

Abstract. In the context of unprecedented extreme weather and climatic events, the internal structural factors of society play a decisive role in determining the extent to which human beings are affected by disasters and their ability to respond to them. In the past few decades, rapid urbanization in developing countries, such as China, has greatly increased social vulnerability. This process has generated uneven living conditions and created many vulnerable groups, including urban poverty, migrants, and socially and geographically marginalized groups. These groups face difficulties in living conditions, education, livelihood stability, and more. This study sets up indicators from a micro-perspective: three indicators of exposure, four indicators of sensitivity, and eight indicators of adaptive capacity. Based on this evaluation index system, this study conducted a social vulnerability assessment of the population in Hongshan District, Wuhan, China, through individual questionnaire surveys. K-means cluster analysis was used to determine high, medium, and low levels of social vulnerability, which were used to compare different community types and identify vulnerable groups. The results showed close interrelationships between different types of communities in terms of physical and built environments as well as varying levels of social vulnerability to disasters. The high-vulnerability group accounted for 12.9 % of the 599 samples, the medium-vulnerability group accounted for 48.4 %, and the low-vulnerability group accounted for 38.7 %. The higher-vulnerability groups exhibited characteristics such as low education, poor health, low annual income, unstable work, and insufficient social security. Quantitative understanding of the degree of dissimilarity in social vulnerability among different communities and populations is significant in reducing social vulnerability and disaster risk specifically and effectively.

Study of Social Vulnerability in the Land Sector in Kutai Kartanegara

Social vulnerability in the land sector is a problem that is not directly visible, which is caused by conflict, both between individuals and with the government or the private sector. This vulnerability will be more difficult to resolve, especially with the absence of land ownership status in several villages, including Tanjung Harapan and Sanggulan Villages. The purpose of this research is to comprehensively examine the social risks that can be experienced by vulnerable groups. This study uses qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess the level of social vulnerability. The level of vulnerability is seen based on the Household Vulnerability Index (HVI) approach. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires and interviews with 50 respondents in the villages of Tanjung Harapan and Sanggulan. The social vulnerability in the two villages is at level III or ELH, which means it includes chronic social vulnerability and needs special treatment. The vulnerability of this community is influenced by factors of knowledge and analysis of social, economic, physical, and environmental factors that make the community more vulnerable. In order to reduce high social risks, there needs to be certainty and protection for the community, especially farmers who own land with an area of less than 0.5 ha, women and the poor. So that it needs various efforts through policies and implementation methodologies for addressing land social vulnerabilities.

The Influence of Social Vulnerability and Culture on Physical Inactivity in the United States – Identifying Hot Spots in Need of Attention

BackgroundIn the United States, ongoing efforts to increase individual- and population-level physical activity have made little to no progress over the past decade in reducing the percentage of individuals who report no leisure-time physical activity. The purpose of the current study is to further assess the relationship between social vulnerability and the prevalence of physical inactivity at the county level. MethodsWe merged county-level data on physical inactivity prevalence, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and the American Nations regional cultures schematic. ResultsPhysical inactivity significantly correlated (P < .001) with the overall SVI score and all subtheme scores to varying levels of strength. Clear and statistically significant heterogeneity in the SVI scores was apparent across distinct regions using the American Nations model, consistent with previously demonstrated patterns of physical inactivity prevalence. ConclusionsOn a national level, physical inactivity prevalence is unacceptably high and has not appreciably improved over the past decade. Within the United States, high levels of social vulnerability and physical inactivity are concentrated within specific geographic regions that need tailored solutions to resolve health disparities.