Reduction Of Inequalities Research Articles

Using machine learning for NEETs and sustainability studies: Determining best machine learning algorithms

In this study, we apply and compare different algorithms from machine learning to describe and predict NEET rates in 31 European countries in the period from 2005 to 2020. With this aim, we considered eleven indicators describing the socio-economic national context and the level of innovation of the economies. Besides improving knowledge about the use of machine learning algorithms for the description of the NEET phenomenon, we discuss the connections between NEETs and other indicators that connect with other relevant sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as education, the reduction of inequalities, and decent work for everyone. The reduction of NEET rates is the only goal directly addressed to young people, The article underscores the need for evidence-based approaches to measure SDG achievement, especially concerning the heterogeneous NEET population. It emphasizes the importance of machine learning algorithms as a modern methodology for understanding and addressing the NEET phenomenon within the framework of SDGs, considering the complex interrelationships of socio-economic factors contributing to social and economic sustainability.

Income Inequality, Gender Disparities, and Ethnic Differences: Investigating Allostatic Load in American Adults.

To estimate the association between income inequality and allostatic load score (AL) in adults ages 20 years and older, with a particular focus on the differential impacts across racial and gender groups. By examining this association, the study seeks to inform targeted policy interventions to mitigate health disparities exacerbated by economic inequality. Utilizing data from the 1999-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we assessed AL through eight biomarkers: systolic blood pressure (mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg), pulse rate (beats/min), body mass index (kg/m2), glycohemoglobin (%), direct HDL cholesterol (mg/dL), total cholesterol (mg/dL), and serum albumin (g/dL). Employing negative binomial regression (NBRG), we estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) for a sample comprising 7367 men and 7814 women, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, health insurance, comorbidity, and mental health professional utilization. Gini coefficients (GC) were calculated to assess income inequality among men and women. Findings revealed that men exhibited a higher poverty-to-income ratio (PIR) compared to women (3.12 vs. 2.86, p < 0.01). Yet, women experienced higher rates of elevated AL (AL > 4) (31.8% vs. 29.0%) and were more adversely affected by income inequality (GC: 0.280 vs. 0.333). NBRG results indicated that high PIR individuals had a lower IRR (0.96; CI:0.92-0.95) compared to their low PIR counterparts, a trend observed in women but not men. High PIR was notably protective among White non-Hispanic (WNH) men and women. Additionally, vigorous and moderate physical activity engagement was associated with lower AL (IRR: 0.89, CI: 0.85-0.93). The study emphasizes the importance of implementing policies that target AL in low-income populations across all racial groups, with a specific focus on Black non-Hispanic (BNH) and Hispanic communities. By prioritizing these groups, policies can more effectively target the nexus of income inequality, health disparities, and allostatic load, contributing to the reduction of health inequities.

Early-Neonatal, Late-Neonatal, Postneonatal, and Child Mortality Rates Across India, 1993-2021

The global success of the child survival agenda depends on how rapidly mortality at early ages after birth declines in India, and changes need to be monitored to evaluate the status. To understand the disaggregated patterns of decrease in early-life mortality across states and union territories (UTs) of India. Repeated cross-sectional data from the 5 rounds of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 1992-1993, 1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2015-2016, and 2019-2021 were used in a representative population-based study. The study was based on data of children born in the past 5 years with complete information on date of birth and age at death. The analysis was conducted in February 2024. Time and geographic units. Mortality rates were computed for 4 early-life periods: early-neonatal (first 7 days), late-neonatal (8-28 days), postneonatal (29 days to 11 months), and child (12-59 months). For early and late neonatal periods, the rates are expressed as deaths per 1000 live births, for postneonatal, as deaths per 1000 children aged at least 29 days and for child, deaths per 1000 children aged at least 1 year. These are collectively mentioned as deaths per 1000 for all mortalities. The relative burden of each of the age-specific mortalities to total mortality in children younger than 5 years was also computed. The final analytical sample included 33 667 (1993), 29 549 (1999), 23 020 (2006), 82 294 (2016), and 64 242 (2021) children who died before their fifth birthday in the past 5 years of each survey. Mortality rates were lowest for the late-neonatal and child periods; early-neonatal was the highest in 2021. Child mortality experienced the most substantial decrease between 1993 and 2021, from 33.5 to 6.9 deaths per 1000, accompanied by a substantial reduction in interstate inequalities. While early-neonatal (from 33.5 to 20.3 deaths per 1000), late-neonatal (from 14.1 to 4.1 deaths per 1000), and postneonatal (from 31.0 to 10.8 deaths per 1000) mortality also decreased, interstate inequalities remained notable. The mortality burden shifted over time and is now concentrated during the early-neonatal (48.3% of total deaths in children younger than 5 years) and postneonatal (25.6%) periods. A stagnation or worsening for certain states and UTs was observed from 2016 to 2021 for early-neonatal, late-neonatal, and postneonatal mortality. If this pattern continues, these states and UTs will not meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets related to child survival. In this repeated cross-sectional study of 5 time periods, the decrease in mortality during early-neonatal and postneonatal phases of mortality was relatively slower, with notable variations across states and UTs. The findings suggest that policies pertaining to early-neonatal and postneonatal mortalities need to be prioritized and targeting of policies and interventions needs to be context-specific.

Consumption externalities, elastic labor supply and wealth distribution

This study employs a neoclassical growth model to investigate the impact of consumption externalities on the distribution of wealth. It also jointly accounts for heterogeneity in the degree of consumption externalities, heterogeneity in the initial wealth endowments, and endogenous labor supply. First, we demonstrate that catching-up occurs when an initially poorer household works more than an initially wealthier one, after which the additional income acquired through hard work offsets the initial wealth difference. Second, a reduction in wealth inequality is only consistent and systematic if an initially wealthier household works relatively less than the social average. When this condition is not met, a reduction in wealth inequality only occurs if the initial wealth is highly and unevenly distributed.

The Impact of Sugarcane By-Product Exports on Income Inequality: How Sustainable Is This Relationship?

The reduction in income inequality and its convergence between localities is one of the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This work aims to contribute to the theme, researching the relationship among international trade, the export of sugarcane by-products, and income inequality. A panel data regression was performed for a group of 98 cities from the state of Goiás-Brazil. Results indicate that international trade has a minimal, though positive effect, reducing income inequality. Nevertheless, the export of sugarcane by-product results indicates a harmful effect on workers’ income in the poorest cities who work in the agricultural sector. The results indicate that international trade contributes to sustainable development by generating wealth, contributing to UN SDG number 1, and reducing income inequality, helping to achieve UN SDG number 10.

The impact of agricultural credit on the cattle inventory and deforestation in Colombia: a spatial analysis

The relationship between agricultural credit and agricultural production as well as the impacts on sustainable development (i.e., poverty alleviation, reduction of inequalities, food and nutrition security, and stimulation of economic growth) have been widely documented. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of credit on cattle production and deforestation in Colombia through spatial panel data models. For this purpose, a departmental data panel for the period 2011–2020 was built, based on available information from public entities. The results suggest that in Colombia, the relationship between access to credit and cattle production is significant and can be either negative or positive. In addition, there is evidence of spatial dependence, meaning that cattle production in one department is being affected by cattle production in a neighboring department or by all the departments that make up the national territory. Regarding deforestation, results show that, although the number of cattle present in a department does affect its annual deforestation rate due to a poor coverage of sustainably intensified cattle ranching systems, there is no relationship between deforestation and the access to credit nor any spatial correlations.

Inequality in the appropriation of wealth generated between the richest and poorest municipalities in Brazil between 1999 and 2020

This research aimed to show the evolution of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of the poorest Brazilian municipalities, in relation to that observed in the country's richest municipalities in the period 1999-2020. The data used were: total GDPs; GDP per capita; and agricultural GDP. The data source was the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). We indexed all values for 2020 using the General Price Index (GPI) of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. Brazil's 5,570 municipalities were ranked in ascending order using annual GDP per capita, and organized into deciles. We selected the first decile, which included the 557 municipalities with the lowest GDP per capita, and the last decile, which included the 557 municipalities with the highest GDP per capita, for comparison purposes. We evaluated the evolution of the per capita GDP/total GDP ratio in these deciles. Geometric Growth Rates (GGR) were estimated in order to gauge the trends observed in these ratios between 1999-2020. The evidence showed that the magnitudes of GDP per capita observed in the tenth and first deciles are quite unequal. However, the study also showed that there was a small reduction in the evolution of the GDP per capita/total GDP between 1999-2020, which suggests a small reduction in inequality in the appropriation of wealth generated in Brazil over the period evaluated. It was also observed that in the richest deciles, the agricultural GDP/total GDP ratio was lower than that observed in the poorest deciles.

Sex differences in health-related quality of life and poverty risk among older people living with HIV in Spain: A cross-sectional study.

Current antiretroviral therapies have increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is, however, limited evidence regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and living conditions of older people living with HIV (OPLHIV) in Spain. We implemented a self-administered online questionnaire to identify sex differences in HRQoL and poverty risk among Spanish OPLHIV (PLHIV ≥50 years). Participants were contacted through non-governmental organisations. We used the standardised WHOQoL-HIV BREF questionnaire and the Europe 2020 guidelines to estimate HRQoL and poverty risk respectively. The statistical analysis included multivariable generalised linear models with potential confounding variables and robust estimates. The study included 247 OPLHIV (192 men and 55 women). On the WHOQoL-HIV BREF questionnaire, men scored higher on 84% of items and in all six domains. Women had significantly lower HRQoL in five domains: physical health (β: -1.5; 95% CI: -2.5, -0.5; p: 0.002), psychological health (β: -1.0; 95% CI: -1.9, -0.1; p: 0.036), level of independence (β: -1.1; 95% CI: -1.9, -0.2; p: 0.019), environmental health (β: -1.1; 95% CI: -1.8, -0.3; p: 0.008), and spirituality/personal beliefs (β: -1.4; 95% CI: -2.5, -0.3; p: 0.012). No statistical differences were found in the domain of social relations. Poverty risk was considerable for both men (30%) and women (53%), but women were significantly more likely to experience it (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.3, 6.5; p: 0.009). The aging of PLHIV is a public health concern. Our findings indicate that HRQoL and poverty risk among Spanish OPLHIV differ significantly by sex. Spain should, therefore, implement specific policies and interventions to address OPLHIV needs. The strategies must place a high priority on the reduction of sex inequalities in HRQoL and the enhancement of the structural conditions in which OPLHIV live.

The impact of the English national health inequalities strategy on inequalities in mortality at age 65: a time-trend analysis.

During the 1997-2010 Labour government, several policies were implemented to narrow health inequalities as part of a national health inequalities strategy. Many of these policies are likely to have had a disproportionately large impact on people aged 65 and over. We aimed to understand the association between the health inequalities strategy period and inequalities in mortality at age 65-69. We use population at risk and mortality data covering 1991-2019 to calculate mortality rate at age 65-69 at the Local Authority level. We use the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation to examine geographical inequalities. We employ segmented linear regression models with marginal spline terms for the strategy period and interact these with an indicator of deprivation to understand how inequalities changed before, during and after the strategy. The reporting of this study adheres to STROBE guidelines. Mortality rates in each deprivation quintile improved continuously throughout the period of study. Prior to the programme (1991-9) there was no significant change in absolute inequalities. However, during the strategy (2000-10) there was a significant decrease in absolute inequalities of -9.66 (-17.48 to -1.84). The period following the strategy (2011-19) was associated with a significant increase in absolute inequalities of 12.84 (6.60 to 19.08). Our results were robust to a range of sensitivity tests. The English health inequalities strategy was associated with a significant reduction in absolute inequality in mortality age 65-69. Future strategies to address inequalities in ageing populations may benefit from adopting a similar approach.

The Social Value of Public Infrastructure Works

Public infrastructure projects hold significant social value as they provide essential services, spur economic development, create job opportunities, and enhance quality of life by facilitating access to basic amenities and reducing commute times. This study aimed to assess the social impact of public infrastructure projects in the northern region of Peru, focusing on indicators such as access to basic services, inequality reduction, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and citizen well-being. Employing a quantitative approach with a non-experimental and descriptive design, the research engaged a sample of 124 engineering professionals who were surveyed to gauge their perceptions of public infrastructure project management in the northern region of Peru. The findings reveal predominantly negative perceptions towards the management of public infrastructure projects in the northern region of Peru, indicating the presence of deficiencies or irregularities in project execution. It is recommended to propose measures aimed at enhancing transparency, fostering citizen participation, and promoting accountability in the management of public infrastructure projects. Received: 12 March 2024 / Accepted: 20 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Financial Development and Income Inequality: The Case of Ecuador

Financial development, characterized by the growth and sophistication of the financial system, is crucial for the global economy, since it facilitates investment, savings and the efficient allocation of resources, in addition to contributing to the reduction of poverty and inequality by allowing, broader access to financial services. Ecuador has experienced significant changes in its financial system during recent decades, such as dollarization, liberalization, digitalization, diversification of services, and strengthening of regulation and supervision. The research focuses on establishing the influence of financial development on income inequality. The autoregressive distribution of lags (ARDL) methodology was used with the purpose of identifying short- and long-term relationships. The variables included are the Gini index, financial development, financial instability, public social spending, and final consumption spending by resident households, trade openness and gross fixed capital formation. After applying the ARDL model, the main results show that credit allocation to the private sector plays a significant role in reducing income inequality, and its effect intensifies over time. Received: 22 October 2023 / Accepted: 9 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Do higher government spending, financial development, and trade reduce income inequality in low‐income countries? A Bayesian perspective

AbstractWe employed the Bayesian method to investigate the impact of government spending, financial development (measured by bank credit), and trade on income inequality reduction in 66 low‐income countries (LICs) across Africa, Asia, America, and Europe from 2000 to 2018. Controlling inflation and unemployment, our results indicate that trade and inflation exacerbate income inequality in LICs, while financial development and government spending have no impact on reducing income inequality in these countries. Furthermore, the findings show that real GDP per capita reduces income inequality in LICs. To ensure the robustness of our results, we also conducted frequentist quantile regression, which yielded consistent findings that financial development, government spending, and trade do not reduce income inequality in LICs. We further discuss the potential channels through which trade, financial development, inflation, and government spending contribute to income inequality in LICs, and provide policy implications based on the empirical evidence.Related ArticlesAdegboye, Alex, Kofo Adegboye, Uwalomwa Uwuigbe, Stephen Ojeka, and Eyitemi Fasanu. 2023. “Taxation, Democracy, and Inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Relevant Linkages for Sustainable Development Goals.” Politics &amp; Policy 51(4): 696–722. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12547.Asongu, Simplice, and Nicholas M. Odhiambo. 2023. “The Effect of Inequality on Poverty and Severity of Poverty in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Role of Financial Development Institutions.” Politics &amp; Policy 51(5): 898–918. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12558.Polacko, Matthew. 2023. “Turning Off the Base: Social Democracy's Neoliberal Turn, Income Inequality, and Turnout.” Politics &amp; Policy 51(4): 538–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12550.

Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Urology Residency Recruitment: Recommendations From the Society of Women in Urology

ObjectiveTo provide a framework for diversifying the urologic workforce through residency recruitment by integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into program mission and values, application review, and interview process. Materials and MethodsFor this narrative review, the Society of Women in Urology Advancing DEI in Urology Residency Recruitment Task Force identified four areas for incorporating DEI into residency recruitment: defining a residency program’s mission and values, holistic application review, an objective interview process, and implementing DEI principles into a program. Using PubMed and Google Scholar, we performed a non-systematic literature search of articles from January 2014 through January 2024. Search terms included combinations of “diversity”, “equity”, “inclusion”, “residency”, “holistic review”, “applications”, “interviews”, and “initiatives”. Additional resources were identified through citations of selected articles. Based on findings from these articles, Task Force members made recommendations for best practices. ResultsThe diversity of practicing urologists is disproportionate to that of the United States population. Emerging evidence demonstrates that DEI efforts in healthcare are associated with better outcomes and reduction in healthcare inequities. We offer strategies for residency programs to integrate DEI initiatives into their recruitment, application review, and interview process. Furthermore, we address extending DEI principles into a program’s mission and culture to create an inclusive environment conducive to training and supporting individuals from unique backgrounds. ConclusionIt is critical to recruit and retain diverse talent into urology to improve patient care. We urge residency programs and their supporting institutions to adopt DEI principles into their recruitment efforts.

The Use of Health Equity Impact Assessments to Modify Evidence Based Strategies within Local Health Departments in North Carolina

Abstract: Background. Health equity impact assessments (HEIAs) inform the reduction of health inequities by evaluating programs or policies that affect target populations. Local health departments (LHD) receiving funding through the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) Program conducted HEIAs for evidence-based strategies (EBSs). This paper describes the impact of HEIAs on the implementation of EBSs and highlights lessons learned during implementation of HEIA modifications. Methods. We conducted a content analysis using data from the HEIA Modification Tracker and focus groups to identify themes and lessons learned. Results. Fifteen HEIAs were conducted by five LHDs between 2016 and 2020. The most common modifications to EBS implementation were 1) increasing education and training for community members and 2) altering messaging mediums and language to reach intended audiences. Discussion. Health equity impact assessments serve as a systematic and tangible way to center health equity, reflect on past processes, and inform improvements.

Effect of fluoridated water on invasive NHS dental treatments for adults: the LOTUS retrospective cohort study and economic evaluation.

Most water fluoridation studies were conducted on children before the widespread introduction of fluoride toothpastes. There is a lack of evidence that can be applied to contemporary populations, particularly adolescents and adults. To pragmatically assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing dental treatment and improving oral health in a contemporary population of adults, using a natural experiment design. Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected National Health Service dental claims (FP17) data. National Health Service primary dental care: general dental practices, prisons, community dental services, domiciliary settings, urgent/out-of-hours and specialised referral-only services. Dental patients aged 12 years and over living in England (n = 6,370,280). Individuals exposed to drinking water with a fluoride concentration ≥ 0.7 mg F/l between 2010 and 2020 were matched to non-exposed individuals on key characteristics using propensity scores. Primary: number of National Health Service invasive dental treatments (restorations/'fillings' and extractions) received per person between 2010 and 2020. Secondary: decayed, missing and filled teeth, missing teeth, inequalities, cost effectiveness and return on investment. National Health Service Business Services Authority dental claims data. Water quality monitoring data. Predicted mean number of invasive dental treatments was 3% lower in the optimally fluoridated group than in the sub/non-optimally fluoridated group (incidence rate ratio 0.969, 95% CI 0.967 to 0.971), a difference of -0.173 invasive dental treatments (95% CI -0.185 to -0.161). This magnitude of effect is smaller than what most stakeholders we engaged with (n = 50/54) considered meaningful. Mean decayed, missing and filled teeth were 2% lower in the optimally fluoridated group, with a difference of -0.212 decayed, missing and filled teeth (95% CI -0.229 to -0.194). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of missing teeth per person (0.006, 95% CI -0.008 to 0.021). There was no compelling evidence that water fluoridation reduced social inequalities in treatments received or missing teeth; however, decayed, missing and filled teeth data did not demonstrate a typical inequalities gradient. Optimal water fluoridation in England in 2010-20 was estimated to cost £10.30 per person (excluding original setup costs). Mean National Health Service treatment costs for fluoridated patients 2010-20 were 5.5% lower per person, by £22.26 (95% CI -£23.09 to -£21.43), and patients paid £7.64 less in National Health Service dental charges per person (2020 prices). Pragmatic, observational study with potential for non-differential errors of misclassification in fluoridation assignment and outcome measurement and residual and/or unmeasured confounding. Decayed, missing and filled teeth data have not been validated. Water fluoridation cost estimates are based on existing programmes between 2010 and 2020, and therefore do not include the potentially significant capital investment required for new programmes. Receipt of optimal water fluoridation between 2010 and 2020 resulted in very small health effects, which may not be meaningful for individuals, and we could find no evidence of a reduction in social inequalities. Existing water fluoridation programmes in England produced a positive return on investment between 2010 and 2020 due to slightly lower National Health Service treatment costs. These relatively small savings should be evaluated against the projected costs and lifespan of any proposed capital investment in water fluoridation, including new programmes. National Health Service dental data are a valuable resource for research. Further validation and measures to improve quality and completeness are warranted. This trial is registered as ISRCTN96479279, CAG: 20/CAG/0072, IRAS: 20/NE/0144. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR128533) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 5. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

The Effect of Gender Inequality in Employment on Economic Growth in Batam City

This study aims to examine the effect of gender inequality in employment on economic growth in Batam City. The associative quantitative research method is used with multiple linear regression analysis techniques to describe the relationship between variables in the study. The results show that simultaneously, labor force participation rate (LFPR), wage equality, and work progress have an influence on economic growth, where any reduction in gender inequality in employment contributes to boosting economic growth. Therefore, a collaboration between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations is expected to encourage the implementation of gender mainstreaming policies and programs that support gender equality in the employment sector and have the potential to make a positive contribution to economic growth.

Changes in segregation patterns in medium-sized cities in the state of São Paulo between 2000 and 2010

Brazil underwent political and economic changes that led to a reduction in social inequalities between 2000 and 2010. Studies indicated that during the same period, there was an increase in the level of residential segregation in metropolitan spaces, as opposed to a reduction accompanying the inequalities. This paper contributes to this body of studies, by analyzing residential segregation in medium-sized cities, quantitatively and spatially, during the period between 2000 and 2010. The study aims to quantify the degree of segregation in five medium-sized cities in the state of São Paulo and analyze the evolution of their spatial patterns, via a comparative perspective. The measurement of segregation, using global and local spatial indices, has indicated an increase in residential segregation similar to those identified by studies for metropolitan areas, in which the highest and lowest income groups are markedly the most segregated. However, this was not the case for all cities, an unchanged degree and pattern of segregation were also identified during the same period in one of the cities. These results are discussed within the context of the urban changes that have taken place in medium-sized cities, such as the valorization of real estate in specific sectors of the cities, amidst the continued process of peripheralization of the low-income population.

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada: Evidence from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database

BackgroundPancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030. This study sought to evaluate education and income inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada between 1990 and 2019. MethodsUsing a unique census division level dataset (n = 280) constructed from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database, Canadian Census of Population (1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2016), and National Household Survey (2011) we assess socioeconomic inequalities in pancreatic cancer in Canada. Age-standardized Concentration index was used to quantify income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality. Trends analyses were conducted to assess changes in income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality over time. ResultsOur results show that crude pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada increased significantly from 10.23 for males and 9.65 for females in 1990, to 15.99 for males and 14.28 for females in 2019, per 100,000 people. The statistically significant negative values of age-standardized Concentration indices suggest persistent income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada. Trend analyses indicates reductions in income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality over time, particularly among females. ConclusionsSignificant income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada warrant public policy concern and action. Further research is required to understand whether differential access to treatment across socioeconomic groups played a role in the observed socioeconomic inequalities.

The Healthy Ageing/Vulnerable Environment (HAVEN) Index: Measuring neighbourhood age‐friendliness

AbstractThis study describes the development and testing of the Healthy Ageing/Vulnerable Environment (HAVEN) Index, a prototype composite spatial index for South Australia that reflects an area’s age‐friendliness. The index incorporates over 40 indicator variables across six variable themes: income and employment; education; health and housing; social connectedness; geographic access; and physical environment. Based on the deficit accumulation approach, the modelling uses area‐level rather than individual‐level data and is compiled through quantitative geospatial methods. Analysis using the HAVEN Index of state‐wide mortality data and hospital emergency department (ED) presentations for Central Adelaide found that vulnerable areas were associated with a higher risk of mortality and ED presentation. Comparisons between the HAVEN Index and a widely used national area‐level measure of socio‐economic differences found that the HAVEN Index compares favourably and provides additional information about local areas, which can inform needs‐based approaches to support the reduction of spatial inequalities and the development of age‐friendly neighbourhoods.

Insecurity and Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development

Many scholars have identified insecurity in Nigeria as one of the major reasons for the country’s continuous under-development. This paper analyzes the effects of insecurity on the socio-economic development of Nigeria, with the main objective of proffering policy solutions to address insecurity challenges that have almost brought the county to her knees and stunted her development. The paper adopted the conflict theory propounded by Karl Marx as the theoretical framework to interrogate the causes of insecurity and the effects on various aspects of the Nigerian socio-economic system. The study employed qualitative research methods to critically assess the relationship between insecurity and Nigeria’s socio-economic development. It is theoretically based, with the use of secondary data, using in-depth explanatory analysis that produces results with understanding, meanings and views. The study identified severe unemployment, endemic poverty, ethno-religious conflicts, corruption, deprivation, inequalities and small arms and light weapons proliferation as the major causes of the unending insecurity challenge in Nigeria. These have led to population displacement, social dislocation, depression and trauma among the people, declining health situation, worsening school attendance, food insecurity and lack of foreign investment. The study recommended that governments at all levels should implement policies that will ensure serious reductions in unemployment rate, poverty and general inequality, by providing infrastructures and the enabling environment that will encourage entrepreneurs and small-scale industries to thrive, revamp the country’s entire security architecture, strengthen border security, tackle the proliferation of firearms, improve the legal system, among many others.