Socioeconomic Impact Research Articles

Epidemiological, Clinical and Biological Aspects of Childhood HIV in Libreville

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a chronic viral infection characterized by the progressive destruction of CD4 T lymphocytes. Its prevalence in Gabon is estimated 4.1% with approximately 2,500 affected children. This pathology remains a real public health problem on a global scale. The objective of our work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and biological aspects of HIV-positive children in Libreville. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study which involved patients followed in the four major pediatric care centers in Libreville from January 2015 to December 2022. We included all complete medical records of children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years with positive HIV serology or PCR. Results: The mean age was 10.6 ± 5.1 years. The 10-14 year old group represented 32.3%. The sex ratio was 1.13 male to female. In our study 46.9% were orphans and they were more affected by academic delay (51.9% versus 45.7%). The clinical signs were dominated by fever (40.6%). The main opportunistic infection found was digestive (7.3%) and tuberculosis represented the first co-infection (13.2%). We had 5.2% of patients with acute malnutrition. Conclusion: HIV-AIDS in children remains a public health problem given its socio-economic impact on the population. The cost of follow-up assessments and hospitalizations are among the problems that slow down the regular follow-up of our patients.

Traumatic Brain Injury as a Public Health Issue: Epidemiology, Prognostic Factors and Useful Data from Forensic Practice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major public health problem, being a leading cause of disability and mortality among young people in developed countries. Head trauma occurs across all age groups, each experiencing consistently high rates of mortality and disability. This review aims to present an overview of TBI epidemiology and its socioeconomic impact, alongside data valuable for prevention, clinical management, and research efforts. Methods: A narrative review of TBI was performed with a particular focus on forensic pathology and public health. In fact, this review highlighted the economic and epidemiological aspects of TBI, as well as autopsy, histology, immunohistochemistry, and miRNA. Results: These data, together with immunohistochemical markers, are crucial for histopathological diagnosis and to determine the timing of injury onset, a fundamental aspect in forensic pathology practice. There is compelling evidence that brain injury biomarkers may enhance predictive models for clinical and prognostic outcomes. By clarifying the cause of death and providing details on survival time after trauma, forensic tools offer valuable information to improve the clinical management of TBI and guide preventive interventions. Conclusions: TBI is one of the most common causes of death today, with high costs for health care spending. Knowing the different mechanisms of TBI, reduces health care costs and helps improve prognosis.

State-led Maritime Governance, Education and Training Nexus in South Africa

The maritime environment has a significant socio-economic impact on nations, regional and global economies. However, it also experiences many challenges related to safety, security, Education and Training (E & T) which stakeholders such as businesses and government through State institutions play a crucial role in addressing. In addition to high global labour demands, E & T challenges have related to the decreasing number of youth taking up maritime E & T. In addition, technological advancements affect costs, standards, and quality of maritime ET. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) has not been immune to these challenges. Public higher E & T institutions in RSA are the primary providers of tertiary maritime E & T but remain confronted by numerous challenges tied to organisational resources, State funding and the growing demand for increased internal and external capacity. This study’s objective was to examine maritime State-led interventions and challenges in selected public higher E & T institutions offering maritime studies in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), RSA. Guided by a Systems Thinking approach, this empirical study adopted a qualitative research methodology utilizing interviews with key knowledge holders and secondary data. It was found that there exists a consensual view that higher E & T institutions offering maritime studies in the province are well positioned to play a more meaningful role in addressing the country’s high unemployment rate. However, the current conditions in maritime E & T have undermined this and resulted in the pursuit of international partnerships to address local deficiencies. These findings are significant to stakeholders involved in maritime higher E & T, State-led maritime interventions, policymaking, governance, management, leadership and administration. The findings of the study also point to the need for a holistic understanding of maritime issues and challenges as maritime E & T is a complex global social space. This could eventually facilitate innovation, enhance leadership and contribute to meaningful and crucial partnerships between developed and more developing nations.

Abstract 4147628: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Patient Knowledge in Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Patient knowledge of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is low compared to other cardiovascular diseases. Research Questions/Hypothesis: We hypothesize that demographic and socioeconomic factors impact patient knowledge of PAD. Goals/Aims: To obtain qualitative description of and identify factors associated with patient knowledge of PAD. Methods/Approach: We performed a convergent parallel mixed methods study of participants with an established PAD diagnosis. Participants completed an 87-item survey assessing demographics, awareness of PAD diagnosis, and PAD knowledge. Functional health literacy (FHL) was measured using the short Test of Functional Health Literacy Assessment. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors associated with PAD knowledge scores. Semi-structured interviews were used to describe understanding of PAD. Transcripts were analyzed with inductive and deductive coding, and a constant comparative approach was used to identify themes. Results/Data: There were 91 participants (77.2% response rate, 49.5% female, 29.7% Black, mean age 68.6 years). Most participants (51.7%) had chronic limb-threatening ischemia and 17.6% had a previous major amputation. While 21.3% had poor FHL and 24.4% were unaware of their PAD diagnosis, the average knowledge score was 79.1%. On bivariate analysis, non-White race, non-ambulatory status, poor FHL, lack of awareness of PAD diagnosis, and not knowing the chronicity of diagnosis were inversely associated with knowledge score. Multivariate linear regression showed that poor FHL, non-White race, and not knowing the chronicity of PAD diagnosis were independently associated with low PAD knowledge. Qualitative analysis of 22 participants revealed that patients have difficulty understanding the name “PAD”, confuse PAD with other comorbidities, and have incorrect beliefs about PAD despite high knowledge scores. Conclusions: Knowledge of PAD is associated with health literacy. However, patients have incorrect beliefs and difficulty understanding the terminology associated with PAD despite a high average knowledge score. Knowledge scores may not adequately reflect understanding. Future research will focus on optimizing patient education, identifying strategies to appropriately gauge patient understanding, and understanding the association between knowledge and behavior in PAD.

Improved simulation of compound drought and heat extremes in eastern China through CWRF downscaling

Abstract Given their profound socio-economic impact and increasing occurrence, compound drought and heat extremes (CDHEs) have become a focal point of widespread concern. Studies have attempted to reproduce and predict these extremes using general circulation models (GCMs); however, the performance of these models in capturing compound events remains controversial. This study presents an improved simulation of CDHE trends over eastern China by using the regional Climate-Weather Research and Forecasting model (CWRF) to downscale the projections of two GCMs that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. The results show that CWRF downscaling significantly improved the underestimation of CDHE trends in GCM historical simulations, aligning better with observed trends. Moreover, the improvements of CWRF downscaling in simulating CDHEs are more pronounced than those for univariate events, i.e. extreme drought and extreme heat events. This enhancement largely results from CWRF’s better representation of land-atmosphere interaction processes, as indicated by the more realistic spatial distributions and intensities of the land-atmosphere coupling strength index. Under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenario, CWRF downscaling again predicts a more rapid increase in regional mean CDHE frequency compared to GCMs, with values nearing or exceeding 0.4 by the mid-21st century, suggesting a significant future threat to the study region. This study highlights the important role of land-atmosphere interactions in shaping CDHEs and the efficacy of regional climate models to reduce uncertainty in compound event simulations.

INNV-23. UNDERSTANDING THE BURDEN OF MIDH1/2 DIFFUSE GLIOMA AND THE COMPLEXITY OF NAVIGATING THE PATIENT PATHWAY: INSIGHTS FROM PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

Abstract Diffuse gliomas with mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (mIDH1/2) are characterized by a slow-progressing yet life-limiting disease predominantly in young people. We report interim findings from a qualitative study to describe the mIDH1/2 diffuse glioma patient pathway, experience of the disease, and treatment approaches. Patients, caregivers, and patient-association group (PAG) representatives undertook individual interviews, with patients also completing standardized exercises as pre-work. Materials were developed in collaboration with the International Brain Tumour Alliance. Patients were aged ≥12 years with mIDH1/2 glioma and last resection ≥6 months before enrollment, either undergoing active observation or receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Caregivers were living with the patient. PAG representatives were active members of a brain tumor PAG. From November 2023 to March 2024, 30 patients (Australia: n=10; China: n=6; France, UK: n=5 each; Canada, Japan: n=2 each), two caregivers (China, Australia: n=1 each) and one PAG (UK) participated. Median age of patients was 41.5 years, with 17 astrocytoma and 13 oligodendroglioma diagnoses. Presentation symptoms, circumstances of diagnosis and treatment, access to care, and navigation in the healthcare system differed per patient and within countries. Surgical resection was perceived as a crucial stage, both feared and desired. A second opinion was more often sought for surgery than for subsequent treatment approaches. Patients undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy (n=17) or active observation (n=13) expressed substantial physical, socioeconomic, financial, and psychological burden. Patients receiving active observation experienced strong and ongoing anxiety, as the uncertainty of tumor recurrence took a toll on their emotional wellbeing in the long term. The experience of people living with mIDH1/2 diffuse glioma is heterogeneous regarding their pathway and complexity navigating the healthcare system, with a substantial psychological and socioeconomic impact. Improved education, as well as facilitating early navigation and prioritizing shared decision-making along the disease pathway, will better support people living with mIDH1/2 diffuse glioma.

Socioeconomic Factors' Impact on Survivorship in Patients with Cervical Cancer: A Study from the Tertiary Cancer Center in Muzaffarpur, North Bihar, India

ObjectiveTo ascertain the survivorship among cervical cancer patients and the factors responsible for early death. In India, cervical cancer ranks second among cancer-related deaths among women. Estimating the survivability rate of patients with cervical cancer who come to our tertiary cancer care center was imperative, as was figuring out.What was causing the greater death rate.MethodThe present study is a retrospective audit of cervical cancer registered at our hospital-based cancer registry from 2021 till date.ResultThe three-year survival rate among women with late-stage cervical cancer was 45%, while 100% of women with early-stage care were alive at the end of three years. The survival rate was also poor among women belonging to middle and low socioeconomic status and illiterate women.ConclusionAmong women who have cervical cancer, those with early-stage cancer, who are literate and those who belong to above middle socioeconomic status have higher survivorship than their counterparts.

The Socioeconomic Impact of Fertility Rates on Nigeria's Development: A Policy Perspective

This paper explores the socioeconomic impact of Nigerias high fertility rate and its influence on the countrys economic development. With a fertility rate of 5.14 children per woman in 2022, far exceeding the global average, Nigeria faces significant demographic challenges. The analysis focuses on three critical data points: fertility rate, female tertiary education rate, and female labor force participation rate. The findings highlight how cultural factors, educational attainment, and labor market participation contribute to sustained high fertility rates, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the paper examines how these factors exacerbate gender inequality and limit economic opportunities for women, thereby hindering Nigeria's overall economic progress. Policy recommendations include promoting female education and workforce participation to help manage population growth and stimulate economic development.

Association between preterm birth and economic and educational outcomes in adulthood: A population-based matched cohort study.

Preterm birth (PTB) affects ~10% of births worldwide; however, most literature focused on short-term clinical outcomes, with much less focus on long-term socioeconomic outcomes after PTB. We examined associations between PTB and individuals' income, employment, and educational outcomes during early adulthood. We conducted a population-level matched cohort study including all live births in Canada between 1990 and 1996, followed until 2018. Outcomes included Employment income per year in 2018 CAD and employment between ages 18 and 28 years, postsecondary education enrollment (18-22 years), and maximum educational attainment at age 22-27 years. Mean differences and risk ratios (RR) and differences (RD) were estimated using generalized estimating equation regression models for economic outcomes and multinomial logistic regression models for educational outcomes. Of 2.4 million births, 7% were born preterm (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 5.4% born extremely preterm (24-27 weeks), very preterm (28-31 weeks), moderately preterm (32-33 weeks), and late preterm (34-36 weeks) respectively). After matching on baseline characteristics (e.g., sex, province of birth, and parental demographics) and adjusting for age and period effects, preterm-born individuals, on average, had $958 CAD less employment income per year (95% CI: $854-$1062), 6% lower income per year, than term-born individuals, and were 2.13% less likely to be employed (1.98-2.29%). PTB was also negatively associated with university enrollment (RR 0.93 (0.91-0.94) and graduation with a university degree (RR 0.95 (0.94-0.97)). Mean income differences for those born 24-27 weeks were -$5,463 CAD per year (17% lower), and adjusted RR were 0.55 for university enrollment and graduation. In this population-based study, preterm birth was associated with lower economic and educational achievements at least until the late twenties. The associations were stronger with decreasing GA at birth. Policymakers, clinicians, and parents should be aware that the socioeconomic impact of PTB is not limited to the early neonatal period but extends into adulthood.

Green Energy in India and Its Socio-Economic Impact

Green Energy in India and Its Socio-Economic Impact

Environmental determinants of West Nile virus vector abundance at the wildlife-livestock interface.

The diversity and abundance of vectors are essential parameters in the transmission dynamics of West Nile virus (WNV) between its avian reservoirs and clinically susceptible mammalian species. Knowing the determinants of vector abundance could be thus useful in preventing West Nile fever (WNF) cases and associated socio-economic impact. We designed a survey at the wildlife-livestock interface to test the hypothesis that variations in environmental favourability between anthropized and wild scenarios modulate WNV vector abundance and transmission risk. In a continental Mediterranean region where WNF has recently emerged, we selected nine sampling sites and allocated three areas to every site with a decreasing gradient of wildlife-livestock interaction: A1-a horse farm where interaction is maximal; A2-a zone of intermediate interaction 500-1000 m from the farm; and A3-an entirely wild zone of low interaction 1-5 km from the farm. At a fortnightly frequency, we estimated mosquito abundance at each of the 27 study sites in May-December 2018 and April-July 2019. We estimated bird and mammal abundance, collected meteorological information and characterised mosquito habitat at the site scale. Thereafter, we studied the determinants of Culex spp., Culex pipiens sensu lato (s.l.) Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex theileri Theobald, 1903 abundance by constructing negative binomial generalised linear mixed models. We identified 20 mosquito species, with a notable predominance of Culex spp. and, particularly, of Cx. pipiens s.l. We found differences in the spatiotemporal distribution of Culex spp. abundance and confirmed our hypothesis by finding important effects of local environmental variations in abundance. The accumulated rainfall in fortnights 4-14 and the mean temperature of the two fortnights before sampling were positively and statistically significantly associated with the abundance of Cx. pipiens s.l. (Z = 13.09, p < 0.001, and Z = 9.91, p < 0. 001, respectively) and Culex spp. (Z = 13.35, p < 0.001, and Z = 6.99, p < 0.001, respectively), while the mean temperature of the two previous fortnights was a positive statistically significant predictor (Z = 14.69, p < 0.001) of the abundance of Cx. theileri. The farm environment was the most conducive predictor to hosting Culex spp. compared with wild settings. Our results indicate that continental Mediterranean environments are favourable for WNV circulation and maintenance, especially the environment of anthropized rural settings such as farms. These results will have an impact on the spatiotemporal risk prediction of WNF emergence in continental Mediterranean environments.

An overview of the risk factors and socio-economic impact of end-stage renal disease management

An overview of the risk factors and socio-economic impact of end-stage renal disease management

Utilization of miRNAs as Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Metastasis in Gynecological Malignancies.

Gynecological cancer is a term referring to malignancies that typically involve ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Combined, these cancers represent major causes of morbidity and mortality in women with a heavy socioeconomic impact. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are intensively studied in the field of cancer and changes in them have been linked to a variety of processes involved in cancer that range from tumorigenesis to prognosis and metastatic potential. This review aims to summarize the existing literature that has linked miRNAs with each of the female malignancies as potential biomarkers in diagnosis (circulating miRNAs), in tumor histology and prognosis (as tissue biomarkers), and for local (lymph node) and distant metastatic disease.

O USO DOS INIBIDORES DO COTRANSPORTADOR DE SÓDIO-GLICOSE-2 (SGLT2) NA INSUFICIÊNCIA CARDÍACA: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA

Heart failure (HF) is not a single pathological diagnosis, but a clinical syndrome caused by a structural and/or functional abnormality of the heart, resulting in elevated intracardiac pressure or inadequate cardiac output at rest or during exercise. It is a common clinical condition found in various healthcare settings, with a vast socio-economic impact. In Brazil, HF is the leading cardiovascular cause of hospital morbidity. Thus, heart failure studies play a crucial role in the development of new drugs, enabling significant improvements in the efficacy, safety and tolerability of treatment, as well as the personalization of care for individual patients. Recent advances in pharmacotherapy have led to the evolution of new therapeutic agents with a decrease in hospitalization and mortality rates in HF. The 2023 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines recommends (class IA) the administration of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and mildly reduced EF (HFpEF). This study aims to analyze the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in heart failure. In order to arrive at these topics, articles were collected from the PUBMED and SCIELO databases, and an analysis was carried out based on the material found in order to be able to explain the information relevant to the topic.

Understanding Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Role in Ischemic Stroke After the Outbreak of Recanalization Therapies.

Despite recent advances in treatment options, stroke remains a highly prevalent and devastating condition with significant socioeconomic impact. Recanalization therapies, including intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatments, have revolutionized stroke management and prognosis, providing a promising framework for exploring new therapeutic strategies. Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathophysiology, progression, and prognosis of stroke. This review aims to synthesize the current evidence regarding the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)/endothelium pathway in ischemic stroke, with a particular focus on aging, response to recanalization therapies, and therapeutic approaches. While significant progress has been made in recent years in understanding the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and stroke, many uncertainties persist, and although treatments targeting this pathway are promising, they have yet to demonstrate clear clinical benefits.

Regional agricultural drought vulnerability prediction based on interpretable Random Forest.

Drought is one of the leading natural disasters in the world. It severely restricts the normal functioning of societies and economies. The purpose of this paper is to predict the drought vulnerability index in Henan Province so that timely measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of drought and to ensure the continued stability of people's lives and social development. First, the drought vulnerability index of Henan Province for 2010-2022 was calculated based on relevant literature and the regional situation of Henan Province. In addition, the main factors of sensibility and resilience are selected, the prediction indicator system is established, and the grey correlation analysis model is applied to select the top 10 main factors of drought vulnerability. Second, the Random Forest model was trained and simulated, and the drought vulnerability index of Henan Province was predicted for 2023-2025. Finally, the SHapley Additive exPlanations model was used to explain the specific effects of the influences of the Random Forest model. The interpretable Random Forest model not only accurately predicts the drought vulnerability index in Henan Province but also alleviates concerns about the "black box" problem of indirect interpretation of the Random Forest model. The results of the study show that the Average Percentage Error of the drought vulnerability index in Henan Province from 2010 to 2022 simulated by the Random Forest model is as low as 3.0457%, and the simulation accuracy is as high as 96.9643%. Drought vulnerability prediction for Henan Province was also made for the period 2023-2025, showing an increasing trend. Relevant sectors should enhance awareness and early warning of drought, improve resilience, and take effective measures to reduce the socio-economic impact of drought.

Inequalities in local funding cuts to environmental and regulatory service expenditure in England

Abstract Background The financial crisis in 2008 has led to governments across Europe introducing austerity measures. England has experienced significant financial cuts to local authority (LA) services. Environmental and regulatory (ER) services provide key functions in public protection such as, Food Safety (FS) and Animal and Public Health Infectious Disease Control (APH), services which are key infectious disease resilience. Here we investigate inequalities in local funding cuts to ER services by socioeconomic deprivation, LA type, and urbanicity, and impact on key ER service indicators. Methods This ecological study uses longitudinal modelling techniques to analyse trends in ER expenditure since the introduction of austerity and the inequalities present. We use Generalised Estimating Equations to estimate the annual percent change of ER service expenditure, and FS and APH expenditure between 2009/10 and 2020/21 in relation to deprivation, LA type and population density. Quasi-Poisson regression is used to assess impact of cuts on ER service indicators. Results Areas of higher deprivation had the largest reduction in expenditure, with ER and FS and APH cuts of 2% and of 23% respectively, compared to a 1% and 8% reduction in the least deprived areas. The share of ER expenditure spent on FS and APH decreased by 13% in the most deprived authorities compared to 6% in the least deprived areas. London boroughs had the greatest reductions in FS and APH expenditure, decreasing by 10%. Both ER and FS and APH expenditure decreased with increasing population density. Preliminary analysis shows inequalities in food business hygiene ratings in addition to other key ER service indicators since the introduction of these cuts. Conclusions The unequal distribution of cuts shows the need for increased and equitable investment into these services to enable resilience to infectious disease threats, and to prevent widening of health inequalities. Key messages • This work provides strong evidence of inequalities in local funding cuts to ER services and highlights where investment should be focused, in order to protect environmental and public health. • This work introduces the impact of local funding cuts on a vital public health service and lays the foundation for future work into the unequal impact of cuts to these services on health outcomes.

Covid-19 and mental health hospitalizations in Italy. Results from a multicenter longitudinal cohort

Abstract Background The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health (MH) is still being assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on ordinary hospital admissions for psychiatric disorders in Italy. Methods The multicenter project “Covid-19 and mental health” (CoMeH), coordinated by the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, enrolled an open cohort of subjects resident in three large areas of Italy (2018-2021) aged 10 + (N = 5,159,363), and followed-up until 2021. The study outcome was the first ordinary admission with a psychiatric disorder as main diagnosis (FMHA). Citizenship and deprivation level (DL) are the socioeconomic factor considered. Different groups of diagnosis were used to characterize the hospitalizations. The impact of Covid-19 on FMHAs was evaluated by interrupted time series (ITS) analysis, pre (until February 2020) and post (from March 2020) the outbreak of pandemic, using a step-change model. Results 11,171 FMHAs were observed. Patients hospitalized with a MH diagnosis were younger compared to the study population; the distributions by sex, deprivation level and citizenship were similar. A decrease of incidence of FMHAs was found after the outbreak of the pandemic, overall and for all group of diagnoses, except for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). A reduction in adjusted FMHA rates after the onset of Covid-19 (RR 0.80[0.72-0.90]) were observed through multivariate ITS. The oldest patients had the lowest probabilities of FMHAs in pre Covid-19 and experienced the highest reduction in post-Covid19. PTSD presented trend in countertendency compared with the other diagnosis, with an immediate effect of Covid-19 increasing FMHAs (+97%), followed by a post-outbreak return to the pre-pandemic levels, below the counterfactual line. Conclusions Covid-19 pandemic determined a general reduction of admissions for psychiatric disorders. A significant impact was observed among the eldest (decrease) and for PTSD (increase). Key messages • Covid-19 pandemic determined a reduction of admissions for psychiatric disorders. • Older people were mostly affected. No significant socioeconomic impact was observed.

Integrating social inequalities in the burden of environmental stressors

Abstract In the process of designing equitable policies to reduce the burden of environmental stressors, it needs to be taken into consideration that socially disadvantaged communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental pollutants. These environmental health inequalities are currently however not routinely taken into account when designing mitigation measures, amongst others because of the absence of a coherent methodological framework. Within the BEST-COST project, an innovative framework for assessing social inequalities in the socioeconomic impact of environmental stressors will be developed and implemented. In particular, a novel index of multiple deprivation was developed. This includes indicators that are considered to be temporally and culturally valid for assessing social and material deprivation in Europe. In particular the new index was developed to make comparison across different European countries and to be used at a small geographical level. Within the workshop we will discuss the stepwise framework developed, starting from the results of a scoping review conducted to gather information methodological approaches used in the currently existing MDIs developed in Europe. The results of the scoping review were used to make informative decisions about the selection of indicators and other relevant methods (e.g. weighting). The construction of the composite score for the use within BEST-COST was evaluated also considering the data availability of the selected indicators at a small geographical level (i.e. LAU2) for the case-study countries: Belgium, Estonia, France, Norway and Portugal. Initial results of the quantification of social inequalities in the burden of environmental will be presented. Participants to the workshop will be able to understand the advantages and challenges of this kind of exercises with specific examples.

Characterization of hydrometeorological events and flood impacts in the Basque Country

Abstract. In this study, the focus is on the characterization of floods in Basque Autonomous Community, considering damages, hydrometeorological aspects and others factors during the period 2000–2021. The ultimate goal is to contribute to understanding the processes of impact, enhancing awareness, and improving preparedness before flood events. To assess flood impact, damage data from the Spanish Insurance Compensation Consortium areexposureccccccc used as a proxy. For hydro-meteorological characterization and weather context, we use data from the Automatic Weather Station Network and various Euskalmet general and local ad-hoc weather context classifications. Different datasets are conveniently prepared to extract a range of indicators, taking into account: (1) physiographic and socio-economic factors, (2) damages and impact, (3) hydrometeorological aspects, and (4) weather context. Visual data analytics techniques are utilized for analysis, characterization, and presentation of findings. We integrate indicators with diverse temporal resolutions (daily and monthly) and spatial aggregations (primary watersheds and selected hydrological units) to facilitate discussions and derive conclusions. This work establishes a foundation for a semi-automatic procedure for data preparation, indicator extraction, analysis, and results presentation. Although it is a strategy specifically designed for its application in our context, we believe it can serve as inspiration for conducting similar free software based exercises in other parts of the world.