This study uses geographic information systems to determine if the aggregation of census block data are better than census block group data for analyzing social vulnerability. This was done by applying a social vulnerability method that used census block group data for a countywide analysis and converting it to use census blocks for a countywide analysis and a municipal-wide analysis to determine which level of aggregation provided a more precise representation of social vulnerability. In addition to calculating the social vulnerability, the results were overlaid with an evacuation zone for the threat of a train derailment, determining which aggregation better depicted at-risk populations. The results of the study showed that the census blocks enable a more exact measurement of social vulnerability because they are better at capturing small pockets of high-risk areas. This study concludes that census block are more advantageous than census block groups because they are more sensitive and geographically exact in measuring social vulnerability, allow for a better interpretation of social vulnerability for smaller areas, and show spatial patterns of vulnerability at a finer spatial scale.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / As definiÃÃes de vulnerabilidade englobam a vulnerabilidade social, programÃtica e individual. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se analisar a vulnerabilidade social, programÃtica e individual de crianÃas no contexto de famÃlias que vivem com HIV/aids. Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado em unidades de referÃncia para HIV/aids em Fortaleza-CE. Participaram 231 famÃlias, as quais possuÃam 271 crianÃas com atà 12 anos de idade, distribuÃdas em dois grupos: sem HIV (219) e HIV+ (52). Conduziram-se entrevistas com cuidadores, cujos dados foram analisados de acordo com as dimensÃes da vulnerabilidade social (condiÃÃes socioeconÃmicas, sociodemogrÃficas dos cuidadores, condiÃÃes ambientais e apoio sociofamiliar); vulnerabilidade programÃtica (acessibilidade ao serviÃo) e vulnerabilidade individual (transmissÃo vertical e condiÃÃes de saÃde). Os dados foram tratados no STATA v.11 e foram analisadas as dimensÃes de vulnerabilidade, discriminadas em blocos, mediante um modelo hierarquizado. Em nÃvel distal, permaneceu a dimensÃo social; em nÃvel intermediÃrio, a dimensÃo programÃtica e, em nÃvel proximal, a dimensÃo individual. Definiu-se o diagnÃstico da infecÃÃo pelo HIV como variÃvel dependente e a idade e o sexo da crianÃa como potenciais fatores confundidores e de ajuste do modelo final. Utilizaram-se anÃlises bivariadas para identificar diferenÃas proporcionais entre as variÃveis selecionadas e o diagnÃstico de HIV para cada dimensÃo da vulnerabilidade, mediante aplicaÃÃo dos Testes Qui quadrado de Pearson e o Exato de Fischer. Para as tendÃncias proporcionais entre as variÃveis do tipo ordinal e o diagnÃstico, utilizou-se o Teste Qui quadrado de TendÃncia Linear. Para estimar a magnitude das associaÃÃes, utilizou-se a RazÃo de PrevalÃncia (RP) e intervalos de confianÃa a 95%. Em relaÃÃo à vulnerabilidade social, houve diferenÃa significativa (p=0,021) quanto à principal fonte de renda dos domicÃlios. A mÃe à a principal cuidadora das crianÃas em 80% das famÃlias. Dos cuidadores das crianÃas, observaram-se diferenÃas significantes quanto à faixa etÃria (p=0,000) e situaÃÃo conjugal (p=0,011). Em relaÃÃo ao apoio sociofamiliar, houve diferenÃa significativa em relaÃÃo à orfandade (p=0,003); destaca-se que 46,1% das crianÃas HIV+ sÃo ÃrfÃs. Na vulnerabilidade programÃtica, observaram-se diferenÃas significativas entre os grupos de variÃveis: tipo de parto (p=0,000); profilaxia pelo AZT na gestaÃÃo (p=0,000); uso do Bactrim (p=0,000) e inÃcio da profilaxia do AZT para a crianÃa (p=0,00). Na vulnerabilidade individual, houve diferenÃa significativa nas variÃveis: aleitamento materno (p=0,000); idade que levou a crianÃa ao serviÃo para acompanhamento do HIV (p=0,000) e administraÃÃo do AZT para a crianÃa (p=0,015). Postula-se que a ocorrÃncia do HIV+ esteja associada Ãs causas estruturais ou bÃsicas, representadas pelas condiÃÃes socioeconÃmicas dos indivÃduos, portanto, as caracterÃsticas sociais (distais) influenciam negativamente as demais dimensÃes e ratificam que condiÃÃes precÃrias de sobrevivÃncia potencializam o diagnÃstico HIV+ e privam estas famÃlias na vigÃncia do HIV. Portanto, o modelo final com as dimensÃes social + programÃtica + individual + idade da crianÃa + sexo + interaÃÃo entre a idade e o sexo, somados, contribuÃram para explicar 31,0% dos casos de crianÃas HIV+. Diante do apresentado, urge integrar diferentes Ãreas para cumprir as medidas de prevenÃÃo da TransmissÃo Vertical, em virtude de as crianÃas expostas ao HIV/aids estarem inseridas em ambientes vulnerÃveis. Portanto, à preciso garantir-lhes acessibilidade aos serviÃos de saÃde mediante a descentralizaÃÃo dos serviÃos de atendimento, bem como ampliar os serviÃos especializados, a fim de minimizar a vulnerabilidade social, programÃtica e individual que cinge esta populaÃÃo. / The definitions of vulnerability include social, programmatic and individual vulnerability. In this study, the objective was to analyze the social, program and individual vulnerability of children in the context of families living with HIV/aids. This cross-sectional, quantitative study was undertaken at referral units for HIV/aids in Fortaleza-CE. Participants were 231 families with 271 children of up to 12 years of age, distributed in two groups: without HIV (219) and HIV+ (52). Interviews were held with caregivers, whose data were analyzed in accordance with the dimensions of social vulnerability (socioeconomic and sociodemographic conditions of the caregivers, environmental conditions and social-familial support); programmatic vulnerability (service access) and individual vulnerability (vertical transmission and health conditions). The data were processed in STATA v.11 and the vulnerability dimensions, distinguished in blocks, were analyzed using a hierarchical model. The social dimension was located at the distal end, the programmatic dimension at the intermediary level, and the individual dimension at the proximal end. The HIV diagnosis was defined as the dependent variable and the childâs age and sex as potentially confounding and adjustment factors in the final model. Bivariate analyses were used to identify proportional differences between the selected variables and the HIV diagnosis for each vulnerability dimension through the application of Pearsonâs Chi-squared and Fisherâs Exact Tests. For the proportional trends between the ordinal variables and the diagnosis, the Chi-squared Test for Linear Trend was used. To estimate the magnitude of the associations, the Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals were used. As regards the social vulnerability, a significant difference was found (p=0.021) in the residencesâ main source of income. The mother is the childrenâs main caregiver in 80% of the families. Concerning the childrenâs caregivers, significant differences were observed in the age range (p=0.000) and marital situation (p=0.011). What the social-familial support is concerned, a significant difference was found in orphanhood (p=0.003); it is highlighted that 46.1% of the HIV+ children are orphans. In the programmatic vulnerability, significant differences were observed between the groups of variables: delivery type (p=0.000); AZT prophylaxis during pregnancy (p=0.000); use of Bactrim (p=0.000) and start of the AZT prophylaxis for the child (p=0.00). In the individual vulnerability, a significant difference was found in the variables: breastfeeding (p=0.000); at what age the child was taken to the service for HIV monitoring (p=0.000) and administration of AZT to the child (p=0.015). It is postulated that the occurrence of HIV+ is associated with structural or basic causes, represented by the individualsâ socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, the social (distal) characteristics have a negative influence on the other dimensions and ratify that precarious survival conditions leverage the HIV+ diagnosis and deprive these families with HIV. Hence, the final model with the social + programmatic + individual dimensions + childâs age + sex + interaction between age and sex combined contributed to explain 31.0% of the cases of HIV+ children. In view of the above, it is urgent to integrate different areas in order to comply with the prevention measures of Vertical Transmission, considering that the children exposed to HIV/aids are inserted in vulnerable environments. Therefore, they need to be guaranteed access to the health services through the decentralization of the care services. Also, the specialized services need to be expanded in order to minimize the social, programmatic and individual vulnerability that affects this population.

No description available.

This research explores geospatial patterns in social vulnerability to flooding and experimentally examines the effect of coverage maximums on flood insurance demand. In the first chapter, I analyze census data for the City of Calgary from 1991-2016 to identify trends in social vulnerability based on flood hazard level. Using a quasi-experimental design, I estimate the short-term changes in social vulnerability attributable to the 2013 Calgary flood. The results show that the Calgary flood was associated with a 2.6% increase in postsecondary education, a 1.4% decrease in the immigrant population, a 1.7% decrease in the visible minority population, a $7,100 increase in median family income, 2.8% decrease in home ownership, 3.7% increase in housing construction and 2.2% increase in recent movers. Together, these findings suggest that the highest flood hazard areas in Calgary are generally comprised of lower vulnerability populations; absolute loss potential from floods is getting higher over time due to higher property wealth in high flood hazard areas; and flooding events are associated with a decline in social vulnerability over the short-term. In the second chapter, I examine flood insurance coverage preferences through the use of a hypothetical choice experiment. The experiment was designed to examine the effect of dwelling value and coverage limit on the probability of flood insurance purchase, while holding the probability of flooding and insurance price constant. Controlling for income, the results indicate that amount of coverage is negatively related to flood insurance demand, however, for people in high-value dwellings the opposite is observed. This may suggest an approach to flood insurance as an investment into high-value properties as a financial asset, but the trade-off in higher yearly premiums may not seem worth the investment for lower-valued dwellings. This research shows an inconsistent demand for flood insurance, dependent on dwelling value and independent of income. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / In this research I analyze the population characteristics of the City of Calgary geographically in order to determine if more vulnerable populations are exposed to the hazard of flooding. I also look at the before-and-after flood population characteristics of the flooded and non-flooded areas to see if flooding makes communities more or less vulnerable following an event. My aim is to provide context for the flooding hazard in Calgary and see if a flood changes the population vulnerability of the affected areas afterwards. I also conduct a choice experiment where I provide participants with a devised flood insurance scenario. I keep some of the variables constant, such as flood probability and insurance price, but change the amount of coverage and dwelling value randomly to see if they influence the likelihood that people buy insurance. The goal of this is to understand how insurance maximums can influence consumer demand.

<p>Syftet med denna uppsats är att ge en forskningsöversikt kring begreppet social sårbarhet i relation till naturkatastrofer i allmänhet. Sårbarhet i relation till naturkatastrofer har kartlagts och studerats vetenskapligt under en kortare period, medan social sårbarhet, som är en undergrupp till sårbarhetsfältet, har studerats förhållandevis lite. Genom att ta reda på vilka människor/grupper av människor som är mest utsatta för naturkatastrofer finns det en möjlighet för beslutsfattare att fatta välgrundade beslut om var förebyggande insatser bör göras, såväl som akuta insatser i händelse av en naturkatastrof. Tanken är att denna uppsats skall ligga till grund för en lokal studie 2009-2010 av social sårbarhet i en utvald kommun vid Vänerns strand. Vänern är som känt hotad av ökad översvämningsrisk i samband med klimatförändringar och vikten av att undersöka social sårbarhet där är stor. Det huvudsakliga resultatet är att social sårbarhet i relation till naturkatastrofer är bristfälligt kartlagt i vetenskaplig litteratur. Den metodik som har utarbetats för att mäta och hantera social sårbarhet i olika samhällen är fortfarande på ett experimentellt stadium. Att mäta och analysera social sårbarhet i Sverige är möjligt, om än med tydliga begränsningar, men det är av största betydelse att hänsyn tas till de unika förhållanden som råder på den plats som skall studeras. De variabler som används i utländska studier för att mäta social sårbarhet är förmodligen annorlunda från vilka variabler som är lämpliga att använda i Sverige. De studier som undersökts i rapporten använder sig av variabler som är lätta att kvantifiera. Kvalitativa variabler skulle sannolikt vara mer intressanta att mäta i en studie om social sårbarhet i Sverige.</p>

Syftet med denna uppsats är att ge en forskningsöversikt kring begreppet social sårbarhet i relation till naturkatastrofer i allmänhet. Sårbarhet i relation till naturkatastrofer har kartlagts och studerats vetenskapligt under en kortare period, medan social sårbarhet, som är en undergrupp till sårbarhetsfältet, har studerats förhållandevis lite. Genom att ta reda på vilka människor/grupper av människor som är mest utsatta för naturkatastrofer finns det en möjlighet för beslutsfattare att fatta välgrundade beslut om var förebyggande insatser bör göras, såväl som akuta insatser i händelse av en naturkatastrof. Tanken är att denna uppsats skall ligga till grund för en lokal studie 2009-2010 av social sårbarhet i en utvald kommun vid Vänerns strand. Vänern är som känt hotad av ökad översvämningsrisk i samband med klimatförändringar och vikten av att undersöka social sårbarhet där är stor. Det huvudsakliga resultatet är att social sårbarhet i relation till naturkatastrofer är bristfälligt kartlagt i vetenskaplig litteratur. Den metodik som har utarbetats för att mäta och hantera social sårbarhet i olika samhällen är fortfarande på ett experimentellt stadium. Att mäta och analysera social sårbarhet i Sverige är möjligt, om än med tydliga begränsningar, men det är av största betydelse att hänsyn tas till de unika förhållanden som råder på den plats som skall studeras. De variabler som används i utländska studier för att mäta social sårbarhet är förmodligen annorlunda från vilka variabler som är lämpliga att använda i Sverige. De studier som undersökts i rapporten använder sig av variabler som är lätta att kvantifiera. Kvalitativa variabler skulle sannolikt vara mer intressanta att mäta i en studie om social sårbarhet i Sverige.

The vulnerability of communities at risk from volcanic activity at Volcan Tungurahua, Ecuador and Mount Rainier in the USA provided the focus for this thesis. The research aimed to develop an integrated approach to risk assessments that combined both hazard and vulnerability analysis. In phase one, the study developed a novel methodology to assess volcanic threat that utilised previously published data. This semi-quantitative approach integrated measures of both hazard and exposure factors, allowing the relative threat to different communities to be ranked. By avoiding the complex quantitative analysis associated with traditional risk assessments of the multiple hazards associated with volcanic activity, this methodology may be applied where comprehensive historic and geological data may be lacking, as well as facilitating understanding amongst non-specialists and members of the public. The second phase of the research investigated human vulnerability, with an exploratory study carried out in Ecuador. This utilised a questionnaire survey aimed at eliciting an individual’s beliefs and attitudes towards volcanic risk, which provided the basis for a more comprehensive exploration of social vulnerability conducted in the USA. This investigated further the role of socio-economic features and psychological characteristics, such as risk perception, hazard salience and self-efficacy, in promoting self-protective behaviour, and examined the relative importance of these factors in determining vulnerability. The theoretical underpinnings of this research suggest that individuals with certain socio-economic characteristics may incur greater losses during a disaster, whilst perceptual processes may influence how an individual responds to a hazardous event. Little evidence was found to support the socio-economic model of vulnerability, which prevented the integration of the two research phases. However, perceptual factors were found to be significant predictors in the adoption of protective hazard adaption. This suggests that targeting risk mitigation and communication strategies to address these psychological constructs may be more important for reducing overall vulnerability than focusing efforts towards specific socio-economic groups.

A gravidez na adolescÃncia em comunidades de baixa renda surge como um problema multifacetado que envolve uma sÃrie de fatores e indicadores que estimulam o aumento das experiÃncias sexuais das adolescentes, potencializando sua condiÃÃo de vulnerabilidade. Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender os fatores individuais, sociais e familiares à vulnerabilidade para gravidez entre adolescentes de uma comunidade de baixo poder aquisitivo em Fortaleza, CearÃ. Estudo com multimÃtodos, desenvolvido em quatro fases, interrelacionadas. Na primeira fase, (1 semestre de 2009), participaram 15 adolescentes nuligrÃvidas, e foi identificado o significado da gravidez na adolescÃncia a partir de quatro prÃticas expressivas utilizando-se a arte-terapia, cujos depoimentos geraram trÃs temas: 1) adolescÃncia, fase feliz; 2) experiÃncias de mudanÃa e 3) responsabilidade face a gravidez. A segunda fase (1 semestre de 2010), apreendeu a percepÃÃo de mÃes de adolescentes sobre as causas associadas a gravidez nesta fase. Mediante o mÃtodo de anÃlise temÃtica, desvelou 2 categorias: 1. Maus-tratos contra a adolescente e; 2. ViolÃncia contra a mulher. Na fase seguinte, (2 semestre 2010), foram apreendidos os motivos da gravidez na percepÃÃo de adolescentes mÃes (n=17), cujos dados apontaram: descuido com o planejamento familiar, a mudanÃa de status social e o desejo da maternidade. Na Ãltima fase, (1 semestre de 2011), foram identificados fatores individuais, sociais e familiares relacionados com a vulnerabilidade para gravidez em 136 adolescentes. Os resultados apontaram trÃs fatores individuais e cinco familiares associados à gÃnese da gravidez na adolescÃncia, o fato de ser casada (RR= 4,38, IC=95%: 2,38-8,07, p= 0,003), o nÃo uso do preservativo na Ãltima relaÃÃo sexual (RR= 4,81, IC=95%: 1,26-18,31, p= 0,0021), a baixa autoestima (RR= 3,02, IC=95%: 1,60-5,71, p= 0,0014), a presenÃa de problema ou violÃncia no contexto familiar (p= 0,005), oconsumo de Ãlcool pelo pai (p= 0,039), a ausÃncia de diÃlogo com a mÃe (p= 0,004), a reaÃÃo punitiva materna com o desempenho escolar ruim (p= 0,002) e a ridicularizaÃÃo da filha pela mÃe (p= 0,001). Os estudos demonstraram que o significado da gravidez na adolescÃncia foi associado à independÃncia financeira, à evasÃo escolar e à violÃncia domÃstica. AlÃm de desfechos negativos, a gravidez na adolescÃncia foi motivada por um desejo de a jovem adquirir respeito da sociedade e reconhecimento em sua vida, como uma mulher âde verdadeâ, a partir da posiÃÃo assumida de mÃe. Os fatores associados à gravidez na adolescÃncia foram diretamente relacionados à vulnerabilidade individual e social e ao ambiente familiar negligente, ao qual estÃo expostas essas adolescentes, uma vez que se encontram em condiÃÃes desfavorÃveis financeiramente. / Teenage pregnancy in low-income communities emerged as a multifaceted problem that involves a number of factors and indicators that stimulate increased sexual experiences of adolescents, increasing their vulnerability condition. This study aimed to understand the individual, social and familial vulnerability to adolescent pregnancy in a low income community in Fortaleza, CearÃ. Study with multimÃtods developed in four phases, interrelated. In the first phase (1st half of 2009), attended by 15 teenagers nuligrÃvidas, and to identify the significance of teenage pregnancy from four expressive practices using art therapy, whose testimony led to three themes: 1) adolescence stage happy, 2) changing experiences and 3) liability to pregnancy. The second phase (1st half of 2010), seized the perception of mothers about the causes of teenage pregnancy associated with this stage. Through the method of thematic analysis unveiled two categories: 1. Maltreatment among the teen and 2. Violence against women. In the next phase, (2nd half 2010), were seized on the grounds of pregnancy perception of adolescent mothers (n = 17), whose data showed: neglect of family planning, the change of social status and desire for motherhood. In the last phase (1st half of 2011), we identified the individual, social and family-related vulnerability to pregnancy in 136 adolescents. The results showed three individual factors and five family members associated with the genesis of teenage pregnancy, the fact of being married (RR = 4.38, 95% CI: 2.38 to 8.07, p = 0.003), not using condom at last intercourse (RR = 4.81, 95% CI: 1.26 to 18.31, p = 0.0021), low self-esteem (RR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1, 60 to 5.71, p = 0.0014), the presence of trouble or violence within the family (p = 0.005), alcohol consumption by the father (p = 0.039), absence of dialogue with the mother (p = 0.004), maternal punitive reactions with poor school performance (p = 0.002) and ridicule the child by the mother (p = 0.001). Studies have shown that the meaning of teenage pregnancy was associated with financial independence, to truancy and domestic violence. In addition to negative outcomes, teenage pregnancy was motivated by a desire to acquire the young about the society and recognition in your life as a woman "real" from the position adopted mother. Factors associated with teenage pregnancy were directly related to individual vulnerability and social and family environment negligent, which are exposed to these teenagers, since they are financially unfavorable conditions.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Bangladesh with its densely populated coastal areas is considered as one of the most vulnerable countries affected by climate change in the world. In this context, the goal of this research is to assess the social vulnerability of the south-western coastal communities of the country,which is becoming more vulnerable, trying to understand the underlying social conditions of coastal people who are dependent on limited natural resources. To do so, vulnerability indicators of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity are analyzed using quantitative data collected from different sample areas and focus group discussions (FGD) were held with the local women in two study areas. The results show that a community in the area have close dependency on natural resources such as water, mangrove forest and also has a limited set of livelihood options. Also many households, above the traditional fishing and agriculture, have no secondary occupation or alternative livelihood options. Therefore, unpredictable seasonal patterns on the sea and land would threat livelihood and mainly their food security. Considering that the coastal areas have potential opportunities for nation’s sustainable development, assessing on social vulnerability to climate change will help to create regulation and awareness programs in order to minimize vulnerabilities.

The impact of Community - on health is one of the core issues of sociology and social epidemiology. Dengue fever, whose occurrence and eradication highly depend in the environment of the community, provides an opportunity to explore the relationship between the community and the health. This study focuses on the outbreak of Dengue fever in 2006 in Kaohsiung City and analyzes how community factors affect the cluster infections of. This study uses the theories of social capital and social vulnerability to explore the effect population, socioeconomic status, and public participation in the community on cluster infection. Social capital is formed by community members through participating in public affairs and voluntary organizations; social vulnerability refers to the overall socio-economic conditions that shape the ability of community to respond to the undesirable events. The social capital index was constructed composed of the Community Development Association, the voting rate of warden elections. Social vulnerability index is based on the compositions of the population, including the proportion of elderly males, population change rate, ratio of low-income households the proportion of dependents than average household income. In addition to consideration the spatial characteristics of dengue fever, this thesis uses Moran's I and LISA test dengue fever outbreaks, and correct the result by Geographically Weighted Regression. The results shows the impact of community factors on the health of residents, provide health sociology and control of dengue fever different reflections direction.