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Analyzing Spatial Patterns of Health Vulnerability to Drought in the Brazilian Semiarid Region

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  • Júlia Alves Menezes

    (Transdisciplinary Study Group on Health and Environment René Rachou Institute–Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-009 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil)

  • Ana Paula Madureira

    (Department of Biosystems Engineering, The Federal University of São João del-Rei, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74, Fábricas, 36301-160 São João del-Rei, MG, Brazil)

  • Rhavena Barbosa dos Santos

    (Transdisciplinary Study Group on Health and Environment René Rachou Institute–Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-009 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil)

  • Isabela de Brito Duval

    (Transdisciplinary Study Group on Health and Environment René Rachou Institute–Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-009 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil)

  • Pedro Regoto

    (Postgraduate Program of Meteorology, National Institute for Space Research, Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 39, 12630-000 Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil)

  • Carina Margonari

    (Leishmaniasis Study Group René Rachou Institute–Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-009 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil)

  • Martha Macêdo de Lima Barata

    (Postgraduate Program of Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health–Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil)

  • Ulisses Confalonieri

    (Transdisciplinary Study Group on Health and Environment René Rachou Institute–Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-009 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil)

Abstract

Health determinants might play an important role in shaping the impacts related to long-term disasters such as droughts. Understanding their distribution in populated dry regions may help to map vulnerabilities and set coping strategies for current and future threats to human health. The aim of the study was to identify the most vulnerable municipalities of the Brazilian semiarid region when it comes to the relationship between drought, health, and their determinants using a multidimensional index. From a place-based framework, epidemiological, socio-economic, rural, and health infrastructure data were obtained for 1135 municipalities in the Brazilian semiarid region. An exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce 32 variables to four independent factors and compute a Health Vulnerability Index. The health vulnerability was modulated by social determinants, rural characteristics, and access to water in this semiarid region. There was a clear distinction between municipalities with the highest human welfare and economic development and those municipalities with the worst living conditions and health status. Spatial patterns showed a cluster of the most vulnerable municipalities in the western, eastern, and northeastern portions of the semiarid region. The spatial visualization of the associated vulnerabilities supports decision making on health promotion policies that should focus on reducing social inequality. In addition, policymakers are presented with a simple tool to identify populations or areas with the worst socioeconomic and health conditions, which can facilitate the targeting of actions and resources on a more equitable basis. Further, the results contribute to the understanding of social determinants that may be related to medium- and long-term health outcomes in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Júlia Alves Menezes & Ana Paula Madureira & Rhavena Barbosa dos Santos & Isabela de Brito Duval & Pedro Regoto & Carina Margonari & Martha Macêdo de Lima Barata & Ulisses Confalonieri, 2021. "Analyzing Spatial Patterns of Health Vulnerability to Drought in the Brazilian Semiarid Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6262-:d:572066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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