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Comparison of two area-level socioeconomic deprivation indices: Implications for public health research, practice, and policy

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  • Kimberly A Rollings
  • Grace A Noppert
  • Jennifer J Griggs
  • Robert A Melendez
  • Philippa J Clarke

Abstract

Objectives: To compare 2 frequently used area-level socioeconomic deprivation indices: the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Methods: Index agreement was assessed via pairwise correlations, decile score distribution and mean comparisons, and mapping. The 2019 ADI and 2018 SVI indices at the U.S. census tract-level were analyzed. Results: Index correlation was modest (R = 0.51). Less than half (44.4%) of all tracts had good index agreement (0–1 decile difference). Among the 6.3% of tracts with poor index agreement (≥6 decile difference), nearly 1 in 5 were classified by high SVI and low ADI scores. Index items driving poor agreement, such as high rents, mortgages, and home values in urban areas with characteristics indicative of socioeconomic deprivation, were also identified. Conclusions: Differences in index dimensions and agreement indicated that ADI and SVI are not interchangeable measures of socioeconomic deprivation at the tract level. Careful consideration is necessary when selecting an area-level socioeconomic deprivation measure that appropriately defines deprivation relative to the context in which it will be used. How deprivation is operationalized affects interpretation by researchers as well as public health practitioners and policymakers making decisions about resource allocation and working to address health equity.

Suggested Citation

  • Kimberly A Rollings & Grace A Noppert & Jennifer J Griggs & Robert A Melendez & Philippa J Clarke, 2023. "Comparison of two area-level socioeconomic deprivation indices: Implications for public health research, practice, and policy," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(10), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0292281
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Singh, G.K., 2003. "Area Deprivation and Widening Inequalities in US Mortality, 1969-1998," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(7), pages 1137-1143.
    2. Seth E. Spielman & Joseph Tuccillo & David C. Folch & Amy Schweikert & Rebecca Davies & Nathan Wood & Eric Tate, 2020. "Evaluating social vulnerability indicators: criteria and their application to the Social Vulnerability Index," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 100(1), pages 417-436, January.
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