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Variability and vulnerability at the ecological level: Implications for understanding the social determinants of health

Author

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  • Karpati, A.
  • Galea, S.
  • Awerbuch, T.
  • Levins, R.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined variability in disease rates to gain understanding of the complex interactions between contextual socioeconomic factors and health. Methods. We compared mortality rates between New York and California counties in the lowest and highest quartiles of socioeconomic status (SES), assessed rate variability between counties for various outcomes, and examined correlations between outcomes' sensitivity to SES and their variability. Results. Outcomes with mortality rates that differed most by county SES were among those whose variability across counties was high (e.g., AIDS, homicide, cirrhosis). Lower-SES counties manifested greater variability among outcome measures. Conclusions. Differences in health outcome variability reflect differences in SES impact on health. Health variability at the ecological level might reflect the impact of stressors on vulnerable populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Karpati, A. & Galea, S. & Awerbuch, T. & Levins, R., 2002. "Variability and vulnerability at the ecological level: Implications for understanding the social determinants of health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(11), pages 1768-1772.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2002:92:11:1768-1772_4
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter Congdon, 2014. "Estimating life expectancies for US small areas: a regression framework," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Dinno, Alexis & Glantz, Stanton, 2009. "Tobacco control policies are egalitarian: A vulnerabilities perspective on clean indoor air laws, cigarette prices, and tobacco use disparities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(8), pages 1439-1447, April.
    3. Ahern, Jennifer & Galea, Sandro & Hubbard, Alan & Karpati, Adam, 2008. "Population vulnerabilities and capacities related to health: A test of a model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(3), pages 691-703, February.
    4. Miller, Matthew & Hemenway, David & Azrael, Deborah, 2007. "State-level homicide victimization rates in the US in relation to survey measures of household firearm ownership, 2001-2003," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(3), pages 656-664, February.

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