Proposition of an human vulnerability index to the insufficiency of basic sanitation: the context of the small paraibanos municipalities

Abstract

Objective: Develop an index that synthesizes socioeconomic, institutional and human health aspects regarding the lack of basic sanitation in small municipalities, based on the three dimensions of vulnerability – risk, susceptibility and adaptive capacity. Methodology: The method for constructing and validating the index consisted of three stages: the development of the theoretical framework using data from IBGE (2010), MUNIC (2017), the Atlas Esgoto (2017), and SUS from the period 2010-2014; weighting and standardizing the indicators through multivariate statistical techniques; and validation, through the application and analysis within the context of the municipalities of Paraíba. Originality/Relevance: The literature lacks indices that integrate the social dimension with housing characteristics, access to basic sanitation and epidemiological indicators in small municipalities. This study is relevant because it understands factors that increase the vulnerability of populations and territories, allowing it to identify the most critical areas and direct actions to improve the quality of life of affected populations. Results: The results revealed the geographic influence of large urban centers on the surrounding small municipalities. It was found that vulnerability is a strong indicator of inequity and social inequality present in municipalities. In the state's panorama, it was found that the Agreste Paraibano mesoregion presents scenarios of high vulnerability, due to its economic, health and sociodemographic characteristics. Social/management contributions: It is expected to contribute to the identification of factors that require immediate welfare actions and public policies, in benefit of better quality of life for the most vulnerable populations.