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01-06-2017

Improvement of Geographic Disparities: Amelioration or Displacement?

Authors: Dajun Dai, Richard Rothenberg, Ruiyan Luo, Scott R. Weaver, Christine E. Stauber

Published in: Journal of Urban Health | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

Progression of geographic disparities in social determinants of health is a global concern. Using an Urban Health Index (UHI) approach, we proposed a framework of examining the change of geographic disparities in social determinants in small areas. Using the City of Atlanta in Georgia (USA) as a case study, we standardized six census-based social determinant indicators in 2000 and in 2010, respectively, and calculated their geometric mean to assign each census tract a UHI value for 2000 and for 2010. We then evaluated the temporal change of the UHIs in relation to the demographic changes using spatial and statistical methods. We found that Atlanta experienced an improvement in social determinant status and a reduction of disparities in the 10 years. The areas that experienced improvement, however, underwent demographic changes as well. This analysis provides support for displacement, rather than improvement, as the underlying factor for apparent change in geographic disparities. Findings suggest the importance of local evaluation for future policies to reduce disparities in cities.

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Title: Improvement of Geographic Disparities: Amelioration or Displacement?
Authors: Dajun Dai
Richard Rothenberg
Ruiyan Luo
Scott R. Weaver
Christine E. Stauber
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Urban Health / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1099-3460
Electronic ISSN: 1468-2869
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-017-0151-4

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