A Social Vulnerability Index for Air Pollution and Its Spatially Varying Relationship to PM2.5 in Uganda
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Atmosphere
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a ubiquitous air pollutant that is harmful to human health.
Social vulnerability indices (SVIs) are calculated to determine where vulnerable populations are
located. We developed an SVI for Uganda to identify areas with high vulnerability and exposure
to air pollution. The 2014 national census was used to create the SVI. Mean PM2.5 at the subcounty
level was estimated using global PM2.5 estimates. The mean PM2.5 for Kampala at the parish level
was estimated using low-cost PM2.5 sensors and spatial interpolation. A local indicator of spatial
association (LISA) was performed to determine significant spatial clusters of social vulnerability,
and a bivariate analysis was performed to identify where significant associations were between SVI
and annual PM2.5 mean concentrations. The LISA results showed significant clustering of high SVI
in the northern and western regions of the country. The spatial bivariate analysis showed positive
linear associations between SVI and PM2.5 concentration in subcounties in the northern, western,
and central regions of Uganda, as well as in certain northern parishes in Kampala. Our approach
identified areas facing both high social vulnerability and air pollution levels. These areas can be
prioritized for health interventions and policy to reduce the impact of ambient PM2.5.
Description
Keywords
Social vulnerability, Air pollution, Particulate matter, PM2.5
Citation
Clarke, K.; Ash, K.; Coker, E.S.; Sabo-Attwood, T.; Bainomugisha, E. A Social Vulnerability Index for Air Pollution and Its Spatially Varying Relationship to PM2.5 in Uganda. Atmosphere 2022, 13, 1169. https:// doi.org/10.3390/atmos13081169