Ferdinand B.
Magnampo, RN
Vulnerability
Vulnerability refers to "the quality or state of being exposed to the
possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or
emotionally." A window of vulnerability is a time frame within
which defensive measures are diminished, compromised or
lacking.
Vulnerability is the inability to resist a hazard or to respond when
a disaster has occurred. For instance, people who live on plains
are more vulnerable to floods than people who live higher up.
Vulnerable populations
Vulnerable populations are groups and communities at a higher
risk for poor health as a result of the barriers they experience to
social, economic, political and environmental resources, as well as
limitations due to illness or disability.
Vulnerable populations include the economically disadvantaged,
the elderly, racial and ethnic minorities, the unemployed, uninsured
and under-insured, children of low-income families, LGBTQ and
gender non-conforming, people with HIV, people with severe mental
and behavioral health disorders, the homeless, refugees, and many
others. These groups are especially susceptible to poor health,
chronic disease, disability, and early mortality.
The vulnerability of these individuals is enhanced by race,
ethnicity, age, sex, and factors such as income, insurance
coverage (or lack thereof), and absence of a usual source of
care. Their health and healthcare problems intersect with social
factors, including housing, poverty, and inadequate education.
Health Domains of Vulnerable
Populations
The health domains of vulnerable
populations can be divided into 3
categories: physical, psychological,
and social. Those with physical needs
include high-risk mothers and infants,
the chronically ill and disabled, and
persons living with HIV/acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome. Chronic
medical conditions include respiratory
diseases, diabetes, hypertension,
dyslipidemia, and heart disease.
Eighty-seven percent of those 65
years and older have 1 or more
In the psychological domain, vulnerable populations include those with
chronic mental conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
major depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well
as those with a history of alcohol and/or substance abuse and those
who are suicidal or prone to homelessness.
In the social realm, vulnerable populations include those
living in abusive families, the homeless, immigrants, and
refugees.
What is the primary cause of vulnerability?
Poverty is a primary cause of vulnerability. Which of the following
terms is used to describe aggregates who are at high risk for
having poor health outcomes because of limited resources.
How does vulnerability impact on health?
The experience of vulnerability creates stress and anxiety which
affects physiological, psychological and social functioning. Although
everyone is vulnerable at different times in his or her life, some
individuals are more likely to develop health problems than others.
Which of the following populations is most vulnerable to the health
effects of the environment?
Older adults (generally defined as persons aged 65 and older) are
vulnerable to the health impacts associated with climate change and
weather extremes.
What are social determinants of health?
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments
where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide
range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
The social determinants of
health into 5 domains:
1.Economic Stability
2.Education Access and
Quality
3.Health Care Access and
Quality
4.Neighborhood and Built
Environment
5.Social and Community
Context
1. Economic Stability
People with steady employment are less likely to live in poverty and
more likely to be healthy, but many people have trouble finding and
keeping a job. People with disabilities, injuries, or conditions like
arthritis may be especially limited in their ability to work. In addition,
many people with steady work still don’t earn enough to afford the
things they need to stay healthy.
2. Education Access and Quality
People with higher levels of education
are more likely to be healthier and
live longer. Children from low-income
families, children with disabilities, and
children who routinely experience
forms of social discrimination, like
bullying are more likely to struggle
with math and reading. They’re also
less likely to graduate from high
school or go to college. This means
they’re less likely to get safe, high-
paying jobs and more likely to have
health problems like heart disease,
diabetes, and depression.
In addition, some children live in places with poorly performing
schools, and many families can’t afford to send their children to
college. The stress of living in poverty can also affect children’s
brain development, making it harder for them to do well in school.
Interventions to help children and adolescents do well in school
and help families pay for college can have long-term health
3. Health Care Access and
Quality
Sometimes people don’t get
recommended health care
services, like cancer
screenings, because they
don’t have a primary care
provider. Other times, it’s
because they live too far
away from health care
providers who offer them.
Interventions to increase
access to health care
professionals and improve
4. Neighborhood and Built Environment
Many people in neighborhoods with high rates of violence, unsafe air
or water, and other health and safety risks. Racial/ethnic minorities
and people with low incomes are more likely to live in places with
these risks. In addition, some people are exposed to things at work
that can harm their health, like secondhand smoke or loud noises.
5. Social and Community Context
People’s relationships and interactions with family, friends, co-
workers, and community members can have a major impact on their
health and well-being. Many people face challenges and dangers
they can’t control — like unsafe neighborhoods, discrimination, or
trouble affording the things they need. This can have a negative
impact on health and safety throughout life.
Positive relationships at home, at work, and in the community can
help reduce these negative impacts. But some people — like children
whose parents are in jail and adolescents who are bullied — often
don’t get support from loved ones or others. Interventions to help
people get the social and community support they need are critical
for improving health and well-being.
Steps to Reducing Risks to Vulnerable
Populations
1. Improve social determinates to
promote healthy living
Healthy living depends on factors that
happen throughout a lifetime. The
most common health-related social
challenges include lack of
employment, food and housing
insecurity, poor social support, and
illiteracy. Healthcare providers must
address these social determinates of
health through a series of steps that
include screening patients and
providing proactive services.
2. Provide access to virtual
healthcare
Virtual healthcare provides
immediate, around-the-clock
access to medical advice and
treatment. Providers can examine
and diagnose patients and
perform high-tech monitoring.
Proponents said virtual healthcare
could be used to improve the
management of chronic diseases,
treat minor illnesses, support
primary care access, and provide
improved referrals to specialists
3. Match hospitalization needs to surrounding communities
As outpatient medical services become more common, medical
facilities must look to ways to reduce inpatient bed capacity. Fewer
hospital beds could drive down medical costs in local communities.
5. Support community-appropriate healthcare access
For rural communities, targeted services mean integrating care
between rural hospitals and local health centers for medical,
behavioral, and oral health.
Certain factors, like sex, age, or income can influence an individual’s
health, risk for certain diseases, and risk for being seriously affected
by public health emergencies. The same is true for population
groups.
