Factors Determining Health in a Vulnerable Territory

Abstract

Social determinants of health are considered social, economic, cultural, ethnic/racial, psychological and behavioral factors that can influence the health of the population, as well as increase risk factors, especially in territories of socioeconomic vulnerability. The study aimed to analyze family vulnerability in the railway region in Criciúma – SC, being a quantitative and cross-sectional research, with families residing in the railway community, located in the Pinheirinho neighborhood, Criciúma – SC. For data collection, the sociodemographic questionnaire prepared by the researchers, the Coelho Savassi Social Vulnerability Scale, and the Quality of Life Assessment Scale for Children and Adolescents were used. The results show that the majority of female children, between 7 and 11 years old, call themselves white (45.5%) or mixed race (40.9%). Regarding the characteristics of caregivers, the vast majority are the child's mother, having primary education (54.2%). From the bivariate analyzes carried out on socioeconomic factors, an association was found between the variables of the Brazil economic classification criterion, the caregiver's education and the number of siblings. The understanding of vulnerability as a dynamic and multi-determined phenomenon highlights the continuous need for reflection and action to face the challenges present in communities.