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Factors which nurture geographical resilience in Britain: a mixed methods study
R Mitchell1, J Gibbs, H Tunstall
1Public Health and Health Policy, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK. r.mitchell@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|July 17, 2008
Summary
This study explored area characteristics linked to resilience, defined as low mortality rates during economic hardship in Britain (1971-2001). Findings suggest no single factor guarantees resilience, highlighting the need for further research into context-specific success factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Economic adversity can negatively impact population health and increase mortality rates.
- Area-specific resilience, characterized by low mortality despite hardship, has been observed but its mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify plausible mechanisms contributing to area resilience (low mortality) in Britain between 1971 and 2001.
- To investigate the role of sociodemographic, environmental, and social factors in achieving resilience.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-method observational study combining quantitative mortality and area characteristic analyses.
- Qualitative case studies with in-depth interviews in resilient areas.
Main Results:
- Resilience mechanisms varied across areas, indicating diverse protective processes.
- Four key area characteristics were identified: population composition, population retention/attraction, environment/housing, and social cohesion.
- Quantitative analysis showed significant differences only in population retention/attraction between resilient and non-resilient areas.
Conclusions:
- Plausible area characteristics for resilience were identified, but no definitive set reliably produces it.
- Resilient and non-resilient areas often shared these characteristics, suggesting context is crucial.
- Further research is needed to understand why these factors are successful in some areas but not others.
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