Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Social vulnerability indicators in pandemics focusing on COVID-19: A systematic literature review
Saeed Fallah-Aliabadi1, Farin Fatemi2, Ahad Heydari3
1Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Introduction:
Social factors can affect the vulnerability of disaster-prone communities. This review aimed to identify and categorize social vulnerability indicators in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
This systematic review was conducted in February 2021. Bibliographies, citation databases, and other available records were investigated based on the aim of the study. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were applied for assessing the included articles retrieved through the comprehensive and systematic literature search. Descriptive and thematic analyses were done to extract the indicators affecting social vulnerability in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results:
Thirty-one eligible articles were included and 85 indicators of social vulnerability were extracted. The indicators were categorized in seven main categories, including; Household, community composition; Race, minority status and language; Socioeconomic status; Community health status; Public health infra-structures; Education; Information, technology and communication.
Conclusion:
Regions with higher social vulnerability experienced greater mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed to measure the social vulnerability index in pandemics to prioritize distribution of scarce resources and ensure effectiveness and equity for all regions of countries.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Principles of Disease Surveillance
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Impact of Social Context on Individuals

