The social vulnerability index as a risk stratification tool for health disparity research in cancer patients: a scoping review

• Published in: Cancer causes & control Vol. 34; no. 5; pp. 407 - 420
• Main Authors: Tran, Tiffaney, Rousseau, Morgan A., Farris, David P., Bauer, Cici, Nelson, Kelly C., Doan, Hung Q.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.05.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cancer; Cancer Research; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S; Continuity of Patient Care; Epidemiology; Hematology; Humans; Morbidity; Mortality; Neoplasms - therapy; Oncology; Population studies; Public Health; Review Article; Risk Assessment; Social determinants of health; Social Vulnerability; Survival; United States; United States; Social determinants of health; Neighborhood characteristics; Residence characteristics; Healthcare disparities; Socioeconomic factors; Health inequities; Social vulnerability; Health disparity, minority and vulnerable populations; Cancer
• ISSN: 0957-5243; 1573-7225; 1573-7225
• DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01683-1

Purpose The social vulnerability index (SVI), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a novel composite measure encompassing multiple variables that correspond to key social determinants of health. The objective of this review was to investigate innovative applications of the SVI to oncology research and to employ the framework of the cancer care continuum to elucidate further research opportunities. Methods A systematic search for relevant articles was performed in five databases from inception to 13 May 2022. Included studies applied the SVI to analyze outcomes in cancer patients. Study characteristics, patent populations, data sources, and outcomes were extracted from each article. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results In total, 31 studies were included. Along the cancer care continuum, five applied the SVI to examine geographic disparities in potentially cancer-causing exposures; seven in cancer diagnosis; fourteen in cancer treatment; nine in treatment recovery; one in survivorship care; and two in end-of-life care. Fifteen examined disparities in mortality. Conclusion In highlighting place-based disparities in patient outcomes, the SVI represents a promising tool for future oncology research. As a reliable geocoded dataset, the SVI may inform the development and implementation of targeted interventions to prevent cancer morbidity and mortality at the neighborhood level.