Heat Budget among Children with Disabilities in Oklahoma


Peter Kim 1=

1 Department of Occupational and Environment Health, University of Oklahoma

Introduction

This study utilizes data from the U.S. Census and a Weather Research & Forecasting model coupled with a Comprehensive Energy Budget Model (WRF-COMFA-kid) to uncover inequities in heat budget among children with disabilities in Oklahoma, focusing on demographics, socioeconomic status, and heat exposure disparities.

Objectives

  1. Investigate the patterns and discrepancies in childhood disabilities across different demographic groups
  2. Explore the impact of socioeconomic status on children’s heat budget

Methods

We gather demographic and socioeconomic information about childhood disabilities from the U.S. Census using R. The COMFA-kid model, derived from the COMFA model, considers children’s unique characteristics, such as their metabolic heat, absorbed solar and terrestrial radiation, and specific convective and evaporative heat exchange calculations. We utilize a Geographic Information System (GIS) to visually represent and analyze the distribution of children’s disabilities across various geographic areas and demographic groups, helping to improve our comprehension of regional disparities.


Results

U.S Census Map results shows Right side of Oklahoma is more crowded with Children with disabilities.

Counties ranking higher in disability seems has impacted by more heat budget

References

WRF-COMFA-Kid output shows patterns that matchs Census map on Children with Disability.