Geographic correlation between deprivation and risk of meningococcal disease: An ecological study

Williams, Christopher J., Willocks, Lorna J., Lake, Iain R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4407-5357 and Hunter, Paul R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5608-6144 (2004) Geographic correlation between deprivation and risk of meningococcal disease: An ecological study. BMC Public Health, 4. ISSN 1471-2458

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Abstract

Background: Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a serious infection which is most common in young children and adolescents. This study investigated the relationships between the incidence and age distribution of meningococcal disease, and socioeconomic environment. Methods: An ecological design was used, including mapping using a Geographical Information System (GIS) at census ward level. Results: Incidence of meningococcal disease was highest in the most deprived wards, with a relative risk of 1.97 (1.55 – 2.51). Mapping revealed geographical coincidence of deprivation and meningococcal disease, particularly in urban areas. Two-thirds of the increased incidence was due to cases in the under fives. Conclusions: The results suggest that area deprivation is a risk factor for meningococcal disease, and that its effects are seen most in young children.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023) University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Environmental Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Water Security Research Centre Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:11
Last Modified:	09 Oct 2024 13:32
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/13974
DOI:	10.1186/1471-2458-4-30

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