Geographic analysis of pertussis infection in an urban area: a tool for health services planning.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether incident cases of pertussis cluster in urban census tracts and identified community characteristics that predict high-incidence areas.


METHODS
An ecological study design was used. The study population included all persons diagnosed with pertussis from January 1, 1986, through December 31, 1994. Maps of rates were constructed via a geographic information system and clustering was statistically confirmed. Associations between pertussis rates and community characteristics were tested.


RESULTS
Mapping and statistical analysis revealed spatial clustering of pertussis. Higher age-adjusted rates of pertussis infection were associated with higher proportions of residents below poverty level.


CONCLUSIONS
In urban areas pertussis infection clusters in areas of poverty.
Siegel
C
C
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, USA.
Davidson
A
A
Kafadar
K
K
Norris
J M
JM
Todd
J
J
Steiner
J
J
D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003120:Colorado / Q000453:epidemiology; D018672:Community Health Planning; D005260:Female; D006285:Health Planning / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011156:Population Density; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011203:Poverty; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017062:Small-Area Analysis; D014504:Urban Health; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control