Geographic correlation between deprivation and risk of meningococcal disease: an ecological study.
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.
Williams
Christopher J
CJ
East & North Hertfordshire Health Protection Unit, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL8 6JL, United Kingdom. kitwilliams@nhs.net
Willocks
Lorna J
LJ
Lake
Iain R
IR
Hunter
Paul R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D019352:Censuses; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000472:pathogenicity; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011204:Poverty Areas; D040442:Public Health Informatics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D019371:Topography, Medical / Q000379:methods; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data