Analysis of social epidemiology research on infectious diseases: historical patterns and future opportunities.
BACKGROUND
Despite the many triumphs of biomedical research over infectious diseases, human pathogens continue to impact profoundly populations deprived of social resources. Correspondingly, health researchers have advocated a social determinants approach to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. However, it is unknown whether this call has resulted in an increase in the number of studies examining social determinants of infectious outcomes.


METHODS
Research on social determinants of infectious diseases was systematically quantified by assessing temporal trends in the published literature using MEDLINE, PsycINFO and ISI Web of Science.


RESULTS
Results of the literature review spanning 1966-2005 show that socially related citations increased an annual average of 180.3 for neuropsychiatric conditions, 81.9 for chronic conditions, 44.7 for sexually transmitted diseases and 18.9 for non-sexually transmitted infectious diseases (p<0.0001). Of the 279 publications found to employ the term "social epidemiology", 15 (5.4%) investigated infectious outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the literature review suggest a paucity of social research on infectious diseases. There is a need for increased dialogue and collaboration between infectious disease epidemiologists and social epidemiologists.
Cohen
Justin M
JM
Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 South Observatory Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
Wilson
Mark L
ML
Aiello
Allison E
AE
D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000635:transmission*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors