title: The geographic relationship between sexual health deprivation and the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010: a comparison of two indices.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To construct an Index of Sexual Health Deprivation (ISHD), examine its sensitivity, investigate the association between the ISHD and the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 (IMD2010), and interpret the observed geographic variation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The modified IMD method was informed by the IMD2010. Thirteen profiles relating to sexual health were selected and grouped into four domains. The observed profile values for each primary care trust (PCT) were smoothed and converted to a normal distribution before principal component analysis. Loadings were used to calculate profile weights. Domain scores were calculated by combining weighted profiles, which were combined to create the ISHD. A Bayesian approach acted as a comparator for the ISHD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Substantial variation in sexual health deprivation was seen across strategic health authorities (SHA). The London SHA had the highest proportion of PCTs (61%) among the most deprived quartile, followed by North-West SHA (29%). More than half of PCTs in East of England (71%), South Central (56%) and South-West (50%) SHAs fell into the least deprived quartile. No PCTs within the East of England, South Central and South-West SHAs were in the most deprived quartile. Only 57% of PCTs were attributed to the same quartile of the ISHD as the IMD2010. The modified IMD method and the Bayesian approach produced consistent results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ISHD provides a robust picture of the geography of sexual health and shows a weak association with the IMD2010. It can be used to guide public health action to reduce the geographical gradient in sexual health inequality.
authors: HIV & STI Department, Health Protection Services, Colindale, Health Protection Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
authors: Zheng
authors: Z
authors: Yin
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Conti
authors: Sarika
authors: S
authors: Desai
authors: Mai
authors: M
authors: Stafford
authors: Wendi
authors: W
authors: Slater
authors: O Noel
authors: ON
authors: Gill
authors: Ian
authors: I
authors: Simms
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D003467:Cultural Deprivation; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D011634:Public Health; D060728:Reproductive Health; D035862:Vulnerable Populations