MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'International Journal of Health Geographics' source. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:47:28 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3381540&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F17 Conclusions: Experiments based on a real application for the Alberta breast cancer screening program show that our work can increase the accessibility of breast cancer screening services in the province. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3381540 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3381540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3361539&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F16 Disease surveillance makes use of information technology at almost every stage of the process, from data collection and collation, through to analysis and dissemination. Automated data collection systems enable near-real time analysis of incoming data. This context places a heavy burden on software used for space-time surveillance. In this paper, we review software programs capable of space-time disease surveillance analysis, and outline some of their salient features, shortcomings, and usability. Programs with space-time methods were selected for inclusion, limiting our review to ClusterSeer, SaTScan, GeoSurveillance and the Surveillance package for R. We structure the review around stages of analysis: preprocessing, analysis, technical issues, and output. Simulated data were used to revi... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3361539 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3361539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3325759&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F14 HTML5 is being developed as the next major revision of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), the core markup language of the World Wide Web. It aims at reducing the need for proprietary, plug-in-based rich Internet application (RIA) technologies such as Adobe Flash. The canvas element is part of HTML5 and is used to draw graphics using scripting (e.g., JavaScript). This paper introduces Cartagen, an open-source, vector-based, client-side framework for rendering plug-in-free, offline-capable, interactive maps in native HTML5 on a wide range of Web browsers and mobile phones. Cartagen was developed at MIT Media Lab's Design Ecology group. Potential applications of the technology as an enabler for participatory online mapping include mapping real-time air pollution, citizen reporting, and disaste... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3325759 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3325759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3305268&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F13 Conclusions: As oseltamivir is a keystone of preparedness and treatment for pandemic H1N1, the potential for resistance to oseltamivir is an ongoing concern. Reassortment and, more likely, point mutation have the potential to create a strain of pandemic H1N1 against which we have a reduced number of treatment options. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3305268 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3305268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3300776&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F12 Conclusion: These data demonstrate that GIS/ remote sensing models and spatial statistics can capture space-varying functional relationships between field-sampled mosquito and bird parameters for determining risk for EEEV transmission. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3300776 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3300776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3286528&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F11 Conclusion: MosquitoMap is a public domain web resource that maps and compares georeferenced mosquito collection points to other spatial information, in a geographical information system setting. The MAC quantifies the Mal-area, i.e. the area where it is theoretically possible for vector-borne disease transmission to occur, thus providing a useful decision tool where other disease information is limited. The Mal-area approach emphasizes the independent but cumulative contribution to disease risk of the vector species predicted present. MosquitoMap adds value to, and makes accessible, the results of past collecting efforts, as well as providing a template for other arthropod spatial databases. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3286528 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3286528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3274935&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F9 Conclusions: :Sepsis mortality varies across the US. The states with highest sepsis mortality form a contiguous cluster in the Southeastern and mid-Atlantic US. These observations highlight unanswered questions regarding the characteristics and care of sepsis. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3274935 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3274935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3261655&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F6 Conclusions: This study tested the performance of an SSO tool in a Canadian context, which is an important initial step before applying it to the study of health and disease. The tool demonstrated important shortcomings when applied to six diverse Toronto neighbourhoods. The study's analyses challenge previously held assumptions (e.g. social 'disorder') regarding neighbourhood social and built environments. For example, neighbourhood 'order' has traditionally been assumed to be synonymous with a certain degree of homogeneity, however the neighbourhoods under study were characterized by high degrees of heterogeneity and low levels of disorder. Heterogeneity was seen as an appealing feature of a block face. Employing qualitative techniques with SSO represents a unique contribution, enhancin... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3261655 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3261655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3253269&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F5 Conclusion: This study highlights the differential effects of cold and hot periods on IHD in Quebec health regions depending on age, sex, and other factors such as smoking, behaviour and deprivation levels. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3253269 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3253269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3215242&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F4 Conclusions: The reallocation of ambulances to optimal locations improved response times and could contribute to higher survival rates from life-threatening medical events. Modelling EMS case 'demand' over census areas allows the data to be correlated to population characteristics and optimal 'supply' locations to be identified. Comparing current and future optimal scenarios allows more nuanced planning decisions to be made. This is a generic methodology that could be used to provide evidence in support of public health planning and decision making. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3215242 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3215242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3215243&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F3 Conclusion: We conclude that only a few foci appear to have been at the origin of each HPAI epidemic wave, leading to the practical action that surveillance and control must focus on farm to farm transmission rather than on emergence or wild fauna. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3215243 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3215243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192206&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F2 Conclusion: While not perfect representations of the absolute distribution of P. papatasi and P. alexandri, these models indicate areas with a higher probability of presence of these species. This information could be used to help guide future research efforts into the ecology of these species and epidemiology of the pathogens that they transmit. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192206 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3192206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3184451&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F9%2F1%2F1 Conclusions: Spatial detection accuracy improved notably with regard to both location and size when incidents were geocoded to street addresses rather than zip code centroids. Since street address geocoding success rates were only 73.5%, zip codes were still used for more than one quarter of ILI cases. Thus, further advances in spatial detection accuracy are dependant on systematic improvements in the collection of individual address information. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3184451 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3184451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3166084&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F73 Conclusions: The semiparametric method proposed in the paper can achieve good power when detecting localized cluster. The method does not require a specific distributional assumption other than the tilt function. In addition, it is possible to adapt other scan schemes (e.g., elliptic spatial scan, flexible shape scan) to search for clusters as well. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3166084 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3166084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3134949&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F73 Conclusions: The semiparametric method proposed in the paper can achieve good power when detecting localized cluster. The method does not require a specific distributional assumption other than the tilt function. In addition, it is possible to adapt other scan schemes (e.g., elliptic spatial scan, flexible shape scan) to search for clusters as well. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3134949 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3134949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3128249&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F72 Conclusions: The availability of geocoded collision data will be beneficial to clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of traffic safety and public health. Potential uses of the data include studies of collision clustering on the highway system and examinations of the associations between collision occurrence and a variety of variables on environmental and social characteristics, including housing and personal demographics, alcohol outlets, schools, and parks. The ability to build maps may be useful in research planning and conduct and in the delivery of information to both technical and non-technical audiences. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3128249 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3128249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3110266&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F71 Conclusions: Taking into account the low mercury levels currently handled as acceptable, the majority of the Amazonian populations can be considered exposed to mercury contamination, without clear spatial trend. Knowing that these traditional Amerindian communities depend highly on fish, the situation is very complex and it remains difficult to assess the Public Health implication of the exposure in this specific context. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3110266 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3110266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043168&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F69 Conclusion: Routine and ongoing geographic surveillance of chronic diseases is critical to developing an understanding of underlying epidemiology, and is critical to informing policy makers and the public about the health of the population. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043168 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3043168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3038715&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F68 Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel, commercially available GPS data-logger for long-term tracking of humans and shows the potential of these units to quantify mobility patterns in relationship with dengue virus transmission risk in a tropical urban environment. Cost, battery life, size, programmability and ease of wear are unprecedented from previously tested units, proving the usefulness of GPS-dataloggers for linking movement of individuals and transmission risk of dengue virus and other infectious agents, particularly in resource-poor settings. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3038715 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3038715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3032868&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F66 Conclusions: Our findings highlight the link between social inequalities and intentional deaths, clearly showing the need for urgent social interventions to reduce violence and premature mortality. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3032868 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3032868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3032867&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F67 Conclusion: A real-time model using climate, land use, and animal surveillance data to predict WNV risk appears feasible. The dynamic patterns of WNV infection suggest a need to periodically refine such prediction systems. Methods: Using multiple logistic regression, the 30-day risk of human WNV infection by town was modeled using environmental variables as well as mosquito and wild bird surveillance. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3032867 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3032867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3021773&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F63 Conclusions: We assessed exposure using traffic data from 2 independent sources and compared the results of 4 different exposure metric types. The results indicate that traffic congestion may be one of the most important aspects of traffic-related exposures, despite being overlooked in many studies on the exacerbation of asthma. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3021773 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3021773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3021772&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F64 Conclusions: This study identified spatial and temporal patterns in cryptosporidiosis distribution.The study also showed benefit in performing spatial analyses at more than one spatial scale to assess geographical patterns in disease distribution and that smoothing of disease rates for mapping in small areas enhances visualisation of spatial patterns.These findings are relevant in guiding policy decisions on disease control strategies. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3021772 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3021772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3021771&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F65 Conclusion: Evidence shows that there is no decline in growth in the number of deaths due to TB among HIV positive in most Africa countries. There is presence of 'hot-spots' and very large differences persist between sub-regions. Only by tackling TB and HIV together will progress be made in reversing the burden of both diseases. There is a great need for scale-up of preventive interventions such as the World Health Organization '3I's strategy' (intensified case finding, isoniazid preventive therapy and infection control). (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3021771 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3021771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3006879&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F62 Conclusion: Among three methods of aggregation examined, the method that accounted for distance from participant's home to the pedestrian facility (distance weighting) is promising; at the same time, it requires the most time and effort to calculate. This finding is consistent with the behavioral assumption that travelers may respond to environmental features closer to their residence more strongly than to more distant environmental qualities. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3006879 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3006879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2946014&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F61 The first documented transmission of Chikungunya within Europe took place in Italy during the summer of 2007. Chikungunya, a viral infection affecting millions of people across Africa and Asia, can be debilitating and no prophylactic treatment exists. Although imported cases are reported frequently across Europe, 2007 was the first confirmed European outbreak and available evidence suggests that Aedes albopictus was the vector responsible and the index case was a visitor from India. This paper proposed pan-European surveillance zones for Chikungunya, based on the climatic conditions necessary for vector activity and viral transmission. Pan-European surveillance provides the best hope for an early-warning of outbreaks, because national boundaries do not play a role in defining the risk of t... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2946014 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2946014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2933433&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F60 Conclusions: Three results are significant. First, the shape of the probability distributions of positional error (e.g. circular, elliptical, cross) has little impact on the perturbability of spatial weights, which instead depends on the mean positional error. Second, our methodology allows researchers to evaluate the sensitivity of spatial statistics to positional accuracy for specific geographies. This has substantial practical implications since it makes possible routine sensitivity analysis of spatial statistics to positional error arising in geocoded street addresses, global positioning systems, LIDAR and other geographic data. Third, those locations with high perturbability (most sensitive to positional error) and high leverage (that contribute the most to the spatial weight being co... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2933433 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2933433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2911158&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F58 Temporal, spatial and space-time scan statistics are commonly used to detect and evaluate the statistical significance of temporal and/or geographical disease clusters, without any prior assumptions on the location, time period or size of those clusters. Scan statistics are mostly used for count data, such as disease incidence or mortality. Sometimes there is an interest in looking for clusters with respect to a continuous variable, such as lead levels in children or low birth weight. For such continuous data, we present a scan statistic where the likelihood is calculated using the the normal probability model. It may also be used for other distributions, while still maintaining the correct alpha level. In an application of the new method, we look for geographical clusters of low birth wei... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2911158 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2911158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2897604&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F57 Conclusions: Thermal remote sensing data can be utilized to improve understanding of intra-urban variations in risk from extreme heat. The refinement of current risk assessment systems could increase the likelihood of survival during extreme heat events and assist emergency personnel in the delivery of vital resources during such disasters. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2897604 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2897604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2885477&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F56 Conclusions: While a number of correlates of blood donation are observed across Canada, important contextual effects across metropolitan areas are highlighted. The paper concludes by looking at policy options that are aimed toward further understanding donor behaviour. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2885477 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2885477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2885478&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F55 Conclusions: SaTScan elliptic version is more efficient for outlier detection compared with the other methods evaluated in this article. Tango's MEET and Oden's I*pop perform best in global clustering scenarios among the selected methods. The use of SaTScan for data with global clustering patterns should be used with caution since SatScan may reveal an incorrect spatial pattern even though it has enough power to reject a null hypothesis of homogeneous relative risk. Tango's method should be used for global clustering evaluation instead of SaTScan. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2885478 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2885478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874631&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F54 Conclusion: Fixed imputation methods seemed to yield greatest accuracy at the individual level, suggesting use for studies on area-level environmental exposures. Fixed methods result in artificial clusters in single census tracts. For studies focusing on spatial distribution of disease, random methods seemed superior, as they most closely replicated the true spatial distribution. When selecting an imputation approach, researchers should consider carefully the study aims. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874631 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2874631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2841498&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F53 Background: Breast cancer in females and prostate cancer in males are two of the most common cancers in the United States, and the literature suggests that they share similar features. However, it is unknown whether the occurrence of these two cancers at the county level in the United States is correlated. We analyzed Caucasian age-adjusted county level average annual incidence rates for breast and prostate cancers from the National Cancer Institute and State Cancer Registries to determine whether there was a spatial correlation between the two conditions and whether the two cancers had similar spatial patterns. Results: There was a significant correlation between breast and prostate cancers by county (r =0.332, p (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2841498 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2841498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2827018&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F52 Conclusion: Cumulative frequency legends are useful supplements for choropleth maps. These legends can be constructed using readily available software. They contain all of the information found in standard choropleth map legends, and they can be used with any choropleth map classification scheme. Cumulative frequency legends effectively communicate the proportion of areas, the proportion of health events, and/or the proportion of the denominator population in which the health events occurred that falls within each class interval. They illuminate the context of disease through graphing associations with other variables. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2827018 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2827018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2743205&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F51 Conclusions: Locating such clusters will be useful to health services researchers and health policy makers; doing so enables targeted policy interventions to efficiently improve access to primary care. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2743205 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2743205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2673501&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F50 Conclusions: The GIS-agent based model designed for this study can be easily customized to study the disease spread dynamics of any other communicable disease by simply adjusting the modeled disease timeline and/or the infection model and modifying the transmission process. This type of simulations can help to improve comprehension of disease spread dynamics and to take better steps towards the prevention and control of an epidemic outbreak. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2673501 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2673501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2633184&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F49 Conclusions: This dengue surveillance program allows public health workers in resource-limited settings to accurately identify areas with high indices of mosquito infestation and interpret the spatial relationship of these areas with potential larval development sites such as garbage piles and large pools of standing water. As a result, it is possible to prioritize control strategies and to target interventions to highest risk areas in order to eliminate the likely origin of the mosquito vector. This program is well-suited for resource-limited settings since it utilizes readily available technologies that do not rely on Internet access for daily use and can easily be implemented in many developing countries for very little cost. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2633184 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2633184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2619515&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F46 This paper offers a state-of-the-art overview of the intertwined privacy, confidentiality, and security issues that are commonly encountered in health research involving disaggregate geographic data about individuals. Key definitions are provided, along with some examples of actual and potential security and confidentiality breaches and related incidents that captured mainstream media and public interest in recent months and years. The paper then goes on to present a brief survey of the research literature on location privacy/confidentiality concerns and on privacy-preserving solutions in conventional health research and beyond, touching on the emerging privacy issues associated with online consumer geoinformatics and location-based services. The 'missing ring' (in many treatments of the t... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2619515 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2619515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2619514&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F47 Conclusions: Overall, we documented a variable environmental "fingerprint" for areas suitable for HPAI-H5N1 transmission. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2619514 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2619514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613043&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F45 Conclusions: The spatial estimation method should be chosen according to characteristics of the selected data streams. In this dataset with strong day-of-week effects, the overall best detection performance was achieved using subregion averages over a 28-day baseline stratified by weekday or weekend/holiday behavior. Changing the estimation method for particular scenarios involving different spatial resolution or other syndromes can yield further improvement. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613043 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2613043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2609744&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F44 Conclusions: According to our model the rates of temperature and precipitation changes observed between 1967 and 1998 may produce significant changes in the rodent distribution in an equivalent period of time only in certain areas. Given that changes maintain for 60 years or double in 30 years, the hantavirus reservoir Oligoryzomys longicaudatus may contract its distribution in Argentine Patagonia extensively. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2609744 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2609744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2597111&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F43 Conclusions: Significant spatial clustering of human WNV incidence has been demonstrated in the continental United States from 2002-2008. The two techniques were not always consistent in the location and size of clusters identified. Although there was significant inter-annual variation, consistent areas of clustering, with the most persistent and evident being in the Northern Great Plains, were demonstrated. Given the wide variety of mosquito species responsible and the environmental conditions they require, further spatio-temporal clustering analyses on a regional level is warranted. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2597111 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2597111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2568023&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F41 Conclusions: Based on this specific example, results suggest that these tests provide useful tools for evaluating spatial clustering of disease characteristics, both before and after consideration of covariates. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2568023 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2568023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2559364&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F40 The objective of this paper is to study on a scientifically sound basis the spatial distribution of risk for lung cancer mortality in the province of Lecce. Our goal is to demonstrate that most of the previous explanations are not supported by data: to this end, we will follow a hybrid approach that combines both frequentist and Bayesian disease mapping methods. Furthermore, we define a new sequential algorithm based on a modified version of the Besag-York-Mollie (BYM) model, suitably modified to detect geographical clusters of disease. Results: Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for lung cancer in the province of Lecce: For males, the relative risk (measured by means of SMRs, i.e. the ratios between observed and expected cases in each area under internal standardization) was judged to b... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2559364 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2559364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2555128&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F39 Conclusion: The method can be used to differentiate between various LULC products and be applied to any such research when there is a known relationship between a species and land cover. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2555128 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2555128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2549961&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F37 Conclusions: We conclude that the picture of Africa that emerges from anthropometric data is much less negative than that usually presented. Especially for Eastern and Central Africa, the nutritional status is less critical than commonly assumed and also mean calorie intake is higher, which implies that agricultural production and hence income must also have been growing at a pace at least high enough to keep up with population growth. In terms of methodology, our estimates form a base line for 2005 for the whole continent that can be easily updated with far less information for individual countries, as we show in an example for Ethiopia. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2549961 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2549961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498909&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F35 Conclusions: The geostatistical analysis showed that OMWM demonstrated considerable potential for effective mosquito control and compatibility with other natural resource management goals such as restoration, wildlife habitat enhancement, and invasive species abatement. GPS and GIS tools are invaluable for large scale project design, data collection, and data analysis, with geostatistical methods serving as an alternative or a supplement to the conventional inference statistics in evaluating the project outcome. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498909 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2498909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498910&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F34 Conclusions: The combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses demonstrated the complexity of the issues around racial and ethnic disparities in park access. They revealed trends that may not have been otherwise detectable, such as the spatially inconsistent relationship between physical activity site density and socio-demographics. In order to establish a more stable global model, a number of additional factors, variables, and methods might be used to quantify park accessibility, such as network analysis of proximity, perception of accessibility and usability, and additional park quality characteristics. Accurate measurement of park accessibility can therefore be important in showing the links between opportunities for active behavior and beneficial health outcomes. (Source: Intern... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498910 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2498910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2498911&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F33 In this study, we use recently developed variations of the "distance based" approach to spatially evaluate and compare demographic and socioeconomic disparities surrounding the worst hazardous waste sites in Florida. Methods: We used data from the 2000 US Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to identify selected socio and economic variables within one (1) mile of 71 National Priorities List (NPL) or Superfund sites in Florida. ArcMap (ESRI, v. 9.2) was used to map the centroid locations of each of the NPL sites as well as identify and estimate the number of host and non-host tracts. The unit of analysis in this study was at the census tract level. Logistic regression (SAS v9.1.3) was used to determine if race/ethnicity and socioeconomic indicators are signif... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2498911 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2498911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2466985&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F32 Conclusions: The methodology used in the 2005 Bangladesh CMS provides a useful approach to mapping slums that could be applied to urban areas in other low income societies. This methodology may become an increasingly important analytic tool to inform policy, as cities in developing countries are forecasted to continue increasing their share of total global population in the coming years, with slum populations more than doubling in size during the same period. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2466985 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2466985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2438630&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F31 Conclusions: In most epidemiological studies distance is still used as a proxy for exposure leading to significant exposure missclassification. Additionally, in geographical correlation studies the non-linear relationships are usually not accounted for in the statistical analysis. In studies of weak associations it is important to use advanced methods to better assess dose-response relationships with disease risk. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2438630 Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2438630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411320&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F28 Conclusions: Graph theoretical methods developed in computational chemistry may be a useful addition to the current GIS based methods available for geographical epidemiology but further developmental work is required. An important requirement will be the development of methods for specifying multiple complex search patterns. Further work is also required to examine the utility of using distance, as opposed to adjacency, to describe edges in graphs, and to examine methods for pattern specification when the nodes have multiple attributes attached to them. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411320 Wed, 13 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2411320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411321&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F27 Conclusions: There is a spatial variation of the relationship between PM2.5 and AOD in the conterminous USA. In the eastern USA where AOD correlates well with PM2.5, AOD can be merged with ground PM2.5 data to derive a PM2.5 surface for epidemiological study. The study found that chronic coronary heart disease mortality rate increases with exposure to PM2.5. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411321 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2411321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395470&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F25 Conclusions: Exposure to traffic was associated with a higher prevalence of allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, but not with asthma or rhinitis triggered by non-allergic factors. This difference was suggested by the overall pattern, but only clear using GIS-measured traffic intensity as a proxy for traffic exposure. An association was also found with hand-eczema during the last 12 months. We suggest that asthma and rhinitis should not be treated as homogenous groups when estimating effects from traffic in adults. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395470 Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2395470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2362792&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F22 Conclusion: To be able to refine the implementation of a welfare policy, a better understanding of the processes that generate the outcomes of the various welfare schemes and services is required. This can be achieved by adopting an approach to the study of outcomes of welfare policy that integrates both the social and geographic perspective, and that focuses on specific diagnoses or distributional procedures. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2362792 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2362792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2337892&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F19 Conclusion: A supervised classification of land cover types in rural, lowland, western Kenya revealed a largely human-modified and fragmented landscape consisting of agricultural and domestic land uses. Within it, larval habitats of Anopheles vectors of human malaria were associated with certain land cover types, of largely agricultural origin, and close to streams. Knowledge of these associations can inform malaria control to gather information on potential larval habitats more efficiently than by field survey and can do so over large areas. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2337892 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2337892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2337891&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F20 Conclusions: Our results suggest four main conclusions. First, spatial scan methods should be evaluated for a variety of different datasets and outbreak characteristics, since focusing only on a single scenario may give a misleading picture of which methods perform best. Second, we recommend the use of the expectation-based Poisson statistic rather than the traditional Kulldorff statistic when large outbreaks are of potential interest, or when average daily counts are low. Third, adjusting for seasonal and day-of-week trends can significantly improve performance in datasets where these trends are present. Finally, we recommend discontinuing the use of randomization testing in the spatial scan framework when sufficient historical data is available for empirical calibration of likelihood rat... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2337891 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2337891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2319801&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F18 Conclusions: Surveillance of climate-related health vulnerabilities may be more efficiently supported using a combination of OLAP and GIS concepts. The developed system respects Newell's cognitive band of 10 seconds when performing knowledge discovery. It also provides new operators for easily and rapidly exploring multidimensional data at different levels of granularity, for different regions and epochs, and for visualizing the results in synchronized maps, tables and charts. It is naturally adapted to deal with multiscale indicators such as those used in the health surveillance community, as confirmed by this project's end-users. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2319801 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2319801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2319804&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F17 Conclusions: This approach represents a conceptual framework for developing individual based models to carry out PEA in small-scale agricultural settings in the developing world based on individual patterns of movement, safety conditions, and dynamic contaminant distributions. The results of our analysis indicate our prototype model is sufficiently sensitive to differentiate and quantify the influence of individual patterns of movement and decision-based pesticide management activities on potential exposure. This approach represents a framework for further understanding the contribution of agricultural pesticide use to exposure in the small-scale agricultural production landscape of many developing countries, and could be useful to evaluate public health intervention strategies to reduce r... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2319804 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2319804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2281145&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F16 Conclusions: Water derived from traditional sources (wells) showed increases in most of the investigated bacteriological parameters, followed by surface water as compared to bottled or desalinated water. This may be attributed to the fact that well and surface water are at risk of contamination as indicated by the higher levels of most bacteriological parameters. Moreover, well water is exposed to point sources of pollution such as septic wells and domestic and farming effluents, as well as to soil with a high humus content. The lower bacteriological characteristics in samples from bottled water indicate that it is satisfactory for human drinking purposes. Contamination of desalinated water that is the main urban water source may occur during transportation from the desalination plant or i... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2281145 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2281145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2281146&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F15 Conclusions: The use of GIS tools and geo-referenced, village-level epidemiological data allow the production of maps that substantially improve on the spatial quality of previous cartographic products of similar scope. The significant differences between our preliminary outputs and earlier maps of HAT transmission areas demonstrate the strong need for this systematic approach to mapping sleeping sickness and point to the inaccuracy of any calculation of population at risk based on previous maps of HAT transmission areas. The Atlas of HAT will lay the basis for novel, evidence-based methodologies to estimate the population at risk and the burden of disease, ultimately leading to more efficient targeting of interventions. Also, the Atlas will help streamline future field data collection in ... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2281146 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2281146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2239777&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F12 Conclusion: Bayesian smoothing and ESDA methods can assist programs in using chlamydia surveillance data to identify outliers, as well as relevant changes in chlamydia incidence in specific geographic units. Secondly, it may also indirectly help in assessing existing differences and changes in chlamydia surveillance systems over time. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2239777 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2239777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2199797&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F10 Conclusion: Understanding the spatial patterns of low birthweight and infant mortality in Michigan was an important first step in conducting a geographic evaluation of the State's reported high infant mortality rates. AZM proved to be a useful tool for visualizing and exploring the spatial patterns of low birthweight and infant deaths for public health surveillance. Future research should also consider AZM as a tool for health services research. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2199797 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2199797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2199798&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F4 Conclusion: GE has the potential of making mapping available to a new set of public health users in developing countries. High quality and free satellite imagery, rich features including Keyhole Markup Language or image overlay provide a flexible but yet powerful platform that set it apart from traditional GIS tools and this power is still to be fully harnessed by public health professionals. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2199798 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2199798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2120906&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F8%2F1%2F2 Conclusions: Living close to traffic was associated with prevalence of asthma diagnosis, COPD diagnosis, and symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. This indicates that traffic-related air pollution has both long-term and short-term effects on chronic respiratory disease in adults, even in a region with overall low levels of air pollution. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2120906 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2120906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073339&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F67 Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a positive relationship between environmental conditions and health outcomes in communities using the SOM-GIS method to overcome data and methodological challenges traditionally encountered in public health research. Results demonstrated that community health can be classified using environmental variables and that the SOM-GIS method may be applied to multivariate environmental health studies. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073339 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2073339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052142&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F65 Conclusion: Sand fly habitats on military facilities can be detected using remote sensing techniques. These habitats present some hazard of exposure to human populations and may increase the risk of importing an exotic parasite with returning veterans from Leishmania-endemic war zones. The sand fly density prediction maps can be used to direct further surveillance, insect control, or additional patient monitoring of potentially infected soldiers. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052142 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2052142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052141&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F66 Conclusions: Major environmental factors contributing to the outbreak of WNV in Indianapolis were the percentages of agriculture and water, total length of streams, and total size of wetlands. This study provides important information for urban public health prevention and management. It also contributes to the optimization of mosquito control and arrangement of future sampling efforts. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052141 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2052141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2045808&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F64 Conclusions: There is no consistent source of hazard mortality data, yet improvements in existing databases can produce quality data that can be incorporated into spatial epidemiological studies as demonstrated in this paper. It is important to view natural hazard mortality through a geographic lens so as to better inform the public living in such hazard prone areas, but more importantly to inform local emergency practitioners who must plan for and respond to disasters in their community. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2045808 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2045808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2039422&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F62 Conclusion: The results suggest that proximity and density of open space refuse dumps play a contributory role in cholera infection in Kumasi. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2039422 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2039422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2039421&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F63 Conclusions: By incorporating the demand (population) and the supply (capacities of heath care centers), AccessMod provides a unifying tool to efficiently assess the geographic coverage of a network of health care facilities. This tool should be of particular interest to developing countries that have a relatively good geographic information on population distribution, terrain, and health facility locations. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2039421 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2039421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1989745&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F59 This study focuses on the design of a wearable global positioning system (GPS) data logger for the purpose of objectively measuring the temporal and spatial features of human activities. Person-specific GPS data provides a useful source of information to operationalize the concept of place. Results: We designed and tested a lightweight, wearable GPS receiver, capable of logging location information for up to 70 hours continuously before recharging. The device is accurate to within 7 m in typical urban environments and performs well across a range of static and dynamic conditions.DiscussionRather than rely on static areal units as proxies for places, wearable GPS devices can be used to derive a more complete picture of the different places that influence an individual's wellbeing. The measu... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1989745 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1989745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1979936&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F56 Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to differentiate rural dwellers with respect to outcomes associated with appendicitis as opposed to simply comparing "rural" to "urban". Risk of perforated appendicitis associated with commuting patterns is larger than that posed by several individual indicators including some age-sex cohort effects. Future studies linking the activity spaces of rural dwellers to individual patterns of seeking care will further our understanding of perforated appendicitis and ambulatory care sensitive conditions in general. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1979936 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1979936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933761&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F56 Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to differentiate rural dwellers with respect to outcomes associated with appendicitis as opposed to simply comparing "rural" to "urban". Risk of perforated appendicitis associated with commuting patterns is larger than that posed by several individual indicators including some age-sex cohort effects. Future studies linking the activity spaces of rural dwellers to individual patterns of seeking care will further our understanding of perforated appendicitis and ambulatory care sensitive conditions in general. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933761 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1933761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1894296&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F53 Conclusions: The case study shows that spatial information is an identified need at local level. Open source GIS software can be used to develop a system to provide local-level stakeholders with spatial information. However, the suitability of the technology is only a part of the system - there are wider information and management issues which need to be addressed before the implementation of a local-level GIS for infrastructure management can be successful. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1894296 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1894296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815082&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F50 Conclusions: The spatial method is more effective in modeling the distribution of adult mosquitoes than the non-spatial method. The results of this study can be used to facilitate decision-making related to mosquito surveillance and malaria prevention. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815082 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1815082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1794029&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F49 Conclusions: The wGUI can be used by health policy makers and administrators with little or no formal GIS training to visualize multiple health resource allocation scenarios. The GUI is poised to become a critical decision making tool especially as evidence is increasingly required for assessing distribution of health services. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1794029 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1794029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1733331&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F48 Conclusions Despite similar significances of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases for the global burden of disease, large input and output imbalances have been revealed in the present study which point to a need for changes in funding policies. The present study supplies data that could be used for decision making in the field of health systems funding. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1733331 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1733331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1704510&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F46 Conclusions: Spatial-temporal analysis of the breast cancer data may help identify new exposure hypotheses that warrant future epidemiologic investigations with detailed exposure models. Our methods allow us to visualize breast cancer risk, adjust for known confounders including age at diagnosis or index year, family history of breast cancer, parity and age at first live- or stillbirth, and test for the statistical significance of location and time. Despite the advantages of GAMs, analyses are for exploratory purposes and there are still methodological issues that warrant further research. This paper illustrates that GAM methods are a suitable alternative to widely-used cluster detection methods and may be preferable when residential histories from existing epidemiological studies are avai... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1704510 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1704510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1700243&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F44 Conclusion: The results suggest that high urbanization, high overcrowding, and neighborhood with Kumasi Metropolis are the most important predictors of cholera in Ashanti region. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1700243 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1700243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1700242&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F45 Conclusions: We demonstrate that multiple versions of the same data, each anonymized by non-deterministic Gaussian skew, can be used to ascertain original geographic locations. We explore solutions to this problem that include infrastructure to support the safe disclosure of anonymized medical data to prevent inference or re-identification of original address data, and the use of a Markov-process based algorithm to mitigate this risk. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1700242 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1700242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1648617&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F40 Conclusions: Reduction of prevalence of leprosy was 92% for persons born after 1996, which could be attributed to various intervention and treatment programmes like vaccine trial and MDT. The estimated period effects showed a gradual decline in the risk of leprosy which could be due to better nutrition, hygiene and increased awareness about the disease. Comparison of the maps of the relative risk using the Bayesian smoothing and the raw SMR showed the variation of the geographical distribution of the leprosy prevalence in the study area. Panchayat or spatial effects using Bayesian showed clustersing of leprosy cases towards the northeastern end of the study area which was overcrowded and population belonging to poor economic status. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1648617 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1648617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1535235&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F31 Conclusions: The findings suggest that environmental and climatic factors partially control the temporal variability of cholera. These results also indirectly contribute to the growing debate about the effects of climate change and global warming. As climate change threatens to increase global temperature, resulting rises in sea levels and temperatures may influence the temporal fluctuations of cholera, potentially increasing the frequency and duration of cholera outbreaks. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1535235 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1535235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1487668&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F28 Background: Live cancer is not common in Canada in general; however, clustering of the disease causes a concern. We conducted a spatial analysis to determine the geographic variation of liver cancer and its association with the proportion of immigration in Ontario. Liver cancer incidence data between 1998 and 2002 were obtained from the Ontario Cancer Registry. The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) in 2001 provided information on potential risk factors. Results: Age standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for liver cancer and prevalence of potential risk factors were calculated for each of 35 health regions. The SIRs for liver cancer varied across the 35 health regions (p (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1487668 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1487668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1479971&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F27 Conclusions: The study found that individual-level and community contextual characteristics were independently associated with early sexual debut, suggesting that interventions to reduce adolescent high-risk sexual behaviour should focus on high-risk places as well as high-risk groups of people. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1479971 Fri, 30 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1479971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1474744&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F26 Background: Individual point data can be analyzed against an entire cohort instead of only sampled controls to accurately picture the geographic distribution of populations at risk for low prevalence diseases. Analyzed as individual points, many smaller clusters with high relative risks (RR) and low empirical p values are indistinguishable from a random distribution. When points are aggregated into areal units, small clusters may result in a larger cluster with a low RR or be lost if divided into pieces included in units of larger populations that show no increased prevalence. Previous simulation studies showed lowered validity of spatial scan tests for true clusters with low RR. Using simulations, this study explored the effects of low cluster RR and areal unit size on local area clusteri... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1474744 Wed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1474744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463472&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F24 Conclusions: We have prepared risk maps for the occurrence of I. scapularis in eastern and central Canada under current and future projected climate. Validation of the risk maps provides some confidence that they provide a useful first step in predicting the occurrence of I. scapularis populations, and directing public health objectives in minimizing risk from Lyme disease. Further field studies are needed, however, to continue validation and refinement of the risk maps. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463472 Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1463472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413333&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F19 Conclusions: The analysis of human WNV incidence by census block groups in Iowa demonstrated unique landscape, demographic, and climatic associations. Our results indicate that multiple ecological WNV transmission dynamics are most likely taking place in Iowa. In 2003 and 2006, drier conditions were associated with WNV incidence. Most significantly, rural agricultural settings were shown to be strongly associated with human WNV incidence in Iowa. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413333 Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1413333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413332&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F20 Conclusions: High risk of stroke mortality was found in areas with low income level, high air pollution level, and low level of exposure to green space. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413332 Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1413332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1409466&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F18 Conclusions: One of the challenges in pesticide research is the identification and recruitment of study participants, which is time consuming and costly, especially when the study site is in a remote location. We have demonstrated how GIS-based processes can be used to recruit participants, increase efficiency and enhance accuracy. The method that we used ultimately made it possible to collect biological samples from a specific demographic group within strictly defined exposure areas, with little advance knowledge of the location or population. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1409466 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1409466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1393633&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F17 Conclusion: The ORB provides adequate water resources to accommodate future settlers but it lacks appropriate infrastructure to deliver safe water to households. Moreover, hygienic practices are often deficient. Therefore, a multifaceted approach is needed that acknowledges the public good aspects of health situation and consequently combines collective action with investments into water sources with improved management of public wells and further educational efforts to change hygienic practices. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1393633 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1393633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1382185&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F16 Conclusion: Contrary to recent findings in larger Canadian cities, we conclude that urban food deserts exist in London, Ontario. Policies aimed at improving public health must also recognize the spatial, as well as socioeconomic, inequities with respect to access to healthy and affordable food. Additional research is necessary to better understand how supermarket access influences dietary behaviours and related health outcomes. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1382185 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1382185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1374966&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F15 Conclusions: Spatial autocorrelation can improve the accuracy of predictive disease risk models by incorporating spatial patterns as a proxy for unmeasured environmental variables and spatial processes. Spatial heterogeneity can also improve prediction accuracy by accounting for unique ecological conditions in different regions that affect the relative importance of environmental drivers on disease risk. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1374966 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1374966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347139&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F13 Conclusions: Although these specific results cannot be generalized to new situations, the methods used to determine the sensitivity of results can be used in new situations. Estimated measures of positional accuracy must be used in the interpretation of results of analyses that investigate relationships between health outcomes and exposures measured at residential locations. Analyses similar to those employed in this paper can be used to validate interpretation of results from empirical analyses that use geocoded locations with estimated measures of positional accuracy. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347139 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1347139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1304532&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F11 Conclusion: These data demonstrate that optical remote sensing, geostatistics and DEMs can be used to identify parameters associated with Culex and Anopheles aquatic habitats. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1304532 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1304532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1268201&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F10 Conclusions: None of the built environment characteristics significantly predicted walking for exercise, nor did combinations of these characteristics predict walking for exercise when tested using a holdout approach. These results reflect a lack of neighborhood-level variation in walking for exercise for the population studied. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1268201 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1268201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1257810&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F9 In this study, we propose a method to map larval and adult populations of An. hyrcanus based on environmental indices derived from high spatial resolution imagery. The analysis of the link between entomological field data on An. hyrcanus larvae and environmental indices (biotopes, distance to the nearest main productive breeding sites of this species i.e., rice fields) led to the definition of a larval index, defined as the probability of observing An. hyrcanus larvae in a given site at least once over a year. Independent accuracy assessments showed a good agreement between observed and predicted values (sensitivity and specificity of the logistic regression model being 0.76 and 0.78, respectively). An adult index was derived from the larval index by averaging the larval index within a buf... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1257810 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1257810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1254945&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F8 Conclusions: In this project, we develop a service oriented architecture for online disease mapping that is distributed, loosely coupled, and interoperable. An implementation of this architecture has been applied to the New Brunswick and Maine infectious disease studies. We have shown that the development of standard health services and spatial data infrastructure can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public health surveillance. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1254945 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1254945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1239148&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F7 Conclusions: Although errors associated to the choice of distance types and aggregation method are only important for about 10% of census tracts located mainly in suburban areas, we should not avoid using the best estimation method possible for evaluating geographical accessibility. This is especially so if these measures are to be included as a dimension of the built environment in studies investigating residential area effects on health. If these measures are not sufficiently precise, this could lead to errors or lack of precision in the estimation of residential area effects on health. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1239148 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1239148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1199740&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F6 Conclusions: Bayesian spatial models are increasingly used by public health officials to map mortality risk from observed rates, a preliminary step towards the identification of areas of excess. More attention should however be paid to the spatial and distributional assumptions underlying the popular BYM model. Poisson kriging offers more flexibility in modeling the spatial structure of the risk and generates less smoothing, reducing the likelihood of missing areas of high risk. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1199740 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1199740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1188355&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F5 Conclusion: As continuous data collection is required for a monitoring system, the simplified approach facilitates the handling of large volume data and relevant data analysis. It is concluded that the number of methadone clinics is as important as their locations. Geographic coverage could become an important consideration for monitoring harm reduction. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1188355 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1188355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1182670&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F4 Conclusion: Before speculating that this decreased risk reflects a dioxin anti-estrogenic activity with greater effect on late-onset acquired breast cancer, some residual confounding must be envisaged. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1182670 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1182670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1172699&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F3 Conclusion: Geo-imputation appears to offer some advantages and no serious drawbacks as compared with the alternative of assigning cases to census tracts based on postal code centroids. For a specific analysis, researchers will still need to consider the potential impact of geocoding quality on their results and evaluate the possibility that it might introduce geographical bias. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1172699 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1172699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1160888&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F2 Conclusions: These findings reveal that accessibility to sites possessing a VLT permit is often linked to the vulnerability (socioeconomic and demographic components) of communities. Reliance in our analyses on neighbourhood units with fairly small areas enabled us to emphasize the rectilinear dimension of the spatial distribution of sites possessing VLT permits. This is a significant link that public health officials must consider when elaborating programs to combat pathological gambling. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1160888 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1160888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1143310&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F7%2F1%2F1 Conclusions: Knowing the exact location of pollutant foci is vital to obtain reliable and valid conclusions in any study where distance to the focus is a decisive factor, as in the case of the consequences of industrial pollution on the health of neighbouring populations. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1143310 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1143310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1105970&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F56 Conclusions: Education plays a significant role in health-seeking behavior at the population level. While it is conceivable that a reporting bias due to differential access to healthcare could have resulted in a greater detection of Salmonella infections among high education block groups compared to low education block groups, individuals of higher education block groups may also have greater discretionary income to eat outside the home frequently and are more likely to own pets known to act as reservoirs for Salmonella, than their lower levels of education counterparts, and therefore may have increased likelihood for contracting Salmonella infection. Public health authorities should focus on improving the level of disease detection and reporting among communities with lower income and edu... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1105970 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1105970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1058226&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F54 Conclusion: We found considerable differences in the smoothing properties of the CAR model, depending on the type of neighbours specified. This in turn had an effect on the models' ability to recover the observed risk in an area. Prior to risk mapping or ecological modelling, an exploratory analysis of the neighbourhood weight matrix to guide the choice of a suitable weight matrix is recommended. Alternatively, the weight matrix can be chosen a priori based on decision-theoretic considerations including loss, cost and inferential aims. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1058226 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1058226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1053997&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F52 Conclusions: Aggregation has the potential for obfuscation. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1053997 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1053997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1053996&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F53 Conclusions: PD approaches, by their very nature, encourage buy-in to the development process, better addresses user-needs, and creates a sense of user-investment and ownership. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1053996 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1053996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1017115&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F50 Conclusion: Preventive measures should be designed to improve work conditions, reduce deprivation, and help deprived populations to be more aware of risk and to find remedial measures. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1017115 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1017115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=955882&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F47 Conclusions: Catheter intervention for acute myocardial infarction is a time sensitive procedure. This study revealed that although a relatively small area of the province had access within the 90 minute time constraint, this area represented a large proportion of the population. Within Alberta, fixed wing air ambulance is not an effective means of transporting patients to a catheterization facility within the 90 minute time frame, though it becomes advantageous as a means of transportation for larger distances when there is less urgency. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=955882 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 955882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=941574&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F46 Conclusions: In this study, we found that most populous and rich countries (such as South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria) have correspondingly higher research production; but smaller countries can be productive. We noted continuous increases and reassuring trends in the production of research articles from all African subregions during the period 1996 - 2005. However, contribution of Africa to global research production was limited. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=941574 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 941574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=902637&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F45 Background: In 2003, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MOH) started to implement a national antiretroviral treatment (ART) program. Using data in the monthly HIV/AIDS Updates issued by the MOH, this paper examines the spatial and temporal distribution of ART on a population basis for Ethiopian towns and administrative zones and regions for the period February to December 2006. Results: The 101 public ART hospitals treated 44,446 patients and the 91 ART health centers treated 1,599 patients in December 2006. The number of patients currently receiving ART doubled between February and December 2006 and the number of female patients aged 15 years and older surpassed male patients, apparently due to increased awareness and provision of free ART. Of 58,405 patients who ever started ART in Decem... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=902637 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 902637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=895447&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F44 Conclusions: We have produced a highly plausible and parsimonious model of historical malaria risk for Botswana from point-referenced data from a 1961/2 prevalence survey of malaria infection in 1-14 year old children. After starting with a list of 50 potential variables we ended with three highly plausible predictors, by applying a systematic and repeatable staged variable selection procedure that included a spatial analysis, which has application for other environmentally determined infectious diseases. All this was accomplished using general-purpose statistical software. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=895447 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 895447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=894052&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F43 Conclusion: In the study context, a primary PCI service in an existing tertiary centre would only cover a minority of STEMI events and would generate geographical inequities. A two-centre model would improve coverage and equity considerably, but may be associated with practical, clinical quality and financial challenges. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=894052 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 894052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=890799&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F42 No abstract available (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=890799 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 890799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=887953&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F39 Background: In the context of ecological studies, the Bayesian hierarchical Poisson model is of prime interest when studying the association between environmental exposure and rare diseases. However, adding spatially structured extra-variability in the model fitted to the data when such extra-variability does not exist conditionally on the covariates included in the model (over-fitting ) may bias the estimation of the ecological association between covariates and relative risks toward the null. In order to investigate that possibility, a simulation study of the impact of introducing unnecessary residual spatial structure in the estimation model was conducted. Results: In the case where no underlying extra-variability from the Poisson process exists, the simulation results show that models ... International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=887953 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 887953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=887952&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F40 Conclusion: In the context of a declining rate of human and aviary infection to WNV, this element contributed to the decision to suspend the use of preventive larvicides in the province of Quebec in 2006 and for the foreseeable future. The second part of this study indicates that it is very important to estimate the risk that extreme values can be observed simultaneously in the summer and in the winter preceding the appearance of the virus. The proposed models provide important information to public health officials, weeks before the appearance of the virus, and can therefore be useful to help prevent human epidemics. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=887952 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 887952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=887951&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F41 Conclusions: The selection of network or circular buffers has a considerable influence on the results of analysis. Land use characteristics generally show greater associations with walking using line-based road network buffers than circular buffers. These results show that researchers need to carefully consider the most appropriate buffer with which to calculate land use characteristics. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=887951 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 887951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=840267&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F37 Conclusions: The procedure developed enables complete coverage of targeted areas with larval control through comprehensive spatial coverage with community-derived sketch maps. The procedure is practical, affordable, and requires minimal technical skills. This approach can be readily integrated into malaria vector control programmes, scaled up to towns and cities all over Tanzania and adapted to urban settings elsewhere in Africa. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=840267 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 840267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=830851&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F36 Conclusions: Despite the tsetse fly density being relatively low in fish dryers and jetties, the population working in those zones would be more exposed to infection. The mono-pyramidal traps in the Mbini focus have been proven to be a useful tool to control G. p. palpalis, even though the activity on the banks of the River Wele needs to be intensified. The application of spatial analysis techniques and geographical information systems are very useful tools to discriminate zones with high and low apparent density of G. p. palpalis, probably associated with different potential risk of sleeping sickness transmission. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=830851 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 830851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=818611&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F35 Conclusions: Residential histories are increasingly available, raising the possibility of routine surveillance in a manner that accounts for individual mobility and that incorporates models of cancer latency and induction. These new techniques provide a mechanism for identifying those geographic locations and times associated with increases in cancer risk above and beyond that expected given covariates and risk factors in geographically mobile populations. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=818611 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 818611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=757706&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F33 Conclusion: The analysis suggests some similarities in subdistrict-specific spatial variation of childhood morbidities of fever, diarrhoea and pneumonia, and might be a result of shared and overlapping risk factors, one of which is malaria endemicity. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=757706 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 757706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=755520&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F32 Conclusion: The assessment of significant racial disparities across geographic areas is an important tool in guiding cancer control practices, and public health officials must consider the problems of small population size and multiple comparison, and should conduct disparity analyses using both absolute (difference, RD statistic) and relative (ratio, RR statistic) measures. Simple test statistics to assess the significance of rate difference and rate ratio perform well, and their unadjusted p-values provide a realistic assessment of the proportion of type I errors (i.e. disparities wrongly declared significant). (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=755520 Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 755520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=727152&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F30 Conclusions: In terms of spatiotemporal clustering of tuberculosis disease, the proposed methodology allowed the identification of critical spatiotemporal areas. In Portugal there were 3 critical districts (Porto, Setubal and Lisbon) with high rates of notified incidences between 2000 and 2004. In methodological terms, semivariogram parameters were successfully applied to define spatiotemporal scan window sizes and shapes (ellipsoidal cylinders), showing very good results and performances in the case study. After defining the clusters, these were authenticated through a validation method, based on geostatistical simulations. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=727152 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 727152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=716321&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F27 Conclusion: The context of this study has made it possible to explore several relevant methodological issues related to the definition of neighbourhood units. This multi-perspective approach allows the combination of many different elements such as physical structures, historical and administrative boundaries, material and social deprivation of the population, and sense of belonging. Results made sense to local stakeholders and helped them to raise important issues to improve future developments. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=716321 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 716321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=716320&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F28 Conclusions: Our results suggest that the combination of these two adaptations may increase the ability of a cluster detection method to find irregular shapes without affecting its ability to find more regular (i.e., compact) shapes. The depth limit in particular is effective when it is deemed important to distinguish nearby clusters from each other. We suggest that these adaptations of adjacency-constrained spatial scans are particularly well suited to chronic disease and injury surveillance. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=716320 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 716320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=708681&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F26 Conclusion: Poverty is significantly associated with respiratory infections in the population of the Ninth Region. High deprivation areas are associated with poverty, and poverty is a significant predictor of respiratory infections. Mapuches are however, at higher risk of deaths caused by respirtory infections in all age groups. Exponential and spherical spatial correlation models were tested to estimate the previous association and were compared with non-spatial Poisson. These concluded that significant spatial variability was present in the data. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=708681 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 708681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=706433&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F25 Conclusions: In addition to enhancing our understanding of epidemics, the spatial-temporal patterns of cholera diffusion offer opportunities for studying regional change in modern Japan. By highlighting the dynamics of regional reorganization, our findings can be used to better understand the formation of an urban hierarchy in late nineteenth century Japan. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=706433 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 706433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=688466&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F24 Background: Vehicle traffic is the major source of noise in urban environments, which in turn has multiple impacts on health. In this paper we investigate the spatial distribution of community noise exposures and annoyance. Traffic data from the City of San Francisco were used to model noise exposure by neighborhood and road type. Remote sensing data were used in the model to estimate neighborhood-specific percentages of cars, trucks, and buses on arterial versus non-arterial streets. The model was validated on 235 streets. Finally, an exposure-response relationship was used to predict the prevalence of high annoyance for different neighborhoods. Results: Urban noise was found to increase 6.7 dB (p (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=688466 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 688466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=672095&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F23 Conclusions: Although progress was observed in all 7 regions, geographic inequalities in these improvements remain a cause for concern. The results of the present study indicated that security within a country is an important factor for affecting the delivery of immunisation services. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=672095 Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 672095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=660327&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F22 Conclusions: Our analysis statistically identifies four main factors that influence HIV prevalence in Russian regions. Given the different nature of the factors that we identify to be of importance, we conclude that successful HIV intervention policies will need to be multidisciplinary in nature. Finally, we stress that further research is needed to obtain a better understanding of the statistical relations that we have identified; our empirical findings can serve as an important guide in these future research efforts, as they indicate which processes play an important role in regional HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in contemporary Russia. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=660327 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 660327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=658086&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F20 Conclusions: Public health practitioners can use the results of this study to focus their attention onto areas in Massachusetts that need to increase colorectal screening or have elevated risk of colorectal cancer incidence. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=658086 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 658086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=644321&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F18 Conclusions: Levels of THMs in the water distribution system exhibited spatial variation that was partially due to variation in water age. We also observed a geographic pattern of increased risk of rectal cancer in areas with the highest levels of bromoform in the county. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=644321 Tue, 29 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 644321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=619639&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F17 Conclusions: OWA-based MCA is a sensitive instrument that permits incorporation of expert opinion in quantifying socio-economic gradients in health status. OWA deprivation indices assign data-driven weights to the original survey response scores, thus providing a more rational means of incorporating survey results into evidence-based models of health and socio-economic deprivation. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=619639 Mon, 14 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 619639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=585391&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F15 Conclusions: A large part of the spatial variation in disease risk can be explained by environmental and socio-economic factors. The two diseases not only are most prevalent in different regions but also affect different groups of people. Combining these two criteria may increase the efficiency of information campaigns through appropriate targeting. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=585391 Wed, 02 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 585391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=585353&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F16 Conclusions: There is evidence that age (21 age groups) and area (31 Chinese administrative divisions) are not proportional (i.e. independent) mortality risk factors. In fact, spatial contrasts are greatest at young ages. There is a pronounced rural survival disadvantage, and large differences in life expectancy between provinces. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=585353 Wed, 02 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 585353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=538556&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F14 Conclusions: This study analyzed raccoon variant rabies spatial and temporal patterns in New York that have not been previously described at a focal (census tract) level. Comparisons across the type of spatial analysis performed with various degrees of adjustment allow consideration of the potential influence of geographical factors for raccoon rabies and possible reasons for the highest risk areas (statistically significant clusters). (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=538556 Wed, 11 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 538556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=505056&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F13 Conclusion: This comparative study for childhood leukemia clustering and clusters in Ohio revealed several research issues in practical spatial cluster detection. Among them, flexibility in cluster shape detection should be an issue for consideration. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=505056 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 505056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=475394&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F12 Conclusion: The multi-stage geocoding method had a higher match rate than the single-stage method. An examination of differences in the location assigned to the same address suggested that study results may be most sensitive to the choice of geocoding method in sparsely populated or low-poverty areas. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=475394 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 475394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=473749&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F11 Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of rendering anatomical locations and clinical events in a GIS and its value in clinical research. This allows the visualization and spatial analysis of clinical and pathologic features, increasing our awareness of the relationship between anatomic features and clinical outcomes as well as enhancing our understanding and management of this disease process. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=473749 Thu, 15 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 473749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=466194&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F9 Recent advances in mobile positioning systems and telecommunications are providing the technology needed for the development of location-aware tele-care applications. This paper introduces CAALYX--Complete Ambient Assisted Living Experiment, an EU-funded project that aims at increasing older people's autonomy and self-confidence by developing a wearable light device capable of measuring specific vital signs of the elderly, detecting falls and location, and communicating automatically in real-time with his/her care provider in case of an emergency, wherever the older person happens to be, at home or outside. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=466194 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 466194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=455444&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F7 Conclusions: Satellite image classification and multitemporal shoreline simulations through DEM-based GIS-analyses consist in a valuable tool for spatial modeling of A. darlingi habitats in the studied hydropower reservoir area. Vector presence is significantly increased in forested areas near reservoirs in bays protected from wind and wave action. Construction of new reservoirs under the tropical, sub-humid climatic conditions should therefore be accompanied by entomologic studies to predict the risk of malaria epidemics. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=455444 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 455444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=455443&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F8 Conclusion The methods presented in this paper aim at providing a new set of tools for GIS practitioners to refine their analytical capabilities when examining natural hazards, and at the same time allowing users to create more specific and meaningful local analyses. The maps resulting from the application of these methods provides decision makers with information to strengthen their disaster management capacity. It also represents the basis for the reflection that needs to take place regarding populations' vulnerability towards natural hazards from a health perspective. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=455443 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 455443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=453018&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F6 Conclusions: The SMAC package can make SaTScan easier to use and can make the output more informative. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=453018 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100 453018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=440332&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F5 Conclusions: Among the consequences of this outcome would be the probable loss of command-and-control, mass casualties that will now have to be treated in an unorganized response in hospitals on the periphery, as well as the other expected chaotic outcomes from inadequate administration in a crisis. Vigorous, creative, and accelerated training and coordination among the federal agencies tasked for WMD response, military resources, academic institutions, and local responders will be critical for large-scale WMD events involving mass casualties. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=440332 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:00:00 +0100 440332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=410637&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F4 Conclusions: We conclude that food deserts do not represent a major problem in Montreal. Since geographical accessibility to healthy food is not a major issue in Montreal, prevention efforts should be directed toward the understanding of other mechanisms leading to an unhealthy diet instead of trying to obtain an even spatial distribution of supermarkets. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=410637 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100 410637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=440333&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F4 Conclusion: We conclude that food deserts do not represent a major problem in Montréal. Since geographic accessibility to healthy food is not a major issue in Montréal, prevention efforts should be directed toward the understanding of other mechanisms leading to an unhealthy diet, rather than attempting to promote an even spatial distribution of supermarkets. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=440333 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 05:00:00 +0100 440333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=387091&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F3 Conclusions: Some Local Health Areas were over-represented and others under-represented in terms of corvid West Nile virus surveillance indicators. Recommendations were made to improve the representativeness of corvid surveillance data. Geographic analysis can be used to evaluate the representativeness of surveillance systems and result in improvements to surveillance. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=387091 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0100 387091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=440334&cid=s_34072_46_f&fid=34072&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ij-healthgeographics.com%2Fcontent%2F6%2F1%2F3 Conclusion: Some Local Health Areas were over-represented and others under-represented in terms of corvid West Nile virus surveillance indicators. Recommendations were made to improve the representativeness of corvid surveillance data. Geographic analysis can be used to evaluate the representativeness of surveillance systems and result in improvements to surveillance. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics) International Journal of Health Geographics journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=440334 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:00:00 +0100 440334