Abstract
Studies of the relationship between spatial patterns of chronic illnesses (CI) and unemployment rate (UR) characteristics were not well documented. However, when analyzing the data that were collected on geographic areas, the spatial effects were seldom considered. This study addresses this concern by applying the mapping and spatial analysis techniques in studying how UR pattern is related to the CI pattern in Iraq. The aim is to assess the existence of spatial pattern in CI across geographical areas, and find whether this pattern was influenced by the pattern of socioeconomic indicators such as UR. The study design was cross-sectional census data obtained in 2007. Governorates were used as the respective units of the analysis. Two statistics of spatial autocorrelation based on sharing boundary neighbours known as global and local Moran measures were used to investigate the global and local clustering respectively. To investigate the bivariate spatial relationship between CI and UR, Wartenberg’s (1985) measure was used. It was found that UR varied significantly across different governorates, while CI didn’t. Significant local clusters in UR, in northern and southern parts of the country were found, while no significant local clusters were found in CI. No significant spatial association was found between CI and UR based on bivariate spatial correlation coefficient.
Highlights
Unemployment is one of the main socioeconomic issues that negatively affect both economic activity and social life
This study addresses this concern by applying the mapping and spatial analysis techniques in studying how unemployment rate (UR) pattern is related to the chronic illnesses (CI) pattern in Iraq
The results found by Filiztekin (2007) indicated that the provincial unemployment rates were quite persistent and the gap across different regions widens further with spatial clusters emerging across Turkey
Summary
Unemployment is one of the main socioeconomic issues that negatively affect both economic activity and social life. The present paper focuses on the spatial structure of UR disparities across governorates and its relationship to CI disparities. Regions, independent of their geographic level of aggregation, are known to be interrelated partly due to their relative locations.Governorates are tightly linked by migration, commuting, and enter-governorate trade. Independent of their geographic level of aggregation, are known to be interrelated partly due to their relative locations.Governorates are tightly linked by migration, commuting, and enter-governorate trade These types of spatial interactions are exposed to the frictional effects of distance, which could cause the spatial dependence of governorate labour market conditions. The study of Wahl et al (2009) in Norway supported the assumption of a complex and indirect relationship between chronic pain and global quality of life (GQOL).Wahl et al found negative effect of CI on GQOL.The CI is a major cause of disability (Wehdell, 2001). Smith (2008) in a least-squared regression model found that UR has a moderate effect on infant mortality rates
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