Geographical Differences In Mortality Research Articles

Burden and trends of stroke attributable to dietary risk factors from 1990 to 2019 in the Belt and Road Initiative countries: an analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019.

This study aimed to compare the burden and trends of stroke attributed to dietary risk factors in the Belt and Road ("B&R") countries from 1990 to 2019. The 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study was used to gather information on the burden of stroke attributable to dietary risk factors. Numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were determined in 1990 and 2019 among the "B&R" countries. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to analyze the temporal trends of diet-induced stroke DALYs from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade (2010-2019) by Joinpoint regression analysis. In 2019, the absolute number of stroke deaths and DALYs attributable to dietary risk factors were 671,872 cases (95% UI 436,354-937,093) and 1.67 million cases (95% UI 1.15-2.24) in China. We found geographical differences in mortality and DALYs of diet-attributable stroke among member countries, with Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia being the three highest countries in 1990, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro in Central Asia in 2019. The ASRs of diet-induced stroke mortality and DALYs were generally declining in most member states from 1990 to 2019, however, the corresponding metrics in Mongolia remained high. The fastest decline in ASR of mortality and DALYs for diet-induced stroke was seen in Estonia, Eastern Europe, with AAPC values of -7.09% (95%CI: -7.72, -6.46%) and - 6.62% (95%CI: -7.20, -6.03%), respectively. We noted a substantial downward trend in ASR of mortality and DALYs from diet-induced stroke changes in the final decade (2010-2019) for most member states. The ASR of DALYs for diet-induced stroke decreased greater in females than in males. For those aged 50-74, the DALYs for stroke due to dietary risk factors in all other member countries of the "B&R" showed a decreasing trend, except for the Philippines, which rose (AAPC = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.40-2.87%) and Turkmenistan, which remained stable (AAPC = 0.05, 95%CI: -0.43-0.33%). The burden of diet-induced stroke varies substantially across "B&R" countries and threaten public health, relevant evidence-based policies and interventions should be adopted to address the future burden of stroke in "B&R" countries through extensive collaboration.

Implications of updated epidemiological characteristics from heart diseases in China

Implications of updated epidemiological characteristics from heart diseases in China

Factors Associated With Geographic Disparities in Gastrointestinal Cancer Mortality in the United States

Significant geographic variability in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer-related death has been reported in the United States. We aimed to evaluate both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with intercounty differences in mortality due to GI cancer. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research platform were used to calculate county-level mortality from esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to adjust for county-level covariables, considering both patient (eg, sex, race, obesity, diabetes, alcohol, and smoking) and structural factors (eg, specialist density, poverty, insurance prevalence, and colon cancer screening prevalence). Intercounty variability in GI cancer-related mortality explained by these covariables was expressed as the multivariable model R2. There were significant geographic disparities in GI cancer-related county-level mortality across the US from 2010-2019 with the ratio of mortality between 90th and 10th percentile counties ranging from 1.5 (pancreatic) to 2.1 (gastric cancer). Counties with the highest 5% mortality rates for gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer were primarily in the Southeastern United States. Multivariable models explained 43%, 61%, 14%, and 39% of the intercounty variability in mortality rates for esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, respectively. Cigarette smoking and rural residence (independent of specialist density) were most strongly associated with GI cancer-related mortality. Both patient and structural factors contribute to significant geographic differences in mortality from GI cancers. Our findings support continued public health efforts to reduce smoking use and improve care for rural patients, which may contribute to a reduction in disparities in GI cancer-related death.

Geographic Inequalities in Breast Cancer in Italy: Trend Analysis of Mortality and Risk Factors.

We calculated time trends of standardised mortality rates and risk factors for breast cancer (BC) from 1990 to 2016 for all women resident in Italy. The age-standardised mortality rate in Italy decreased from 4.2 in 1990 to 3.2 (×100,000) in 2016. While participation in organised screening programmes and age-standardised fertility rates decreased in Italy, screening invitation coverage and mammography uptake, the prevalence of women who breastfed and mean age at birth increased. Although southern regions had favourable prevalence of protective risk factors in the 1990s, fertility rates decreased in southern regions and increased in northern regions, which in 2016 had a higher rate (1.28 vs. 1.32 child per woman) and a smaller increase in women who breastfed (+4% vs. +30%). In 2000, mammography screening uptake was lower in southern than in northern and central regions (28% vs. 52%). However, the increase in mammography uptake was higher in southern (203%) than in northern and central Italy (80%), reducing the gap. Participation in mammographic screening programmes decreased in southern Italy (−10%) but increased in the North (6.6%). Geographic differences in mortality and risk factor prevalence is diminishing, with the South losing all of its historical advantage in breast cancer mortality.

Geographical & seasonal variation in COVID-19 related mortality.

The difference in COVID-19 related mortality between India (5 per million population) and many developed countries such as Italy, France, United Kingdom and the United States (200-400 per million population) was striking12 (Figure). While the number of cases is dependent on the number of tests performed and hence unreliable for comparison, the number of deaths can be more reliably compared between countries despite concerns about underreporting in some locations. In Mumbai, India, where the number of cases was highest in India and all deaths were documented, the COVID-19 mortality was 14 per million population12. The all-cause mortality in Mumbai was reduced by 20 per cent in March 2020 compared with March 2019 and was also reduced compared with January and February 2020, indicating that the low COVID-19 related mortality was true23.Figure: Time trends of COVID-19 deaths per million population in various locations. Source: Refs 1 2.Studies from China4, the Unites States5 and Europe6 indicate that venous thromboembolism (VTE) in major organ microcirculation is an important cause of poor gaseous exchange and death in COVID-19 patients, and D-dimer is an important predictor of mortality7. In the current context, we were reminded of the astute observation on venous thrombosis in the 17th edition of Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery8, “virtually unknown in Singapore and is believed to occur more frequently with the arrival of snow and ice”. This observation on the lower incidence of VTE in warmer climates is well supported by a meta-analysis9 indicating greater predisposition to VTE in winter compared with summer and also in higher latitudes compared with closer to equator10. This seasonal and geographic variation in VTE could have the biological underpinning of variation in antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), predisposing to VTE in colder climate11. In a randomized study from India evaluating peri-operative VTE prophylaxis, the incidence of VTE in the control arm was reported to be low12. The reduced predisposition to VTE in tropical countries is also seen in other contexts such as thrombotic complications of tamoxifen13. At our tertiary cancer centre at Mumbai, where annually about 20,000 women are on tamoxifen, the incidence of new VTE in such patients is <5 per annum (unpublished data). Identical observations have been reported from another cancer centre in India14. The aPLs have been found to be associated with COVID-19 related morbidity1516. These studies have reported the presence of anticardiolipin IgA, anti-β2-glycoprotein IgA and IgG and lupus anticoagulant associated with clinical thrombosis in some patients. These studies are not definitive because aPL can be present in other acute illnesses17. However, the association of thrombotic phenomenon with severe illness in COVID-19 combined with the presence of these antibodies in some of the patients point towards a pathogenetic association. The role of aPLs in inducing the macrophage activation syndrome-like state associated with possible immunothrombosis in the pulmonary vasculature in COVID-19 patients18 remains to be elucidated. The geographic variation in COVID-19 mortality could be explained, at least in part, by the seasonal variation in aPL and the consequent propensity to VTE, further accentuated by COVID-19-induced increase in aPL. It may not be too optimistic to expect the seasonal variation in aPL and VTE to reduce mortality as we move closer to summer. Germline genetic associations of variation in aPL antibody prevalence in countries with low versus high COVID-19 population mortality could also be explored19. The striking geographic differences in mortality provide a unique opportunity for gaining insights into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and possible solutions. It is likely that other differences such as those in age, comorbidity burden and other as yet unknown factors could account for the difference in population-level mortality between India and Western countries. Moreover, long-term data, when available, will allow more definitive conclusions about the final toll of this infection in various populations and account for possible differences in the stage of epidemic curve. The lower population-level mortality from COVID-19 in India could form the basis of reducing the widespread anxiety related to this disease and for undertaking nuanced social-distancing measures and personal protective measures without enforcing strict lockdowns.

Italian Atlas of mortality inequalities by education level.

To evaluate the geographical and socioeconomic differences in mortality and in life expectancy in Italy; to evaluate the proportion of mortality in the population attributable to a medium-low education level through the use of maps and indicators. Longitudinal design of the population enrolled in the 2011 Italian Census, following the population over time and registering any exit due to death or emigration. The study used the database of the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) developed by linking the 2011 Census with the Italian National Register of Causes of Death (2012-2014) for 35 groups of causes of death. Age, sex, residence, and education level information were collected from the Census. Life expectancy at birth was calculated by sex, Italian region, and education level. For the population aged 30-89 years, the following items were developed by sex: 1. provincial maps showing, for each cause of death, the distribution in quintiles of smoothed standardized mortality ratio (SMR), adjusted for age and education level and estimated with Bayesian models for small areas (spatial conditional autoregressive model); 2. regional maps of population attributable fraction (PAF) for low and medium education levels, calculated starting from age-standardized mortality ratios; 3. tables illustrating for each region standardized mortality rates and standardized years of life lost rate by age (standardized YLL rate), and mortality rate ratios standardized by age (MMRs). Males with a lower education level throughout Italy show a life expectancy at birth that is 3 years less than those with higher education; residents in Southern Italy lose an additional year in life expectancy, regardless of education level. Social inequalities in mortality are present in all regions, but are more marked in the poorer regions of Southern Italy. Geographical differences, taking into account the different population distributions in terms of age and education level, produce mortality differences for all causes: from -15% to +30% in women and from -13% to +26% in men, compared to the national average. Among the main groups of causes, the geographical differences are greater for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and accidents, and lower for many tumour sites. A clear mortality gradient with an excess in Southern Italy can be seen for cardiovascular diseases: there are some areas where mortality for people with higher education level is higher than that for residents in Northern Italy with low education level. The gradient for "All tumours", instead, is from South to North, as it is for most single tumour sites. Population attributable fraction for low education level in Italy, taking into account the population distribution by age, is 13.4% in women and 18.3% in men. The study highlighted important geographical differences in mortality, regardless of age and socioeconomic level, with a more significant impact in the poorer Southern regions, revealing a never-before-seen health advantage in the regions along the Adriatic coast. A lower education level explains a considerable proportion of mortality risk, although with differing effects by geographical area and cause of death. There are still mortality inequalities in Italy, therefore, representing a possible missed gain in health in our Country; these inequalities suggest a reassessment of priorities and definition of health targets. Forty years after the Italian National Health Service was instituted, the goal of health equity has not yet been fully achieved.

Trends and geographic pattern of stomach cancer mortality in Peru

BackgroundStomach cancer mortality rates in South America are among the highest in the world. In Peru, stomach cancer has the highest absolute number of cancer deaths in both sexes combined. We estimated mortality rates for stomach cancer in Peru by sex and geographical region between 2008 and 2015. MethodsWe obtained death data for stomach cancer from the Peruvian Ministry of Health database. We estimated the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) per 100,000 persons using the direct method and the world standard population. ResultsA total of 25,020 deaths from stomach cancer were identified in the study period. At national level, stomach cancer mortality rates (per 100,000 population) for men ranged from 9.8 in 2008 to 8.8 in 2015 with a percent change of −16%, and for women from 8.8 in 2008 to 7.7 in 2015 with a percent change of −16.8%. The highlands had the highest mortality rates overall, mainly in Huancavelica and Huánuco. The rainforest had the lowest rates and the highest decline in stomach cancer ASMRs. The coast displayed intermediate rates overall. ConclusionsWithin the study period, mortality rates from stomach cancer in Peru declined by 16%. The highlands had the highest mortality rates as compared to those from the coast or rainforest region. These geographical differences in mortality could reflect a different distribution in stomach cancer risk factors as the prevalence of H. pylori, poor dietary habits, low socioeconomic background of the Andean population and the lack of a decentralized health system.

Cohort analysis of outcomes in 69 490 emergency general surgical admissions across an international benchmarking collaborative

ObjectiveThis study aims to use the Dr Foster Global Comparators Network (GC) database to examine differences in outcomes following high-risk emergency general surgery (EGS) admissions in participating centres across 3...

Association between heavy metal and metalloid levels in topsoil and cancer mortality in Spain

Spatio-temporal cancer mortality studies in Spain have revealed patterns for some tumours which display a distribution that is similar across the sexes and persists over time. Such characteristics would be common to tumours that shared risk factors, including the geochemical composition of the soil. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association between heavy metal and metalloid levels in topsoil (upper soil horizon) and cancer mortality in mainland Spain. Ecological cancer mortality study at a municipal level, covering 861,440 cancer deaths (27 different tumour locations) in 7917 Spanish mainland towns, from 1999 to 2008. The elements included in this analysis were Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Topsoil levels (partial extraction) were determined by ICP-MS at 13,317 sampling points. For the analysis, the data on the topsoil composition have been transformed by the centred logratio (clr-transformation). Principal factor analysis was performed to obtain independent latent factors for the transformed variables. To estimate the effect of heavy metal levels in topsoil composition on mortality, we fitted Besag, York and Mollié models, which included each town’s factor scores as the explanatory variable. Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) was used as a tool for Bayesian inference. All results were adjusted for sociodemographic variables. The results showed an association between trace contents of heavy metals and metalloids in topsoil and mortality due to tumours of the digestive system in mainland Spain. This association was observed in both sexes, something that would support the hypothesis that the incorporation of heavy metals into the trophic chain might be playing a role in the aetiology of some types of cancer. Topsoil composition and the presence of potentially toxic elements in trace concentrations might be an additional component in the aetiology of some types of cancer, and go some way to determine the ensuing geographic differences in mortality in Spain. The results support the interest of inclusion of heavy metal levels in topsoil as a hypothesis in analytical epidemiological studies using biological markers of exposure to heavy metals and metalloids.

Comparative observational study of mortality amenable by health policy and care between rural and urban Finland: no excess segregation of mortality in the capital despite its increasing residential differentiation.

BackgroundLarge cities are often claimed to display more distinct geographical and socioeconomic health inequalities than other areas due to increasing residential differentiation. Our aim was to assess whether geographical inequalities in mortality within the capital (City of Helsinki) both exceeded that in other types of geographical areas in Finland, and whether those differences were dependent on socioeconomic inequalities.MethodsWe analysed the inequality of distribution separately for overall, ischemic heart disease and alcohol-related mortality, and mortality amenable (AM) to health care interventions in 1992–2008 in three types of geographical areas in Finland: City of Helsinki, other large cities, and small towns and rural areas. Mortality data were acquired as secondary data from the Causes of Death statistics from Statistics Finland. The assessment of changing geographical differences over time, that is geographical inequalities, was performed using Gini coefficients. As some of these differences might arise from socioeconomic factors, we assessed socioeconomic differences with concentration indices in parallel to an analysis of geographical differences. To conclude the analysis, we compared the changes over time of these inequalities between the three geographical areas.ResultsWhile mortality rates mainly decreased, alcohol-related mortality in the lowest income quintile increased. Statistically significant differences over time were found in all mortality groups, varying between geographical areas. Socioeconomic differences existed in all mortality groups and geographical areas. In the study period, geographical differences in mortality remained relatively stable but income differences increased substantially. For instance, the values of concentration indices for AM changed by 54 % in men (p < 0.027) and by 62 % in women (p < 0.016). Only slight differences existed in the time trends of Gini or in the concentration indices between the geographical areas.ConclusionsNo geographical or income-related differences in the distribution of mortality existed between Helsinki and other urban or rural areas of Finland. This suggests that the effect of increasing residential differentiation in the capital may have been mitigated by the policies of positive discrimination and social mixing. One of the main reasons for the increase in health inequalities was growth of alcohol-related mortality, especially among those with the lowest incomes.

OC-096 The delivery of high-risk emergency general surgery across the dr foster global comparators network: an examination of international outcomes

Introduction The Dr Foster Global Comparators Network (GC) aims to improve quality in healthcare by promoting inter-hospital collaboration through sharing of outcome data and benchmarking standards. This study aims to utilise the GC database to establish whether geographical differences in outcomes exist following high-risk emergency general surgery (EGS) admissions, whilst determining if structural differences between healthcare systems can be linked to high-quality care. Method Discharge data for a cohort of EGS patients were collated using a pre-determined protocol. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to examine geographical and structural differences between GC hospitals. Results 69,490 patients, admitted to 23 centres across Australia, England and the USA with high-risk EGS diagnoses from 2007–2012 were identified. Outcomes including: seven/thirty-day mortality, readmission and length of stay were all superior in the USA. 19,082 patients (27%) underwent emergency abdominal surgery. No geographical differences in mortality were seen at seven-days in this subgroup. Thirty-day mortality (OR = 1.47) readmission (OR = 1.42) and length of stay (OR = 1.98) were all worse in the UK. Across this cohort, patient factors, (age, pathology and co-morbidity) were significantly associated with worse outcome as were structural factors including: low ITU bed ratios, high unit volume and inter-hospital transfers. Having dedicated EGS teams cleared of elective commitments with formalised handover of patients was associated with shorter length of stay. Conclusion Post-operative outcomes were similar at seven but not at thirty-days. This may be attributable to better infrastructure and resource allocation towards EGS in the US. The costs associated with this healthcare gain were not measured. Disclosure of interest None Declared.

Level of activity of neonatal intensive care units and mortality among very preterm infants: a nationwide study in Italy

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between mortality of infants <32 weeks gestation and neonatal intensive care units’ (NICUs) volume of activity, daily number of high-dependent infants (HDIs) and geographical area in Italy. Methods: The study involved 105 neonatal units in 2005. Data were collected prospectically and through monthly cross-sectional investigations. Patients receiving respiratory care were defined as HDIs. Univariate and multivariable methods were used for analysis. Results: Babies enrolled were 4014. The overall mortality was 18.8%. An adjusted nearly two-fold increase in mortality was found in Southern compared to Northern regions. Volume of activity was not associated with mortality. When compared to infants admitted to NICUs in the highest tertile of the median number of HDIs/day (>2.5 patients/day), the adjusted odds ratios were 1.52 (95% CI = 1.14–2.02) for those in the 2nd tertile (1.1–2.5 patients/day) and 1.47 (95% CI = 1.02–2.13) for those in the lowest tertile (≤1 patient/day). After stratification by geographical area, this relationship was present in Southern, to a lesser extent in Central, but not in Northern regions. Conclusions: In Italy, striking geographical differences in mortality of very preterm infants are present. NICUs’ average daily number of HDIs is a better predictor of mortality than the volume of activity.

Desigualdades y mortalidad por cirrosis en varones (Zaragoza, 1996-2003)

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify geographical differences in mortality from liver cirrhosis in men living in the province of Zaragoza, Spain, as well as its possible association with socioeconomic factors. The utility of the MEDEA project's deprivation index in rural areas was also explored. Methods Census tracts were used in Zaragoza city as analysis units and municipalities were used for the rest of the province. Crude and smoothed standardized mortality ratios were calculated for each analysis unit through a Bayesian generalized mixed linear model. A deprivation index was obtained and was included in the model in quartiles. An exploratory analysis was also conducted, including a rural index in the province of Zaragoza. Results In Zaragoza city, mortality from liver cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases [code 571 of the 9th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and K70, K72.1, K73, K74, K76.1.9 of the ICD-10] increased as the deprivation index increased. Mortality in the most deprived areas was twice that in the less deprived areas (relative risk [RR] 2.09, credible interval (CI): 1.53-2.83). In the rest of the province, geographical differences in mortality could not be explained by the deprivation index used. Nevertheless, municipalities with the highest values in the rural index showed a RR of 0.47 (CI: 0.18-0.92) compared with those with the lowest values. Conclusions In Zaragoza city, mortality from liver cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases was higher in the most deprived census tracts than in the most affluent areas. This association was not found in the rest of the province, probably because of the low variability explained by the deprivation index. Municipalities with high rural values had the lowest risk of death from these diseases.

Trends in Mortality from COPD in Selected U.S. States Differing in Tobacco Control Efforts

ABSTRACTU.S. state tobacco control programs have been associated with both temporal increases in smoking cessation rates in young adults and temporal declines in tobacco-related chronic diseases, but mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease apparently has not been studied. Annual percent change (APC) (1990–2005) in age standardized mortality rate at ages 35–64 and 65++ years from this cause was analyzed for California (which started a comprehensive tobacco control program in 1989), the “U.S. exclusive of California,” New Jersey and New York (which had relatively high cigarette prices in the 1990s), and a group of six southern tobacco-growing states (which had limited tobacco control efforts and low cigarette prices in the 1990s). Declines in mortality rates from 1990–2005 for age 35–64 were larger and statistically significant in California (annual %% change –1.6%%) and New Jersey-New York (annual %% change –1.8%%), while declines the “U.S. exclusive of California” (annual %% change –0.5%%) and in six southern tobacco-growing states (annual %% change –0.3%%). Declines in mortality at age 65++ years were small or nonexistent. The geographic differences in mortality for age 35–64 years after 1990 were not a continuation of earlier trends (in 1980–89), and may be related to differences in tobacco control efforts. This suggests that states should increase their tobacco-control efforts, to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality in the entire U.S.

Geographical differences in mortality of severely injured patients in Italy

In Italy there are no accepted standards for trauma care nor dedicated programs for quality assessment on a national scale, like trauma registries. At the same time there seems to be a north-south gradient in the quality of health care. We hypothesized that geographical inequalities of health-care quality may affect trauma mortality. Retrospective comparison of hospital mortality by Cox regression in three main areas of Italy adjusted for age, Glasgow Coma Scale and source of admission. A leading national database on patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) in the years 2002-2005 was used. 9162 adult trauma cases admitted to the ICU from the emergency department were included. There is a significant north-south gradient of risk. Compared to the north, the risk of death is about 60% higher in the south and about 30% higher in the central region. These figures are similar in both referral centres and other hospitals and both in the head-injured only and total injured cases. Despite the limitations of this study, mainly related to sampling issues, risk-adjustment and incomplete follow-up, the large geographic differences in mortality that we found highlight likely deficiencies in the quality of trauma care that deserve further accurate assessment.

Service screening with mammography of women aged 50-69 years in Sweden: effects on mortality from breast cancer.

To estimate the effect of the population based service screening programme in Sweden on mortality from breast cancer among women aged 50-69. SETTING; In 1986, population based service screening with mammography started in Sweden, and by 1997 screening had been introduced in all counties. Half of the counties invite women from 40 years of age whereas women 50 and older are invited in the other counties. The upper age limit was either 69 or 74. Women in the age group 50-69 years are thus invited to screening in all counties. The counties which started with mammographic screening in 1986-87 constituted the study group and were compared with the counties which started in 1993 or later. In 1987 the mean number of women aged 50-69 was 161,986 and 98,608 in the study and control groups, respectively. Refined excess mortality (smoothed with the Lowess method) from breast cancer and refined cause specific mortality from breast cancer were used as effect measures. To adjust for geographical differences in mortality from breast cancer a reference period was used. Allowance was made for two potential biases: (a) inclusion bias implying the inclusion of cases diagnosed before invitation to screening in the first screening round, and (b) lead time bias. After a mean follow up time of 10.6 years since the start of screening and a mean individual follow up time of 8.4 years, a non-significant reduction in refined excess mortality for breast cancer was estimated as relative risk (RR) 0.84 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.67 to 1.05). After adjustment for inclusion and lead time biases the RR was 0.80 (20% reduction). Only 27% of the deaths from breast cancer in the total mortality for women aged 50-79 at death consisted of women aged 50-69 at diagnosis who were diagnosed after the start of screening. This figure has important implications for judgement of the impact of screening on age specific national breast cancer mortalities. A non-significant reduction in mortality from breast cancer was found in counties performing service screening with mammography in Sweden. Adjustment for possible biases changed the result towards a larger effect of screening. The results do not contradict the effects found in the Swedish randomised mammography trials.

Evolución de la mortalidad por enfermedades infecciosas en España

The aim of this study was to describe the trend and geographical distribution of mortality by infectious diseases in Spain between 1980 and 1993. Deaths caused by infectious diseases ocurred in Spain between 1980-1993 were studied. Data were obtained from the national mortality registry from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Deaths included in the International Diseases Classification (ICD-9) in group I were included, and also deaths by infectious diseases included in other groups. The trend in mortality risk was evaluated by means of a log-lineal Poisson model. Standardized mortality rates (SMR) by age for each Spanish province in 1980-83 and 1990-93, were calculated to identify geographical differences in mortality. These SMR were compared using Spearman correlation coefficient. Between 1980 and 1993, the adjusted mortality rate by infectious diseases decreased around 1.4% each year. In 1980 and also in 1993 respiratory tract infections were the first cause of death, 29.6 and 20.3 deaths for 105 inhabitants, respectively. The second cause of death was tuberculosis in 1980, 3.9 x 10⁵ and HIV infection in 1993, 10.7 x 10⁵. This decrease in infectious diseases mortality during the studied period was shown in all age groups, except for the 25 to 44 age group, were mortality rate increased by seven times. The geographical distribution showed that the provinces with the highest mortality rate were the same in 1980-83 and in 1990-93 (Spearman coefficient: 0.49; p < 0.001). Because deaths by infectious diseases are distributed in different groups in the ICD-9, their impact on mortality is underestimated, although they are the fourth cause of death in Spain. However, between 1980 and 1993 it has been shown a decrease in mortality by these diseases, except for the 25-44 age group where an impressive increase ocurred due to HIV infection. No differences between provinces have been shown.

Strong regional links between socio-economic background factors and disability and mortality in Oslo, Norway.

To study geographical differences in mortality and disability and socio-economic status in Oslo, Norway. A total of 25 local authority districts within the city of Oslo. Analysis of age adjusted mortality rates aged 0-74 in the period 1991-1994, and cross sectional data on disability pensioners aged 50-66 and socio-economic indicators (low education, single parenthood, unemployment, high income) in 1994. The levels of correlation between the health outcomes (mortality and disability) and socio-economic exposure variables. The geographical patterns of mortality and disability display substantial similarities and show strong linear correlation with area measures of socio-economic deprivation. The ratios between the highest and lowest area mortality rates were 3.3 for men and 2.1 for women, while the high-low ratios of disability were 7.0 for men and 3.8 for women. For women deprivation measures are better correlated with disability than mortality. While disability and mortality display similar correlations with deprivation measures for men. The social gradients in health are substantial in Oslo. Further ecological analysis of cause specific morbidity and mortality and the distribution of risk factors ought to be done to identify problem areas suitable for interventions. However, to understand the mechanisms and the relative importance of each etiological factor, studies based on individual data have to be performed.

Geographic differences in mortality from stroke in North Caroline. 1. Analysis of death certificates.

Analysis of death certification in North Carolina for a three-year period, 1969 through 1971, showed regional differences in mortality rates from stroke in white men, with the highest rates in the Plains (tobacco growing and farming) area and the lowest rates in the Mountain region. These geographic differences in death rates were observed in all but the youngest age decade and also in the various types of stroke, i.e., hemorrhagic and occlusive cerebrovascular diseases. This regional variation in mortality, however, was not present in white women or blacks. The prevalence at death of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes also was higher in the Plains than in the Mountain region, suggesting that the observed geographic variation of stroke mortality is related to one or more of these major risk factors. It is concluded that the geographic differences in stroke mortality, which had been reported during previous decades, are real and are not due to variations in death certification, errors in diagnosis, or other explanations that might artificially produce inaccuracies in vital statistics.