Influence of cardiovascular risk factors and treatment exposure on cardiovascular event incidence: Assessment using machine learning algorithms.

Assessment of the influence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) on cardiovascular event (CVE) using machine learning algorithms offers some advantages over preexisting scoring systems, and better enables personalized medicine approaches to cardiovascular prevention. Using data from four different sources, we evaluated the outcomes of three machine learning algorithms for CVE prediction using different combinations of predictive variables and analysed the influence of different CVRF-related variables on CVE prediction when included in these algorithms. A cohort study based on a male cohort of workers applying populational data was conducted. The population of the study consisted of 3746 males. For descriptive analyses, mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative variables, and percentages for categorical ones. Machine learning algorithms used were XGBoost, Random Forest and Naïve Bayes (NB). They were applied to two groups of variables: i) age, physical status, Hypercholesterolemia (HC), Hypertension, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and ii) these variables plus treatment exposure, based on the adherence to the treatment for DM, hypertension and HC. All methods point out to the age as the most influential variable in the incidence of a CVE. When considering treatment exposure, it was more influential than any other CVRF, which changed its influence depending on the model and algorithm applied. According to the performance of the algorithms, the most accurate was Random Forest when treatment exposure was considered (F1 score 0.84), followed by XGBoost. Adherence to treatment showed to be an important variable in the risk of having a CVE. These algorithms could be applied to create models for every population, and they can be used in primary care to manage interventions personalized for every subject.

Imported malaria cases: the connection with the European ex-colonies.

BACKGROUND: Imported malaria is increasing in non-endemic areas due to the increment of international travels, migration and, probably, other unknown factors. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of malaria cases in a region of Spain; analyse the possible association between the variables of interest; compare this series with others; and evaluate the characteristics of imported malaria cases according to the country of origin, particularly cases from Equatorial Guinea (Spanish ex-colony) and from the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: A descriptive observational study was carried out with a retrospective data collection of cases of malaria reported in Aragon from 1996 to 2017. Univariate and bivariate analysis of clinical-epidemiological variables was performed. In addition, an analysis of cases from sub-Saharan Africa was carried out using logistic regression, calculating odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: 609 cases of malaria were recorded in Aragon from 1996 to 2017. An autochthonous case in 2010. 50.33% were between 15 and 39 years old. 45.65% of the cases were notified of the 4-weeks 9 to 12. 82.6% reside in the main province, urban area, of which 65.4% were VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives), 23.8% new immigrants and 10.9% travellers. The infectious Plasmodium species par excellence was Plasmodium falciparum (88%). Analysing the cases from sub-Saharan Africa (95.2% of the total), 48.1% were from Equatorial Guinea. Comparing these with the cases from the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, it was observed that the cases from the Spanish ex-colony have association with the female gender, being under 5 years old, residing in the main province (urban area) and being a new immigrant. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological profile of imported malaria cases can be defined as VFR between 15 and 39 years old, coming from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly from Equatorial Guinea. Immigrants education about the importance of chemoprophylaxis when travelling to visit friends and relatives, emphasizing on those who are originally from the ex-colonies of destination country, is necessary; as well as to raise awareness among health professionals to make advice in consultations, specially before summer vacations.

[Construction of a deprivation index by Basic Healthcare Area in Aragon using Population and Housing Census 2011]. / Construcción de un índice de privación por zona básica de salud en Aragón a partir de datos de censo de 2011.

OBJECTIVE: The measurement of inequalities using composite indicators facilitates the prioritization and implementation of public health actions. The most commonly source of information used for this has been the Population and Housing Census of 2011 (PCH_2011).The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of PHC_2011 and develop a deprivation index (DI) by Basic Healthcare Area (BHA) and to analyse its association with mortality in Aragon. METHODS: Ecological study by BHA. Since PHC_2011 was a sample of the population it was validated by the Chi-square test for homogeneity. 26 socioeconomic indicators were calculated. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR). Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were conducted using the indicators in which a significant correlation was found. Components with eigenvalues higher than 1 were extracted, and the rotated matrix (Varimax) was obtained. PCA from each component were conducted, extracting only one factor. BHA were grouped into, according to the deprivation index values. Mortality rates adjusted to the European Standard Population by age, sex and quartile were calculated. The most discriminant factor by quartiles was considered DI. A different DI for urban areas was obtained from the same variables. RESULTS: The validation of PHC sample detected 4 underrepresented BHA. 17 socioeconomic indicators were significatively correlated with SMR. From the first PCA, 3 components were obtained. The DI included %unemployment, %eventual workers, % insufficient education 16-64 years old and %foreigners. The % of variance explained by the DI was 59.7% and 73.8% in urban areas. In men, mortality in the quartile with the lowest deprivation (544,7 per 105; CI95%: 515,8-573,6) was significatively lower than in the most deprivated areas(618,7 per 105;CI95%:589,4-648,0). CONCLUSIONS: This new DI allows us to identify deprived BHA. This is a useful tool to bring to light health inequalities and to plan interventions according to population´s needs.

OBJETIVO: La medición de las desigualdades mediante indicadores compuestos facilita la priorización y puesta en marcha de acciones de salud pública. La fuente de información más comúnmente utilizada para ello ha sido el Censo de Población y viviendas de 2011 (CPV_2011). El objetivo fue validar la utilización del CPV_2011 por Zona de Salud (ZBS) y construir un índice de privación (IP) por ZBS así como analizar su asociación con la mortalidad en Aragón. METODOS: Estudio ecológico por ZBS. El CPV_2011, con diseño muestral, se validó mediante un test de homogeneidad de Chi_cuadrado y se calcularon 26 indicadores socioeconómicos. Se obtuvo el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman entre indicadores socioeconómicos y Razones de Mortalidad Estandarizadas (REM). Se realizó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP) con los indicadores correlacionados significativamente, extrayendo los componentes con autovalores mayores a 1 y se obtuvo la matriz rotada (Varimax). Se realizaron ACP con las variables de cada componente extrayendo un único factor. Se agruparon las ZBS en cuartiles, según el factor calculando tasas de mortalidad ajustadas a población estándar europea por edad, sexo y cuartil. El factor que más discrimina por cuartiles se consideró IP y se recalculó para ZBS urbanas con idénticas variables. RESULTADOS: La validación de la muestra del CPV_2011, detectó cuatro ZBS infrarrepresentadas. 17 indicadores socioeconómicos se correlacionaron con REM. Del primer ACP se extrajeron 3 componentes, eligiendo como IP, el formado por %Desempleo, %Asalariados eventuales, %Instrucción Insuficiente 16-64 años y %Extranjeros. Las varianzas explicadas fueron 59,7% y 73,8% en el IP urbano. En hombres, la mortalidad en el cuartil menos privado (544,7 por 105; IC95%:515,8-573,6), fue inferior a la del más privado (618,7 por 105; IC95%:589,4,648,0). CONCLUSIONES: El IP permite identificar ZBS desfavorecidas constituyendo una herramienta para evidenciar desigualdades y planificar intervenciones según necesidades.

Construcción de un índice de privación por zona básica de salud en Aragón a partir de datos de censo de 2011 / Construction of a deprivation index by Basic Healthcare Area in Aragon using Population and Housing Census 2011

Fundamentos: La medición de las desigualdades mediante indicadores compuestos facilita la priorización y puesta en marcha de acciones de salud pública. La fuente de información más comúnmente utilizada para ello ha sido el Censo de Población y viviendas de 2011 (CPV_2011). El objetivo fue validar la utilización del CPV_2011 por Zona de Salud (ZBS) y construir un índice de privación (IP) por ZBS así como analizar su asociación con la mortalidad en Aragón. Métodos: Estudio ecológico por ZBS. El CPV_2011, con diseño muestral, se validó mediante un test de homogeneidad de Chi_cuadrado y se calcularon 26 indicadores socioeconómicos. Se obtuvo el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman entre indicadores socioeconómicos y Razones de Mortalidad Estandarizadas (REM). Se realizó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP) con los indicadores correlacionados significativamente, extrayendo los componentes con autovalores mayores a 1 y se obtuvo la matriz rotada (Varimax). Se realizaron ACP con las variables de cada componente extrayendo un único factor. Se agruparon las ZBS en cuartiles, según el factor calculando tasas de mortalidad ajustadas a población estándar europea por edad, sexo y cuartil. El factor que más discrimina por cuartiles se consideró IP y se recalculó para ZBS urbanas con idénticas variables. Resultados: La validación de la muestra del CPV_2011, detectó cuatro ZBS infrarrepresentadas. 17 indicadores socioeconómicos se correlacionaron con REM. Del primer ACP se extrajeron 3 componentes, eligiendo como IP, el formado por %Desempleo, %Asalariados eventuales, %Instrucción Insuficiente 16-64 años y %Extranjeros. Las varianzas explicadas fueron 59,7% y 73,8% en el IP urbano. En hombres, la mortalidad en el cuartil menos privado (544,7 por 105 ; IC95%:515,8-573,6), fue inferior a la del más privado (618,7 por 105 ; IC95%:589,4,648,0). Conclusiones: El IP permite identificar ZBS desfavorecidas constituyendo una herramienta para evidenciar desigualdades y planificar intervenciones según necesidades

Background: The measurement of inequalities using composite indicators facilitates the prioritization and implementation of public health actions. The most commonly source of information used for this has been the Population and Housing Census of 2011 (PCH_2011).The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of PHC_2011 and develop a deprivation index (DI) by Basic Healthcare Area (BHA) and to analyse its association with mortality in Aragon. Methods: Ecological study by BHA. Since PHC_2011 was a sample of the population it was validated by the Chi-square test for homogeneity. 26 socioeconomic indicators were calculated. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR). Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were conducted using the indicators in which a significant correlation was found. Components with eigenvalues higher than 1 were extracted, and the rotated matrix (Varimax) was obtained. PCA from each component were conducted, extracting only one factor. BHA were grouped into, according to the deprivation index values. Mortality rates adjusted to the European Standard Population by age, sex and quartile were calculated. The most discriminant factor by quartiles was considered DI. A different DI for urban areas was obtained from the same variables. Results: The validation of PHC sample detected 4 underrepresented BHA. 17 socioeconomic indicators were significatively correlated with SMR. From the first PCA, 3 components were obtained. The DI included %unemployment, %eventual workers, % insufficient education 16-64 years old and %foreigners. The % of variance explained by the DI was 59.7% and 73.8% in urban areas. In men, mortality in the quartile with the lowest deprivation (544,7 per 105 ; CI95%: 515,8-573,6) was significatively lower than in the most deprivated areas(618,7 per 105 ;CI95%:589,4-648,0). Conclusions: This new DI allows us to identify deprived BHA. This is a useful tool to bring to light health inequalities and to plan interventions according to population's needs

Differences in outpatient antibiotic use between a Spanish region and a Nordic country

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic use and misuse are linked to pathogen resistance and, as such, both constitute a public health issue with local, national, and global dimensions. Early studies have shown striking variations in the use of these drugs between Nordic and Mediterranean countries. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare antibiotic prescribing in Primary Care in Denmark and Aragón (a North-eastern Spanish region). METHODS: Outpatient antibiotic prescription data (2010) were obtained from the National Institute for Health Data and Disease Control (Denmark), and the Information System on Medication Consumption in Aragón. The consumption of antibiotics (ATC J01) was analyzed from the prescription rates and the number of defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants/day (DID). RESULTS: The rate of antibiotic prescription in 2010 in Aragón was greater than in Denmark (407 compared to 315 exposed individuals/1000 inhabitants). There were significant differences as regards overall consumption of antibiotics (23.2 DID in Aragón and 17.0 DID in Denmark), as well as the therapeutic group selection. There was an elevated use of broad spectrum penicillins, quinolones and cephalosporins in the Spanish region while, in Denmark, the most-consumed antibiotic was narrow spectrum penicillin. CONCLUSIÓN: The use of antibiotics in the Spanish region is very high, and there are marked differences in the choice of drug between this region and Denmark. Interventions are needed that promote the rational use of these drugs to reduce potential bacterial resistance, and to avoid unnecessary risks to patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso inadecuado de antibióticos se ha relacionado con la aparición de resistencias microbianas, constituyendo así un problema de salud pública de dimensiones locales, nacionales y globales. Estudios previos han mostrado importantes diferencias en el uso de estos fármacos entre los países nórdicos y los mediterráneos. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir y comparar la prescripción antibiótica en atención primaria en Dinamarca y Aragón. MÉTODOS: Los datos de utilización extrahospitalaria de antibióticos (2010) se obtuvieron del National Institute for Health Data and Disease Control (Dinamarca) y del Sistema de Información de Consumo Farmacéutico de Aragón. El consumo de antibióticos (ATC J01) se analizó mediante las tasas de prescripción y el número de dosis diaria definida por 1.000 habitantes/día (DHD). RESULTADOS: La tasa de prescripción antibiótica en 2010 en Aragón fue superior a la de Dinamarca (407 frente a 315 expuestos/1.000 habitantes). Se observaron diferencias significativas en cuanto al consumo total de antibióticos (23,2 DHD en Aragón y 17 DHD en Dinamarca), así como en la elección del grupo terapéutico. La utilización de penicilinas de amplio espectro, quinolonas y cefalosporinas en la región española fue elevada, mientras que en Dinamarca el antibiótico más consumido fue una penicilina de espectro reducido. CONCLUSIÓN: El uso de antibióticos en Aragón es elevado, y existen importantes diferencias en la elección del tipo de fármaco entre esta región y Dinamarca. Sería conveniente desarrollar intervenciones que promuevan el uso racional de estos fármacos, para reducir las resistencias bacterianas y evitar riesgos innecesarios a los pacientes

Differences in outpatient antibiotic use between a Spanish region and a Nordic country.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic use and misuse are linked to pathogen resistance and, as such, both constitute a public health issue with local, national, and global dimensions. Early studies have shown striking variations in the use of these drugs between Nordic and Mediterranean countries. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare antibiotic prescribing in Primary Care in Denmark and Aragón (a North-eastern Spanish region). METHODS: Outpatient antibiotic prescription data (2010) were obtained from the National Institute for Health Data and Disease Control (Denmark), and the Information System on Medication Consumption in Aragón. The consumption of antibiotics (ATC J01) was analyzed from the prescription rates and the number of defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants/day (DID). RESULTS: The rate of antibiotic prescription in 2010 in Aragón was greater than in Denmark (407 compared to 315 exposed individuals/1000 inhabitants). There were significant differences as regards overall consumption of antibiotics (23.2 DID in Aragón and 17.0 DID in Denmark), as well as the therapeutic group selection. There was an elevated use of broad spectrum penicillins, quinolones and cephalosporins in the Spanish region while, in Denmark, the most-consumed antibiotic was narrow spectrum penicillin. CONCLUSION: The use of antibiotics in the Spanish region is very high, and there are marked differences in the choice of drug between this region and Denmark. Interventions are needed that promote the rational use of these drugs to reduce potential bacterial resistance, and to avoid unnecessary risks to patients.

Prescripción extrahospitalaria de antibióticos en Aragón y sus diferencias por género y edad / Outpatient antibiotic prescription in Aragón and the differences by gender and age

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la prescripción de antibióticos en atención extrahospitalaria y su patrón de consumo por subgrupos, analizar los patrones de utilización por edad y sexo e identificar pacientes hiperconsumidores. Métodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se estimó la proporción de habitantes de Aragón que habían sido tratados con antibióticos en 2008. Los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información de Consumo Farmacéutico de Aragón, que recoge las recetas dispensadas en oficinas de farmacia. Se calcularon la tasa de habitantes expuestos a tratamiento antibiótico y la dosis diaria definida (DDD) por mil habitantes/día (DHD).Resultados La tasa de prescripción de antibióticos en 2008 en Aragón fue de 339,81 por 1.000 habitantes (303,54 por 1.000 en hombres y 375,34 por 1.000 en mujeres). La prescripción extrahospitalaria de antibióticos en Aragón fue de 23,72 DHD. La frecuencia de consumo presenta diferencias importantes en función de la edad y el sexo. En los niños de 0 a 4 años se observa la mayor tasa de utilización de antibióticos, y las mujeres, en general, presentan una mayor frecuencia de consumo que los hombres. Las penicilinas son el subgrupo de antibióticos más utilizado en todos los grupos de edad, excepto en los mayores de 80 años, en quienes son desplazadas por las quinolonas. El mayor porcentaje de pacientes considerados hiperconsumidores en adultos (más de 60 DDD de antibióticos al año) tuvo lugar en el grupo entre 60 y 80 años. Conclusión Se observó una elevada prescripción de antibióticos en Aragón, siendo llamativo el elevado consumo en los niños más pequeños, y las diferencias entre mujeres y hombres (AU)

Background: The objective of the study is to describe the use of antibiotics among outpatients, the pattern of sub-group prescribing, as well as to analyse age- and gender-specific patterns of use, and to identify high users. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was designed, in which the rate of patients treated with antibiotics in Aragon (Spain) in 2008 was calculated. Data were extracted from the Aragon Pharmaceutical Consumption Database, a complete register of all dispensed prescriptions in Aragon in 2008. Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) was calculated, and the number of patients who had received an antibacterial drug was analysed. Results: The antibiotic prescription rate in 2008 in Aragón was 339.81 per 1000 inhabitants (303.54and 375.34 per 1000 for men and women, respectively). The DID was 23.72. Population prevalence of antimicrobial use changed markedly between different age groups and between genders. Children (0-4 years) had the highest rate. Females, in general, used antibiotics more than males. Penicillins was the most used antibacterial group in all age groups, except for people of advanced age (>80 years), where quinolones were the most frequently used. Most of the individuals defined as high users (using more than60 DDDs/year) were in the 60-80 years age group. Conclusion: We observed a high antibiotic prescription rate in Aragon, particularly in children. There are differences between men and women in the use of antibiotics (AU)

[Outpatient antibiotic prescription in Aragón and the differences by gender and age]. / Prescripción extrahospitalaria de antibióticos en Aragón y sus diferencias por género y edad.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study is to describe the use of antibiotics among outpatients, the pattern of sub-group prescribing, as well as to analyse age- and gender-specific patterns of use, and to identify high users. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was designed, in which the rate of patients treated with antibiotics in Aragon (Spain) in 2008 was calculated. Data were extracted from the Aragon Pharmaceutical Consumption Database, a complete register of all dispensed prescriptions in Aragon in 2008. Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) was calculated, and the number of patients who had received an antibacterial drug was analysed. RESULTS: The antibiotic prescription rate in 2008 in Aragón was 339.81 per 1000 inhabitants (303.54 and 375.34 per 1000 for men and women, respectively). The DID was 23.72. Population prevalence of antimicrobial use changed markedly between different age groups and between genders. Children (0-4 years) had the highest rate. Females, in general, used antibiotics more than males. Penicillins was the most used antibacterial group in all age groups, except for people of advanced age (>80 years), where quinolones were the most frequently used. Most of the individuals defined as high users (using more than 60 DDDs/year) were in the 60-80 years age group. CONCLUSION: We observed a high antibiotic prescription rate in Aragon, particularly in children. There are differences between men and women in the use of antibiotics.

[Variations in the prescription of antibiotics among primary care areas in the autonomous region of Aragon, Spain]. / Variabilidad de la prescripción de antibióticos en atención primaria de los sectores sanitarios de Aragón.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to antibacterial drugs can be contained by judicious utilization, so we must know about its use. The objective is to describe the prevalence of antibiotic consumption and the variability in the use of antibiotics among outpatients in the different health areas of Aragon. METHODS: Study of the prescription of antibiotics in the health areas of Aragon in 2008. Data were extracted from the Aragon Pharmaceutical Consumption Database, a complete register of all dispensed prescriptions. Prescription rates per 1000 individuals adjusted by sex and age were calculated using a direct and indirect standardization method. The subgroups utilization were calculated in Defined Daily Dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). In the variation analysis were used: extremal quotient (EQ), coefficient of variation (CV), weighted coefficient of variation (CVw). RESULTS: The adjusted rate of antibiotic varied between 279,8 and 382 per 1000 inhabitants, showing a CVw=0,12. The utilization rate in women was 364.9 per 1,000 and in men 300.0 per 1,000. Cephalosporins have a EQ=2,42 and CVw=0,37; and quinolones have EQ=1,84 and CVw=0,22. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization rate was higher in women than men. The higher variability in the prescription of antibiotics among health areas in Aragon was in cephalosporins and quinolones.

Desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe en varones: factores socioeconómicos y ambientales / Geographical inequalities in mortality and incidence in larynx cancer in men: socioeconomic and environmental factors

Fundamento: Diversos estudios sugieren la relación entre menor nivel socioeconómico y factores ambientales con mayor riesgo de cáncer. El objetivo del trabajo es identificar desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe (CL) en varones y su asociación con factores de privación y ambientales en el marco del proyecto MEDEA. Métodos: Estudio ecológico cuya población de referencia fueron los hombres residentes en el municipio de Zaragoza. El periodo de estudio fue 1996-2003. Las defunciones fueron obtenidas del Registro de Mortalidad de Aragón, los casos incidentes del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Zaragoza y los datos socioeconómicos del Censo de 2001. Se utilizó la base de datos del Registro Europeo de Emisiones Contaminantes en la localización de posibles industrias contaminantes. Para cada sección censal (SC) se obtuvo un índice de privación mediante análisis de componentes principales. Se obtuvieron las Razones de Mortalidad e Incidencia Estandarizadas suavizadas aplicando metodología bayesiana. Resultados: Se analizaron 211 defunciones y 569 casos incidentes, con SC conocida, que correspondieron al 95% del total de casos registrados de mortalidad y el 97,8% de incidencia. Las SC que se encontraban en el cuartil superior, mayor índice de privación, tuvieron significativamente mayor riesgo, tanto de mortalidad (2,74 veces) como de incidencia (1,66 veces). Sin embargo no se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa con los indicadores ambientales utilizados. Conclusiones: Las SC con menor nivel económico presentan mayor riesgo de mortalidad e incidencia por CL. La posible exposición a focos industriales contaminantes no explica la variabilidad geográfica observada(AU)

Background: Several studies suggest the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and environmental factors with increased risk of cancer. Within the framework of the MEDEA project, this work aims to identify geographic inequalities in larynx cancer (LC) mortality and incidence in men and its association with deprivation and environmental factors. Methods: Ecological study having as reference population men living in the city of Zaragoza. The study period was 1996-2003. The deaths were obtained from the Mortality Registry of Aragon, the incident cases from the Cancer Registry of Zaragoza and the socioeconomic data from the 2001 Census. We used the European Pollutant Emission Register database to locate possible polluting industries. For each census tract (CT) a deprivation index was obtained using principal components analysis. Smoothed Standardized Mortality and Incidence ratios were also calculated using Bayesian methods. Results: We analysed 211 deaths and 569 incident cases with CT, corresponding to 95% of the total registered mortality cases and 97.8% incidence. The CTs in the highest quartile, highest deprivation index, had significantly higuer risk of mortality (2.74 times) as well as incidence (1.66 times) by LC. However, the environmental indicators have not been shown a statistically significance association. Conclusions: The CTs with the lowest socioeconomic status have higher risk of LC mortality and incidence. Nevertheless, the possible exposition to the polluting industrial focus does not explain the observed geographic variability(AU)

[Geographical inequalities in mortality and incidence in larynx cancer in men: socioeconomic and environmental factors]. / Desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe en varones: factores socioeconómicos y ambientales.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and environmental factors with increased risk of cancer. Within the framework of the MEDEA project, this work aims to identify geographic inequalities in larynx cancer (LC) mortality and incidence in men and its association with deprivation and environmental factors. METHODS: Ecological study having as reference population men living in the city of Zaragoza. The study period was 1996-2003. The deaths were obtained from the Mortality Registry of Aragon, the incident cases from the Cancer Registry of Zaragoza and the socioeconomic data from the 2001 Census. We used the European Pollutant Emission Register database to locate possible polluting industries. For each census tract (CT) a deprivation index was obtained using principal components analysis. Smoothed Standardized Mortality and Incidence ratios were also calculated using Bayesian methods. RESULTS: We analysed 211 deaths and 569 incident cases with CT, corresponding to 95% of the total registered mortality cases and 97.8% incidence. The CTs in the highest quartile, highest deprivation index, had significantly higuer risk of mortality (2.74 times) as well as incidence (1.66 times) by LC. However, the environmental indicators have not been shown a statistically significance association. CONCLUSIONS: The CTs with the lowest socioeconomic status have higher risk of LC mortality and incidence. Nevertheless, the possible exposition to the polluting industrial focus does not explain the observed geographic variability.