Epidemiological study of brucellosis in eight Greek villages using a Computerised Mapping Programme

Citation
C. Hadjichristodoulou et al., Epidemiological study of brucellosis in eight Greek villages using a Computerised Mapping Programme, EUR J EPID, 15(7), 1999, pp. 671-680
Citations number
22
Categorie Soggetti
Envirnomentale Medicine & Public Health","Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
ISSN journal
03932990 → ACNP
Volume
15
Issue
7
Year of publication
1999
Pages
671 - 680
Database
ISI
SICI code
0393-2990(199908)15:7<671:ESOBIE>2.0.ZU;2-K
Abstract
A Computerised Mapping Programme (CMP) was created step by step to cover al l the needs of a cross sectional population survey conducted in eight villa ges of Fokida, a rural area of central Greece. The maps of Greece (boundary ) and the topographical maps of the eight villages were created using the C MP. A volunteer sample of 1121 out of 2607 inhabitants of the study area pa rticipated in the population survey. The participants were tested for bruce llosis using serological tests (ELISA and Rose Bengal) and the intradermal reaction test. A questionnaire was used to obtain information concerning th e risk factors for brucellosis. The risk factors found through statistical analysis were occupation (RR: 5.81, p < 0.00001), consumption of raw milk ( RR: 1.98, p < 0.001) and unpasteurised fresh cheese (RR: 2.13, p < 0.01). T he same factors were indicated by the CMP. The CMP also indicated manure-co ntaminated playgrounds in residential yards as a potential risk factor for children. The origin and dissemination were delineated using time-space ass ociation display. The CMP proved to be a useful tool in this epidemiologica l study.