Spatial epidemiology is the systematic study of the distribution and determinants of disease and health-related events in relation to the geographical and environmental factors that influence or determine this distribution. The increasing amount of geo-coded health and population data, coupled with dramatic developments in computing technology; inexpensive and easy to use geographic information systems (GIS); and statistical theories and methodologies, has facilitated investigations of spatial variation of injury risk. The aim of this presentation is to discuss a number of issues that are pertinent to methodology, limitations, and interpretation of spatial data analysis as it relates to injury research. We begin this session with a discussion of the methodology for calculating fatality rates of an area regardless of traditional geo-political boundaries (e.g. town, ZIP code, or census areas). We continue with a discussion on the detection of temporal and spatial injury clusters. Finally, we will illustrate the applicability of these methods using 28,144 general aviation crashes that occurred in the continental United States from 1983 to 1998, concluding that aircraft and crash circumstance factors are associated with pilot survivability in high rate areas; locations of the high rate areas tend to be in mountainous areas; digital maps created with GIS can instantly convey visual information on the subtle patterns of the spatial distribution of pilot fatality rates; mapping rates into pre-defined areas, such as maps of states or ZIP codes, will conceal critical spatial patterns; and that crashes tend to cluster around mountainous areas and airports.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to discuss the methodology, limitations, and interpretation of spatial data analysis as it relates to injury research.
Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Methodology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.