Social deprivation and bacterial meningitis in North East Thames region: three year study using small area statistics

摘要

The rates of many diseases are linked to the deprivation of the area. Earlier British studies have shown that lower social class and overcrowding are associated with increased risk of meningococcal meningitis. Using data from a prospective study in North East Thames region (now part of North Thames region) between 1991 and 1993 we examined the relation between types of bacterial meningitis and deprivation of residential area, looking at rates specific for age and ethnic group.