Higher Risk of Childhood Leukaemia in Sweden
Author Information
Author(s): Hjalmars U, Gustafsson G
Primary Institution: Östersunds Hospital, Östersund, Sweden; Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
Hypothesis
Is there a higher incidence of acute childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia in areas with higher population density in Sweden?
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cases in population centres compared to the rest of Sweden.
Supporting Evidence
- The annual incidence rate for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was 3.6 cases per 100,000 children.
- Population centres, which make up 1.3% of Sweden's land area, showed a significant excess of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cases.
- An odds ratio of 1.68 indicates a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in population centres.
Takeaway
Kids living in crowded areas in Sweden are more likely to get a type of blood cancer called leukaemia.
Methodology
A population-based sample of acute childhood leukaemia cases was analyzed using a geographical information system to assess spatial distribution in relation to population density.
Participant Demographics
Children in Sweden from 1973 to 1994.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.44–1.95
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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