Neighborhood Disparities in Stroke and Myocardial Infarction Mortality
Author Information
Author(s): Ashley Pedigo, Tim Aldrich, Agricola Odoi
Primary Institution: The University of Tennessee
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate spatial patterns of stroke and myocardial infarction mortality risks in the East Tennessee Appalachian Region to identify neighborhoods with the highest risks.
Conclusion
The study identified significant disparities in stroke and myocardial infarction mortality risks across neighborhoods, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- There were 3,824 stroke deaths and 5,018 myocardial infarction deaths in the study area.
- Annual stroke mortality risks ranged from 0 to 182 per 100,000 population.
- 28% of neighborhoods exceeded the state stroke mortality risk of 67.5.
- Six significant spatial clusters of high risk of stroke mortality were identified.
- Ten significant spatial clusters of high risk of myocardial infarction mortality were identified.
Takeaway
Some neighborhoods have a much higher chance of people dying from strokes and heart attacks than others, so we need to help those areas more.
Methodology
Mortality data were collected from the Tennessee Department of Health and analyzed using spatial scan statistics and logistic models to identify high-risk neighborhoods.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the accuracy of death certificates and the geographic distribution of the population.
Limitations
The study relied on mortality data which may have inaccuracies due to coding errors and did not account for whether deaths occurred in non-residential settings.
Participant Demographics
The study area had a population of over 780,000, primarily white (94%) with a significant proportion having less than a high school education (45%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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