Mortality Differences in Greece: The Case of Thrace
Author Information
Author(s): Papastergiou Panagiotis, Rachiotis George, Polyzou Konstantina, Zilidis Christos, Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Primary Institution: Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify regions with high mortality rates in Greece and explore possible risk factors.
Conclusion
Thrace is the region with the highest mortality rate in Greece, linked to low GDP and limited healthcare access.
Supporting Evidence
- Thrace recorded the highest mortality rate at almost all age groups among the ten Greek regions.
- Thrace had one of the lowest GDP per capita and recorded low ratios of physicians per population.
- Multivariate analysis revealed that GDP and doctors per 100,000 inhabitants were associated with increased mortality in Thrace.
- Thrace recorded the lowest vaccination coverage compared to other Greek regions.
Takeaway
Thrace has the highest number of deaths in Greece, and this might be because there aren't enough doctors and hospitals there.
Methodology
Age-adjusted specific mortality rates were calculated for each of the 10 regions in Greece from 1984 to 2004, using census data.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to selective migration patterns and lack of data on lifestyle factors.
Limitations
The study is descriptive and cannot provide causal associations; some regional data were unavailable.
Participant Demographics
The study covers all age groups and both genders across 10 regions in Greece.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 64.6–76.8
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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