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Risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease in southern Queensland, 2000-2001

B J McCall1, A S Neill, M M Young

  • 1Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, Brisbane, Australia. brad_mccall@health.qld.gov.au

Internal Medicine Journal
|August 20, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) risk factors in Queensland include sharing bedrooms and exposure to tobacco smoke. Preventing primary caregiver smoking can significantly reduce IMD risk in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a significant public health concern.
  • Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate risk factors associated with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in southern Queensland.
  • To inform public health interventions and antismoking campaigns.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted between 2000 and 2001.
  • Eighty-four laboratory-confirmed IMD cases and 79 controls were interviewed.
  • Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate assessments of risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Sharing bedrooms with two or more people was associated with increased IMD risk (OR 4.3).
  • Exposure to tobacco smoke, including passive exposure, significantly increased IMD risk (OR 2.3-2.4).
  • Breastfeeding showed a protective effect (OR 0.3), while childcare attendance was not a significant risk factor.

Conclusions:

  • This study reinforces the link between cigarette smoke exposure and IMD risk in Australia.
  • Reducing primary caregiver smoking presents a key opportunity to lower IMD incidence in young children.
  • Findings can enhance antismoking campaigns with specific data on IMD prevention.

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