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Exploring spatial patterns of cardiovascular disease in Sweden between 2000 and 2010
Mohammadreza Rajabi1, Ali Mansourian1, Petter Pilesjö1
11 Lund University GIS Centre, Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, Lund University, Sweden.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) admission rates in Sweden show distinct spatial patterns, with hot spots in northern and central regions, and cold spots near major cities. These trends vary between sexes, informing public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Spatial Analysis
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, significantly impacting mortality and morbidity in Sweden.
- Understanding the geographical distribution and temporal trends of CVD is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial patterns and temporal trends of cardiovascular disease (CVD) admissions in Sweden between 2000 and 2010.
- To identify geographical clusters (hot spots and cold spots) of CVD admissions using spatial autocorrelation analyses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-adjusted CVD admission rates for men and women across Sweden from 2000-2010.
- Application of Global Moran's I to assess spatial clustering.
- Utilisation of Anselin's local Moran's I and Kulldorff's scan statistic to identify specific geographical patterns and clusters.
Main Results:
- CVD admission rates exhibited a spatially clustered pattern across Sweden, with significant variations between sexes.
- Hot spots of CVD admissions were identified in northern Sweden, particularly for men, and in central Sweden.
- Cold spots were observed in the vicinity of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
Conclusions:
- The identified spatial patterns of CVD admissions provide a foundation for targeted healthcare resource allocation and preventive strategies in Sweden.
- Further research into the aetiological factors contributing to these geographical disparities is warranted.
Aims:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, including in Sweden. The main aim of this study was to explore the temporal trends and spatial patterns of CVD in Sweden using spatial autocorrelation analyses.
Methods:
The CVD admission rates between 2000 and 2010 throughout Sweden were entered as the input disease data for the analytic processes performed for the Swedish capital, Stockholm, and also for the whole of Sweden. Age-adjusted admission rates were calculated using a direct standardisation approach for men and women, and temporal trends analysis were performed on the standardised rates. Global Moran's I was used to explore the structure of patterns and Anselin's local Moran's I, together with Kulldorff's scan statistic were applied to explore the geographical patterns of admission rates.
Results:
The rates followed a spatially clustered pattern in Sweden with differences occurring between sexes. Accordingly, hot spots were identified in northern Sweden, with higher intensity identified for men, together with clusters in central Sweden. Cold spots were identified in the adjacency of the three major Swedish cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study can serve as a basis for distribution of health-care resources, preventive measures and exploration of aetiological factors.
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