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What is the place for space in epidemiology?
Jan M Eberth1, Michael R Kramer2, Eric M Delmelle3
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; Big Data Health Science Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Annals of Epidemiology
|September 16, 2021
Summary
Spatial epidemiology uses geographic information systems (GIS) to understand population health variations. This review explores methods, applications, and challenges for advancing public health responses.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- Understanding population health variations is central to spatial epidemiology.
- The themed issue focuses on Spatial Analysis and GIS in Epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- Present theoretical foundations and methodological developments in spatial epidemiology.
- Discuss spatial analytical techniques and their public health applications.
- Identify novel data sources and applications to enhance epidemiology's impact.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical foundations and methodological advancements.
- Discussion of spatial analytical techniques and public health applications.
- Exploration of challenges in using georeferenced data (e.g., small sample sizes, missingness, generalizability, geographic scale).
Main Results:
- Spatial epidemiology offers tools to describe and understand population health variations.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis are crucial for public health.
- Novel data sources and applications can increase epidemiology's consequential impact.
Conclusions:
- Increasing availability of spatial data and visualization tools presents opportunities.
- Overcoming traditional silos can advance knowledge and improve responses to public health crises.
- Spatial analysis and GIS are essential for addressing contemporary epidemiological challenges.
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