[A critical review of epidemiological methods for spatial analysis]

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Context:

• Developing since the 1950s, spatial analysis methods enhance disease mapping and environmental risk assessment.
• Spatial epidemiology utilizes mapping tools to visualize disease distribution and identify environmental risk factors.

Purpose:

• To review and evaluate statistical-epidemiological methodologies for spatial disease analysis.
• To differentiate between global clustering tests and cluster detection techniques for disease aggregation.
• To assess the success of spatial analysis methods in meeting analytical aims and overcoming challenges.

Summary:

• This paper reviews statistical-epidemiological methods for spatial disease analysis, distinguishing global clustering tests from cluster detection techniques.
• It evaluates various methods based on their ability to accurately map disease distribution and assess environmental risks.
• The review assesses the success of these techniques in identifying non-random disease patterns and localized disease clusters.

Impact:

• Provides a critical overview of spatial analysis tools for public health surveillance.
• Informs researchers and practitioners on selecting appropriate methods for disease mapping and risk assessment.
• Contributes to a better understanding of spatial disease patterns and environmental health influences.