 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
T. Scott Troppy, MPH, Julia E. Gunn, RN, MPH, Andrew Ellingson, BS, Tara McCarthy, MD, MPH, and M. Anita Barry, MD, MPH. Communicable Disease Control Division, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, 617-534-5611, scott_troppy@bphc.org
Background: Influenza vaccination of high risk populations (HRP) during a pandemic will require efficient use of resources. We evaluated the effectiveness of GIS to identify HRP and community resources within Boston.
Methods: HRP were defined as age >64 years. Percentage of HRP within each census tract was categorized as follows: >10% = high risk area (HRA), 5-10% = medium risk area (MRA), and <5% = low risk area (LRA). Data on income, race, disability, and language for HRP were obtained from Census 2000. For each category, the number of hospitals, health centers (HC), other immunization providers (OIP), and subway transportation were determined using GIS.
Results: Most HRP whites lived in HRA compared to MRA and LRA (54%; 38%; and 40% respectively). Disability did not vary by risk area category (HRA: 30%; MRA: 29%; LRA: 25%). HRP in MRA and LRA compared to HRA (14%; 15% vs. 7%) were more likely to be linguistically isolated and to have lower median incomes ($23,884; $20,713 vs. $25, 423). HRA had more OIP than MRA or LRA, but fewer hospitals or HC. Most subways were located in MRA or LRA.
Conclusion: High risk areas for influenza morbidity in Boston have fewer hospitals and health centers, but many OIP. Subway transportation in these neighborhoods is also limited. Pandemic influenza vaccination planning strategies for HRP in HRA needs to include OIP and access transportation issues. In MRA and LRA linguistic barriers need to be addressed. GIS is an emerging tool for public health planning.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Community Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.