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Sandy A. Johnson, PhD, College of Pharmacy, Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, Suite 422, New Orleans, LA 70125, 504-520-6732, sajohnso@xula.edu and Richard Scribner, MD, MPH, School of Public Health, Epidemiology Program, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1600 Canal Street, Suite 800, New Orleans, LA 70112.
The World Health Organization identified alcohol consumption as the fifth most important preventable risk factor for global health. It follows that the contribution of alcohol to health disparities is of growing concern for public health. While such disparities are frequently expressed in terms of stratification along class, gender or ethnic lines, it is possible to describe these inequalities based on spatial concentration using geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques. Such analysis allows one to characterize the elements of ‘place’ which may influence differential experiences of health. This study explores census tract level intra-city differences in alcohol-related health outcomes within the Greater New Orleans area. Data on low birth weight, cause-specific mortality, STDs, and violent crimes were obtained. Spatial analyses will be used to understand trends among this nexus of alcohol-related issues and map concentrations of risk, thus pointing the way towards further research on neighborhood-level risk moderators. High risk areas will also be assessed in terms of proximal access to accessible public health care. The implications of overlap in high risk areas for different health outcomes will be discussed within a broad environmental and policy framework. This work was funded by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (1 U01 AA014293-01)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Alcohol Problems, Health Disparities
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.