Spatial Analysis of the Home Addresses of Hospital Patients with Hepatitis B Infection or Hepatoma in Shenzhen, China from 2010 to 2012

Tao Hu, Qingyun Du, Fu Ren, Shi Liang, Denan Lin, Jiajia Li and Yan Chen
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Tao Hu: School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
Qingyun Du: School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
Fu Ren: School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
Shi Liang: Shenzhen Center for Health Information, Renmin Road North 2210, Luohu District, Shenzhen 518001, China
Denan Lin: Shenzhen Center for Health Information, Renmin Road North 2210, Luohu District, Shenzhen 518001, China
Jiajia Li: Shenzhen Center for Health Information, Renmin Road North 2210, Luohu District, Shenzhen 518001, China
Yan Chen: Shenzhen Center for Health Information, Renmin Road North 2210, Luohu District, Shenzhen 518001, China

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Background : Hepatoma associated with hepatitis B infection is a major public health problem in Shenzhen (China) and worldwide. China has the largest number of people infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and many studies have demonstrated that HBV infection is associated with hepatoma development. Shenzhen officials have been attempting to monitor and control these diseases for many years. The methodology and the results of this study may be useful in developing a system to monitor, prevent and control these diseases. Methods : The aim of the study was to analyze HBV infection and hepatoma distribution characteristics and patterns in Shenzhen by combining geographic information system (GIS) technology and spatial analysis. The study used data from patients at the district level from the 2010–2012 population censuses. Results : Only one-third of the patients were female, and 70.7% of all cases were 20–50 years of age. There was no global spatial correlation of the distribution of hepatitis B infections and hepatomas; however, there was a local spatial correlation, and certain sub-districts of the Nanshan district had significant agglomeration effects. Based on incidence density and rate maps, we can conclude that the Shenzhen special zone had a higher incidence density and rate of hepatitis B infections and hepatomas compared with the area outside of the Shenzhen special zone during 2010–2012. Conclusions : This study demonstrated substantial geographic variation in the incidence of hepatitis B infection and hepatoma in Shenzhen. The prediction and control of hepatitis B infections and hepatoma development and interventions for these diseases should focus on disadvantaged areas to reduce disparities. GIS and spatial analysis play an important role in public health risk-reduction programs and may become integral components in the epidemiologic description, analysis and risk assessment of hepatitis B and hepatoma.

Keywords: geographic information system; spatial analysis; hepatitis; hepatoma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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