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The reality of spatial variations of morbidity and mortality


ND McGlashan

Abstract

Attention is drawn to the inadequacy of using only variations of incidence rates by area as an analytical method in geographical pathology. Problems are illustrated from recent South African literature. Since widely different sizes of population-at-risk produce incidence rates that are not of comparable reliability, advances in probability mapping can appropriately be applied to define significant distributions of medical conditions in South Africa. Both a hypothetical and a real-life illustration of an improved method of analysis are described, and the pressing need for a South African national registry of cancer is emphasised.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1621 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574