SYMPOSIUM

Geographical variations in the epidemiology of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Manitoba, Canada

L J Elliott¹, J F Blanchard¹, C M Beaudoin¹, C G Green¹, D L Nowicki², P Matusko², S Moses³

¹ Epidemiology Unit, Manitoba Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
² Communicable Disease Control Unit, Manitoba Health
³ University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Lawrence J Elliott, Epidemiology Unit, Manitoba Health, 300 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3M9, Canada

Feasible epidemiological approaches are required to make a better assessment of the stage of an epidemic and to monitor its transition through various phases. Application of the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient to summarise the inequality in STD incidence rates between jurisdictions in Manitoba, Canada, was found to provide useful insights into the concentration of these epidemics over time and thus their transition through epidemic phases. Further exploration of the statistical properties of these and other indices of inequality and their potential application to STD epidemiology is warranted. New epidemiological tools are also required for better monitoring of the impact of prevention and control activities and to inform the content of these activities.

Keywords: sexually transmitted disease; Canada; epidemiology

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