Seasonal variation in mortality in Scotland

Gemmell, I., McLoone, P., Boddy, F.A., Dickinson, G.J. and Watt, G.C.M. (2000) Seasonal variation in mortality in Scotland. International Journal of Epidemiology, 29(2), pp. 274-279.

Abstract

Background. Seasonal patterns in mortality have been recognized for many years. This study assesses seasonal variation in mortality in Scotland between 1981 and 1993 and considers its association with socioeconomic status and outdoor temperature. Method. Lagged Poisson regression analysis of numbers of deaths and average weekly temperature with adjustment for serial autocorrelation and influenza epidemics. Results. There was significant seasonal variation in weekly death rates with a difference of about 30% between a summer trough and a winter peak. This variation was principally attributable to respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease and coronary artery disease. Seasonal variation in mortality fell from around 38% in 1981-1983 to around 26% in 1991-1993. There was no clear evidence of a relationship between socioeconomic status and seasonal mortality, however the extent of the fall in seasonal variation was greater in deprived areas than in affluent areas. Overall, a 1

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Watt, Professor Graham and Dickinson, Dr Gordon
• Authors: Gemmell, I., McLoone, P., Boddy, F.A., Dickinson, G.J., and Watt, G.C.M.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities; College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: International Journal of Epidemiology
• ISSN: 1464-3685