Das Gesundheitswesen
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Dec 2006
[Differences in small area prevalence of respiratory diseases in children: challenges of an investigation initiated by parents].
The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory diseases in children living in a rural area in Bavaria in a systematic and standardised way to clarify whether a disease cluster exists. Reports from a parents' initiative claiming an increase of diseased children and assuming an association with air pollution due to nearby industrial sources and heavy traffic were the reason for the study. ⋯ This study exemplifies the challenges of small area investigations initiated by the residential community to clarify an assumed disease cluster caused by environmental pollution. The prior comparison of small area prevalence data with results of other epidemiological studies aids the decision making as to whether a detailed study with comprehensive assessment of individual exposure is justifiable.