Sociodemographic inequalities and outbreaks of foodborne diseases: An ecologic study

Reducing disparities in health is a significant health policy goal and so improving knowledge on differences in the distribution of health problems is needed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the incidence of foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDO) and demographic-socioeconomic characteristics. Association between outbreak incidence rate (IR) and demographic and socioeconomic features such as age >65 and gender, income, higher education, unemployment, household tasks and mean household size were studied. A total of 181 FBDO (IR: 2.59 outbreaks per million inhabitants) were recorded in Catalonia, 43.6% in food-services and 42.5% in household. Unemployment, female, ⩾65y, higher education and household tasks were associated to lower FBDO risk. Educational programmes addressed at the increasing number of elderly and less favoured populations could avoid incorrect practices that facilitate community cases of FBD and may contribute to reduce disparities in health.