Population-attributable risk estimates for risk factors associated with Campylobacter infection, Australia

Russell J. Stafford, Philip J. Schluter, Andrew J. Wilson, Martyn D. Kirk, Gillian Hall, Leanne Unicomb, Craig Dalton, Tony Merritt, Rosie Ashbolt, Cameron Sault, Joy Gregory, Robert Bell, Rod Givney, Jane Raupach, Barry Combs, Lillian Mwanri, Jennie Musto, Nola Tomaska, Geoff Millard, Mohinder SarnaGeoff Hogg, Craig Williams, Janet Li, Karin Lalor, Nittita Prasopa-Plazier, Lyn Mueleners, Ian McKay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In 2001-2002, a multicenter, prospective case-control study involving 1,714 participants ≥5 years of age was conducted in Australia to identify risk factors for Campylobacter infection. Adjusted population-attributable risks (PARs) were derived for each independent risk factor contained within the final multivariable logistic regression model. Estimated PARs were combined with adjusted (for the ≥5 years of age eligibility criterion) notifiable disease surveillance data to estimate annual Australian Campylobacter case numbers attributable to each risk factor. Simulated distributions of "credible values" were then generated to model the uncertainty associated with each case number estimate. Among foodborne risk factors, an estimated 50,500 (95% credible interval 10,000-105,500) cases of Campylobacter infection in persons ≥5 years of age could be directly attributed each year to consumption of chicken in Australia. Our statistical technique could be applied more widely to other communicable diseases that are subject to routine surveillance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)895-901
Number of pages7
JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Jun 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Cite this