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Open Access 01-09-2018

Examination of Child and Adolescent Hospital Admission Rates in Queensland, Australia, 1995–2011: A Comparison of Coal Seam Gas, Coal Mining, and Rural Areas

Authors: Angela K. Werner, Kerrianne Watt, Cate Cameron, Sue Vink, Andrew Page, Paul Jagals

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 9/2018

Abstract

Objectives At present, coal seam gas (CSG) is the most common form of unconventional natural gas development occurring in Australia. Few studies have been conducted to explore the potential health impacts of CSG development on children and adolescents. This analysis presents age-specific hospitalisation rates for a child and adolescent cohort in three study areas in Queensland. Methods Three geographic areas were selected: a CSG area, a coal mining area, and a rural area with no mining activity. Changes in area-specific hospital admissions were investigated over the period 1995–2011 in a series of negative binomial regression analyses for 19 International Classification of Diseases (ICD) chapters, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Results The strongest associations were found for respiratory diseases in 0–4 year olds (7% increase [95% CI 4%, 11%] and 6% increase [95% CI 2%, 10%] in the CSG area relative to the coal mining and rural areas, respectively) and 10–14 year olds (9% increase [95% CI 1%, 18%] and 11% increase [95% CI 1%, 21%] in the CSG area compared to the coal mining and rural areas, respectively). The largest effect size was for blood/immune diseases in 5–9 year olds in the CSG area (467% increase [95% CI 139%, 1244%]) compared to the rural area with no mining activity. Conclusions for Practice Higher rates of hospitalisation existed in the CSG area for certain ICD chapters and paediatric age groups, suggesting potential age-specific health impacts. This study provides insights on associations that should be explored further in terms of child and adolescent health.

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Title: Examination of Child and Adolescent Hospital Admission Rates in Queensland, Australia, 1995–2011: A Comparison of Coal Seam Gas, Coal Mining, and Rural Areas
Authors: Angela K. Werner
Kerrianne Watt
Cate Cameron
Sue Vink
Andrew Page
Paul Jagals
Publication date: 01-09-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 9/2018
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2511-4

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Examination of Child and Adolescent Hospital Admission Rates in Queensland, Australia, 1995–2011: A Comparison of Coal Seam Gas, Coal Mining, and Rural Areas

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