A matter of life and death: population mortality and football results
- Correspondence to: Bill Kirkup, NHS Northern and Yorkshire, John Snow House, Durham University Science Park, Durham DH1 3YG, UK; Bill.Kirkup{at}doh.gsi.gov.uk
- Accepted 14 January 2003
Abstract
Objectives: To determine whether football results are associated with mortality from circulatory disease.
Design: Retrospective study, comparing mortality on days of football matches between 18 August 1994 and 28 December 1999 with the results of the football matches.
Setting: Newcastle and North Tyneside, Sunderland, Tees, and Leeds Health Authority areas of England.
Subjects: All persons resident in Newcastle and North Tyneside, Sunderland, Tees, and Leeds Health Authority areas of England.
Main outcome measures: Mortality attributable to acute myocardial infarction and stroke.
Results: On days when the local professional football team lost at home, mortality attributable to acute myocardial infarction and stroke increased significantly in men (relative risk 1.28, 95% confidence intervals 1.11 to 1.47). No increase was observed in women.
Conclusions: Results achieved by the local professional football team are associated systematically with circulatory disease death rates over a five year period in men, but not women.
Footnotes
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Funding: none.
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Conflicts of interest: WK is a lifelong supporter and current season ticket holder of Newcastle United FC.
