A case-control study of Parkinson's disease in urban population of southern Israel.

In recent years, an increased prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in southern Israel was observed. The aim of this study was to determine which exposures are associated with PD in the urban population of this region. Ninety-three PD patients living in towns were compared to 93 age and sex matched controls. A previously validated questionnaire, including demographic data, education, data on exposures, previous diseases, family history and habits, was administered. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that history of work in construction sites was the strongest predictor of PD risk, followed by exposure to pesticides. In contrast, there was a negative association with smoking and history of mechanical factory employment. When the same statistical analysis was limited to association of PD with smoking, pesticides and construction work, the latter was found to be the strongest risk factor. The risk factors for PD in this population are work on a construction site and exposure to pesticides.