Isaiah Gwitira1, Norbert Karumazondo1, Munyaradzi Davis Shekede1, Charles Sandy2, Nicolas Siziba2, Joconiah Chirenda3. 1. Department of Geography Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observation, Faculty of Science, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe. 2. National TB Control Program, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe. 3. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Parirenyatwa Hospital, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Accurate mapping of spatial heterogeneity in tuberculosis (TB) cases is critical for achieving high impact control as well as guide resource allocation in most developing countries. The main aim of this study was to explore the spatial patterns of TB occurrence at district level in Zimbabwe from 2015 to 2018 using GIS and spatial statistics as a preamble to identifying areas with elevated risk for prioritisation of control and intervention measures. METHODS: In this study Getis-Ord Gi* statistics together with SaTscan were used to characterise TB hotspots and clusters in Zimbabwe at district level from 2015 to 2018. GIS software was used to map and visualise the results of cluster analysis. RESULTS: Results show that TB occurrence exhibits spatial heterogeneity across the country. The TB hotspots were detected in the central, western and southern part of the country. These areas are characterised by artisanal mining activities as well as high poverty levels. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Results of this study are useful to guide TB control programs and design effective strategies which are important in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (UNSDGs).
INTRODUCTION: Accurate mapping of spatial heterogeneity in tuberculosis (TB) cases is critical for achieving high impact control as well as guide resource allocation in most developing countries. The main aim of this study was to explore the spatial patterns of TB occurrence at district level in Zimbabwe from 2015 to 2018 using GIS and spatial statistics as a preamble to identifying areas with elevated risk for prioritisation of control and intervention measures. METHODS: In this study Getis-Ord Gi* statistics together with SaTscan were used to characterise TB hotspots and clusters in Zimbabwe at district level from 2015 to 2018. GIS software was used to map and visualise the results of cluster analysis. RESULTS: Results show that TB occurrence exhibits spatial heterogeneity across the country. The TB hotspots were detected in the central, western and southern part of the country. These areas are characterised by artisanal mining activities as well as high poverty levels. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Results of this study are useful to guide TB control programs and design effective strategies which are important in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (UNSDGs).
Authors: Thang Phuoc Dao; Xuyen Hong Thi Hoang; Doanh Ngoc Nguyen; Nghi Quang Huynh; Thang Tat Pham; Dung Thuy Nguyen; Hoa Binh Nguyen; Nam Hoang Do; Hai Viet Nguyen; Cu Huy Dao; Nhung Viet Nguyen; Hanh My Bui Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-09-09