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Title: | Mapping Cases of Tuberculosis Distribution and Treatment Outcomes using Geographical Information System - The Case of Birim Central Municipality, E/R - Ghana |
Authors: | Ahulu, Boaz Twum, Frimpong Hayfron-Acquah, J. B. |
Keywords: | Tuberculosis distribution treatment outcomes spatiotemporal distribution GIS |
Issue Date: | Jan-2019 |
Publisher: | International Journal of Computer Applications |
Citation: | International Journal of Computer Applications, Volume 182, No. 35 |
Abstract: | Analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB)
is a very important way to understand its epidemiology
thereby helping to identify geographic regions at higher risk
and to enable proper control and resource allocation. This
study was undertaken to ascertain the spatiotemporal
distribution of TB cases and treatment outcomes in the Birim
Central Municipality (BCM) in the Eastern Region (E/R) of
Ghana for the period 2012-2016 and to recommend
appropriate preventive measures. In this retrospective study,
the locations of the total of 268 TB cases identified from
2012-2016 were geocoded on the BCM digital maps. Spatial
visualization using choropleth maps, network analysis, and
service area analysis of ArcGIS10.2 was used to identify the
geographic concentration of cases and the various treatment
outcomes as well as proximity of patient community to health
facility. A questionnaire was also used to collect primary data
from TB patients diagnosed in year 2017. This data was
analyzed using SPSS version 21. The study identified five
main communities as hot spots of TB in the municipality with
variations in other communities. It was also found that other
non-spatial factors such as socioeconomic factors and
stigmatization highly influence treatment outcome. Reducing
stigmatization, regular sensitization of health staff who are not
directly involved in tuberculosis care, and using a formerly
cured TB patient as a peer educator were some of the best
ways identified to help improve positive treatment outcomes
in the municipality. |
Description: | This article is published in International Journal of Computer Applications and also available at DOI: 10.5120/ijca2019918349 |
URI: | 10.5120/ijca2019918349 http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12983 |
Appears in Collections: | College of Science
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