Spatial and Environmental Analysis of Malaria Occurrence in Southern Edo Households

Spatial analysis of dumpsite proximity and malaria occurrence in Dormaa central municipality, Ghana

Prevalence of malaria and associated risk factors in Loka Abaya district, Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, despite the widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, the proportion of Plasmodium species, and the risk factors for disease transmission in the study area. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2023 among 419 participants. Socio-demographic and environmental data were collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Capillary blood samples were examined using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS The overall malaria prevalence was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.0-18.0). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 59.0% of infections, Plasmodium vivax for 36.1%, and mixed infections for 4.9%. Higher prevalence was observed among symptomatic individuals (30.7%) compared to asymptomatic individuals (7.3%). Independent predictors of malaria infection included no formal education (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.10-5.94), low monthly income (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.07-8.25), lack of ITN ownership (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14-5.75), irregular ITN use (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.13-7.32), and presence of stagnant water near households (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14-3.99). CONCLUSION Malaria remains a significant public health concern in the study area. Strengthening insecticide-treated nets utilization, expanding indoor residual spraying coverage, promoting early diagnosis and prompt treatment, enhancing community awareness, and implementing effective environmental management are essential for reducing malaria transmission. Addressing socio-economic disparities is also crucial for sustainable malaria control and elimination efforts in the area.

Geospatial mapping, trends, and factors associated with tuberculosis treatment interruption: an ecological study

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the spatial and temporal patterns and factors associated with tuberculosis treatment interruption in Brazil from 2010 to 2020. Method: Ecological study using geoprocessing. The Joinpoint method was used for temporal analysis. Spatial autocorrelation and scan statistics identified clusters. Spatial and non-spatial regression models, considering p < .05, detected factors associated with the outcome. Results: A stationary trend in tuberculosis treatment interruption was observed across the country, with increases in the Central-West and North regions. Associated socioeconomic indicators included the Gini index, household density > 2, retreatment rate, social vulnerability index, illiteracy rate, percentage of individuals in extreme poverty, and Family Health Strategy coverage. Conclusion: Treatment interruption showed a stationary trend. Spatial regression showed that socioeconomic vulnerability indicators influence the outcome, positively or negatively, depending on the region, which calls for intensified prevention and control efforts in those areas.

Socioeconomic dynamics and tuberculosis mortality in São Paulo: a population-level analysis using spatial modeling

Summary Background Tuberculosis remains a major cause of preventable mortality in Brazil, marked by pronounced social and territorial inequalities. Evidence remains limited on how socioeconomic conditions and health system characteristics are associated with tuberculosis mortality across age groups in high-burden settings such as São Paulo state. This study aimed to examine the spatial and temporal associations of these factors with tuberculosis mortality across municipalities in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods We conducted a population-based ecological study in São Paulo, Brazil. All TB deaths reported to the Mortality Information System from 2020 to 2024 were included. Socioeconomic, demographic and health system factors were selected based on a conceptual framework. Variables associated with TB mortality were assessed using Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape, with spatial smoothing. Findings The analysis included 38,700 municipality-month observations. In the final spatial GAMLSS model, proportions of household crowding (>2 residents/bedroom) and elderly population (>59 years) were associated with 3.25% and 5.92% increases in expected TB mortality for each one percentage-point increase, respectively. In contrast, each one percentage-point increase in primary health care coverage was associated with a 0.30% decrease in expected TB mortality. The fitted spatial effect indicated higher expected TB mortality along coastal and central regions, and lower expected mortality in the northwestern region. Interpretation Tuberculosis mortality in São Paulo is shaped by persistent socioeconomic and territorial inequalities, with distinct patterns across age groups. These findings highlight the need for strategies that address structural vulnerability and strengthen primary health care to reduce avoidable tuberculosis-related deaths. Funding This work was supported by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior–Brasil and São Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP).

Understanding malaria dynamics in Benin through time series, and environmental correlation: Implications for targeted interventions

The analysis revealed a consistent clear bimodal (two-peak) pattern each year in malaria incidence per province with notable provincial differences in burden and timing, and the need for geographically and seasonally tailored malaria interventions.

Spatial and Cluster Analysis of Dengue Fever Using SaTScan in Grobogan Regency