Spatial Analysis of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Incidences in South Palu Sub District, Palu District.
Abstract
Oslan Daud , Hartono , Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto
Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is now endemic in most tropical countries. In Indonesia, the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) epidemic has become a major public health concern. By the time, number of DHF cases tends to increase significantly and the endemic area is wider. During the 2004 until 2006, the case fatality rates of DHF were 10/210, 12/627, and 5/334 respectively. In the first trimester of 2007, the number of DHF outbreak had reached 334 cases and 2 deaths were reported.
Objective: This study aimed to map the epidemic distribution of DHF cases at South Palu Sub district during the year of 2004 – 2006 in the basis of human, spatial, and temporal characteristics.
Methods: An analytical descriptive survey with cross sectional approach was used to obtain the description of DHF spatial distribution in South Palu Sub District during 2004 – 2006. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to identify the coordinate points of patients’ residential. The collected data were analyzed and presented on tables, graphics, and map.
Results: Most of DHF patients were men (52.48%); patients’ age were above 15 years old (46.60%); the highest endemic area was South Lolu village (15.41%), and the highest incidence periods were during May until September. Nine clusters of DHF cases concentrated on North Taturu and Tanamodindi villages. In addition, the DHF cases in South Palu Sub District related to density (p=0.004), air temperature (25.3ºC – 28.1ºC), air humidity (71.3% - 79.7%), and Wiggler Free Rate (WFR) (p=0.462).
Conclusion: Men had higher risk of DHF than women because of their higher mobile activities and the most of DHF patients were in school aged; South Lolu village had high density and mobilization; and the occurrence of DHF increased in rainy season during April – October. There were clustering of DHF cases in North Tatura and Tanamodindi village. Density and DHF had a significant relationship (p = 0.004), whereas, air temperature and humidity supported the mosquito growth. Last, the WFR did not relate to DHF cases significantly.
Keywords: DHF cases, epidemiology characteristics, spatial distribution, GIS, South Palu.