Spatial Association of Malaria in Thailand
Keywords:
Spatial Association , Thailand , MalariaAbstract
Malaria remains a major public health problem in Thailand, with weather and environmental factors being key factors affecting its proliferation. This research aims to study the distribution, spatial association, and factors associated with malaria incidence in Thailand. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional study design applying secondary data from January to December 2021, including 1) data on 3,628 malaria patients, 2) weather data, and 3) spatial and environmental data. The statistics used for data analysis included Moran’s I and panel regression analysis. Malaria in Thailand was found to be spatially distributed in the northern region (Mae Hong Son provinces), the western region (Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces), and the southern region (Ranong and Yala provinces). The occurrence of malaria was found to be spatially dispersed, and no disease concentration was found (Moran’s I = -0.017). The minimum temperature and forest area were significantly associated with malaria incidence at the 0.05 level (coefficient = 0.15 and 9.11, respectively). Accordingly, surveillance should be conducted in each province during the rainy and winter seasons when temperatures are low. Further, malaria prevention guidelines should be developed for those living or working in forested areas, while early warning systems should be developed for communities during the rainy season, and proactive screening should be conducted in malaria-prone areas during June.
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