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Abstract
GIS Application in Public Health to Study the Spatial Pattern of Variation of HIV/AIDS in Madurai City (Tamil Nadu) India
Dr.S.Shanmuganandan
Professor of Geography,
Madurai Kamaraj University,
Palkalainagar, Madurai-625021,
Tamilnadu, India.
Email: shanmug@eth.net
Geographical Information system has become another major tool for public health professionals to track the status and distribution of health indicators. Epidemiologists, public health administrators, certified environmental hygienists and other public health professionals are utilizing GIS to map out the spatial distribution of various diseases and its variation over space and in time. In addition the use these maps for decision making and design the health policies accordingly. At present GIS is playing an very important role in public health in many spheres. In this context the present study is an attempt to analyze the spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS in India and particularly with reference to Tamilnadu and major cities like Madurai and Chennai where it is found to be increasing in recent times. With the help of mapping GIS softwares such as MAP INFO and EPI MAP, with the help of available data collected from AIDS surveillance centres, the spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS cases were mapped out. The study also made an attempt particularly with reference to MAP INFO not only attempted to map out the spatial variation in the occurrence of the disease but also with the help of multivariate statistical analysis factor analysis with the selected major variables (socioeconomic, epidemiological, sociocultural factors) attempted to identify the major dimensions. The factor scores derived from these dimensions drawn for six dimensions explained the significance of spatial pattern of variation in the occurrence has been explained for these dimensions. Finally the study conceptualizes the facts and an integrated strategy is worked out for its control and prevention.
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