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Utilizing Geoinformation System (GIS) and Remote Sensing in Monitoring Malnourished Children in Kelantan, Malaysia.
Siti Morni Umor, Anizar Ahmad, Dato' Nik Nasruddin Mahmood
Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing (MACRES), Malaysia
Syahrul Hisyam Baharudin, Aflah Afandi,
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Email: morni@macres.gov.my, anizar1008@yahoo.com, nnm@macres.gov, syahrulhisyam@hotmail.com, aflaha80@yahoo.com
Abstract :
Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies have the potential to be used for mapping of malnutrition cases and study the significant of environmental degradation with the cases distribution. Both technologies have the capability to link and update the information on the environmental changes, weather conditions, and cases through the online system. In this study we used remote sensing data such as IKONOS image (1meter resolution), Landsat TM, SPOT5, Radarsat and NOAA to provide data on the landuse changes, Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalize Differences Index (NDVI) and flood area. The advantages of using remote sensing technology are it can cover a wide and extensive area, short time collecting information on ground and availability of getting data rapidly. The objective of this study is to identify malnourished preschool children in a deprived area of Northern Malaysia. Location of these children is then plotted on the map using Global Positioning System (GPS). Medical records of 7012 children were reviewed using a purposely designed internet-linked growth monitoring program (USM Growth MonitorTM). Geographically, prevalence of malnutrition was significantly different among clinics especially between town and rural areas. Monsoon season and flood-prone area were not significant factors but have indirect effect on the children growth. Ability to study the precise location and linking these data to other associated factors related to malnourished children would allow policy-makers to know exactly where an intervention is needed, making it possible for the introduction of a targeted approach to the problem of malnourished children.
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