Geographic Information System-based Spatial Modelling of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Preschool-aged Children in Masbate, Philippines

  • Sarah Joy A. Acepcion University of the Philippines Manila
  • Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. University of the Philippines Manila
  • Marian Fe Theresa C. Lomboy University of the Philippines Manila
  • Bonifacio B. Magtibay World Health Organization Philippines
  • Victorio B. Molina University of the Philippines Manila
Keywords: Soil-transmitted helminths, environmental determinants, mass drug administration, hygiene, sanitation, geographic information system

Abstract

Objectives. Since the effectiveness of the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program as a scaling-up approach in lowering the rates of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections has not yet been locally explored, this study aimed to (1) describe the association between environmental determinants and STH cumulative prevalence, and (2) to predict the 2020 STH cumulative prevalence.

Methods. A generalized linear regression (GLR) model was used to determine the association of 2014–2015 environmental determinants and observed 2015 STH cumulative prevalence, while a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to produce predicted 2020 STH cumulative prevalence.

Results. ArcGIS’ GLR tool with R2 of 63% found that statistically significant environmental determinants include distance near to water bodies, forest land use, access to sanitary toilet, level one water source, and ZOD status, while the ArcGIS’ GWR tool found that barangays, Cabangcalan, Matalangtalang, Talabaan, and Talib in Aroroy hypothetically met the national target below 30% for 2020 STH cumulative prevalence.

Conclusion. This study showed that barangays with a moderately low percentage of area with freshwater bodies, a moderately high percentage of households with sanitary toilet and level one water source, and a 100% status of ZOD have lower rates of STH cumulative prevalence in preschool-aged children in the selected municipalities in Masbate.

Author Biographies

Sarah Joy A. Acepcion, University of the Philippines Manila

College of Public Health

Vicente Y. Belizario Jr., University of the Philippines Manila

College of Public Health

Marian Fe Theresa C. Lomboy, University of the Philippines Manila

College of Public Health

Victorio B. Molina, University of the Philippines Manila

College of Public Health

Published
2022-07-29
How to Cite
1.
Acepcion SJA, Belizario Jr. VY, Lomboy MFTC, Magtibay BB, Molina VB. Geographic Information System-based Spatial Modelling of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Preschool-aged Children in Masbate, Philippines. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2022Jul.29 [cited 2024Mar.29];56(13). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/3676
Section
Articles