آنالیز مکانی کانون های لیشمانیوز جلدی روستایی در استان قم با استفاده از سیستم اطلاعات جغرافیایی(GIS)

Introduction: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) or rural cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most important health problems in different areas of Iran including Qom province. The aim of this study was to investigate the trend of CL incidence and also high-risk foci in Qom Province using geographical information system (GIS) method. Methods: Between 1994 and 2011, patient’s information was extracted from epidemiological forms of CL which had been registered in Provincial Health Center of the province. Then these were mapped on urban and rural digital maps based on scale of 1/50000. The situation was applied with rural-level precision i.e. rural-level was our basic unit of analysis. And then the population in each village was determined by using rural health center's vital horoscope. Recognition of high-risk foci and subsequent data analyses were carried out through estimated incidence rate and chi square test using Arc GIS 9.3 software. Results: A total of 1663 cases of ZCL were recorded. Most of CL foci were located in east and northeast zones of the province such as some villages of Markazi and Kahak districts. The majority (93.5%) of cases only belonged to villages in Markazi district. The incidence rate in Said Abad and Jafar Abad villages was 67.68 and 66.67% respectively which were more dynamic foci. On the other hand, new foci were forming in Doulat Abad, Islam Abad and Moemen Abad. The incidence of disease in Hosein Abad and Sarm villages was decreasing (p<0.01). Conclusion: The Markazi district as the most high risk focus of ZCL is considered in Qom province. Also new endemic foci in Doulat Abad, Islam Abad and Moemen Abad are forming. Accordingly, programs planning for control of ZCL and community-based health education are required.