Spatial dependency of the spread meningococcal meningitis on socio economic factor in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Meningococcal meningitis is a disease that has affected Africa, especially the countries under the Africa’s meningitis belt for over a decade now. Kaduna metropolis of Nigeria falls within the Africa’s meningitis belt. The study seeks to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the spread of the disease in Kaduna metropolis. Past meningococcal meningitis data (2007 – 2011) for each of the months in those years were collected and for the available recorded case of the disease. Geographic weighted regression analysis was employed in the study so as to be able to assess the level at which socioeconomic factors plays a role in the spread of the disease. Spatial Autocorrelation and Moran’s index showed that there was a positive correlation between the various elements that made up the socioeconomic factors with the spread of the disease. It was discovered that areas that have low socioeconomic level have more cases of the disease outbreaks. It shows that Socioeconomic factors are major determinants to the outbreaks of the disease. The study also indicates that the pattern of the spread is mostly around the populated areas.