MAPPING CANCER PREVALENCE USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM IN ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Cancer is a major public health problem in Elgeyo Marakwet county (Kenya) and worldwide. Kenya has a large number of people having cancer, and many studies have demonstrated that cancer is associated with environmental risk factors. The Kenya government has been attempting to monitor and control this disease for many years. The methodology and the results of this study is useful in developing a system to monitor, prevent and control these diseases. The objectives of the study were: To map the spatial distribution of cancer cases in Elgeyo Marakwet County. To determine the statistical relationship of elevation, ecological regions, centers /roads, land use, gender drainage and age group on the cancer prevalence. The aim of the study was to analyze the cancer cases distribution patterns in Elgeyo Marakwet County by using geographic information system (GIS) technology and spatial analysis and use spatial analysis methods of Chi square to determine any relationship. The study used data from cancer patients at the Moi Teaching and Referral hospital (MTRH) from the 2003–2009 population censuses. 56% of the patients were males and 44% female. Thirty-one (31%) of all cases was 40–59 years of age. Kamariny ward had the highest occurrence. Low elevation area of 1573 meters and below had the lowest cases. The leading type of cancer incidence in the county was skin cancer followed by esophageal type. There was a small but significant relationship between the prevalence of cancer and the following variables: elevation, ecological regions, centers /roads, land use, gender drainage and age group on the cancer prevalence. This study demonstrated substantial geographic variation in the incidence of cancer prevalence in Elgeyo Marakwet County. It confirmed that there was a relationship of cancer prevalence and the given variables of elevation, ecological regions, centers /roads, land use, gender drainage and age group. There was also positive autocorrelation. The prediction and control of cancer and interventions for this disease should focus on high occurrence areas and focus more on the high-risk age group of 40-59 years s to reduce disparities. GIS and spatial analysis play an important role in public health risk-reduction programs and may become integral components in the epidemiologic description, analysis and risk assessment of cancer incidences.