Spatio-temporal trends of typhoid fever among youths attending Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Typhoid fever continues to be significant causes of illness and death particularly among children and adolescents in developing countries as a result of poor sanitation and unsafe food and water supply especially where the water is contaminated by human feces. This study analysed the spatial and temporal trends of typhoid fever in Kano metropolis between 2010-2014. Hospital records for youths attending Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital (MAWSH) were used. Coordinate of wards in the metropolis was also generated and imported into Arc GIS environment. G-Statistics was used to determine the distribution and cluster of typhoid prevalence. The results showed an upward trend with increase in age. It also showed a downward trend from 2010 to 2014, indicating that people are becoming aware of the disease and the predisposing factors. The findings also revealed higher prevalence among the males. The results of the G- Statistics showed higher prevalence in the northern part of the metropolis, with hot spots in Dakata and Tarauni wards. The study recommends frequent vaccination and good eating and drinking habits as well as good hygienic practices at home and outside home as remedies for addressing the problem.

Keywords: Typhoid Fever, Spatial, Temporal, Youths, G-statistics, Kano