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International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences (IJPHCS)
Open Access e-journal ISSN : 2289-7577
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THE RISE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS IN KELANTAN 2014: CHARACTERISTICS, GEOGRAPHICAL PATTERN AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Azimullah AZ, Aziah BD, Fauziah BD

Abstract


ABSTRACT

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease largely attributed to climatic and environmental condition. The occurrence signifies the complex interaction between man, animal host and the environment whereby socioeconomic status, occupation, association with animals, recreational activity and climate are all connected with occurrence of leptospirosis. The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, geographical pattern and associated factors of leptospirosis cases in Kelantan 2014.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done among leptospirosis cases in Kelantan 2014 based on E-notifikasi database from January 2014 to December 2014. Climate data were taken from National Meteorology Department. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 22 and Map Source Version 6 Software.

 

Results: There were 620 confirmed Leptospirosis cases in Kelantan. Majority was Malay (88.7%) and male (63.7%). The mean (SD) age was 33.2 (18.23) years with age range from 2 to 89 years old. Most were in low risk occupational group (61.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed high risk occupation (adjusted OR: 1.671, 95% CI: 1.228, 2.273, p=0.001) and age (adjusted OR: 1.010, CI: 1.003, 1.018, p= 0.008) were the significant associated factors. In relation to rainfall,   majority of the cases occur from August to December 2014 with rainfall range from 160.3 mm to 1092.6 mm. Most resided in settlement area (22.9%), followed by plantation (16.1%), rural area (14.4%) and paddy field (13.8%).

Conclusions: High risk occupation mostly agricultural workers and food handlers were associated with leptospirosis. Rainfall distribution and type of land were observed to influence number of leptospirosis cases in Kelantan. Combination of these multifactorial factors contributed to leptospirosis in Kelantan 201                                                                                                    

Keywords: Leptospirosis, high risk occupation, rainfall distribution, Kelantan

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