Geographical vulnerability to respiratory infections using GIS technique- micro analysis study in the Himalayan region-India

The study appraised the role of geo physical and socio-economic factors in the causation of respiratory infections in Geographic Information System (GIS). Altitude zonation along with superimposition of human settlements was extracted using Digital Elevation Mode of 30 m resolution and SOI toposheets 1971 in Arc GIS software 10.2. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) was generated through Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer. Wind Chill Factor the cooling sensation caused by the combination of air temperature °C and wind speed was also calculated using recommended formula of National Weather Services United States of America (US). Geographical vulnerability index were gauged by calculating incidence rate per thousand of population, relative risk rate, odds ratio, normal standard score (Z value) of respiratory cases obtained through medical records and field survey carried under the medical supervision. Kendal ranking method and composite index techniques were used to estimate the intensity of respiratory diseases, medical block analysis to identify hotspot areas by generating disease index map in GIS using SOI toposheets 1971. With non availability of data related to socio-economic and behavioral attitudes, the desired information were carried through semi structured questionnaire. With longitudinal depression valley characterized with high ecological sensitive zone makes the habitants more vulnerable to respiratory infections through exposure to evaded chilly winter months, exposure to pollutants, poor socio-economic and behavioral environment increases the degree of vulnerability. Identifying the hotspot areas in GIS environment will be useful in formulating and executing plans at the ground level more effectively and efficiently.