RISK ASSESSMENT OF DIARRHOEAL DISEASE USING A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL OF SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

This study aims to investigate factors related to diarrheal disease occurrence in Samut Songkhram Province and
create a spatial model to assess the level of diarrhoea risk at the district level of Samut Songkhram Province, including
Muang Samut Songkhram, Amphawa and Bang Khonthi. Ten factors, including land use, population density, number
of food establishments, standardized markets, hygienic toilets, volume of waste, water quality, temperature, relative
humidity and rainfall were used to study their relationship with cases of diarrhoea. The results of the analysis
determined four factors associated with diarrhoea, including land use, standardized markets, volume of waste and
water quality (p ≤ 0 .0 5 ). Meanwhile, assessment of diarrhoea risk levels employing GIS established that Muang
Samut Songkhram had the highest risk followed by Amphawa and Bang Khonthi, respectively. This information is
important for planning and controlling diarrhoeal disease in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand.