SPATIAL PATTERN OF MALARIA IN INDIGENOUS AND NONINDIGENOUS POPULATIONS IN THE STATE OF PARÁ

ABSTRACT

Objective

to analyze the spatial pattern of malaria in the indigenous and non-indigenous populations in the state of Pará.

Method

an ecological study with analysis of 379,511 cases of malaria notified to the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance Information System from 2010 to 2015 in the state of Pará. The data were geo-referenced with the aid of the QGIS program, version 3.14, and interpolated by using the Kernel Density Estimator, in order to create digital maps. The Annual Parasite Incidence of malaria in the meso-regions of Pará was calculated and analyzed.

Results

higher Annual Parasite Indices were found in indigenous populations when compared to those found in non-indigenous populations, with Annual Parasite Incidence values of 163.05/1,000 inhabitants and 165.27/1,000 inhabitants among indigenous individuals, and 17.26/1,000 inhabitants and 14.26/1,000 inhabitants among non-indigenous individuals.

Conclusion

the territorial distribution of malaria is unequal in the meso-regions, considering the condition of being indigenous or not, which suggests the need to value the cultural loco-regional specificities in order to direct more resolute control actions.

DESCRIPTORS
Spatial Analysis; Malaria; Indigenous Peoples; Epidemiological Monitoring; Public Health