Epidemiological analysis of the incidence of COVID-19 among the population of the Republic of Cameroon using the quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS)

Abstract

The results of a retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of COVID-19 in the regions of the Republic of Cameroon in dynamics from 2020 to 2023 are presented. It was noted that COVID-19 cases were first reported in the Central Region of Cameroon, and then spread to the remaining 9 administrative regions of the country with an average weekly growth rate of 38.1 ± 18.6% in 2020, 15.3 ± 13.1% in 2021, and 13.4 ± 12.2% in 2022, respectively, however, the incidence rate varied significantly in time and space. Epidemiological analysis made it possible to rank the territory of Cameroon by the magnitude of the incidence rate. The highest rate was recorded in the North region (233.1‰), in the Coastal region (204.9‰) and in the Center region (173.7‰). The regions of Adamawa and the Far North had the lowest incidence rates (25.6‰ and 22.5‰, respectively). The results of a comparative analysis of the incidence of COVID-19 infection by time and territory and factors contributing to the rapid spread of infection are presented. Comparative mapping of reported COVID-19 cases in space and time was performed for the 10 administrative regions of the country using the full version of the QGIS (quantum GIS) LTR program; with the help of which the distribution of cases across the territory and dynamics over time was clearly shown. During the study period, the link between COVID-19 cases reported in Cameroon and neighboring African countries was demonstrated. It has been shown that the distribution of cases in the national territory does not always depend on the population density in administrative areas, but is also associated with other risk factors that may affect the occurrence and spread of COVID-19 cases.