Spatiotemporal Patterns and Social Risk Factors of Meningitis in Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at characterising the spatiotemporal pattern of meningitis in Nigeria, in order to detect vulnerable areas. Stratified sampling was deployed in research inquiry based on the following variables: geographic location; population density; poverty status; and adult literacy level in accordance to diseases incidence rate. Population-based ratios were then computed for each stratum for the identification of high risk areas. Global Moran's Index spatial autocorrelation technique was additionally used to investigate the extent to which neighbouring values of incidence rate are correlated and to determine meningitis demographic risk factors. A significant spatial clustering of meningitis incidence rate has been found in northern Nigeria, with less or no clustering in the southern part of the country. A significant correlation of disease, with geographical location and poverty was perceived. The study commends that improving the socioeconomic status of the affected population may reduce the incidents of meningitis in the high risk area in Nigeria.

Spectrum of central nervous system infections in a tertiary health care centre in Cameroon

“…Meningitis epidemics have, however, been declared in the countries of the Sub-Saharan meningitis belt [ 13 – 16 ]. In Nigeria, 393,614 cases of meningitis were reported between 1991 and 2011 by the World Health Organization (WHO) [ 17 ]. Immunosuppression is frequently associated to CNS infections.…”

Socioepidemiological macro-determinants associated with the cumulative incidence of bacterial meningitis: A focus on the African Meningitis Belt

“…It is believed that detrimental changes in temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity favor colonization by meningococcus (68) and pneumococcus (69) after epithelial injury to the oral and nasopharyngeal mucosa, facilitating the translocation The relationship of BM incidence with the gross income per capita is an indicator of poverty and social deprivation as has been informed by multiple authors (21,25,57,59). Intra-household and social overcrowding are also well-known determining factors that increase the risk of infections such as BM (27), tuberculosis, pneumonia, typhus, gastroenteritis, scabies, etc (71).…”

“…Our results support previous findings from studies at the individual and subnational levels, as similar variables were significant from the ecological scope. Population research conducted in specific AMB countries has shown 2.1 times higher incidence in areas with high population density, 34.8 times in those with very high levels of absolute poverty, and 41.6 times where the inhabitants exhibit low literacy rates ( 57 ). It has also been proposed that the use of closed kitchens with wood ovens, unhealthy housing, and low household income increase the likelihood of BM ( 27 ).…”

“…The relationship of BM incidence with the gross income per capita is an indicator of poverty and social deprivation as has been informed by multiple authors ( 21 , 25 , 57 , 59 ). Intra-household and social overcrowding are also well-known determining factors that increase the risk of infections such as BM ( 27 ), tuberculosis, pneumonia, typhus, gastroenteritis, scabies, etc ( 71 ).…”

Prevalence of neuroinfectious diseases and outcomes in Africa

“…The infectious diseases of the nervous can be grouped according to their causative agents, such as bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. Common bacterial infections of the nervous system Bacterial meningitis has been reported to be prevalent in some regions of Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, which is referred to as the meningitis belt9–12. About 393,614 cases of bacterial meningitis were reported by the World Health Organization in Nigeria between 1991 and 201113. The commonly indicated organisms causing bacterial meningitis include Streptococcus pneumonia , Neisseria meningitidis , Listeria monocytogenes , Haemophilus influenza , and Mycobacterium tuberculosis 14.…”