The geographic variation and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in Libya: 2007–2016

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis C Virus infection has been considered an important hidden pandemic in developing countries, particularly in Africa. It varies greatly from one region to another and even within districts of the same region. Macroscopic geospatial analysis has become an important scientific tool for identifying the density and clustering of HCV infection and provides epidemiological information for planning interventions and control strategies. The application of these parameters provides a better knowledge of the hepatitis C virus infection prevalence at the national level and can help to implement pertinent strategies to address the HCV-related burdens. This study aims to determine the geographical variability of HCV infection in Libya and to identify the hot spots within regions and districts of the country, and to analyze the population-based demographic determinants involved and outline the intervention programs needed.MethodsDisease mapping and spatial analysis were conducted using geographic information data available on all documented cases of HCV infections in Libya between 2007 and 2016. Spatial autocorrelation was tested using Moran’s Index, which determines and measures the degree of clustering and dispersion of HCV infection in a country.ResultsA total 114,928 HCV infection cases during a ten-year period with accurate geographic information were studied. Ages ranged between 16 and 50 years and the male to female ratio was 2:1. HCV infection was unevenly distributed in Libya, and its incidence increased steadily over the study period. Several hot spots and cold spots were found mainly in the southern and eastern regions of the country.ConclusionHCV infection in Libya was geographically variable, with several hot spots particularly in eastern and southern Libya associated with different demographic determinants. Future intervention planning should consider the geospatial variability and risk factors involved.

Trends and patterns of deaths, injuries and intentional disabilities within the Libyan armed conflict: 2012-2017

“…The geographic data from each district involved in the armed conflict was classified according to location, timing and intensity of the Libyan armed conflict from 2012 until 2017. Geo-spatial analysis of mortality and injury were analyzed at the district level as previously described [21].…”

The epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Libya during the ongoing-armed conflict

“…The geographic distribution of COVID-19 and the mapping of the armed conflict during the pandemic were determined as described [10,19,20] Given that the southern region has the smallest population, COVID-19 prevalence was highest in the south (292, 41.8 % of all cases). There were 235 cases (33.7%) in the western region, which is the most populous, and 171 cases (24.5%) in the eastern region.…”

The epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Libya during the ongoing-armed conflict. 

“…The geographic distribution of COVID-19 and the mapping of the armed con ict during the pandemic were determined as described [10,19,20] . As the armed combat can affect the prevalence of COVID-19 in the surrounding communities, the prevalence of COVID-19 in each city was recorded along with the distance to the ghting on the front lines.…”