Assessment of the spatial distribution of leukemia with emphasis on environmental factors (Climate) using arc geographic information system (ArcGIS) case study: Patients with leukemia in subsidiary counties of the medical sciences of Isfahan Province, Iran

Abstract

Background: The incidence of leukemia in the north-west and central provinces of Iran, including Isfahan province, is more than other areas. Since this cancer is a multifactorial disease, and in 90 of cases its etiology is unknown, this study intended to analyse the distribution of leukemia in all kinds of climate in Isfahan province during 2006-2010 period. This was a comparative study of disease distribution and climate situations and its presentation in map. Methods: Information of patients with leukemia in Isfahan province during 2006-2010 was collected from Isfahan Province Health Center. After data filtration, the calculation of the ratio of patients by age, sex, years of developing and county was done. In addition, by using Arc Geographical information system (ArcGIS), the distribution of leukemia in different types of climate was determined. Findings: Semirom, Fereydoon Shahr and Borkhar were the counties with the highest prevalence of leukemia in Isfahan province. The year 2009 was the peak of leukemia incidence. Conclusion: The highest and the lowest leukemia incidence occurred in regions with middle semi-arid climate with 0.03762 persons per squared kilometre and sever dry climate region, respectively. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.