Spatial Pattern of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Fars Province During 2005-2013

Undetected Neonatal Congenital Hypothyroidism (NCH) can cause severe retardation and impaired child development; and results in heavy burden on family and the society. Knowing geographical distribution and high risk areas are essential prerequisites for decision-making and planning in health system. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of the NCH using Geographic Information System (GIS) in Fars province.
In this cross-sectional study, pattern of the disease from 2005 to 2013 was determined using the data extracted from screening programs of the Department of Health. Data were entered into the MS-excel sheets. Using the spatial statistical functions and Global and Local Spatial Autoregressive, focal points of the disease were identified. Zoning maps and spatial patterns were generated and analyzed using the spatial interpolation functions.
The results of this study showed that the incidence of the disease was 2 to 10 cases per 1000 neonates (1.6 to 8 per 1,000 female newborns and 1.8 to 9 per 1000 male neonates) during the study period. The statistical significance level (p-value) and the index of spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I) showed that the spatial distribution pattern of the congenital hypothyroidism in newborns had a random pattern during the study period.
The analysis of spatial distribution of the congenital hypothyroidism in newborns showed differences in different geographical areas of the province. The pattern showed steady decrease and tended to be focused on specific areas of the space.