![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
This research examines the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in the Free State Province of South Africa by investigating the spatial distribution of TB as recorded in 2001 in the province. With the aid of a geographic information system (GIS) the occurrence and spatial distribution of all types of TB cases, as well as the incidence (number of new cases) of pulmonary TB were processed and analysed. It is well-known that certain demographic and socio-economic factors contribute to the spread of the disease. This study also investigates which of these factors correlate with the occurrence of pulmonary TB in the Free State, possibly contributing to the spread of the disease. Mapping the spatial patterns of TB facilitated the identification of the highest risk areas in the Free State, thus highlighting those locations where health care should be optimised in order to control the disease.