Space-Time Cluster Analysis of Tuberculosis Incidence in Beijing, China

Tuberculosis is one of the top killer diseases in the globe. The aim of this study was to explore the geographic distribution patterns and clustering characteristics of the disease incidence in terms of both space and time with high relative risk locations for tuberculosis incidence in Beijing area. A retrospective space-time clustering analysis was conducted at the districts level in Beijing area based on reported cases of sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) from 2005 to 2014. Global and local Moran’s I, autocorrelation analysis along with Ord (Gi*) statistics was applied to detect spatial patterns and the hotspot of TB incidence. Furthermore, the Kuldorff’s scan statistics were used to analyze space-time clusters. A total of 40,878 TB cases were reported in Beijing from 2005 to 2014. The annual average incidence rate was 22.11 per 100,000 populations (ranged from 16.55 to 25.71). The seasonal incidence occurred from March to July until late autumn. A higher relative risk area for TB incidence was mainly detected in urban and some rural districts of Beijing. The significant most likely space-time clusters and secondary clusters of TB incidence were scattered diversely in Beijing districts in each study year. The risk population was mainly scattered in urban and dense populated districts, including in few rural districts.

Maternal health and its affecting factors in Nepal

Maternal health is still a public health problem in developing countries,especially in low-resource settings rural and poor communities.The main aim of this article is to critically evaluate and explore the situation of maternal health in Nepal based on published or unpublished governmental or nongovernmental organization’s scientific reports regarding maternal health.We found that there were several direct or indirect causes and affecting factors of maternal death in Nepal,which are preventable.Women have been facing different consequences during pregnancy and delivery,attributed to lack of proper knowledge or less available and affordable health facilities in rural communities.Therefore,there is needed an essential maternal health knowledge to women and also establish health facilities with a quality health care service on affordable and accessible to prevent maternal death and minimize complications.

The Malaysian health care system:Ecology,plans,and reforms

Malaysia is on its way to achieving developed nation status in the next 4 years.Currently,Malaysia is on track for three Millennium Development Goals(MDG1,MDG4,and MDG7).The maternal mortality rate,infant mortality rate,and mortality rate of children younger than 5 years improved from 25.6%(2012)to 6.6%(2013),and 7.7%(2012)per 100,000 live births,respectively whereas immunization coverage for infants increased to an average of 90%.As of 2013 the ratio of physicians to patients improved to 1:633 while the ratio of health facilities to the population was 1:10,272.The current government administration has proposed a reform in the form of the 10th Malaysian Plan coining the term“One Care for One Malaysia”as the newly improved and reorganized health care plan,where efficiency,effectiveness,and equity are the main focus.This review illustrates Malaysia’s transition from pre-independence to the current state,and its health and socioeconomic achievement as a country.It aims to contribute knowledge through identifying the plans and reforms by the Malaysian government while highlighting the challenges faced as a nation.