التوزيع المكاني والزماني للمصابين بالأمراض الجلدية في قضائي الشرقاط و بيجي

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of dermatological diseases in the Sharqat and Baiji districts of Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq, and analyzes their relationship with climatic factors during the period 1994–2024. The research is based on official data from health institutions and employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial mapping, along with statistical analysis using SPSS (version 20) to assess the strength and direction of correlations between climatic variables and disease incidence.

Dermatological diseases were classified into eight main categories, including Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (Baghdad Boil), Scarlet Fever, Psoriasis, Molluscum Contagiosum, Scabies, Chickenpox, Dermatophytosis, and Eczema. Spatial analysis revealed that the highest infection rates were concentrated in areas near the Tigris River and in dense agricultural and populated zones, particularly in eastern Baiji and the Sharqat district, due to favorable environmental conditions for disease vectors.

Statistical analysis showed varying degrees of positive and negative correlations between climatic elements—solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and evaporation—and the spread of skin diseases. The most significant finding was a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between relative humidity and the incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, alongside a strong negative correlation with temperature, indicating a clear climatic influence. Moderate correlations were also observed between temperature and diseases like Psoriasis and Scabies, while diseases such as Eczema and Chickenpox showed weak or statistically insignificant relationships with climatic variables.

The study recommends enhancing preventive measures in high-risk areas, especially during seasons favorable to disease outbreaks, increasing public health awareness, and improving medical services in rural regions.