Conducting epidemiological studies on snakebite in nomadic populations: A methodological paper
George O Oluoch1,2,3, Denis Otundo1, Seth Nyawacha4
1Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|December 28, 2023
Summary
Snakebite research often overlooks mobile populations. This study introduces a novel geospatial sampling method using satellite imagery for better epidemiological surveys in nomadic communities, improving data accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Geospatial Health
- Mobile Population Health
Background:
- Snakebite research predominantly focuses on settled populations, with limited data on mobile and nomadic groups who may face higher risks.
- Current epidemiological methods and risk factor assessments are often unsuitable for highly mobile communities.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological research in highly mobile populations necessitates specialized sampling frames and units.
- Census-based sampling is inadequate for nomadic groups due to the spatial nature of snakebite risk.
- Open-source satellite imaging and geographic information systems offer a viable solution for enhancing epidemiological research in mobile populations.
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