Identifying HIV distribution pattern based on clustering test using GIS software, Kermanshah, Iran

The present study aimed to investigate the distribution pattern of HIV using the spatial statistics (Mean Center and Standard Distance) and spatial clustering tests (Average Nearest Neighbor, Moran's I index and Getis-Ord generalG) in Kermanshah Metropolis, western Iran. It is believed that the application of GIS towards studying the distribution of HIV, could supply the health care policy makers with insights into this disease in Iran. In this analytical study the population of research was the whole of HIV-stricken patients of Kermanshah, Iran. To identify and determine the spatial patterns of HIV in the metropolis of Kermanshah, the statistical models of basic graphics and interpolation (Moran's I index and Getis-Ord generalG) in the environment of GIS were used. The standard deviation oval of HIV occurrence in the city of Kermanshah over 1996–2002 explains the fact that HIV prevalence is highly dispersed in different parts of Kermanshah. The results indicate that HIV prevalence is expanding across the metropolis of Kermanshah. In addition, the concentration of the disease is so dominant in east, southeast and west of Kermanshah that has formed a HIV corridor. The results of study relating to HIV across the city of Kermanshah demonstrated that HIV prevalence was clustered (not accidental) and followed a regular basis over the period under study.