Towards the creation of a health information system for cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Health & place, 8 (4):
237 (December 2002)M3: Article; Accession Number: 7905650; Scott, Dianne 1; Email Address: scottd@nu.ac.za Curtis, Bronwyn 2; Email Address: curtisb@mrc.ac.za Twumasi, Francis O. 1; Affiliation: 1: School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Natal, Durban, 4041 South Africa 2: Health GIS Centre, Medical Research Council, P. O. Box 17120, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa; Source Info: Dec2002, Vol. 8 Issue 4, p237; Subject Term: GEOGRAPHIC information systems; Subject Term: CANCER; Subject Term: DEVELOPING countries; Author-Supplied Keyword: Cancer registry; Author-Supplied Keyword: GIS; Author-Supplied Keyword: Health geography; Author-Supplied Keyword: Health information systems; Number of Pages: 13p; Document Type: Article.Abstract
The paper aims to evaluate the potential of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the creation of a health information system (HIS) for cancer. A case study describes the spatial distribution of reported cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and correlates this with levels of development. The study illustrates the problems of data shortage in a developing country.The mapping of reported cancer reveals a concentration of cancer in the developed metropolitan districts, where the hospitals are located. The study therefore provides a ‘geography of accessibility to treatment centres’ due to the under-reporting of the disease. Despite incomplete data and under-reporting of the disease, the study illustrates the potential of GIS to add value to a HIS for cancer. Copyright 2002 Elsevier; Copyright of Health & Place is the property of Elsevier Science Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts)
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