Spatial Analysis of Chronic of Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Associated with Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and its relationship with PM2.5 concentrations in Nakhon Ratchasima province in 2024. This cross-sectional analytical study used COPD patient data from the Health Data Center (HDC) of Nakhon Ratchasima province and PM2.5 data from satellite imagery provided by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Data integration was performed using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), and spatial relationships were analyzed using Bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) statistics in GeoDa software. The results revealed that COPD prevalence showed a continuous increasing trend during 2022-2024, with a statistically significant positive spatial correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and COPD prevalence (Moran's I = 0.337, p<0.05). Eight districts were identified as high-risk areas (hotspots) with both high PM2.5 levels and high disease prevalence (High-High) including Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Chok Chai, Pak Thong Chai, Sung Noen, Sikhio, Dan Khun Thot, Non Thai, and Non Sung districts. Two districts were identified as low-risk areas (coldspots) with both low values (Low-Low) including Mueang Yang and Lam Thamenchai districts. These findings highlight a clear geographical connection between air pollution and COPD, providing crucial information for targeting public health interventions for disease prevention and control.