The Summary Index of Malaria Surveillance (SIMS): a stable index of malaria within India

• Main Authors: Sharma Vinod P (Author), Rodriguez Peter S (Author), Jotkar Raju M (Author), Dhingra Neeraj (Author), Cohen Alan A (Author), Jha Prabhat (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2010-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria in India has been difficult to measure. Mortality and morbidity are not comprehensively reported, impeding efforts to track changes in disease burden. However, a set of blood measures has been collected regularly by the National Malaria Control Program in most districts since 1958.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Here, we use principal components analysis to combine these measures into a single index, the Summary Index of Malaria Surveillance (SIMS), and then test its temporal and geographic stability using subsets of the data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The SIMS correlates positively with all its individual components and with external measures of mortality and morbidity. It is highly consistent and stable over time (1995-2005) and regions of India. It includes measures of both <it>vivax </it>and <it>falciparum </it>malaria, with <it>vivax </it>dominant at lower transmission levels and <it>falciparum </it>dominant at higher transmission levels, perhaps due to ecological specialization of the species.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This measure should provide a useful tool for researchers looking to summarize geographic or temporal trends in malaria in India, and can be readily applied by administrators with no mathematical or scientific background. We include a spreadsheet that allows simple calculation of the index for researchers and local administrators. Similar principles are likely applicable worldwide, though further validation is needed before using the SIMS outside India.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1478-7954-8-1
1478-7954