The relationship between temperature, rainfall and the number of diarrhea in Vietnam

Abstract

Diarrhea is the cause of illness and death, especially among children in developing countries. Diarrhea is the cause of malnutrition and stunting in children. The number of diarrhea cases in Vietnam is relatively high from April to July. From data sources of temperature, rainfall and number of diarrhea cases, the article evaluated the spatial distribution over time in 7 climate zones of Vietnam and shows the correlation of the number of cases with climate factors. From 2000 to 2010, the most significant number of diarrhea cases was in the Northeast region. The temperature and rainfall distribution by month have similarities in the increasing/decreasing trend with the number of diarrhea cases. The highest number of diarrhea cases coincides with the rainy season, such as the Northwest, Northeast, Northern Delta, North Central and Central Highlands. At the same time, the remaining areas occur before the rainy season. The primary summer months (June, July, August) have the highest cases and vice versa. In addition, a 1 mm increase in average monthly rainfall will increase 0,038 cases of diarrhea per 100.000 people. When the temperature increases by 1 degree C, the number of cases will increase to 1,63 cases of diarrhea per 100.000 people.