Issue Date

2023

Abstract

Recent and past outbreaks and epidemic events of vector-borne diseases in the Philippines suggest a need for a tool to monitor situations in the country. With the objective to determine how vulnerable Philippine locations are to vector-borne diseases (VBD), a composite VBD vulnerability index (VBDVI) was constructed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The index incorporated various indicators collected from official statistics grouped into six dimensions. Statistical maps were also constructed to visualize and ascertain hotspots. According to results, lists of vulnerable locations differed across dimensions but province of Basilan appeared to be the most vulnerable while the province of Siquijor was the least vulnerable. Remarkably, most vulnerable locations were in Mindanao making the geographical area a potential hotspot of vector-borne diseases. Results of uncertainty analyses showed potential strengths and weaknesses that challenged the validity of VBDVI. Nonetheless, results showed that VBDVI appeared useful in classifying the most vulnerable locations. Comparison of actual rates and VBDVI presented concordance. Moreover, outputs showed an acceptable resemblance of VBDVI to actual rates with percentage errors ranging from 1.72% to 2.21% only. Though VBDVI was not constructed to directly predict outbreaks, it can give us comprehensive idea in identifying locations that need practical and apt support, and ultimately negate emerging threats of vector-borne diseases.

Source or Periodical Title

UP Los Baños Journal

Volume

21

Issue

1

Page

66-85

Document Type

Article

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Subject

Vector-borne diseases, Vulnerability, Index, Mosquito, Official statistics

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