Climate Factors and DHF Cases in Padang During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is transmitted within regions characterised by tropical weather. The present study reports the incidence rate of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Padang City during the year 2021, which is estimated to be 37.2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the community.Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between specific components of the physical environment, specifically the climate, and the occurrence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Padang City amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic.Method: The present study employs ecological research methodologies. The study utilised a sample consisting of all instances of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) that were documented at the Padang City Health Service, along with climatic data obtained from the BMKG for the period spanning from March 2020 to March 2022. The findings of the study indicate a temporal increase in cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Padang City throughout the period from July to December 2021.Result: The findings from the examination of incidences of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in relation to climate factors during the Covid-19 pandemic revealed a statistically significant association with wind speed (p = 0.018). Wind speed emerged as the prevailing environmental determinant in instances of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) within the Covid-19 pandemic. The wind speed was identified as a climate variable that exerted influence on the occurrence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Padang amongst the Covid-19 pandemic.