Medical-geographic factors of population health in the North Osseti

Abstract

Medico-geographical researches are now becoming particularly relevant, since geographic methods with their inherent complexity, diversity, vision of the territory, the identification of medical geographic factors and the application of cartographic methods can explain the basis of those processes and phenomena that occur on the territory of our country and its regions in terms of the morbidity of the population and find ways to optimize the health system. Methods. Medical geography studies the impact of natural, socio-economic and environmental factors on the health of the population, examines the geography of the spread of diseases and identifies the territorial organization of health. Particular attention is paid to the complexity of research; The identification of interaction, mutual development and mutual influence of geographic factors affecting the health of the population in a particular region, as well as the application of GIS technologies and cartographic methods. Results (discussion). The natural conditions of North Ossetia (excluding the highlands) are generally favorable for the population living. Their diversity (despite the limited territory) leads to significant differences in the level and structure of the population morbidity. Within the republic there are five medical-geographical zones, each of which has its own natural-focal diseases. So, for example, rabies, echinococcosis, trichinosis, intestinal infection, leptospirosis, tularemia are characteristic for the steppe zone (the north of the republic); For the forest zone – ascaridosis, endemic goiter, dental caries, echinococcosis, rabies, trichinosis, leptospirosis. Congenital dislocation of the hip is common in the mountainous zone. And girls get this disease five times more often than boys. In addition, almost all of the republic is characterized by a shortage of fluoride, iodine and some other elements. Conclusions. The study of the geographical factors of the morbidity of the population is of great practical importance since it allows developing measures aimed at preventing many diseases