Applications of geographical information system and spatial analysis in Indian health research: a systematic review

Published in Social Sciences and Sustainability

Like

Share this post

Choose a social network to share with, or copy the URL to share elsewhere

This is a representation of how your post may appear on social media. The actual post will vary between social networks

Explore the Research

BioMed Central
BioMed Central BioMed Central

Applications of geographical information system and spatial analysis in Indian health research: a systematic review - BMC Health Services Research

Background Health is a fundamental right intricately linked to geographical factors, as evidenced in the health geography literature. The application of geographical information systems (GISs) plays a pivotal role in mapping diseases and evaluating healthcare accessibility and is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation as a solution for enhancing health system resilience and achieving universal health coverage. This study focuses on the geographical perspectives to provide insights into the evolving role of GIS in addressing challenges and shaping healthcare strategies in health research within India. The primary objective was to analyse the utilisation of GISs in health studies specifically on three thematic areas: disease surveillance, health risk assessment, and healthcare access. Methods The databases were searched using sixteen keywords for peer-reviewed articles published during 2000–2022. A systematic literature survey was conducted, drawing from peer-reviewed literature available in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Out of 162 search results, 58 articles were selected for review after three rounds of eliminations based on the predefined specific criteria. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines addressing two research questions. Results This review reveals the extensive use of GIS in health studies since its inception, with particular prominence as a decision-making tool in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. The analysis of scientific articles focused on disease surveillance, risk assessment, and healthcare access in the Indian context demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS in managing and planning healthcare resources and services. GIS has proven to be an indispensable instrument for understanding spatial patterns in disease and optimising health interventions. Conclusion This systematic review underscores the critical role of GIS in health research, particularly in the Indian context. The versatile applications of GIS in disease surveillance, risk assessment, and healthcare access highlight its effectiveness as a tool for managing and planning healthcare strategies, contributing to a more resilient and accessible healthcare system in India and beyond.

Background

Health is a fundamental right intricately linked to geographical factors, as evidenced in the health geography literature. The application of geographical information systems (GISs) plays a pivotal role in mapping diseases and evaluating healthcare accessibility and is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation as a solution for enhancing health system resilience and achieving universal health coverage. This study focuses on the geographical perspectives to provide insights into the evolving role of GIS in addressing challenges and shaping healthcare strategies in health research within India. The primary objective was to analyse the utilisation of GISs in health studies specifically on three thematic areas: disease surveillance, health risk assessment, and healthcare access.

Methods

The databases were searched using sixteen keywords for peer-reviewed articles published during 2000–2022. A systematic literature survey was conducted, drawing from peer-reviewed literature available in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Out of 162 search results, 58 articles were selected for review after three rounds of eliminations based on the predefined specific criteria. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines addressing two research questions.

Results

This review reveals the extensive use of GIS in health studies since its inception, with particular prominence as a decision-making tool in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. The analysis of scientific articles focused on disease surveillance, risk assessment, and healthcare access in the Indian context demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS in managing and planning healthcare resources and services. GIS has proven to be an indispensable instrument for understanding spatial patterns in disease and optimising health interventions.

Conclusion

This systematic review underscores the critical role of GIS in health research, particularly in the Indian context. The versatile applications of GIS in disease surveillance, risk assessment, and healthcare access highlight its effectiveness as a tool for managing and planning healthcare strategies, contributing to a more resilient and accessible healthcare system in India and beyond.  xxx

Please sign in or register for FREE

If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in

Follow the Topic

Spotlight on Research from India
Research Publishing > Spotlight on Research from India
Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences > Social Sciences
Sustainability
Research Communities > Community > Sustainability

What are SDG Topics?

An introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Topics and their role in highlighting sustainable development research.

Continue reading announcement

Related Collections

With Collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.

Patients' knowledge of the indications for their medications

BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Patients' knowledge of the indications for their medications.

Understanding the indications for prescribed medications is crucial for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Many patients lack adequate knowledge about their medications, which can lead to non-adherence, adverse drug reactions, and suboptimal health outcomes. This Collection invites research that examines the extent of patients' medication knowledge, the factors influencing their understanding, and the implications for healthcare practice. By exploring these aspects, we aim to illuminate the gaps in medication literacy and the importance of patient engagement in their treatment regimens.

Enhancing patients' knowledge of their medications is vital for fostering informed decision-making and promoting adherence to treatment plans. Recent advances in medication counseling, patient education programs, and digital health technologies have shown promise in improving medication awareness. These interventions not only empower patients but also support healthcare providers in delivering personalized care. By fostering a culture of medication literacy, healthcare systems can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of medication-related issues.

Topics for submission:

Assessing medication literacy in diverse populations

Barriers and facilitators to understanding medication indications

Impact of patient education and other related interventions on medication adherence

Tools, interventions and strategies for enhancing patient medication knowledge

Understand how, why for whom and under what circumstances interventions to enhance medication knowledge work or not

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Sep 30, 2026

Economic burden of healthcare services on cancer survivors

BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Economic burden of healthcare services on cancer survivors.

The economic burden of healthcare services on cancer survivors is a critical issue that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. As survival rates improve due to advancements in early detection and treatment, more individuals are living longer after a cancer diagnosis. However, this extended survival often comes at a cost, as many survivors face ongoing medical expenses, including hospital stays, medication costs, and follow-up treatments. Understanding the financial implications of cancer survivorship is essential for developing policies and support systems that can alleviate this burden.

Addressing the economic challenges faced by cancer survivors is essential not only for individual well-being but also for the sustainability of healthcare systems. Advances in research have begun to illuminate the complexities of these costs, including the hidden expenses associated with lost productivity and emotional distress. By highlighting these issues, we can foster a more comprehensive understanding of the economic impact of cancer survivorship, paving the way for targeted interventions and support mechanisms that can improve the quality of life for survivors.

Continued research in this area could lead to significant advancements in how healthcare systems approach the economic burden of cancer survivorship. Future studies may uncover financial support models, effective resource allocation strategies, and comprehensive care plans that consider both the medical and economic needs of survivors. By prioritizing this research, we can enhance the overall well-being of cancer survivors and potentially reduce the long-term economic strain on healthcare systems.

We encourage submissions on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

Economic implications of hospital stays for cancer survivors

Medication costs in post-treatment care

Financial challenges faced by cancer survivors

Long-term economic impact of cancer treatment

Out-of-pocket expenses and insurance coverage issues

Impact of cancer on employment and productivity

Psychological and emotional costs associated with cancer survivorship

Strategies for financial planning and management for cancer survivors

Comparative studies of economic burdens across different cancer types

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Jul 24, 2026