Epidemiology of typhoid fever cases in Oti Region of Ghana: A secondary data analysis, 2020 – 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Typhoid remains a major public health concern in Ghana and is among the top 10 causes of Outpatient Department (OPD) morbidity in underserved regions like Oti. Despite this concern, routine data are underutilized for strategic disease control. This study aimed to describe the incidence, trend and distribution of typhoid fever in Oti Region from 2020 to 2024 using secondary data from District Health Information Management System version 2 (DHIMS2). Methods: A descriptive secondary analysis of typhoid data (2020-2024) extracted from DHIMS2 was conducted in the Oti Region in June 2025. Variables included cases, age, sex, district, and month of report. Analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel. Incidence was calculated by . Tables, charts and maps were used to present the data. Geographical mapping was performed using Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS). Results: A total of 141,045 typhoid cases were reported in the region over the five-year period, with a cumulative incidence of 179.4 (141,045/786142) per 1,000 population. Krachi West accounted for 24% (33,903/141.045) of cases with the highest incidence of 527.2 per1,000, followed by Krachi East 19.7% (27,744/141,045) and Biakoye 13.2% (18,658/141,045). Typhoid was common among females, 65% (91,741/141,045) and among the 20–34-year age group 28.4% (40,106/141,045). Seasonal peaks were consistently observed between May and August coinciding with the rainy season. Overall, incidence increased steadily, particularly from 2023 to 2024. Conclusion: The typhoid incidence in Oti was increasing rapidly. The rise in typhoid cases was pronounced during rainy season. Krachi West recorded highest cases followed by Krachi East and Biakoye. Female accounts for more than half of the cases while 20–34-year group were most affected. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, health education, and district-level vaccination strategies.