Social and spatial processes associated with childhood diarrheal disease in Matlab, Bangladesh

We develop novel methods for conceptualizing geographic space and social networks to evaluate their respective and combined contributions to childhood diarrheal incidence. After defining maternal networks according to direct familial linkages between females, and road networks using satellite imagery of the study area, we use a spatial econometrics model to evaluate the significance of correlation terms relating childhood diarrheal incidence to the incidence observed within respective networks. Disease was significantly clustered within road networks across time, but only inconsistently correlated within maternal networks. These methods could be widely applied to systems in which both social and spatial processes jointly influence health outcomes. ► We examine the influence of social and spatial networks on childhood diarrhea. ► We generate social-maternal and spatial-road networks. ► For the analysis, we implement a spatial econometric model. ► Road networks influence diarrheal incidence; maternal networks have mild influence. ► The methods presented here are widely applicable.