Estimation of the relationship between meteorological factors and measles using spatiotemporal Bayesian model in Shandong Province, China

BACKGROUND: Measles-containing vaccine (MCV) has been effective in controlling the spread of measles. Some countries have declared measles elimination. But recently years, the number of cases worldwide has increased, posing a challenge to the global goal of measles eradication. This study estimated the relationship between meteorological factors and measles using spatiotemporal Bayesian model, aiming to provide scientific evidence for public health policy to eliminate measles. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on monthly data of measles and meteorological variables in 136 counties of Shandong Province from 2009 to 2017. Spatiotemporal Bayesian model was used to estimate the effects of meteorological factors on measles, and to evaluate measles risk areas at county level. Case population was divided into multiple subgroups according to gender, age and occupation. The effects of meteorological factors on measles in subgroups were compared. RESULTS: Specific meteorological conditions increased the risk of measles, including lower relative humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure; higher wind velocity, sunshine duration, and diurnal temperature variation. Taking lowest value (Q1) as reference, RR (95%CI) for higher temperatures (Q2–Q4) were 0.79 (0.69–0.91), 0.54 (0.44–0.65), and 0.48 (0.38–0.61), respectively; RR (95%CI) for higher relative humidity (Q2–Q4) were 0.76 (0.66–0.88), 0.56 (0.47–0.67), and 0.49 (0.38–0.63), respectively; RR (95%CI) for higher wind velocity (Q2–Q4) were 1.43 (1.25–1.64), 1.85 (1.57–2.18), 2.00 (1.59–2.52), respectively. 22 medium-to-high risk counties were identified, mainly in northwestern, southwestern and central Shandong Province. The trend was basically same in the effects of meteorological factors on measles in subgroups, but the magnitude of the effects was different. CONCLUSIONS: Meteorological factors have an important impact on measles. It is crucial to integrate these factors into public health policies for measles prevention and control in China. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-023-16350-y.