Abstract
BackgroundFishermen and boatmen are a population at-risk for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high frequency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (P. R. China). To develop specific interventions towards this population, the present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards schistosomiasis of fishermen and boatmen, and to identify the risk factors associated with schistosome infection using a molecular technique in a selected area of Hunan Province in P. R. China.MethodsA cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed between October and November 2017. Information regarding sociodemographic details and KAPs towards schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR.ResultsOf the 601 respondents, over 90% knew schistosomiasis and how the disease was contracted, the intermediate host of schistosomes and preventive methods. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. However, only 6.66% (40/601) of respondents had installed a latrine on their boats, while 32.61% (196/601) of respondents defecated in the public toilets on shore. In addition, only 4.99% (30/601) respondents protected themselves while exposed to freshwater. The prevalence of schistosomiasis, as determined by PCR, among fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County was 13.81% (83/601). Age, years of performing the current job, number of times receiving treatment, and whether they were treated in past three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population.ConclusionsFishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in P. R. China and gaps exist in KAPs towards schistosomiasis in this population group. Chemotherapy, and health education encouraging behavior change in combination with other integrated approaches to decrease the transmission risk in environments should be improved.
Highlights
Fishermen and boatmen are a population at-risk for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high fre‐ quency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China
122 people provided none or insufficient amounts of stool to prepare for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 30 individuals had no or incomplete questionnaire data
This study found a high burden of schistosomiasis in fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County using PCR (13.81%), which is higher than the average prevalence obtained from the national surveillance system [16, 22, 38]
Summary
Fishermen and boatmen are a population at-risk for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high fre‐ quency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China Schistosomiasis has been considered to be one of neglected tropical diseases of public health importance in tropical and subtropical areas of the world [1,2,3]. It is endemic in 78 countries and territories globally with 250 million people infected [4]. Schistosomiasis is acquired when people or domestic animals contact freshwater contaminated with free swimming cercariae of schistosomes
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