Surveillance and sociological factors of schistosomiasis among mobile populations in Haining City

Abstract

To investigate the correlation between the source of Schistosoma japonicum infections and sociological factors among mobile populations in Haining City, so as to provide insights into the management of schistosomiasis among mobile populations in Haining City. A total of 12 villages were randomly sampled from 8 townships and 4 subdistricts in Haining City. The mobile populations from schistosomiasis-endemic areas were detected for S. japonicum infections using serological tests. In addition, the awareness of schistosomiasis prevention and control knowledge was investigated using a questionnaire survey. A total of 1 019 mobile populations were investigated in 12 villages from Haining City, and 23 sero-positives were found, with a positive rate of 2.26%; however, no egg-positives were detected. Logistic regression analysis showed that the mobile populations with original occupations of aquaculture and husbandry were more likely to be sero-positive. The mobile populations had an overall low awareness rate of schistosomiasis prevention and control knowledge, and a higher rate was seen in sero-positive than in sero-negatives. The mobile populations with original occupations of aquaculture and husbandry were the key for the surveillance of source of S. japonicum infections. The health education should be intensified to improve the awareness of schistosomiasis prevention and control knowledge among mobile populations.