Epidemiological study on hookworm infection in rural population in Tiantai County， Zhejiang Province in 2022

Abstract

ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of hookworm infection and its relevant behavioral factors in rural areas of Tiantai County， Zhejiang Province， and to provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of hookworm disease.MethodsBy using a stratified cluster random sampling strategy， local residents aged ≥3 years was divided into 5 districts according to geographical location； furthermore， those in one administrative village （surveillance site） were investigated in each district. Species of hookworm were identified by filter paper culture in vitro， and enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected by cellophane anal swab in children aged 3‒9 year. Risk factors were determined by questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1 013 residents were investigated in 5 surveillance sites. Thirty nine cases with hookworm infection were detected， with the total infection rate of 3.85% . All species detected were determined to be Necator americanus. The infection rate significantly differed across the towns （χ2=48.32， P70 years （9.75%）. Furthermore， it decreased with educational background. It was significantly associated with fertilize with fresh manure （χ2=6.87， P<0.05） and barefoot labor （χ2=157.69， P<0.05）.ConclusionThe overall infection rate of hookworm in Tiantai County remains low. Dominant species of hookworm is hookworm Necator americanus. It is necessary to strengthen the advocacy of hookworm prevention and control knowledge， improve hygiene in work and life style， and increase self-protection awareness.

Keywords

• hookworm
• infection rate
• relevant factor
• behavior
• epidemiology