Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and the analysis of Risk Factors regarding Schistosomiasis Among Fishermen and Boatmen in Dongting Lake Basin, P.R. China

Abstract

Background: Fishermen and boatmen are a risk population 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, our 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 molecular technique in the selected area. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province, P. R. China. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed from October to November in 2017. Information regarding socio-demographic details and knowledge, attitude, and practices toward schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR. Results: Of the 601 interviewed participants, over 90% of respondents knew of 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 incidence 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 recent three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population. Conclusions: Fishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in China and gaps exist in knowledge, attitude and practices toward 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.