Abstract: Objective To investigate and evaluate the level of theoretical thinking and diagnostic skills in intestinal helminthiasis (schistosomiasis) prevention and control professionals in the schistosomiasis prevention and control institutions in Hunan Province for scientific basis to strengthen the competence of the professionals in laboratory work at the grass-roots level. Methods The competition was carried out on team group basis. All participants were professionals from schistosomiasis prevention and control institutions at county-level of Hunan Province, and underwent test of the professional theoretical knowledge and diagnostic practice. Each contestant was evaluated by the grading standard, and the results were statistically analyzed. The quantitative results between team groups were analyzed by variance, and the comparison of rate was conducted by chi-square test. Results The average score was (75. 80±10. 70) points for each competitor(qualified rate: 92. 59% ). The average score on written examination and diagnostic skills was (63. 41±14. 15) and (81. 11±11. 68), and the qualified rate was 62. 96% and 96. 29% , respectively. The passing rate of written test was not significantly different in genders, ages, contestants with different academic title or from different institutions(P >0. 05), and the difference was also insignificant in professional practice among competitors of different age and with different academic title (P >0. 05), yet the female professionals had better diagnostic skills than males(P < 0. 05). And professional practice was better in competitors from professional schistosomiasis institutions(schistosomiasis control station, schistosomiasis control hospital and schistosomiasis control sector) or from areas where the epidemic reached the standard of transmission interruption than in those from institutions with partial  responsibilities in schistosomiasis prevention and control(CDC) or areas where schistosomiasis was just arrived at elimination criteria (both P < 0. 05). Conclusion Professionals in our province have higher skills in diagnostic practice in schistosomiasis control field, yet their theoretical knowledge appears weaker, which suggests the talents in this field should be strengthened with more training and skill preparation.

Key words: Schistosomiasis, Prevention and control technology, Capacity building, Competition, Hunan Province