Abstract:

Objective　To understand the epidemiological characteristics of clonorchiasis sinensis and the current knowledge,behavior and attitude towards Clonorchis sinensis infection in population in Heyuan City,so as to provide effective evidences for developing targeted intervention strategies.Methods　From 2017 to 2020,1~2 counties in Heyuan City were annually selected as surveillance sites. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique was applied to detecting the infection status of Clonorchis sinensis in population,and questionnaire survey was carried out in the subjects investigated for their knowledge, attitude and practice towards Clonorchis sinensis infection. The results were then analyzed with descriptive epidemiology.Results　A total of 6 430 people were investigated. The infection rate was 5. 13%(330/6 430) for the population across the city,in which the infection accounted for 30. 40% in Longchuan County. The infection rate was higher in males than in females,and peaked in the 40~49 age group. The top infection consisted of population with education of high school,technical secondary or intermediate school and junior college. Among occupational population,the infection rate ranked from retirees(22. 92%),employees in catering and food industry service(20. 88%) to commercial service(19. 62%). A total of 774 people received questionnaire survey. The total correct rate of KAP was 56. 12%. Population in Longchuan County had the highest response rate of accurate knowledge(87. 00%),yet the correct response rate for the practice and attitude was the lowest(30. 00% and 65. 67%,respectively). The correct rate of knowledge was higher in males than in females,yet the appropriate practice and attitude towards clonorchiasis was lower in males than in females. Accurate knowledge for clonorchiasis was generally over 30. 00% in population aged 20~39 years,and lower in those aged≥80 years,and between 3 and 9 years.Conclusion　Clonorchiasis is moderately prevalent in Heyuan City,and exists in the population of the five counties and one district. Longchuan County is a highly prevalent area,suggesting that this area should be the target in following prevention and control of clonorchiasis. And in the future,prevention and control efforts for Clonorchis sinensis infection should be orientated at health promotion and behavior change,particularly in the retired and employees in commercial service catering and food industry service.

Key words: Clonorchis sinensis, Knowledge-attitude-practice, Questionnaire survey, Heyuan City