Distribution and risk factors of soil-transmitted nematode diseases in Anhui Province

Objective To understand the distribution and risk factors of soil-transmitted nematode diseases in Anhui province. Methods A total of 48 pilotsin Anhui province were selected by stratified cluster random sampling. The number of people investigated in every pilot must be more than 250. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was applied to examine eggs of trichuristrichiura and hookworms. Presence of the eggs of enterobiusvermicularis among children below 12 years old were examined by adhesive-tape technique. Behavior factors were investigated by questionnaire. Chi-square test and conditioned Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the risk factors of soil-transmitted nematode diseases. Results The total infection rate of soil-transmitted nematode diseases was 2.41%, among which the most common one was Hookworm infection. Sex, age, occupation, living area, average income and fertilizing fresh excreta on farmland were associated with soil-transmitted nematode diseases. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-transmitted nematode diseases decreased greatly in Anhui province.Old people, farmers, housewives and low-income people were in high risk. Night soil hazard-free treatment is an effective strategy to decrease the infection rate.