National Survey of Risk Behavior and Past Historied with Helminthiasis in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Helminthiases are health problems worldwide including Thailand. People with helminth
infections can develop gastrointestinal symptoms, general malaise and weakness, malnutrition, and impaired
growth and physical development. Early detection of behaviors are necessary to prevent helminthiasis and
the improve the quality of life further. This study aimed to investigate the risk behaviors and its association
with their history regards helminthiasis.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 15,253 people in 76 provinces, Thailand
during January and July 2019. A cluster random sampling was used to select the participants. Constructive
questionnaire was used to measure demographic data, risk behavior, past medical history of helminthiases.
Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze associations.
Results: The risk behaviors regard helminthiases in Thai people were agriculture working with barefoot
(19.44%), unsanitary defecation (15.61%), outside walking barefoot (8.96%), consumption of papaya salad
mixed with raw fermented fish (11.99%), raw pickled cyprinoid fish (1.67%), and raw minced cyprinoid
fish (1.53%), respectively. Raw cyprinoid fish consumption was significantly associated with increased risk
of liver fluke infection. Barefoot during works or contact soils was significantly associated with hookworm
infection. Unwashed hand and unsanitary defecation were significantly associated with A. lumbricoides
infection.
Conclusion: The rate of some risk behaviors was relatively high in Thailand. National survey for all risk
factors are important to improve in access to service, optimization of public health management, reduction
in risk factors, and increased quality of life in Thai people.