Epidemiological study on hookworm infection in rural population in Tiantai County， Zhejiang Province in 2022

Objective To understand the prevalence of hookworm infection and its relevant behavioral factors in rural areas of Tiantai County， Zhejiang Province， and to provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of hookworm disease.

Methods By using a stratified cluster random sampling strategy， local residents aged ≥3 years was divided into 5 districts according to geographical location； furthermore， those in one administrative village （surveillance site） were investigated in each district. Species of hookworm were identified by filter paper culture in vitro， and enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected by cellophane anal swab in children aged 3‒9 year. Risk factors were determined by questionnaire.

Results A total of 1 013 residents were investigated in 5 surveillance sites. Thirty nine cases with hookworm infection were detected， with the total infection rate of 3.85% . All species detected were determined to be Necator americanus. The infection rate significantly differed across the towns （χ²=48.32， P<0.05）， with the highest rate in Nanping Town （10.95%） . It significantly differed by age groups （χ²=65.65， P<0.05）， with the highest rate in those aged >70 years （9.75%）. Furthermore， it decreased with educational background. It was significantly associated with fertilize with fresh manure （χ²=6.87， P<0.05） and barefoot labor （χ²=157.69， P<0.05）.

Conclusion The overall infection rate of hookworm in Tiantai County remains low. Dominant species of hookworm is hookworm Necatoramericanus. It is necessary to strengthen the advocacy of hookworm prevention and control knowledge， improve hygiene in work and life style， and increase self-protection awareness.