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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 28, 2007; 13(12): 1837-1840
Published online Mar 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i12.1837
Knowledge, attitude and practice related to liver fluke infection in northeast Thailand
Natthawut Kaewpitoon, Soraya J Kaewpitoon, Prasit Pengsaa, Chutigan Pilasri
Natthawut Kaewpitoon, Soraya J Kaewpitoon, Prasit Pengsaa, Chutigan Pilasri, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Rajathanee University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
Soraya J Kaewpitoon, Primary Care Unit, Ubon Rajathanee University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the Department of Research, College of Medicine and Public Health, and the Division of Research Promotion, Ubon Rajathanee University, Thailand
Correspondence to: Natthawut Kaewpitoon, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Rajathanee University, Ubon Ratchathani Province 34190, Thailand. natthawut.k@ubu.ac.th
Telephone: +66-1-45353909 Fax: +66-1-45353901
Received: December 18, 2006
Revised: December 23, 2006
Accepted: February 7, 2007
Published online: March 28, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in prevention and control of liver fluke infection in northeast Thailand.

METHODS: A descriptive KAP survey pertaining to liver fluke infection was carried out in June 2005 to October 2006 using structured questionnaires. Data were collected by questionnaires consisting of general parameters, knowledge, attitude, practice, and a history of participation in the prevention and control of liver fluke infection.

RESULTS: A total of 1077 persons who were inter-viewed and completed the questionnaires were enrolled in the study. The majority were females (69.5%) and many of them were 15-20 years of age (37.26%). The questionnaires revealed that information resources on liver fluke infection included local public health volunteers (31.37%), public health officers (18.72%), televisions (14.38%), local heads of sub-districts (12.31%), doctors and nurses (9.18%), newspaper (5.72), internets (5.37%), and others (12.95%). Fifty-five point eleven percent of the population had a good level of liver fluke knowledge concerning the mode of disease transmission and 79.72% of the population had a good level of prevention and control knowledge with regards to defecation and consumption. The attitude and practice in liver fluke prevention and control were also at a good level with a positive awareness, participation, and satisfaction of 72.1% and 60.83% of the persons studied. However, good health behavior was found in 39.26% and 41.42% of the persons studied who had unhygienic defecation and ate raw cyprinoid’s fish. The result also showed that 41.25% of the persons studied previously joined prevention and control campaigns.

CONCLUSION: The persons studied have a high level of liver fluke knowledge and positive attitude. However, improvement is required regarding personal hygiene specifically with hygienic defecation and consumption of undercooked fish.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Liver fluke, Northeast Thailand