The Prevalence of Opisthochis viverrini Infection and Behavior of Cyprinid Fish Consumption in Lam Nam Oon Wetland, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Panwarit Jaimsawat; Nichaphat Kanoksinwuttipong; Saowalak Kaewmee

Panwarit Jaimsawat Department of Medical and Public Health Secretary, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
Nichaphat Kanoksinwuttipong Department of Medical and Public Health Secretary, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
Saowalak Kaewmee Department of Medical and Public Health Secretary, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Keywords: Opisthorchis viverrini, opisthorchiasis, cholangiocarcinoma, cyprinid fish consumption, Northeast Thailand

Abstract

Opisthorchiasis remains a significant public-health problem in northern and northeastern Thailand. Sakon Nakhon Province is endemic for Opisthorchis viverrini. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of O. viverrini and to identify factors associated with O. viverrini infection in the Lam Nam Oon wetland area of Sakon Nakhon. A total of 248 residents were enrolled. Results showed that 9.68% of participants had helminth infections, with O. viverrini being the most common (5.24%). Knowledge scores were high, and attitudes and preventive behaviors were generally good. A prior history of O. viverrini infection, eating undercooked fish, and knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores were significantly associated with opisthorchiasis (p < 0.05).