Survey data analysis of the related risk factors of echinococcosis in Inner Mongolia of China and Mongolia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyze the risk factors of hepatic echinococcosis in mass epidemiological studies in Inner Mongolia of China and Mongolia and provide a basis for related authorities to make appropriate preventive measures.

Methods: Eight areas in Inner Mongolia and Zamyn-Üüd region of Mongolia were selected as epidemiological fields. By distributing epidemiological questionnaires to local residents and performing serological examinations and abdominal ultrasound examinations, the data results were collected and analyzed to obtain the risk factors.

Results: In this research, there were 7,373 cases of valid data in the area of Inner Mongolia and 1,500 cases in the area of Mongolia. The mean age of the whole survey samples was 52.86 ± 13.90, and the ratio of the female (58.35%) was much higher than that of the male (41.65%). Both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis in this study showed that the female (14.7%) had a higher risk of hepatic echinococcosis than the male (10.9%). From the perspective of profession, children, educators and medical personnel had a lower incidence, herdsmen had the highest positive rate of the disease (15.8%). Living in pastoral areas, having been to pastoral areas, eating uncooked food and drinking unboiled water, raising dogs and surrounding activities of foxes and voles can also increase the risk of positivity.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the most important risk factor of hepatic echinoccosis is unhealthy lifestyles and customs in farmers and herdsmen. It is possible to provide a basis for related authorities to make effective protective measures aiming at hepatic echinococcosis.