Analysis on Current Status and Family Clustering of Hookworm Infestation in a Town of Hainan Province

Objectives To understand the current status of hookworm infestation in Xinzhu Town of Hainan and to analyze its family clustering.

Methods A modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique was used to examine hookworm eggs. Villagers elder than 10 years old were investigated by questionnaire. The family clustering was analyzed by binomial distribution fitting theory.

Results A total of 425 households and corresponding 1 011 residents were investigated, hookworm eggs were found in 315 of 1 011 residents, and the infestation rate was 31.16%, which was increased with lower education level and the increase of age, and the highest infestation rate was in the female 20~30 age group. There was an obviously family clustering of infestation.

Conclusions The hookworm infestation rate in Xinzhu Town of Hainan was high, and with a feature of family clustering. For reducing the hookworm infestation rate effectively, strengthening a family-oriented health education is necessary.