PREDICTING FACTORS OF CURRENT LIVER FLUKE INFECTION AMONG PEOPLE IN KHUKHAN DISTRICT, SISAKET PROVINCE

Abstract

     The purpose of this case-control stady research was to study the predictive factors of liver fluke re-infection among the people of Khukhan District, Sisaket Province. The sample consisted of 162 liver fluke re-infected patients and 215 non-liver fluke re-infected patients, totaling 377 patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire between January 2023 and June 2023. Descriptive data analysis was presented with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, 25^th percentile, and 75^th percentile distributions. Predictive factors for liver fluke reinfection among people in Khukhan District, Sisaket Province, were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis, and the adjusted odds ratio was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

     The results of the study revealed that several factors predicted recurrent liver fluke infection among the people of Khukhan District in Sisaket Province. These factors included age, history of taking liver fluke medication, and intention to prevent liver fluke disease. It was observed that individuals aged over 53 years had a higher likelihood of liver fluke reinfection compared to those aged less than or equal to 53. The odds of reinfection were 2.09 times higher in the former group (AOR=2.09, 95%CI=1.26-3.45). Furthermore, individuals who had previously taken liver fluke deworming medication were found to be 3.16 times more likely to experience reinfection compared to those who had never undergone such treatment (AOR=3.16, 95%CI=2.04-6.38). Additionally, individuals with a low level of intention to prevent hepatic fluke disease were 1.87 times more likely to be reinfected compared to those with a high level of intention (AOR=1.87, 95%CI=1.01-3.52). No significant relationships could be determined for the other variables due to insufficient information.