RISK FACTORS FOR Opisthorchis viverrini INFECTION IN A CENTRAL PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major public health problem inthe Mekong Basin in South East Asia. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021in a rural area of Phu Yen province in central Vietnam to investigate the apparentprevalence of O. viverrini infection in the community and its associated risk factors. Atotal of 696 stool samples were collected and examined using the Kato Katz technique.Risk factors were investigated using a structured questionnaire and the association withinfection was evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Theprevalence of O. viverrini infection in the study population determined by stoolexamination was 8.2%. Males, the age group of above 60 years, no education, andconsumption of raw fish dishes were significantly associated with Opisthorchiasis in thearea. These findings confirm the presence of O. viverrini in central Vietnam and therelated factors to infection. Intergrated awareness campaigns and control programs shouldbe implemented in the region to combat this potentially fatal fluke infection.