ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a scientific, operational monitoring and early warning index system for schistosomiasis, so as to provide scientific evidence for promoting the scientification and standardization of early warning system in Poyang Lake Eco-economic Region. Methods Two rounds of Delphi experts’ interviews were applied to construct Index system. The weight value of each indicator was determined by the Analytic Hierarchy process and improvable proportionate allocation method. Reliability, validity of index system and the rationality of index weight distribution can be evaluated in site investigation. Results The Index system included 3 first-order indicators, 9 second-order indicators, and 35 third-order indicators. The 3 first-order indicators were endemic status, environmental and social factors, control measures, with the weight value of 0.531 0, 0.101 5 and 0.367 5, respectively. For the 9 second-order indicators, the highest weight value was for Infection status of human and livestock (0.179 5)and the lowest for social factors(0.050 6). During site investigation, the Cronbach’s alpha and spit half reliability of the total index system and three first-order indicators were all over 0.90, the Kendall W coefficient for the data collected in site investigation and Delphi consultation was 0.742 (P=0.018). Conclusions The Monitoring and Early Warning Index System for Schistosomiasis is suitable for the infection status of Poyang Lake Eco-economic region. The reliability and validity of index system are satisfactory, and the indicator weight distribution is rational.