[Molluscicidal effects of 3 molluscicides by spraying and poudrage methods in dry season].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 3 molluscicides namely 5% niclosamide ethanolamine granules, 4% "Luowei" (Tea-seed distilled saponins, TDS) and 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPN) by spraying and poudrage methods in marshland and lake regions in dry season. METHODS: An environment with a high snail density was chosen as the experimental field, then the spraying and poudrage experiments were carried out in the field to assess the molluscicidal effects of 5% niclosamide ethanolamine granules, TDS and WPN delivered by spraying and poudrage methods with a concentration of 30, 6 and 2 g/m2, respectively, and the molluscicidal effects of the 3 drugs by the two methods were evaluated and compared in different time. RESULTS: After the delivery for 15 d, the adjusted snail death rates of the 5% niclosamide ethanolamine granules, TDS and WPN in the spraying experiment were 79.00%, 82.29% and 84.83%, respectively, and those in the poudrage experiments were 97.42%, 95.27% and 96.62%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The molluscicidal effect of poudrage method is better than the spraying method, and the former is worthy of further extension and application in the marshland in dry season.

[Longitudinal analysis of endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Fu River system in Yangxin County, 2003-2012].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the endemic situation and control effect of schistosomiasis in the Fu River system in Yangxin County in recent 10 years. METHODS: The data of endemic situation and control of schistosomiasis in this area from 2003 to 2012 were collected, and the variation trends of morbidity and snail situation were analyzed longitudinally. RESULTS: Compared to 2003, the infection rates of human and cattle decreased by 97.50% and 99.44%, respectively. The total number of patients with acute schistosomiasis and advanced schistosomiasis decreased by 100% and 21.09%, respectively, and the number of schistosome infection of cattle decreased by 99.85%. Meanwhile, the Oncomelania snail area and the infection rate of snails decreased by 26.97% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Though the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in the Fu River system in Yangxin County decreased obviously year by year, the comprehensive control measures and management of floating population in this arrea should still be strengthened to prevent the endemic situation from rebounding.

[Effect of comprehensive control of schistosomiasis in Yangxin County, Hubei Province].

Since 2005, the project of comprehensive control of schistosomiasis has been implemented in Yangxin County. In 2010, the infection rates of residents and domestic animals were both below 2%, comparing to 2004, the rates decreased by 92.42% and 92.91%, respectively, and the area of susceptible zone and the infection rate of Oncomelania snails decreased by 86.25% and 84.93%, respectively. The county achieved the objective of endemic control in 2008.

[Questionnaire survey on replacing bovine with machine in Yangxin County].

A total of 405 households keeping cattle were surveyed by questionnaire in Yangxin County in 2008, the results showed that 215 of them (53.09%) were willing to replace cattle, 288 of them (71.11%) preferred to economic compensation, and 117 of them asked for compensation with machine.

[Study on the reliability, validity and sensitivity of a Family Burden Scale used for evaluation on schistosomiasis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability, validity and sensitivity of a Family Burden Scale (FBS) of disease used on schistosomiasis. METHODS: 224 schistosomiasis patients were investigated, using the FBS. Reliability was estimated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability. Validity was tested by factor analysis. Sensitivity was evaluated by comparison of patients with different income levels. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.874 and split-half reliability was 0.939 for FBS, respectively. Most values of Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability for each component of scale were above 0.70. Construct validity was appraised by factor analysis, and 6 factors were identified. These factors could explain 66.76% of the total variance. Patients with different income levels showed significant difference in terms of family burden for schistosomiasis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This FBS appeared to have satisfactory reliability, validity and sensitivity and could be used in evaluating family burden of schistosomiasis patients.