Behavioral and cognitive factors influencing tick-borne disease risk in northeast China: Implications for prevention and control strategies

Ruying Fang ¹, Sirui Li ¹, Yunting Lyu ¹

⁰School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China.

One Health (amsterdam, Netherlands) +

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May 2, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Increased ecotourism in China raises tick-borne disease risk. A survey found tick bite rates and infections vary regionally, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies to combat diseases like tick-borne encephalitis.

Area Of Science

Public Health
Epidemiology
Environmental Health

Background

Rising ecotourism in China increases human exposure to ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Northeastern China has a high prevalence of tick-borne illnesses, necessitating research into risk factors.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate behavioral and cognitive factors linked to tick-borne disease risk in China.
To inform public health strategies for prevention and control in high-prevalence areas.

Main Methods

A questionnaire survey of 3000 residents in three northeastern Chinese provinces (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning).
Data collection on tick bite history, risk perception, outdoor activities, and pet tick bites.
Structural equations modeling to analyze associations between factors and infection status.

Main Results

14% of participants reported tick bites; 4% reported tick-borne encephalitis, 2% Lyme disease, and 2% Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Pet tick bite rates averaged 14%, with common sites on ears, back, and abdomen.
Tick bite rate strongly correlated with subsequent infections; infection patterns varied geographically.

Conclusions

Tick bite incidence and associated infections are significant public health concerns in northeast China.
Behavioral and cognitive factors play a crucial role in tick-borne disease risk, varying by region.
Future interventions should consider knowledge dissemination and urban facility improvements to mitigate risks.

Keywords:

Cognitive factors Preventive behaviors Risk perception Tick bites Tick-borne diseases