Amoebic Dysentery in Northeastern Thailand: Contributing  Factors in Border Provinces (2019-2023)

Surat  Haruay; Kulchaya  Loyha; Chananrat  Doungboobpa; Panomwan  Sawangkaew; Panita Khampoosa

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19046

Surat Haruay Community Health Program, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Kulchaya Loyha Master of Public Health Program, Faculty of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Chananrat Doungboobpa The Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 10 Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Panomwan Sawangkaew Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Panita Khampoosa Department of Public Health, Faculty of Physical Education, Sports and Health, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26210, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19046

Keywords: Amoebic dysentery; E. histolytica; Public health; Environmental fac-tors; Disaster risk

Abstract

Background: We investigated the contributing factors of amoebic dysentery across five provinces in Northeastern Thailand from 2019 to 2023. Comprehensive data were collected regarding agricultural practices, disaster impacts, and demographic characteristics for Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothorn, Amnat Charoen, and Mukdahan.

Methods: Overall, 1,112 cases of amoebic dysentery were analyzed, revealing a higher prevalence among males in younger age groups, while females dominated in older cohorts. Sisaket reported the highest number of cases, followed by Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Yasothorn, and Mukdahan. Notably, Sisaket demonstrated the highest incidence rate of 10.28 cases per 100,000 population, compared with Ubon Ratchathani's 5.27 cases.

Results: The study highlights the interplay between environmental factors, agricultural practices, and sociodemographic characteristics, emphasizing how high disaster impact and reliance on natural agriculture may facilitate amoebic dysentery transmission. The findings underscore the importance of tailored public health interventions to mitigate the disease burden, particularly in vulnerable populations. Future research should focus on pinpointing specific factors driving the observed variations in disease prevalence across the region.

Conclusion: This study serves as an essential resource for policymakers and public health officials aiming to enhance amoebic dysentery management strategies in Northeastern Thailand.