The Battle of Worldviews: A Case Study of Liver Fluke Infection in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Masculinity and misinformation: Social dynamics of liver fluke infection risk in Thailand

Liver fluke infection through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish is a major public health problem in the Mekong Region. Despite the extensive efforts of liver fluke health campaigns, Northeast Thailand still reports high human infection prevalence as consumption of raw fish dishes has diminished but not ceased. This study examines the roles of social-cultural factors, particularly the influences of masculinity and misinformation, on liver fluke infection risk. Participant observation, questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted in four villages in Kalasin Province, Thailand, to scrutinize reasons for raw fish consumption, gender differences in raw fish culture, processes of liver fluke information dissemination, and the extent of information mismatch. Our results show that one of the key reasons (76.9%) underlying continued raw fish consumption are deeply embedded cultural practices associated with ways of rural life. About 30% of the participants indicated that they would not avoid eating raw fish, regardless of knowing the health consequences. Gender difference is evident, with 75.6% of males consuming raw fish salad (koi pla), compared to 42.7% of females. Some male participants associate raw meat consumption with virility and strength. Such beliefs underscore the cultural linkage of koi pla consumption with masculinity. Misconceptions of liver fluke life cycle and risk of infection remain, as only 15.3% of the participants correctly selected raw fish as the food source for liver fluke infection while 84.2% misunderstood that other raw foods could lead to infection. The multi-layered and hierarchical structure of public health information dissemination from medical professionals to health officers and village health volunteers to villagers has contributed to information mismatch between different layers. Our study builds on others which call for multi-pronged scientific and social strategies, as well as culturally attuned approaches to public health messaging. The study raises masculinity and misinformation as relevant considerations in disease prevention. Incorporating grounded research and gendered perspectives are part of appreciating the cultural roots of raw fish consumption. Realizing the significant role of village health volunteers in information dissemination and in supplying coherent public health messages is vital for effective health campaigns.

The Socioeconomic Burden of Cholangiocarcinoma Associated With Opisthorchis viverrini Sensu Lato Infection in Northeast Thailand: A Preliminary Analysis

The northeast of Thailand, which is the poorest region of the country, has the highest incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) worldwide. This is associated with infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini. Although an estimated 20,000 people die every year of this disease, the socioeconomic impact of this mortality on the victims' family and the community in which he or she lived remains unknown. Here, we provide background information on the socioeconomic groups most effected by CCA and provide a qualitative estimate of the likely financial burden on the family and community. Most victims of CCA are small-scale farmers. Mortality occurs most commonly in males between the ages of 40 and 65, having either children or grandchildren to support. Costs can be divided between premortality with the family paying for transport and accommodation to the hospital, as well as costs not covered by the Thai Universal Health Coverage scheme. The main costs, however, are likely to be postmortem with loss of income and potentially the loss of a major contributor to farm work. What is urgently required is a quantitative estimate of the costs of CCA and long-term studies of the families and communities affected to determine where and how the burden of CCA falls.