Objective: To study the evaluation indices and their weights of social burden caused by advanced schistosomiasis so as to provide scientific basis for control of the disease.
Methods: Primary indices of social burden evaluation for advanced schistosomiasis were summarized based on literature review. Secondary indices were put forward by a brainstorming process of experts. After the first round Delphi method, the secondary indices that needed were chosen, and the importance of primary indices was prioritized. Through the second and third round Delphi method, the weight of each secondary index was obtained.
Results: Four primary indices and 16 secondary indices consisted the index system of social burden induced by the disease. According to the significance, the 4 primary indices were arranged as social economy, government image, public psychology and social security. The weight of "funding for schistosomiasis control from central and local governments" in "social economic" stood the largest (14.063), while that of "equity to patients" in "government image", the smallest (3.125).
Conclusion: The study covers all major aspects and their significance in social burden of advanced schistosomiasis, and an evaluation index system has been established for field validation.