Mass Drug Administration program for Lymphatic Filariasis control - A coverage Evaluation Study from a Low Endemic District in Kerala

Abstract

Introduction: Mass Drug Administration is an important strategy in areas with high microfilariemia for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. The objective of the current study was to assess the compliance rates of MDA drugs and the reach of Information Education Communication activities conducted as part of MDA programme in Kollam district, Kerala.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 210 households selected by cluster sampling technique in Kollam district, Kerala.

Results: Compliance to MDA drugs in Kollam district during the year was 48% (95% CI 44.6-51.34). Among reasons for not consuming tablets, fear of side effects was reported by 26.2% followed by ignorance of the need of taking the tablets (12.9%). Only 18.1% (38/210) people interviewed felt that they had a chance of getting filariasis and 80.1% (161/201) answered correctly that filariasis spreads through mosquito bite.

Discussion: Despite a high literacy rate and strong health system nearly one fifth of the people were still not aware of the mode of transmission of lymphatic filariasis. The major barriers for MDA still remain unchanged even after eight years.