Mid-term assessment of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis: in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh

ABSTRACT

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a vector borne parasitic disease caused by lymphatic dwelling nematode parasite. It is one of the world's leading causes of permanent and long-term disability with an estimated 5.1 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost due to this disease. The National Health Policy 2002 aims at Elimination of Lymphatic filariasis by 2015 through Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of single dose of DEC. Objective was to assess coverage and compliance of MDA Program and awareness about lymphatic filariasis in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.Methods: Cross-sectional Study was conducted. Total 120 households were surveyed in four selected clusters of Chhatarpur district of MP.Results: Out of total 835 persons only 94.37% persons were eligible and 47 (5.62%) were not eligible for MDA for MDA. Coverage rate was 90.22% and compliance rate was 75.24%. The main reason for non-compliance was not having the concerned disease 34.38 % followed by fear of side effect (24.90%). Only 37.5% among the surveyed families were aware about MDA. Majority of respondent 21 (46.66%) acquired knowledge from health workers.Conclusions: The compliance of MDA program was low and the awareness about the lymphatic filariasis in the study population was limited in Chhatarpur district. Poor compliance of MDA is attributed to inadequate consumption of drugs due to poor awareness among eligible population. For elimination of lymphatic filariasis active involvement of community is very essential. It can be made possible through behavior change communication and health education of people.