Coverage evaluation of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Bidar district, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is one of the oldest and most debilitating of all the neglected tropical diseases. To interrupt transmission of this disease and to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public-health problem by 2020, WHO recommends annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine to all the eligible population in the endemic areas. This study was conducted with the objectives to assess the coverage and compliance of MDA among beneficiaries & to find awareness regarding filariasis and MDA among beneficiaries & drug distributors. Methods: Data regarding lymphatic Filariasis and MDA was collected from 1002 beneficiaries from 204 households in three rural and one urban cluster in Bidar district. Along with the beneficiaries, data were also collected from 27 available drug distributors in the study area. Statistical analysis was done using proportions and Chi-square test. Results: Coverage of MDA was 83.5% & the compliance was 75.9%. The effective coverage rate was only 63.4%. The knowledge regarding filariasis & the MDA programme was 82% & 59% respectively among the beneficiaries. All the drug distributors had knowledge about both the filariasis and MDA. Conclusion: The effective coverage rate of MDA was inadequate. There is a need for motivating the drug distributors for complete coverage of the eligible population. Similarly, intensive IEC activities have to be done for the target population regarding the importance of MDA and the elimination of lymphatic filariasis.

Keywords

• mda; coverage; diethylcarbamazine; compliance; filariasis