Evaluation of mass drug administration under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program for lymphatic filariasis elimination in rural area of Telangana: A community-based cross-sectional study
Background: In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, about 884.9 million individuals were at risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and 28 countries reported having treated a total of 364.9 million people (41.2%). In India, LF presents a major public health concern, affecting...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-04-01
|
| Series: | MRIMS Journal of Health Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/mjhs.mjhs_76_23 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Background:
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, about 884.9 million individuals were at risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and 28 countries reported having treated a total of 364.9 million people (41.2%). In India, LF presents a major public health concern, affecting a wide range of areas including both urban and rural regions. For the elimination of LF, the WHO suggests the adoption of an annual preventive chemotherapy strategy known as mass drug administration (MDA).
Objectives:
The present study was undertaken as an independent evaluation of MDA activity in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District to assess the extent of coverage and adherence to MDA aimed at eliminating LF and to identify the reasons for noncompliance with MDA.
Materials and Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District of Telangana state, involving four clusters comprising 662 individuals from 151 households in both rural and urban areas. A predesigned questionnaire was used to gather information on the consumption of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole and other relevant details. The data collected were analyzed and presented using percentages and proportions.
Results:
The majority of the study population (78.59%) was over the age of 14 years. About 52.2% of the study population were male, while 47.8% were female. The compliance rates for DEC and albendazole were 82.6%. The most common reason reported for noncompliance was the fear of experiencing side effects associated with the drugs.
Conclusion:
The survey shows that the MDA coverage and compliance of eligible population were 84.4% and 82.6%, respectively. To achieve total coverage, the medical officer as well as health assistants of MDA activities should monitor and provide supportive supervision. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2321-7006 2321-7294 |