Abstract
BackgroundTo assess the impact of socioeconomic variables on lymphatic filariasis in endemic villages of Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh, India.MethodsA pilot scale study was conducted in 30 villages of Karimnagar district from 2004 to 2007. These villages were selected based on previous reports from department of health, Government of Andhra Pradesh, epidemiology, entomology and socioeconomic survey was conducted as per protocol. Collected data were analysed statistically by Chi square test, Principal Component Analysis, Odds ratio, Bivariate, multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsTotal of 5,394 blood samples collected and screened for microfilaria, out of which 199 were found to be positive (3.7%). The socioeconomic data of these respondents/participants were correlated with MF prevalence. The socioeconomic variables like educational status (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.6, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.1–6.5), house structure (hut OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2–3.1; tiled OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.8–2) and participation in mass drug administration program (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3–2.6) were found to be highly associated with the occurrence of filarial disease. The socioeconomic index was categorized into low (3.6%; OR-1.1, 95% CI: 0.7–1.5) medium (4.9%; OR-1.5, 95% CI = 1–2.1) and high (3.3%) in relation to percentage of filarial parasite prevalence. A significant difference was observed among these three groups while comparing the number of cases of filaria with the type of socioeconomic conditions of the respondents (P = 0.067).ConclusionsFrom this study it is inferred that age, education of family, type of house structure and awareness about the filarial disease directly influenced the disease prevalence. Beside annual mass drug administration program, such type of analysis should be undertaken by health officials to target a few socioeconomic factors to reduce the disease burden. Health education campaigns in the endemic villages and imparting of protection measures against mosquitoes using insecticide treated bed nets would substantially reduce the disease in these villages.
Highlights
Lymphatic filariasis (LF), the second most common vectorborne parasitic disease after malaria, is found in 81 tropical and subtropical countries [1,2]
The Global Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) began its campaign to interrupt transmission of the parasite using a strategy of annual mass drug administration (MDA) to those at risk and to control or prevent LF-related disability through morbidity management programs in which 12 million people have been treated Since 2000 [5]
Rural and urban areas in India suffer with lack of adequate antifilarial measures and it is estimated only 11% of the endemic population is protected by the National Filaria Control Programme (NFCP), Government of India [7]
Summary
Lymphatic filariasis (LF), the second most common vectorborne parasitic disease after malaria, is found in 81 tropical and subtropical countries [1,2]. The Global Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) began its campaign to interrupt transmission of the parasite using a strategy of annual mass drug administration (MDA) to those at risk and to control or prevent LF-related disability through morbidity management programs in which 12 million people have been treated Since 2000 [5]. Whereas morbidity associated with this infection can be considerable and lifelong. Because of these factors, LF escapes the attention of planners and governments. Rural and urban areas in India suffer with lack of adequate antifilarial measures and it is estimated only 11% of the endemic population is protected by the National Filaria Control Programme (NFCP), Government of India [7]. To assess the impact of socioeconomic variables on lymphatic filariasis in endemic villages of Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh, India
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