Assessment of knowledge and practice of morbidity management among lymphatic filariasis patients

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is an important public health problem worldwide. Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is based on two strategies (1) interrupt transmission and (2) morbidity management to reduce the disability. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practice of morbidity management among lymphatic filariasis patients. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months between May and June 2015 among 66 lymphatic filariasis patients. Structured questionnaire was used for the interview and the results were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result: Of the 66 patients, 39 (59%) were males and 27 (41%) were females. Mean duration of disease was 17.2 years. Majority (98.5%) of the patients had lymphedema of lower limb. Sixty three (95%) patients know about the importance of limb hygiene but only 46 (69%) patients practice it regularly. Only 6% patients check regularly for entry lesions. Though 56 patients (85%) had knowledge about limb elevation and exercise, only 33 (50%) and 14 (22%) patients practice regular limb elevation and exercise, respectively. Almost 50% patients know about the importance of wearing appropriate footwear but only 22% use if even when they are indoor. Conclusion: It is encouraging to note that majority (95%) of the patients practice at least one method of morbidity management but still there is existence of gap between knowledge and practice of lymphedema management. Converting knowledge into practice has to be emphasized.