Evaluation of Mass Drug Administration with Albendazole against Lymphatic Filariasis in Bidar district, Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphatic Filariasis is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring disease and is a major public health problem in India. Government of India had set the goal of elimination of disease by 2015 and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is recognized as the main strategy to achieve it. Albendazole in combination with Diethyl carbamazine proved to have both long-term effectiveness in decreasing microfilaraemia and adult filarial worm antigen levels. Objective of Study: To estimate coverage and compliance to Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with Albendazole in Bidar District. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional evaluation survey was conducted in the month of September 2016 in Bidar district using multi-stage cluster sampling technique. A total of 744 subjects were interviewed and information about intake of Albendazole was collected in a predesigned questionnaire after taking an informed consent. Data thus obtained were entered and analyzed using Epi info software version 3.5.4. Results: The coverage, compliance and effective compliance to Albendazole as a part of MDA in Bidar district were 82.5%, 72.2% and 59.6% respectively. Among those who have received, only 39.3% have taken Albendazole by DOTS (Directly observed treatment). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates poor compliance to Albendazole during MDA campaign in Bidar district, emphasizing the need to emphasize on DOT method of drug administration for better compliance. Keywords: Albendazole, Compliance, Filariasis, Mass drug administration.