POST MASS DRUG ADMINISTRATION ASSESSMENT OF COVERAGE, COMPLIANCE, AND OBSTACLES IN A LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS ENDEMIC DISTRICT OF CENTRAL INDIA.

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphatic Filariasis is still a huge problem in the endemic districts as it can cause deprivation in the economic condition of the sufferer, it is linked with stigma, and shame which leads to psychological problems in the individual. The aim was to assess the coverage, compliance, and obstacles post-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of Filariasis in the Katni District. Methods: This community-based study was conducted in selected areas of the Katni district of Madhya Pradesh. Three rural primary health centers (PHCs) and one urban PHC were selected for the study. Afterward, 30 households were randomly selected from these 4 PHCs. The MDA drive was held in late Dec 2020 in the whole katni district. As an external evaluation, this study commenced 30 days after the drive and the data were collected. Results: A total of 128 households were surveyed, and 621 people were covered. 607 were eligible for drug administration. The overall coverage rate of MDA in the study was found to be 95.88 %. The overall effective coverage rate was 88.63 %. It was 93.93 % in urban and 86.65 % in rural areas. The overall coverage compliance gap was 7.37 %. The most common reason for the non-consumption of tablets was people busy doing work i.e., 47 %. Conclusion: It would be a challenge for the district to sustain this performance in the coming rounds of MDA. Equal Sensitization of the urban and rural populations through IEC activities and proper training for drug distributors is required.