Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding lymphatic filariasis: study on systematic noncompliance with mass drug administration

Authors

  • Silvia Cabral Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães
  • Cristine Bonfim Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
  • Rosalira Oliveira Fundação Joaquim Nabuco; Departamento de Pesquisa Social
  • Paula Oliveira Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães; Departamento de Parasitologia
  • Terezinha Guimarães Secretaria da Saúde de Olinda
  • Eduardo Brandão Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães; Departamento de Parasitologia
  • Ana Maria Aguiar-Santos Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães; Departamento de Parasitologia
  • Zulma Medeiros Universidade de Pernambuco; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas

Keywords:

Lymphatic filariasis, Control program, Mass drug administration, Systematic noncompliance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, antigenic profile, perceptions, attitudes and practices of individuals who have been systematically non-compliant in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns targeting lymphatic filariasis, in the municipality of Olinda, State of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain information on socioenvironmental demographics, perceptions of lymphatic filariasis and MDA, and reasons for systematic noncompliance with treatment. A rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) was performed during the survey to screen for filariasis. It was found that the survey subjects knew about filariasis and MDA. Filariasis was identified as a disease (86.2%) and 74.4% associated it with the presence of swelling in the legs. About 80% knew about MDA, and the main source of information was healthcare workers (68.3%). For men the main reasons for systematic noncompliance with MDA were that “the individual had not received the medication” (p=0.03) and for women “the individual either feared experiencing adverse reactions”. According to the ICT, the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis was 2%. The most important causes of systematic noncompliance were not receiving the drug and fear of side-effects. For successful implementation of MDA programs, good planning, educational campaigns promoting the benefits of MDA, adoption of measures to minimize the impact of adverse effects and improvement of drug distribution logistics are needed.

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Published

2017-01-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding lymphatic filariasis: study on systematic noncompliance with mass drug administration. (2017). Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De São Paulo, 59, e23. https://revistas.usp.br/rimtsp/article/view/131370