Assessment of Mass Drug Administration for Elimination of Filariasis in ‘Tribal’ Blocks of Bankura District, West Bengal.

Abstract

Introduction: Independent evaluation of MDA for Filariasis elimination in ‘tribal’ blocks of Bankura district, West Bengal was not available. In the event of likely elimination of Filariasis in forthcoming year(s), it was thought a necessity. Objectives: To assess coverage and compliance to MDA with factors associated and awareness regarding filariasis and MDA in ‘tribal’ blocks of Bankura district of West Bengal. Methods: Cross sectional observational community based study on 120 families (600 people) selected by standard (WHO) 30 cluster technique during January-March 2017 in 06 ‘tribal’ blocks the district (total population = 793176, tribal population = 213412). House to house survey was done with a pre designed pre-tested questionnaire. Results: In spite of a large (32.2%) illiterate population, the overall coverage (95%) and compliance (90.8%) were satisfactory although directly observed compliance (7%) was poor. These were not statistically significant (p≥0.05) for age, sex, caste, education and occupation. Primary reason for non coverage, non compliance and non directly observed compliance were absence from home (100%), forgetfulness (64%) and empty stomach (66.7%) respectively. Although there was satisfactory awareness on Filariasis (84.2%), for MDA, it was poor (3.3% only).Conclusion: Very good level of coverage and compliance of MDA was observed in line with NVBDCP in spite of very poor awareness of MDA. To make it universal, Improved IEC for filariasis and importance of drugs consumption and change of timing of drug distribution to ensure directly observed compliance should be considered.