Factors associated with participation in a campaign of mass treatment against lymphatic filariasis, in Leogane, Haiti

Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 2004 Oct;98(7):703-14. doi: 10.1179/000349804X3135.

Abstract

In October 2000, to interrupt transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti, an intense health-education campaign followed by a mass drug administration (MDA) with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole was undertaken in Leogane, Haiti. Three months after the MDA, which was the first in the study area, a knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) survey, with a cluster-sample design and probability sampling, was undertaken, to determine the existing knowledge of the local residents, their attitudes toward the MDA, and the possible reasons for non-compliance. Questionnaire-based interviews were used to explore the KAP of 304 subjects (one randomly chosen resident aged > 14 years from each selected household) in 33 communities. Most (93%) of the interviewees were aware of filariasis and 72% knew at least one clinical sign of the disease. Awareness of the MDA was high (91%). The most frequently mentioned sources of information were other people (56%) and radio announcements (33%). More than 80% of the respondents encouraged other people to take the drugs distributed in the MDA and 63% had been treated. The primary reasons given for failing to take the drugs were absenteeism during the distribution (17%), use of contraceptive drugs (12%) and pregnancy (11%). In a multivariate analysis, being male [odds ratio (OR) = 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-7.4], knowing that a mosquito transmits the disease (OR = 2.6; CI = 1.2-5.4), and having learned about the MDA through posters and banners (OR = 2.9; CI = 1.2-7.5) were found to be positively associated with taking the drugs. Information from such post-treatment surveys should be useful in developing better health communication for subsequent MDA.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / prevention & control*
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / psychology
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / transmission
  • Female
  • Filaricides / administration & dosage*
  • Haiti
  • Health Education / methods
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Refusal

Substances

  • Filaricides