ABSTRACT

Mass drug administration (MDA) has been one ofthe strategies endorsed by the World Health Organization for lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination. Many factors, however, affect the acceptability of the MDA in Nigeria, with acceptability defined as the ingestion of drugs - Ivermectin and Albendazole during MDA. These drugs were distributed in all the ward in Umuahia North. The aim of conducting the study was to evaluate and identify barriers to individual drug uptake in MDA programme for LF in urban settlement using some wards in Umuahia North Abia state Southeast Nigeria. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and questionnaire-based with a main fbcus on self-interview ofrespondent5 s information on MDA awareness and drug distribution shortly after the 2018 rounds of MDA for LF. households survey was done randomly in all three study sites using a systematic random based sampling strategy,A total of 300 consented respondents, made up of 100 respondents aged >15 years were selected from 3 ward in Umuahia north, public health education was given and the intention ofthe study made known to them. With the aid of structured questionnaires data on their socio-demographic characteristics and relevant information on on awareness, accessibility, acceptance and strategies to enhancing Mass drug administration for Lymphatic Filariasis were extracted and recorded. Those who could not read and understand were assisted by translating each question in their local dialect.Results showed that 73.0% of the sampled population have knowledge ofMDA for LF; ofthese, 39.0% ingested the drugs, on MDA accessibility, perception and acceptability of MDA ofthe respondents was low to moderate. Knowledge on MDA for LF and perceived benefits of antifilarial drugs were found to be associated with MDA acceptance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Table of contents

List oftables

List offigures

Abstract

Chapter one: Introduction and Literature review

1.1 Introduction

1.1.2 Aims Objective ofthe study

1.2 Literature review

1.2.1 Knowledge ofthe Role ofMDA for LF

1.2.2 Epidemiology ofLymphatic filariasis 5

1.2.3 Pathology oflymphatic filariasis 6

1.2.4 Causes and Transmission 6

1.2.5 Signs and Symptoms 9

1.2.6 Elimination strategy 9

1.2.7 Treatment oflymphatic filariasi

Chapter two: Materials and method 12

Study Area 12

L2 Study design 12

Data analysis

Chapter three: Results 14

.1. Study Characteristics 14

.

Level of awareness and participation on Mass Drug Administration (MDA)

for Lymphatic filariasis (LF)

Sources ofinformation about mass drug administration for

lymphatic filariasis

Level of accessibility, opinion and acceptability on Mass Drug Administration

(MDA) for Lymphatic filariasis (LF)

Strategies to enhance accessibility ofMass Drug Administration (MDA)

for Lymphatic filariasis (LF)

Chapter four: Discussion and Conclusion 24

4.1 Discussion 24

4.2 Conclusion 26

4.3 Recommendations

REFERENCES 28

APPENDIX 32

LIST OF TABLES

Table

3.1 Socio-demographic Characteristics ofthe Respondents 15

3.2 Level of awareness and participation on Mass Drug Administration (MDA)

for Lymphatic filariasis (LF) 17

3.3 Sources ofinformation about mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis 19

3.4 Level of accessibility, opinion and acceptability on Mass Drug Administration

(MDA) for Lymphatic filariasis (LF)

3.5 Strategies to enhance accessibility ofMass Drug Administration (MDA) for

Lymphatic filariasis (LF)

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Life cycle of Wuchereriabancrofti. 8