Evaluation Of The Factors Affecting Mass Drug Administration (MDA) For The Control Of LF In Urban Settlement, Umuahia South A Case Study.

ABSTRACT

The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) advocates for the treatment of entire endemic communities, in order to achieve its elimination targets. The study aimed at the evaluating the factors affecting mass drug administration (MDA) for the control of lymphatic filariasis in Umuahia South of Abia State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in four communities of Umuahia South LGA (Umuokpara, Umuobia, Olokoro, and Onhiya). A total of 300 participants were chosen for this study. A structured questionnaire was used in collecting data on socio-demographic information, awareness, acceptability and strategies for enhancement of MDA for lymphatic filariasis by the participants. Majority of the participants were females (62.7%) and Tertiary students (35.7%). Only (65.7%) were aware of the MDA programme for lymphatic filariasis and the major source of information about the MDA programme is public health education programme (15.7%). Majority of the respondents said that the programme is moderately accessible (30.0%), the drug is effective (30.0%) and is highly acceptable (27.3%). Majority of the participants (26.3%) suggested increase enlightenment programmes as the best strategy for MDA in the control of lymphatic filariasis. The generally knowledge, attitudes and practices of community members to MDA are low and improved implementation and coverage of MDA in urban areas are encouraged.