Factors associated with non-compliance to anti-lymphatic filariasis mass drug administra tion programme in Mkuranga district - Tanzania

This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Mkuranga District, Coast Region during the period of June 2004. The main objective of this study was to determine factors associated with non- compliance to anti-Lymphatic filariasis drugs, which are given en-mass annually in a single dose. A structured questionnaire was administered to 251 study participants in the District. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 participants of whom 22 were village LF committee members, 3 community members with late manifestation of the disease (elephantiasis of the lower limbs), 2 women in the community and 3 youth from the general population. It was found that 79%(200/251) of the respondents were aware of the existence of Lymphatic filariasis disease in their area. Only 23%(46/200) of respondents knew that the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. There was however, inadequate awareness of LF elimination programme's existence with only 29%(74/251) of the respondents being aware of the programme. The study found that the drugs given were generally safe, minor side effects were experienced by only 7.5%(12/161) of the respondents, which included slight nausea prompting no need for medical attention. Fear of drug side effects was found to account for only 5.2%(13/251) of respondent's reasons for non compliance. Drug compliance was found to be 64%(161/251) in Mkuranga District. The study identified factors such as mistrust of drug distributors, absenteeism and inadequate health education as the main contributors to the observed non-compliance. In conclusion the study shows that proper health education on LF disease, causes, signs and symptoms, and prevention is vital and needs to be strengthened. The study recommends the programme to put more efforts at ensuring health education is properly conducted using all the available means and active population involvement in selection of drug distributors