Knowledge on lymphatic filariasis and the response to July 2002 mass treatment campaign in two communities in the Galle district

• DOI: 10.4038/cmj.v48i3.3343
• Publication Date: 2011-08-22T10:28:51Z
• Authors: TC Yahathugoda; D Wickramasinghe; Tilaks S Liyanage; Mirani V Weerasoo...; Malka PS Mudalige; Eisha I Waidyaratna; WA Samarawickrema
• Keywords: Lymphatic Filariasis; Mass drug administration; Malaise

To ascertain the knowledge on filariasis and response to July 2002 mass treatment campaign in two sample populations.Application of pre-tested questionnaire by direct interviews individuals from randomly selected streets.Study areas were a coastal community Unawatuna (population 381), an inland Baddegama 236) Galle district. They interviewed twice, 4 weeks before drug administration (MDA) 7 days after.The population had greater awareness clinical parasitological features disease (p = 0.0003) 0.00380 than that Baddegama. Only 5.5% combined attributed cause parasitic worm. However, over 70.0% them knew transmission was through mosquito bites. Volunteers formed 87.5% work force used for distribution 70.1% The balance Grama Niladaris Public Health Midwives. Drugs received 76.9% compared with 89.0% at < 0.001). Among those who drugs, consumption 91.8% 96.2% Taking communities together adverse effects experienced 22.9%. These night time consumers (10.4%) significantly less day (19.8%) 0.005). sleepiness (37.8%), malaise (28.2%), headache (16.8%), vomiting (5.1%), nausea (4.5%) fever (3.9%). message carried people themselves eve distribution. Over 95% agreed future programs drugs should be delivered their homes.