Compliance with the mass chemotherapy program for lymphatic filariasis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate compliance with the single dose mass chemotherapy program for control of filariasis, and to determine factors influencing compliance in the Gampaha district. DESIGN A prospective study employing a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. METHODS Four groups comprising individuals over one year old with residence in the Gampaha district for over one year were surveyed. Data collection was started two weeks after the mass chemotherapy program. RESULTS 2300 questionnaires were distributed, 1983 (86.2%) were returned, and 1935 (84.1%) were sufficiently complete for analysis (857 males; mean age 39 years, SD = 19.5). Over 96% had heard of filariasis and the mass chemotherapy program, but only 60.3% of those over 11 years of age were aware of asymptomatic carriage of the parasite. 1289 (66.6%) out of the total sample surveyed (1935 individuals) had obtained the diethylcarbamazine tablets, and 1221 (63.1%) had taken the drug. Of the possible demographic factors that could have influenced compliance only educational level seemed to play an independent significant role, compliance being lowest at both extremes of educational level. The main problem with compliance was obtaining the drug from distribution centres. CONCLUSIONS Compliance with the mass chemotherapy program to control filariasis needs improvement. Strategies should include a better system for distributing the drug, and altering the content of the publicity material used by the program to target less compliant groups, and improve aspects of knowledge regarding filariasis that seem inadequate at present.