Assessment of coverage and compliance of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Medak District-2021

Abstract In India Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive is undertaken every year. In mass drug administration DEC and Albendazole combination is used. For the strategy to be effective, more than 85% of those living in endemic areas must be covered by MDA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which family clusters were selected from rural and urban areas. Information about coverage, compliance with MDA and knowledge of filariasis was obtained using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using percentages and proportions. Results: In this study, about 92.51% of the study participants received DEC and ABZ tablets during MDA, of which 95.14 % of participants consumed the drugs. The most common cause of noncompliance was fear of side effects. Conclusion: Coverage of the population with DEC and albendazole combination was good but compliance needs to be improved. IEC activities should be intensified. Local leaders should be involved in the programme to increase compliance.