Evaluation of Triple Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis in Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Unplanned urbanisation and improper sanitary system in many cities in a developing country increase cases of vector borne diseases. Among these, filariasis is a major health problem in India. Campaign for triple drug therapy to eliminate the lymphatic filariasis was launched by government of India but, data assessing the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage and compliance is scarce.

Aim: To assess coverage and compliance of triple drug administration for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in Prayagraj district.

Materials and Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The duration of the study was 8 days, from 30th October 2021 to 6th November 2021. A total of 1739 individuals belonging to rural and urban area of district Prayagraj. Systematic selection was used for selection of subunit. Random selection of 30 subunits from the survey area was done and also Probability Proportional to Estimate Size (PPES) was used, sampling to give everyone in the survey population an equal probability of being selected. A segment of households was randomly selected (typically-10 household) from each subunit (30 subunits, e.g., village). The number and percentage of characteristics were calculated. The data has been entered in MS excel and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.

Results: The mean age of the study participants was 30.78±18.18 years for males and 30.04±17.48 years for females. A total of 1739 persons were covered in post MDA coverage evaluation survey out of which, 1361 persons belonged to rural area and 378 persons belonged to urban area. Ivermectin, albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) were swallowed more in urban area (53.27% for each drug) as compared to rural area (18.25% for each drug). Overall, estimated 45.66% drugs were swallowed in district Prayagraj. Adverse drug effect was not found.

Conclusion: The overall coverage of mass drug administration was low (45.66%) and far behind the national target of >85% and it was even worse in urban area where only one-third of the population were offered mass drug administration.