Knowledge and perceptions about lymphatic filariasis: a study during the programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in an urban community of Orissa, India

Abstract

This study reports the knowledge and perceptions of the people with regard to cause and transmission of chronic forms of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and its elimination programme during mass drug administration (MDA) under the programme to eliminate LF in an urban area of Orissa, India. The paper is based on both quantitative and qualitative surveys undertaken before and after the first MDA among different socio-economic strata of the urban area. The data revealed that the urban residents are aware of the chronic forms of LF and also felt that LF is a problem in their area. But most of them do not know the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of the disease. A few people explained the association between LF and hydrocele, and the role of mosquitoes. In the present study, it is observed that poor knowledge about LF is highly influenced by socioeconomic conditions. People from lower economic category were least aware of the cause of both lymphoedema and hydrocele. However, knowledge in some issues with regards to the disease and the awareness on MDA have increased significantly after MDA.