Acceptability of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Baglung Municipality of Nepal: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease, remains a significant public health challenge in endemic regions including Baglung Municipality of Nepal. This study investigates the acceptability of mass drug administration (MDA) for LF in Baglung Municipality of Nepal.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, mixed-method study was conducted in Baglung Municipality among 272 community people. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted among 25 commmunity members. Quantitative data were collected using pretested structured questionnaires and FGDs were conducted using structured guideline. Probability proportional to size sampling was done to select desired number of participants. EpiData 3.1 was used for data entry and IBM SPSS 22 was employed for quantitative data analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression was applied. Similarly, thematic analysis was done for qualitative data analysis.

Results: The study revealed that 84.2% were aware of MDA with 48.5% of participants having good knowledge about LF. About 59.3% and 45.2% had a positive attitude towards MDA and LF respectively. More than four fifth (80.5%) of the participants had accepted the MDA campaign with 91.5% having received MDA medication. Significant factors for MDA acceptability included educational status, attitude towards MDA, fear of side effects, and medication received. Qualitative data highlighted the strong influence of effective communication by health workers on MDA acceptance.

Conclusion: Knowledge on LF was found low among the participants with lesser proportion having positive attitude towards LF; highlighting the need for an increase in knowledge and attitude towards LF. The study shows the high level of acceptability of MDA; primarily influenced by the effective communication by health workers and the public trust in health services. Health workers led community-based strategies and programs are recommended for the high acceptance of MDA and the development of a positive attitude for better compliance.