Nida Laothong. Filariasis elimination programme : an investigation of factors associated with drug distribution and compliance . Master's Degree(Medical and Health Social Sciences). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Filariasis elimination programme : an investigation of factors associated with drug distribution and compliance
Abstract:
The eradication of filariasis, a mosquito borne disease, requires drug
compliance. Qualitative research was carried out in a Karen community in Tak
province in Thailand to study community, villagers, and health care provider factors
associated with drug compliance in Filariasis Elimination Programme. The study
results will be used for improving mass drug administration for the filariasis
elimination plan. Thirty key informants four community leaders, two traditional
healers, four health volunteers serving as drug distributors and twenty eligible
villagers and one programme officer were selected. Data were collected using indepth
interviews and participant observation by the researcher who stayed in the study
area for one month.
Geography, environment and health care provider factors were associated with
villagers’ drug compliance. Working as farmers and laborers outside the community
during the period of drug distribution, the villagers missed receiving DEC and
Albendazole drugs. The location of their houses in remote areas or in the hills also
affected drug compliance. The poor administration of the programme led to ineffective
coordination between government health organizations. As a result, the health
personnel at the Vector-borne Disease Control Office did not participate in drug
distribution in the second year of the elimination programme. Moreover, the health
personnel paid more attention to drug distribution than villagers’ drug compliance.
The inefficient public relation campaign made people confused about the objectives of
mass drug administration. Thus, they were reluctant to join the programme. Most
people did not perceive filariasis as their health problem due to no filariasis cases with
obvious symptoms being present in the community and people had false ideas about
filariasis etiology. Some experienced drug side effects, and hence, would not take the
drugs. Low community participation in drug distribution led to an ineffective
elimination programme.
It is recommended that health personnel explain why all eligible villagers need
to take the drugs. They should encourage them—especially their community leaders
to participate in the programme administration. Demonstration exhibitions of drug
taking by health personnel should be held to reduce people’s fear and to enhance
compliance. Lastly, drug distributors need to follow up those who have taken the
drugs so that the villagers feel secure if drug side effects occur