A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study to assess Knowledge Regarding Lymphatic Filariasis & Mass Drug Administration

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a major tropical disease resulting in grossly swollen limbs and genitalia. Mass drug administration (MDA) is an effective tool for elimination of lymphatic filariasis. Aims & Objectives: To assess the knowledge of lymphatic filariasis and MDA among the guardians/ attendants accompanying the paediatric patients in a private medical college. Materials & method: Respondents were interviewed with a pre tested questionnaire from 1st July 2009 to 30th August 2009. A total of 276 guardians were selected by convenient sampling method. Results: 270( 98%) respondents had heard of filariasis , only 39( 14%) knew the mode of transmission. Drugs during MDA were received by 204( 73%) of respondents and consumed by 99(48%) of recipient. Only 120(43%) of respondents knew that lymphatic filariasis can be controlled by MDA. Conclusion: knowledge regarding lymphatic filariasis and role of MDA in its elimination is poor in this study.