Predictors of compliance in mass drug administration for the treatment and prevention of lymphatic filariasis in Leogane, Haiti.
The global strategy for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is based on annual mass drug administration (MDA) to interrupt transmission. Noncompliance with MDA represents a serious programmatic obstacle for the LF program because systematically noncompliant individuals may serve as a reservoir for the parasite and permit recrudescence of infection. Using a survey questionnaire concerning practices, beliefs, and attitudes towards MDA, we assessed differences between noncompliant individuals and compliant individuals in Leogane, Haiti (n = 367) after four years of treatment. A logistic regression model showed the odds of being noncompliant were significantly increased for women (odds ratio = 2.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-6.70), as well as for people who lacked knowledge about both LF and programs to eliminate infection. Public health programs should be designed to target people who are at risk for systematic noncompliance.
Talbot
Jeffrey T
JT
Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Viall
Abigail
A
Direny
Abdel
A
de Rochars
Madsen Beau
MB
Addiss
David
D
Streit
Thomas
T
Mathieu
Els
E
Lammie
Patrick J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003710:Demography; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006205:Haiti / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents