West Visayas State University

Calinog Campus

National Research Conference

BIGFOOT:
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD LYMPHATIC
FILARIASIS (LF) AND COMPLIANCE TO MASS
DRUG ADMINISTRATION (MDA) AMONG
HOUSEHOLD HEADS IN TWO
RURAL BARANGAYS

RYAN MICHAEL F. ODUCADO, MAN, RN, CRN

October 30, 2013
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)
• Parasitic disease
caused by
microscopic,
thread-like
worms

• Transmitted by
mosquitoes.
 Signs and Symptoms
• Asymptomatic

• Acute: fever,
lymphadenitis,
lymphangitis,
epididimytis, orchitis

• Chronic: hydrocele,
lymphedema, chyluria
 Mass Drug Administration
• MDA: Giving of the drug to
all members of the
population in an established
endemic area regardless of
infection status

• Coverage: 2 years and above

• Target: 95% of the

population
Magnitude of the Problem
• 1.3 billion people at risk

• 120 million are infected

• 40 million disfigured and

incapacitated by the
disease (WHO, 2012)

• 2nd leading cause of

permanent long term
disability
 Magnitude of the Problem
• In 1998, prevalence rate of 9.7
per 1000 population (DOH,
2007)

• 650,000 affected; 23 million

more at risk (GSK, 2007)

• In 2011, there were 43

provinces which were endemic
of the disease (DOH, 2011)

• 4 out 6 provinces in Western

Visayas are endemic
 Magnitude of the Problem
• A study in Agusan del Sur, Philippines revealed low
to moderate (Amarillo, et al, 2008)

• Role of the vector mosquitoes is poorly known

(Rath, et al, 2006; Wynd, et al, 2007;
Mukhopadhyay, et al, 2008; Amarillo, et al, 2008;
Omudu & Okafor, 2008; Dorle, et al, 2011)

• Moderate attitude toward LF was reported in

Thailand (Suppadit, et al, 2006)

• Studies abroad reported that compliance and

coverage rates were still below the set national and
international standards (Babu & Mishra, 2008;
Lahariya & Mishra, 2008; Ravish, et al, 2011;
Dharukaswami, et al, 2012)
 R e s earch O b j ective
• This study was conducted to determine
the knowledge and attitude toward LF, and
compliance to MDA among households in
two rural barangays in Libacao, Aklan.
Age Knowledge
Sex about LF
Civil status Compliance
Educational to MDA
attainment
Employment status Attitude
Poverty status toward LF
 Methodology
• Descriptive, correlational study

• The respondents were chosen using

stratified, systematic random sampling
that included 187 eligible household
heads.

• The respondents were interviewed

between June to July 2012 using a
structured questionnaire prepared and
validated prior to actual data collection.
 F i ndings
• Most the respondents were highly
knowledgeable; however, there were still
misconceptions about the disease.

• A little over half exhibited favorable attitude

towards LF but stigma to people afflicted with
LF was also apparent.

• Only two thirds who received the drugs

complied resulting in compliance that was
below the national standard.

• The most common reasons for noncompliance

were forgetfulness and fear of the side effects.
 F i ndings
• Only a few experienced side effects.

• A significant relationship was found

between poverty status and knowledge.

• Employment status was significantly

related to attitude.

• Age, sex, civil status, educational

attainment, employment status, poverty
status, knowledge and attitude were not
significantly associated with MDA
compliance.
 C o n clus ion
• This study found that there is a
need to strengthen the MDA
program planning and
implementation because the
achieved compliance is not
sufficient to completely interrupt
transmission.
 R e c ommenda tions
• Continue information
dissemination and consciousness
raising campaign

• Support from all stakeholders

including LGU

• Identify systematically
noncompliant members
 R e c ommenda tions
• Address fear of side effect and social
stigma

• On the spot intake of MDA tablets

• Retraining and reorientation of the

health workforce and drug distributors

• Further studies
Maraming
Salamat!