Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6371

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Publication type: Journal Article

Krentel A, Fischer P, Manoempil P, Supali T, Servais G, Ruckert P.
Using knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) surveys on lymphatic filariasis to prepare a health promotion campaign for mass drug administration in Alor District, Indonesia
Trop Med Int Health 2006 Nov 1; 11:(11):1731-40

Abstract:

We report the results of two surveys of people’s knowledge, attitudes and
practices (KAP) regarding lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Alor District,
eastern Indonesia. The results of the surveys were used to prepare and
evaluate the social mobilization component of a pilot mass drug
administration (MDA) in five villages. In the study area, the filarial
parasites Brugia timori and Wuchereria bancrofti are highly endemic.
Frequent and severe adverse reactions after MDA may occur especially in
areas endemic for B. timori and therefore, a special communication strategy
was designed to inform and to educate communities about LF and its control.
The first KAP survey was conducted as a baseline pre-MDA with
diethylcarbamazine and albendazole and the second as a post-intervention
evaluation in order to obtain information on the impact of the communication
campaign. Before the information campaign and the subsequent MDA, 54% of the
study population had heard of one of the three main terms for LF, whereas
after health education and MDA, 89% had heard of at least one of the three
terms. Similarly, pre-MDA, 21% reported having had previously taken the
treatment for filariasis, while post-MDA, 88% reported having taken the
treatment during the pilot treatment period. The historical fears and
traumatic experiences associated with past LF treatment campaigns in
Indonesia were averted since both the communication campaign and the MDA
were designed appropriately for and together with the community. As a
result, compliance was sufficient in the first round to successfully begin
the elimination process.