Clinicians' Attitude on Mass Drug Administration Under the Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis: A Qualitative Study From Orissa, India

Abstract

The global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) is currently based on mass drug administration (MDA) with annual single dose of antifilarials. In India, the MDA is implemented by primary health centers (PHC) of the district health system. The aim of the present study was to explore the attitudes of clinicians working at PHC level in three districts of Orissa, India. The data are obtained from interviews of 50 clinicians (35 from PHCs and 15 private). Only 11 PHC clinicians and 1 private clinician opined that the elimination of LF is possible through MDA of diethylcarbamazine (DEC); and 40% PHC and 87% private clinicians strongly felt that the elimination is not feasible through MDA and that the yearly single dose of DEC was not efficacious. The remaining clinicians were unable to comment on the feasibility and efficacy of MDA. The indifferent attitudes arise from lack of knowledge or erroneous beliefs. A good understanding of the program through reorientation and rigorous training should be emphasized to make the MDA successful.