Journal of Applied Pharmacy
Open Access
ISSN: 1920-4159
ISSN: 1920-4159
Davidson Clerge*, Beaugeste David, Samuel Raphael
Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic and debilitating neglected tropical disease targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eradication by 2020 through the mass administration of two drugs (Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine or Ivermectin). However, emphasizing compliance is crucial when aiming to eradicate a disease through mass drug administration. Therefore, this study aims to determine the compliance level of secondary school students with the program and to identify the factors influencing compliance.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study based on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of secondary school students regarding the mass administration of medications in Haiti. Data were collected via an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using excel 2013. A bivariate analysis was performed between variables and their statistical significance with compliance using the Chi-square test (χ2 test) with a P value<0.05
Results: In this study, being compliant with the program means having taken and swallowed the medications at least once during the distribution years. 144 questionnaires were distributed and collected. The results showed that females were more compliant than males, with 91.55% and 83.33% compliance, respectively, but the association was not statistically significant (p=0.19 (χ2=1.67; df:1)). Most students took the medications (87.49%) and very few did not swallow them (12.70%). The main reasons for students taking the medications were fear of contracting the disease (84.92%) and the fact that the ministry of public health and population is responsible for the program (18.25%). Lack of knowledge about lymphatic filariasis (p=0.41 (χ2=0.68; df:1)) and lymphatic filariasis elimination program (p=0.22 (χ2=1.49; df:1)). Did not influence compliance. Several students reported experiencing discomfort after taking the medications (56.35%) and only 67.46% of those who took the medications will take them again if the program continues.
Conclusion: The study indicates a high overall compliance rate among secondary school students in Delmas 2, Haiti, although a significant number experienced discomfort, which might affect future compliance. Gender differences in compliance were observed but were not statistically significant. The primary motivators for compliance were fear of disease and institutional trust, while knowledge about the disease and the eradication program did not significantly impact compliance. Continuous efforts to address discomfort and reinforce the importance of the program are crucial for achieving sustained compliance and successful eradication of lymphatic filariasis.
Published Date: 2025-01-18; Received Date: 2024-07-12