Processes evaluation of coverage and compliance to a round of mass drug administration with DEC and Albendazole for the control of lymphatic filariasis in Puducherry, India.

Mass drug administration (MDA) with annual single dose of DEC and Albendazole is being carried out in India to achieve the National Health Policy goal of elimination of lymphatic filariasis by 2015. The study was conducted in the districts of the Union territory of Puducherry for processes evaluation of round of MDA conducted in 2012. We have conducted household surveys to assess the coverage of drug distribution and consumption, also to identify the reasons for non compliance and to make necessary recommendations for improving programme implementation. Cluster sampling method was followed for the household survey by circulating pre-tested questionnaire. Statistically sufficient numbers of samples were collected in all clusters of districts which are geographically separated. There was a significant variation between reported and assessed coverage. The coverage was comparable between the districts but significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas that may be due to acceptability of the drug by the rural people. Above 52% of target population have consumed the drug and consumption was significantly higher in the rural areas. Mahe region recorded a low consumption rate of between 19-42% in different wards, this may be due to misconception of people of Mahe that drugs which are given free of cost are of low quality. Selective intake of albendazole was noticed in Mahe.