Sociological and epidemiological factors that shape the transmission dynamics of lymphatic filariasis

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in large parts of tropical and subtropical regions of the world and it is the second most important leading cause of permanent disability. The social and economic factors that have a bearing on the transmission of the disease in urban area are the least understood. Therefore, a study on social and economic processes that have a causal relationship with the disease spread was carried out in Pondicherry urban locality. Using a structured questionnaire, data on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) relating to various aspects of the disease and socioeconomic characteristics were collected. In order to see the variation in the levels of KAP between filarial affected and normal individuals, a case control study design was adopted and three groups (viz., lymphoedema, hydrocele and normal individuals) were taken into account. Data were collected from randomly selected 140 lymphoedema, 138 hydrocele and 253 normal individuals. For appropriate statistical analysis, methods were designed to quantify and normalize the variables. The analysis highlighted that more than 85% of the respondents from lymphoedema and normal groups know about the disease called elephantiasis. Ominously, there is almost no recognition of the etiology of this disease and almost a universal absence of recognition of diagnosis among hydrocele and normal individuals. Though hydrocele is a major clinical symptom among males, less than 10% only knows that the disease is caused by mosquito bites. The overall average score of knowledge about disease transmission is significantly less in hydrocele individuals. Regarding knowledge on diagnosis of disease, less than 2% of the respondents only knows about the correct diagnostic procedure (blood and physical examination).