Factors associated with population coverage of targeted malaria elimination (TME) in southern Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR

Abstract

BackgroundTargeted malaria elimination (TME) in Lao PDR (Laos) included three rounds of mass drug administrations (MDA) against malaria followed by quarterly blood surveys in two villages in Nong District at Savannakhet Province. The success of MDA largely depends upon the efficacy of the anti-malarial drug regimen, local malaria epidemiology and the population coverage. In order to explore the reasons for participation in TME, a quantitative survey was conducted after the completion of the three rounds of MDA.MethodsThe survey was conducted in two villages with a total of 158 households in July and August 2016. Among the 973 villagers eligible for participation in the MDA, 158 (16.2%) adults (> 18 years) were selected, one each from every household for the interviews using a quantitative questionnaire.Results150/158 (94.9%) respondents participated at least in one activity (taking medicine or testing their blood) of TME. 141/150 (94.0%) respondents took part in the MDA and tested their blood in all three rounds. 17/158 (10.7%) were partial or non-participants in three rounds of MDA. Characteristics of respondents which were independently associated with completion of three rounds of MDA included: attending TME meetings [AOR = 12.0 (95% CI 1.1–20.5) (p = 0.03)], knowing that malaria can be diagnosed through blood tests [AOR = 5.6 (95% CI 1.0–32.3) (p = 0.05)], all members from household participated [AOR = 4.2 (95% CI 1.3–14.0) (p = 0.02)], liking all aspects of TME [AOR = 17.2 (95% CI 1.6–177.9) (p = 0.02)] and the perception that TME was important [AOR = 14.9 (95% CI 1.3–171.2) (p = 0.03)].ConclusionComplete participation in TME was significantly associated with participation in community engagement activities, knowledge that the blood tests were for malaria diagnosis, family members’ participation at TME and perceptions that TME was worthwhile. A responsive approach to community engagement that includes formative research and the involvement of community members may increase the uptake of the intervention.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-2070-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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“…Samples were chosen based on the characteristics of the household, and interview of the head of the household or the responsible adult, using a standard questionnaire. The sample size was calculated according to the number of households and the average number of individuals per family in each municipality as recorded from the last population census carried out in Cape Verde [9]. Therefore, samples were selected based on the population Fig.…”

“…Whereby in an area with low malaria cases, as Cape Verde, the community diagnosis about the social and human behavioural aspects, becomes essential before all intervention [8]. Findings from KAP surveys can be formative to guide malaria in vector control, case management, implementation of behavioural interventions, promotion of healthseeking behaviour and ultimately enhance community participation and engagement [9][10][11][12][13][14]. In Cape Verde archipelago, with islands where locally acquired malaria cases have not been recorded for decades [6], this malaria KAP survey provide key elements not only to the NMCP in the elimination context, to empower local populations and enhance their ownership and responsibility, but also to promote the application of actionoriented and participatory approaches.…”

Perceived threat and benefit toward community compliance of filariasis’ mass drug administration in Pekalongan district, Indonesia

“…Complete participation in malaria elimination program was significantly associated with the perceptions that targeted malaria elimination was worthwhile. 35 They usually started the awareness of LF manifestation when the swollen of the limb or chronic stage has already begun. The unawareness contributes in community perceived that they will not be infected.…”

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“…Without the buy-in of the target population the coverage of mass drug administration can lead to disappointment has been trialled and evaluated. Health education, drama performance, and incentives (for individuals and communities) appear to have been successful, suggesting that the engagement modalities have to be adapted to the requirements of each community [46][47][48][49][50][51][52].…”