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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 22, No. 1, 2010, pp. 12-14
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Bioline Code: mm10004
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, 2010, pp. 12-14
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Sentinel surveillance of Lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil transmitted helminths and Malaria in rural southern Malawi
Msyamboza, Kelias; Ngwira, Bagrey; Banda, Richard; Mkwanda, Square & Brabin, Bernard
Abstract
Background: Baseline prevalence and knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) survey is a prerequisite for mass drug administration for the control
of Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and other neglected tropical diseases.
Methods: In preparation for the first mass drug administration for LF elimination, a baseline survey was conducted in six sentinel sites in the
southern Malawi, amongst participants aged five years or more. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic factors, ownership and use of bed nets, previous ingestion of ivermectin and KAP toward hydrocele and lymphoedema. Finger prick blood samples were collected from 22:00 to 01:00 hours for LF microscopy, malaria and haemoglobin examination. Stool and urine samples were collected for internal helminths and schistosomiasis respectively.
Results: A total of 1, 903 participants were enrolled. Knowledge on the cause of hydrocele and lymphoedema was low in all the sentinel sites (16%-42%, 10%-24% (respectively). Sexual intercourse with a menstruating woman, bad weather and HIV/AIDS were perceived causes of hydrocele.
Microfilaraemia prevalence was 1.5% and varied little between sentinel sites (1.0%-2.1%). Childhood urinary schistosomiasis was common in
Phalombe (94.9%) and Blantyre (26.9%).
Conclusion Integrated approach and understanding of the community KAP is vital or successful implementation of LF elimination programme.
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© Copyright 2010 - Malawi Medical Journal Alternative site location: http://revista.uft.edu.br/index.php/jbb/index
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