A qualitative study on the adverse reactions of mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis in Orissa, India

Objective: To describe the perceptions of community members and programme partners regarding severity, management and impact of adverse reactions on mass drug administration (MDA) compliance. Methods: Based on various qualitative data collected from five districts of Orissa, India, where MDA had been implemented during 2002 and 2004. The qualitative surveys included focus group discussions with community members and health workers, and semi structured interviews with key informants in the community, medical officers at primary health centres, district level health officers and private practitioners. Results: It showed that many people suffered from adverse reactions, though the reactions were not serious. The paper reported different ways of management of adverse reactions at the community level. The impact of adverse reactions on MDA compliance was serious, as many people did not consume the drug due to fear of adverse reactions. The rumours of adverse reactions and news in media deterred people from consuming the tablets. Conclusion: All categories of respondents indicates the need of more information to address the problem of adverse reactions during MDA. The present paper warrants incorporating the messages on adverse reactions during health communication and social mobilization campaigns of MDA.