A study on morbidity management among lymphatic filariasis patients in Udupi district, Karnataka, India.

Context: Morbidity management is one of the key aspects in the life of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) patients. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is giving more emphasis by conducting morbidity management training camps every year since 2004 to help LF patients to manage and cope-up with the existing morbidity.

Aim: To study the morbidity management among LF patients in Udupi district, Karnataka. Study Setting and Design: The study was conducted in Udupi district, Karnataka, India in 2013. The design was stratified random sampling with proportional allocation method.

Materials and Methods: Community based cross sectional study, 178 subjects suffering from LF were selected using stratified random sampling with proportional allocation method. An interview based method was used to collect the data. Lympoedema Morbidity Management Questionnaire were designed based on the guidelines provided by National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).

Results: Among 178 LF patients only about 34% had knowledge about the disease causation. About 98.3% had good hygiene practice towards affected area but only 30% of them regularly practiced one or the other exercise as recommended.

Conclusion: The study clearly indicates the outreach focus on LF patients needs to be enhanced by grass root level health workers. The program has to ensure that all the LF patients will undergo morbidity management training and know how to take care of lymphoedema.