Mass drug administration targeting Onchocerca volvulus in Owabi catchment area in Ashanti Region, Ghana: Determinants of drug coverage and drug uptake.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Introduction: Achieving high Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage and drug uptake are
pivotal in the efforts to eradicate onchocerciasis. The present study investigated the extent and
predictors of ivermectin MDA coverage and uptake from the individual and healthcare providers’
perspectives. The extent of ivermectin distribution and uptake, and the predictors of distribution
and uptake were investigated in endemic communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2019 in communities
within the Atwima Nwabiagya North District. A total of 2008 respondents were interviewed. Data
was collected with REDCap mobile App which had an electronic version of the structured
questionnaire. Descriptive data was presented in frequency tables, and bivariate and multivariate
logistics regression analysis were performed to measure the associations between exposure
var iables and outcome variables which were received and uptake of MDA drugs.
Results: A total of 1284 (63.9%) respondents did not receive ivermectin during the 2019 MDA
programme and more than half of them were not aware of the drug distribution (53.3%). The
most common reasons for not ingesting the drug were fear of side effects (47.7%) and not trusting
the drug distributors (20.0%). Respondents in the age group 48–57 years (AOR = 1.37; 95%CI:
1.01–2.67), Persons in the high wealth index (AOR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.11–1.77), Being aware of the
MDA programme (AOR = 6.67: 95%CI: 4.76–9.35), MDA being beneficial (AOR = 2.12; 95%CI:
1.54–2.92) participating in previous MDA (AOR = 5.44; 95%CI: 4.25–6.98) and having stayed in
the communities for 10 years and above significantly increased the odds of receiving MDA drugs.
Previous uptake of MDA drugs (AOR = 10.58; 95%CI: 5.78–19.38) and perception of the MDA
drug as beneficial (AOR = 5.25; 95%CI: 2.55–10.82) increased the likelihood of ingesting drugs
when received.
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This article is published by Elsevier and is also available at www.elsevier.com/locate/parepi
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Citation
Parasite Epidemiology and Control 16 (2022) e00235