Indian Society for Malaria and Other Communicable Diseases
Abstract
Disability alleviation is an important component of Global
Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis'. In Brugia malayi
infection the disability is largely due to acute attacks of
adenolymphangitis (ADL), which frequently prevent patients from
attending their normal activities, causing much suffering and
economic loss. The foot care programme has been shown to reduce
the frequency and severity of these episodes. In the present study
we used semi-structured interviews to evaluate the impact of the
foot care in 127 patients with brugian filariasis. They were previously
trained in this procedure and were advised to practice it regularly,
unsupervised. All except one could recollect the various components
of foot hygiene and were practicing it regularly. They were aware of
the factors causing ADL attacks and were able to avoid them. Majority
(95.2%) expressed their happiness with the relief provided by foot
care, which prevented or reduced the ADL episodes. The motivation
was such that they transmitted this knowledge to others suffering in
the community and even physically helped them to carry out foot
care. This study fully endorses the advocacy of foot care programme
as an easy to carry out, effective, sustainable and economically
feasible ,procedure to prevent acute ADL attacks