Community perception of Malayan filariasis in the rural areas of Cherthala Taluk of Kerala State, south India.

Lymphatic filariasis, one of the major public health problems can be controlled with the active participation of the community. The human factors involved in the disease transmission are important. The knowledge on the community perception and practice is essential to develop community oriented control programmes. A descriptive study was conducted in the filariasis endemic area of Cherthala, Kerala State, India, to identify the level of people's perception on Malayan filariasis. Two methods namely, interviews and uncontrolled observation were used in the study. A total of 450 respondents (150 microfilaria carriers, 150 chronic patients and 150 normals) were interviewed. The study results showed that majority of the respondents (86.7%) were aware that the disease was caused by a parasite and 93.6% had awareness on transmission of the disease through mosquito bite. The knowledge on the preventive measures against filariasis was also high (78.2%) among the sampled respondents. The strategy for community mobilization in filariasis control programme is discussed in view of high awareness.