Promote awareness and knowledge of filariasis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 4 views

Analysis of the Relationship between Individual Characteristics, Behavior and Community Health Services with Elephant Foot Diseases in Labuhan Batu Regency in 2007

Introduction

Understanding the Prevalence of Elephant Foot Disease in Labuhan Batu Regency

Elephant foot disease, also known as filariasis, is a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by filarial worm infections transmitted through mosquito bites. It is estimated that this disease has infected around 120 million people in 80 countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia. In Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra, filariasis remains a significant public health concern, especially in coastal areas. The survey results in 2004 showed a microfilaria rate (MF) of 2.04%, exceeding the expected rate of less than 1%. This has led to the declaration of Labuhanbatu Regency as an endemic area of filariasis.

Studying Risk Factors through Case-Control Studies

Identifying the Relationship between Individual Characteristics, Behavior, and Health Services with Filariasis Events

To comprehend the relationship between individual characteristics, behavior, and health services with filariasis events in Labuhanbatu Regency, a case-control study was conducted. This study involved 186 individuals aged over 14 years, with 93 individuals as case groups and 93 individuals as control groups. The case group was selected based on filariasis patient data recorded at the Puskesmas, while the control group consisted of individuals living around the case group. The data obtained were analyzed using multiple logistics regression tests with a confidence level of 95%.

Risk Factors Analysis: From Individuals to the Environment

Uncovering the Dominant Variables Related to Filariasis Events

The results of bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between knowledge, attitudes, actions, use of mosquito nets, living with filariasis patients, and living in the forest with filariasis events in Labuhanbatu Regency. The results of multiple logistics regression analysis showed that the most dominant variable related to the events of filariasis is living with filariasis patients. This indicates that the transmission of filariasis is closely related to direct contact with sufferers.

Prevention and Control Efforts: Integrated Strategy

Promoting Awareness and Knowledge of Filariasis through Community-Based Initiatives

This research highlights the importance of promotional strategies, atmospheric development, and community movements to increase awareness and knowledge of filariasis. The strategic planning of the filariasis elimination program must be well-prepared to ensure its effectiveness. Increasing the communication capabilities and education of health centers and health cadres through training on the Filariasis Elimination Program is also crucial. Integrated and sectoral program cooperation is essential in delivering information and media development needs to be improved to change people's behavior, especially in controlling and detecting the events of filariasis.

Conclusion

The Role of Individual Factors, Behavior, and Health Services in Filariasis Events

This study demonstrates that individual factors, behavior, and health services play a significant role in the events of filariasis in Labuhanbatu Regency. Effective prevention and control efforts require an integrated strategy involving the community, health workers, and various related parties. By understanding the relationship between individual characteristics, behavior, and health services with filariasis events, we can develop targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of this disease in Labuhanbatu Regency.

Recommendations

Implementing Integrated Strategies to Control and Prevent Filariasis

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote awareness and knowledge of filariasis through community-based initiatives, including educational programs, media campaigns, and community outreach activities.
Develop and implement effective prevention and control measures, including the use of mosquito nets, insecticide-treated bed nets, and indoor residual spraying.
Improve communication capabilities and education of health centers and health cadres through training on the Filariasis Elimination Program.
Enhance integrated and sectoral program cooperation to deliver information and media development needs to change people's behavior, especially in controlling and detecting the events of filariasis.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control efforts to ensure that the program is on track to meet its goals.

By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce the prevalence of filariasis in Labuhanbatu Regency and improve the overall health and well-being of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elephant Foot Disease in Labuhan Batu Regency

Q: What is Elephant Foot Disease?

A: Elephant foot disease, also known as filariasis, is a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by filarial worm infections transmitted through mosquito bites.

Q: How common is Elephant Foot Disease in Labuhan Batu Regency?

A: According to the survey results in 2004, the microfilaria rate (MF) in Labuhanbatu Regency was 2.04%, exceeding the expected rate of less than 1%. This has led to the declaration of Labuhanbatu Regency as an endemic area of filariasis.

Q: What are the risk factors for Elephant Foot Disease?

A: The results of bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between knowledge, attitudes, actions, use of mosquito nets, living with filariasis patients, and living in the forest with filariasis events in Labuhanbatu Regency.

Q: What is the most dominant variable related to Elephant Foot Disease?

A: The results of multiple logistics regression analysis showed that the most dominant variable related to the events of filariasis is living with filariasis patients. This indicates that the transmission of filariasis is closely related to direct contact with sufferers.

Q: What are the prevention and control efforts for Elephant Foot Disease?

A: This research highlights the importance of promotional strategies, atmospheric development, and community movements to increase awareness and knowledge of filariasis. The strategic planning of the filariasis elimination program must be well-prepared to ensure its effectiveness.

Q: How can the community get involved in preventing and controlling Elephant Foot Disease?

A: The community can get involved by promoting awareness and knowledge of filariasis through community-based initiatives, including educational programs, media campaigns, and community outreach activities.

Q: What role do health centers and health cadres play in preventing and controlling Elephant Foot Disease?

A: Health centers and health cadres play a crucial role in preventing and controlling filariasis by providing education and training to the community, promoting the use of mosquito nets and other preventive measures, and detecting and treating cases of filariasis.

Q: How can the government support the prevention and control efforts for Elephant Foot Disease?

A: The government can support the prevention and control efforts by providing resources and funding for the filariasis elimination program, promoting integrated and sectoral program cooperation, and enhancing communication capabilities and education of health centers and health cadres.

Q: What are the long-term goals of the filariasis elimination program in Labuhan Batu Regency?

A: The long-term goals of the filariasis elimination program in Labuhan Batu Regency are to reduce the prevalence of filariasis to zero, improve the overall health and well-being of the community, and promote sustainable development and economic growth.

Q: How can the community monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the prevention and control efforts for Elephant Foot Disease?

A: The community can monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the prevention and control efforts by tracking the number of cases of filariasis, monitoring the use of mosquito nets and other preventive measures, and assessing the level of awareness and knowledge of filariasis in the community.

Q: What are the next steps for the filariasis elimination program in Labuhan Batu Regency?

A: The next steps for the filariasis elimination program in Labuhan Batu Regency are to implement the recommendations outlined in this study, including promoting awareness and knowledge of filariasis, developing and implementing effective prevention and control measures, and enhancing integrated and sectoral program cooperation.