A cross-sectional study to evaluate depression and quality of life among patients with lymphoedema due to podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy

Abstract

Background Podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that cause lymphoedema. When left untreated, they lead to substantial disability. This study determined the quality of life (QOL) and depression associated with lymphoedema in patients with podoconiosis, LF and leprosy. The study was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia. Methods This baseline cross-sectional study, nested within an interventional, non-comparative, longitudinal study, included patients with lymphoedema. Depression and QOL were assessed using versions of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively, that had been translated into Amharic and validated. Factors associated with depression and QOL were assessed using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results Of the 251 patients with lymphoedema included in the study, 119 (47.4%) had moderate to severe depression and overall QOL was poor (mean±standard deviation [SD] DLQI score: 11.4±4.2). Disability was significantly associated with depression (β=0.26 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.19 to 0.33]). Currently receiving treatment (β=−3.05 [95% CI −5.25 to −0.85), disability (β=−0.08 [95% CI −0.15 to −0.01]) and social support (moderate support: β=−2.27 [95% CI −3.66 to −0.89] and strong support: β=−2.87 [95% CI −5.35 to −0.38]) were significantly associated with better QOL. Conclusion High levels of depression and low QOL were found among patients with lymphoedema due the three NTDs in Ethiopia.

Mapping of Podoconiosis Cases and Risk Factors in Kenya: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study

“…1,20,21 People living with podoconiosis are disproportionately severely stigmatized through exclusion from schools, local meetings, churches, and mosques. They are often denied marriage with uninfected individuals, 19,[22][23][24] have a reduced quality of life, 25,26 lower productivity, and increased rates of depression. [27][28][29] Several studies have identified individual and environmental correlates thought to be associated with the development of podoconiosis.…”

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals towards people living with lymphoedema caused by lymphatic filariasis, podoconiosis and leprosy in northern Ethiopia

“… 1 Causing pain, disability and social isolation, these conditions significantly impair health-related quality of life, mental health and economic activity in the people they affect. 2–6 …”

Effect of a Community-Based Holistic Care Package on Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes in People with Lower Limb Disorder Caused by Lymphatic Filariasis, Podoconiosis, and Leprosy in Ethiopia: Results from the EnDPoINT Pilot Cohort Study

“…As highly stigmatized conditions, they have a huge impact on the lives of the people they affected, causing physical disability, reducing economic productivity, and impairing mental well-being. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services have been shown to be effective in mitigating the impacts of all three of these diseases. Several studies, including randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated that encouraging simple self-care measures to promote foot hygiene can reduce limb swelling and improve quality-of-life.…”

“…As highly stigmatized conditions, they have a huge impact on the lives of the people they affect, causing physical disability, reducing economic productivity, and impairing mental well-being. 1 – 7 …”