Participatory development of a community mental wellbeing support package for people affected by skin neglected tropical diseases in the Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Nganda, Motto ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0184-6513, Luhaka, Pierre, Kukola, Junior, Ding, Yan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8439-9682, Bulambo, Christian, Kadima, Jacob, Kim, Joy, Marshall, Sara, Mulamba, Raphael, Ngenyibungi, Stephanie, Ngondu, Florent, Seekles, Maaike ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7000-3624, Sabuni, Louis and Dean, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4910-9707 (2024) 'Participatory development of a community mental wellbeing support package for people affected by skin neglected tropical diseases in the Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo'. International Health, Vol 16, Issue Supplement_1, i30-i41.

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Abstract

Background: Skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) produce signs and symptoms that are often physically challenging, stigmatizing and have a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of people affected. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), little is known about the mental wellbeing experiences of people affected by skin NTDs and support is lacking. We collaborated with ongoing NTD programs, the Ministry of Health and people affected to evidence experiences and opportunities for change and co-developed a mental wellbeing support package for people affected and local health system actors.

Methods: This implementation research study used the photovoice method alongside key-informant interviews to evidence mental wellbeing challenges in people affected by skin NTDs and explore opportunities for change. These were used to co-develop a skin NTD mental wellbeing support package with people affected, community members and local health system actors through a participatory workshop.

Results: Stigma, discrimination, decreased livelihoods and mental wellbeing challenges were evidenced by people affected by skin NTDs, their communities and health system actors. Participants identified and co-established community-led peer support groups, strengthened with basic knowledge on psychosocial support, and income-generating or recreational initiatives to support mental wellbeing of people affected by skin NTDs.

Conclusions: Co-developing a support package with persons affected, community members and health system actors is a step towards holistic care for people affected by skin NTDs and promotes uptake and ownership of intervention components.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WR Dermatology > WR 20 Research (General) WR Dermatology > Parasitic Skin Diseases > WR 350 Tropical diseases of the skin. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis
Faculty: Department:	Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihae008
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User:	JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited:	02 Apr 2024 14:03
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2024 14:03
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/24292

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