Mental health, stigma and the quality of life of people affected by neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a sex-disaggregated analysis

Seekles, Maaike ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7000-3624, Kadima, Jacob K, Ding, Yan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8439-9682, Bulambo, Christian B, Kim, Joy J, Kukola, Junior K, Omumbu, Pierre O L, Mulamba, Raphael M, Nganda, Motto, Ngenyibungi, Stephanie M, Ngondu, Florent L, Sabuni, Louis P and Dean, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4910-9707 (2023) 'Mental health, stigma and the quality of life of people affected by neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a sex-disaggregated analysis'. International Health, Vol 15, Issue Supplement_3, iii28-iii36.

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Abstract

Background: Worldwide, persons affected by skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) may experience stigma and discrimination, which could lead to impaired societal functioning and poor mental wellbeing. Evidence of comorbidity of NTDs and mental health conditions is dominated by Leprosy, largely lacking in post-conflict areas, and rarely disaggregated by sex.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey is the first to explore depression, anxiety, stigma, and quality of life amongst people affected by Lymphatic Filariasis, Buruli Ulcer, Onchocerciasis or Leprosy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After a census through active case identification, the survey was completed by 118 persons (response rate 94.4%).
Results: In total, 58.3% of men and 80.0% of women screened positive for major depressive disorder (PHQ-9). Symptoms indicative of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7) were displayed by 54.8% of men and 62.2% of women. Being female, having a disability, experiencing stigma and lower physical quality of life were predictors of depression. Anxiety was predicted by age, physical quality of life, disability (for men only) and environmental quality of life (for women only).
Conclusions: Integrated, intersectoral and gender-sensitive initiatives are needed to respond to the many biopsychosocial challenges that persons affected face.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WA Public Health > WA 30 Socioeconomic factors in public health (General) WC Communicable Diseases > Tropical and Parasitic Diseases > WC 680 Tropical diseases (General) WR Dermatology > WR 140 Skin diseases (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/ihad084
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User:	JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2024 11:10
Last Modified:	17 Jan 2024 11:10
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/23727

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