Title : Psychosocial dimensions and health intervention in neglected tropical disease: A study from Odisha, India
Abstract:
Globally 20 Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are prioritized by World Health Organization (WHO), of which India experiences the world’s largest absolute burden of at least 11 major NTDs that includes 41% burden of Lymphatic Filariasis (LH) exclusively. The Government of India has recognized NTDs as a priority, aiming to eliminate them by 2030 that require the sustained and accelerated application of a range of interventions, each calibrated to on-the-ground needs including the psychosocial determinants of the disease specific to its geographical location. The present study focuses on psychosocial dimensions such as social support, stigma, medication adherence, mental health and health related quality of life among patients with Lymphatic Filariasis (LH) specially in Odisha because the clinical manifestations of LF may vary from one endemic area to another. Therefore total 200 LH affected patients were taken from the most affected and vulnerable state i.e. Odisha. Results indicate that social support has a positive effect on psycho-social dimensions like mental health, stigma, health-related quality of life, and medication adherence. Greater social support resulted in a reduction in stigma, improving HQOL, promoting medical adherence with positive mental health. . There were also considerable gender differences in the psychosocial components. Results showed that intervention ranging from drug administration to morbidity management, disability prevention to social mobilization with micro management as one of the strategy such as MDA, TDA, Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF), a WHO-supported regional alliance established by the governments of India has significantly contributed the psychosocial correlates among patients with Lymphatic Filariasis (LH). This study will provide an insight to adapt a suitable model by undertaking various psychosocial variables to launch efficient intervention programme to intervene the mental health and associated distress having inadequate impact on the progression of disease.
Keywords: Psychosocial dimensions, Lymphatic Filariasis (LH), NTD, Intervention
