Background: A peer support intervention, called basic psychological support for people affected by neglected tropical diseases (BPS-N), was piloted in India to improve mental well-being and social participation and to reduce stigma among people with disabilities due to leprosy or lymphatic filariasis. Preintervention and postintervention assessments showed improvements in mental well-being and reductions in depression and stigma. This study aimed to further evaluate this intervention at approximately 2 mo after its completion.
Methods: Scales were administered to 62 clients to measure stigma, depression, mental well-being and participation levels. Interviews with 13 clients and six peer supporters were conducted. Results Stigma scores were significantly reduced at 2 mo postintervention compared with preintervention and postintervention. The improvement in mental well-being detected at immediate postintervention had not changed significantly 2 mo later. Depression levels were higher than at postintervention, but lower than at preintervention levels. No significant differences were found in median participation scores, but the number of clients with moderate and severe participation restrictions reduced significantly from postintervention to 2 mo follow-up. Qualitative results showed that clients received information about their condition and treatment, and that some experienced positive effects on their emotions and self-esteem.
Conclusions: This study provides additional evidence on the proof of concept of BPS-N.
}, year = {2023}, journal = {International Health}, volume = {15}, pages = {iii70-iii78}, publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)}, issn = {1876-3413, 1876-3405}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_3/iii70/54699558/ihad100.pdf}, doi = {10.1093/inthealth/ihad100}, language = {Eng}, }