Background: Mental health care is now recognised as essential for people affected by NTDs, but accessible services are rare. This paper presents results of a prevalence study for depression and anxiety among people living with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, and collation of user perspectives on needs and priorities for a new service.
Methods: Prevalence of mental conditions was carried out with 141 people living with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis and matched controls. Those who screened positive for depression or anxiety were interviewed in a qualitative study to understand their experiences of living with the conditions, and what their priorities would be for services and support. Results contributed to the process of developing a contextually adapted collaborative care model for implementation in the primary care system in Nigeria, using a Theory of Change approach.
Results: We found high rates of depression, anxiety, and reduced wellbeing, with strong correlation across measures. The qualitative study revealed experiences of stigma and exclusion, and concern for financial and economic needs, and a desire for provision of free services and support for livelihoods.
Conclusion: Services should be designed with good understanding of local needs and service user priorities.
}, year = {2023}, journal = {International Health}, volume = {15}, pages = {iii47-iii58}, publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)}, issn = {1876-3413, 1876-3405}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_3/iii47/54699774/ihad074.pdf}, doi = {10.1093/inthealth/ihad074}, }