02019nas a2200229   4500000000100000008004100001653001500042653001800057653003900075653001700114100001300131700001200144700001200156700001600168700001700184700001200201700001300213245013600226856004700362490000800409520137200417       2019                            d10aDepression10aMental Health10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aPodoconiosis1 aSemrau M1 aDavey G1 aBeng AA1 aNdongmo WPC1 aNjouendou AJ1 aWanji S1 aDeribe K00aDepressive Symptoms Amongst People with Podoconiosis and Lower Limb Lymphoedema of Other Cause in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study  uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/4/3/102/pdf0 v4663 a<p>Evidence is emerging that shows elevated mental distress and disorder amongst people with several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This study aimed to establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst people with podoconiosis and lower limb lymphoedema of other cause in Cameroon. The study was part of a larger research piece that mapped the geographical distribution of podoconiosis in Cameroon. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; mean) was employed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema. Linear regression was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics of participants and depressive symptoms. Internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was estimated through Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.651). The mean PHQ-9 score among people with lower limb lymphoedema was 3.48 (SD ± 3.25). Using a PHQ-9 score of 5 or above as the cut-off score, 32 participants (38.6%) displayed at least mild depressive symptoms. Unemployment was the only factor that was significantly associated with more depressive symptoms overall. This study shows that depressive symptoms are common amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema in Cameroon. The findings provide support for the integration of psychosocial interventions into packages of care for the management of lower limb lymphoedema.</p>