02454nas a2200289   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653000800054653001500062653002200077653001700099653001100116100001400127700001200141700001700153700001500170700001100185700001600196700001000212700001300222245016900235856009400404300001600498490000700514520162900521022001402150       2023                            d  c12/202310aNTD10aDisability10aMental well-being10apeer support10aStigma1 aAgarwal A1 aNayak P1 avan Brakel W1 avan Wijk R1 aJain A1 aBroekkamp H1 aMol M1 aMishra C00aImpact of basic psychological support on stigma and mental well-being of people with disabilities due to leprosy and lymphatic filariasis: a proof-of-concept study.  uhttps://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_3/iii59/54699732/ihad096.pdf  aiii59-iii690 v153 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>People with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF)-related disabilities experience higher levels of poor mental well-being compared with the general community. Mental health services are often not available. This study was conducted to provide proof of concept that basic psychological support for people affected by neglected tropical diseases (BPS-N) can be given by peer supporters to reduce stigma, improve mental well-being and participation among clients.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>The BPS-N approach was tested in a quasi-experimental design using mixed methods. To provide psychological support using the BPS-N, peer supporters were selected and trained. They supported people with leprosy- and LF-related disabilities. Preintervention and postintervention, stigma, mental well-being, depression and participation were measured through standard scales within 4 wk of the intervention; differences were tested using standard tests of significance.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>After 3 mo of intervention, the mean level of stigma had decreased (30.3 to 24, p&lt;0.001); high mental well-being increased (0% to 13.3%, p&lt;0.001); and moderate to severe depression decreased (88% to 47%, p&lt;0.001). No significant change occurred in participation restrictions (87% to 92%, p=0.497).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Psychological peer support using the BPS-N guideline appears effective in reducing stigma and improving mental well-being and can be operationalised. However, this should be confirmed through a randomised controlled trial.</p>

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