02749nas a2200349   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001900054653002100073653003200094653001100126100001300137700001300150700001300163700001100176700001400187700001300201700001000214700001500224700001400239700001800253700001300271700001400284700001300298700001100311245018700322856008700509300001200596490000700608520177000615022001402385       2024                            d  c03/202410aco-development10amental wellbeing10aNeglected Tropical Diseases10aStigma1 aNganda M1 aLuhaka P1 aKukola J1 aDing Y1 aBulambo C1 aKadima J1 aKim J1 aMarshall S1 aMulamba R1 aNgenyibungi S1 aNgondu F1 aSeekles M1 aSabuni L1 aDean L00aParticipatory development of a community mental wellbeing support package for people affected by skin neglected tropical diseases in the Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo.  uhttps://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article/16/Supplement_1/i30/7636816?login=false  ai30-i410 v163 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>Skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) produce signs and symptoms that are often physically challenging, stigmatizing and have a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of people affected. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), little is known about the mental wellbeing experiences of people affected by skin NTDs and support is lacking. We collaborated with ongoing NTD programs, the Ministry of Health and people affected to evidence experiences and opportunities for change and co-developed a mental wellbeing support package for people affected and local health system actors.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>This implementation research study used the photovoice method alongside key-informant interviews to evidence mental wellbeing challenges in people affected by skin NTDs and explore opportunities for change. These were used to co-develop a skin NTD mental wellbeing support package with people affected, community members and local health system actors through a participatory workshop.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>Stigma, discrimination, decreased livelihoods and mental wellbeing challenges were evidenced by people affected by skin NTDs, their communities and health system actors. Participants identified and co-established community-led peer support groups, strengthened with basic knowledge on psychosocial support, and income-generating or recreational initiatives to support mental wellbeing of people affected by skin NTDs.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Co-developing a support package with persons affected, community members and health system actors is a step towards holistic care for people affected by skin NTDs and promotes uptake and ownership of intervention components.</p>
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