Psychosocial aspects of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Abstract

Noma is a neglected tropical disease of an underserved population. Our review describes the volume and scope of existing research evidence on psychosocial aspects of Noma in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Our literature search was conducted on all original peer-reviewed research articles on the psychosocial aspects of Noma in each country in SSA using PubMed, Google Scholar, and a direct search of reference list of pertinent journal articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was used to describe the review. A total of six studies were found in four countries of the region. One in three persons with Noma has a mental health condition, indices of social disadvantage and belief in the supernatural causation of the disease are very common. However, despite evidence of enormous need, a huge gap still exists in the area of psychosocial alleviation.

Facing stigma: The psychological burden of Noma survivors

“…[4][5][6][7] Very few studies have been done on the psychological effects of living with Noma. 3,8,9 Noma survivors frequently experience discrimination and prejudice in their communities. The physical scarring leaves behind deep psychological wounds, such as feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and self-consciousness.…”