The impact of podoconiosis on quality of life in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundPodoconiosis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, which untreated, causes considerable physical disability and stigma for affected individuals. Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) of patients with podoconiosis. This study aimed to assess the QoL of patients with podoconiosis in comparison with healthy controls in Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2012, among 346 clinically confirmed adult patients with podoconiosis, and 349 healthy adult neighbourhood controls in Dembecha woreda (district) in northern Ethiopia. QoL was assessed using the validated Amharic version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) scale; in addition, mental health and stigma were assessed by the Kessler-10 scale and podoconiosis stigma scale respectively. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with QoL.ResultsPatients with podoconiosis had significantly lower mean overall QoL than the controls (52.05 versus 64.39), and this was also true in all four sub domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental). Controls were 7 times more likely to have high (above median) QoL (Odds Ratio = 6.74, 95% Confidence Interval 4.62 to 9.84) than cases. Factors associated with lower QoL were: experiencing high levels of stigma, living in an urban area, being illiterate, having additional co-morbidities, and being unmarried. Mental illness was associated with lower scores in psychological and physical domains.ConclusionsPrograms targeting podoconiosis interventions should include QoL as an indicator for monitoring progress. Interventions targeting improvement of QoL among patients with podoconiosis should address depression, stigma and other co-morbidities.

The impact of leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis on family quality of life: A qualitative study in Northwest Ethiopia

“…Several studies showed leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis to have an impact on quality of life of the person affected [26][27][28][29][30][31]. In contrast, the quality of life of family members has not received much attention, despite evidence that families are also affected and play a crucial role in most societies around the world [32].…”

The Influence of Income and Livelihood Diversification on Health-Related Quality of Life in Rural Ethiopia

“…Communicable diseases and poor nutritional conditions continue to be rampant with the added burden of noncommunicable diseases and public health emergencies [25]. Several previous studies pertinent to HRQOL in Ethiopia mainly emphasized specific disease groups or communities [26][27][28][29]. For instance, a study conducted in Western Ethiopia found that poor SES and coinfections significantly impaired HRQOL of HIV/AIDS patients [28].…”

“…For instance, a study conducted in Western Ethiopia found that poor SES and coinfections significantly impaired HRQOL of HIV/AIDS patients [28]. Another report stated that patients with podoconiosis in northern Ethiopia had significantly low HRQOL than the healthy subjects [26]. Gebru et al discussed the positive influence of community-based health insurance on HRQOL and associated sociodemographic status in Ethiopia [29].…”

Predicting the Environmental Suitability and Population at Risk of Podoconiosis in Africa

“…It is one of the leading causes of lymphoedema in Africa 2,3 . The disease is a disabling NTD which causes progressive bilateral swelling of the legs, significantly reducing quality of life 4 and productivity 5 . People affected by podoconiosis also suffer comorbid mental distress and depression 6 , stigma and discrimination 7,8 .…”