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Abstract

BackgroundLittle information is available on methods of treatment practiced by patients affected by filarial lymphoedema in Sri Lanka. The frequency and duration of acute dematolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) attacks in these patients remain unclear. This study reports the knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding lymphoedema management and the burden of ADLA attacks among patients with lymphoedema.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess morbidity alleviation knowledge, practices and perceptions. The burden of ADLA attacks was assessed using one-year recall data.Results66 patients (22 males, 44 females) with mean age 51.18 years (SD ± 13.9) were studied. Approximately two thirds of the patients were aware of the importance of skin and nail hygiene, limb elevation and use of footwear. Washing was practiced on a daily and twice daily basis by 40.9% and 48.5% respectively. However, limb elevation, exercise and use of footwear were practiced only by 21–42.4% (while seated and lying down), 6% and 34.8% respectively. The majority of patients considered regular intake of diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) important. Approximately two thirds (65.2%) had received health education from filariasis clinics. Among patients who sought private care (n = 48) the average cost of treatment for an ADLA attack was Rs. 737.91. Only 18.2% had feelings of isolation and reported community reactions ranging from sympathy to fear and ridicule.ConclusionsFilariasis morbidity control clinics play an essential role in the dissemination of morbidity control knowledge. Referral of lymphoedema patients to morbidity control clinics is recommended.

Prevalence and management of filarial lymphoedema and its associated factors in Lindi district, Tanzania: A community‐based cross‐sectional study

“…The lymphoedema patients reported cleaning the affected limbs once a day which is comparable to studies in India [37,38]. The majority of lymphoedema patients do not inspect entry lesions, elevate the affected limb, exercise, and use the appropriate footwear on the affected (inappropriate practices for lymphoedema management) which was in contrast to the findings of other studies [38][39][40]. The difference might be due to the lack of training/health education given to the lymphoedema patients and in the community on the management of filarial lymphoedema and they were not followed up [41].…”

Morbidity management and disability prevention for lymphatic filariasis in Sri Lanka: Current status and future prospects

“…Published studies done among clinic attendees on lymphoedema management knowledge and practices, summarized below, provided evidence on the important role played by these clinics in morbidity management [ 22 , 23 ]. Filariasis clinic attendees surveyed over a decade ago in the districts of Colombo and Gampaha revealed that the majority washed their limbs on a daily basis with soap and water (Colombo 75.5% and Gampaha 89.4%) while around half of the population practiced limb elevation (Colombo 46.6% and Gampaha 50%) and only a minority practiced recommended limb exercises (Colombo 14.7% and Gampaha 6%) [ 23 , 24 ].…”

The Socioeconomic Benefit to Individuals of Achieving the 2020 Targets for Five Preventive Chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases

“…First, cultural factors may restrict women’s activities to domestic ones, which differ from farming and other occupations that men might have in the same culture; these differences could lead to different productivity losses. [ 44 , 46 , 48 , 96 , 107 ] Second, when performing the same tasks, women can perform differently from men. [ 64 ] Third, the same sequela can affect men and women differently.…”

“…Previous studies on lymphatic filariasis have shown that the expenditures of patients seeking treatment due to LF sequelae are not negligible, even after they are treated with anti-parasitic drugs. [ 40 , 43 , 44 , 46 , 47 , 52 , 75 – 83 ] Therefore, we calculated the direct costs arising from lymphedema and hydrocele. Annual out-of-pocket payment costs were calculated for each WHO region separately since treatment type and costs can vary between regions.…”